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I bought this book, Lessons from from Madame Chic, 20 Stylish Secrets I learned while living in Paris by Jennifer L. Scott, as a present for a friend who's in need of a stylist for her wardrobe. I love fashion but I am not very good at giving fashion advice from the phone, my friend lives in another city, so I thought a book might help her, as a first step. I bought it from amazon.de second hand, as it was in good condition and at a better price. I have made a rule for myself to not give book presents (anymore) that I haven't read and liked, so I read this book too. I think I am going to buy another copy for myself.
How I found it? Googled "fashion books" and I found this article on Fine Society about books in fashion and style and out of the list, this book(and others) looked interesting and so I decided to buy it/ them.
I absolutely loved this book, it is filled with good advices and written in a lovely manner. It is very easy to read and catches your attention so that you won't let it out of your hands until it's finished. I even started to follow the author, Jennifer L. Scott on YouTube. I find her to be an elegant lady with style, grace and giving sound advice on many subjects.
The author went to live for a summer with a French family as a foreign exchange student. She found herself fascinated by the woman of the house, who she calls Madame Chic, her style, her way of life, the way she took care of her family.
PART 1: Diet and Exercise / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
Chapter 1: Snacking is so not chic. Accustomed to snacking Jennifer discovered it was not usual practice in Madame Chic house, the kitchen was closed except for the 3 main meals. The meals were consistent and needed no snacks but because she was used to it, she had a hard time at first getting used to this new rule. For her present life she recommends rare healthy snacks like fruits or yogurt. I have snacks too, I get a bit of hunger between meals and I eat some fruits, nuts or such, trying not to exceed 150 Kcal/ snack. She also recommends not eating on the go, to take your time and place for eating a peaceful meal. She considers how Madame Chic would look while doing that thing she wanted to do and then she doesn't proceed with it. Mindless snacking is not chic.
Chapter 2: Deprive yourself not. Eating what you want but with moderation, not skipping meals and enjoying them in a beautiful presentation, delicious taste, quality time spent with family, choosing healthy homemade food and by giving full attention to your meals.
Chapter 3: Exercise is a part of life, not a chore. Including exercises by walking daily to the local neighborhood grocery store and not driving there on a weekly basis. Walk up the stairs don't take the elevator. If you do sufficient exercises with chores and shopping trips it's no need to go to the gym. Don't be lazy, laziness is not chic. Develop a positive body image, focus on the good things about your body.
PART 2: Style and Beauty / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
Chapter 4: Liberate Yourself with the Ten-Item Wardrobe The title is self-explanatory, the author, being in France had at disposition a smaller wardrobe and understood that she could manage using a smaller number of clothes. She recommends selecting your clothes, asking yourself for each item, "Do I still like this? Do I wear it? Does it still fit and flatter me? Does this article of clothing still reflect who I am?" She tried this 10 item wardrobe for a month to see how she liked it and then adapted this idea to her style.
Chapter 5: Find Your True Style Only wear those clothes that you love, that fit you well, flatter you, which have good effect on your mood and which reflect who you are. Define you style to help guide you when shopping.
Chapter 6: Perfect Le No-Makeup Look Wear subtle make-up, for a natural look. Try something easy to put on and to maintain. Consult professionals whenever possible to pick the most flattering cosmetics for your skin.
Chapter 7: Take Care of Your Skin Drink plenty of water. Consult professionals. Find the best products for your budget. Have a skin care routine.
Chapter 8: Look Presentable Always Dress well on a daily basis, first impressions count even when you go to the grocery store. Don't save your best clothes for best occasions, wear them today. Choose a hairstyle that you can maintain easily and fits your style.
Chapter 9: Practice the art of feminity Cultivate good posture, constantly check yourself. Explore the world of perfumes. Have well groomed and healthy nails and hair.
PART 3: How to live well / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
Chapter 10: Always use the best things you have Use the best you have every day. Buy flowers and cook a special meal for special occasions. Maintain a clean and well organized home. Practice good habits even when alone. Buy the best you can afford, avoiding to live beyond your means.
Chapter 11: Live life as a formal affair. Better overdressed than underdressed. Listen to classical music. Write letters by hand. Create formal rituals and traditions for your family.
Chapter 12: Clutter is so not chic. Declutter step by step, area by area. Address each new item arrived in your home and place it at the appropriate place. Buy only what you need.
Chapter 13: Seek out the arts. Live a cultural fulfilling life. Play music as the soundtrack to your life. Go to local theater plays, movies, concerts. Bring the arts into your home along with your friends. Create art, play an instrument, paint, draw, write.
Chapter 14: Cultivate an air of mistery. Never overshare. Speak when necessary. Silence is a good option. Have a few friends to share your life with, don't share it with strangers. Learn to receive compliments, don't downgrade your achievements out of modesty.
Chapter 15: Practice the art of entertaining. Keep a sense of humor no matter how things go. Don't stress. Choose a nice music playlist. Simpler and recipes that worked well in the past are better than complicated new recipes. Put an effort into your and your house appearance.
Chapter 16: Reject de new materialism. Keep a list of things to buy and stick to it, no matter how convincing the sales persons are. Appreciate what you have. Wait a few days before a major purchase, do you still want it?
Chapter 17: Cultivate your mind. Read, listen to music and audiobooks, travel, take courses.
Chapter 18: Find Simple Pleasures
Chapter 19: Value quality above all
Chapter 20: Live a passionate life
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