If you are like me, going to the bookstore in order to pick up only the one book I ordered the week before, paying and leaving is not something I can do easily do, unless I am very much in rush. Last Saturday, I took a good hour looking in all corners of the small bookshop nearby my house. I love books as objects on top of what they contain. They are beautiful, they make you travel, they give you good advice and they tell you wonderful stories.

Attracted by the deep red cover, intrigued by the cute and stylish drawing I pickup "La Parisienne" by Inès de la Fressange and Sophie Gachet. Inès was, during the 1980's, Karl Lagerfeld's muse. She posed exclusively for Chanel during 5-6 years I think. Well, I did not know she could write and draw.

What is that book all about ? Fun details you need to know if you want to adopt the real Paris style. Fashion, Beauty, Shopping addresses, Decorating tips, Hot places to dînne and be seen... As I said, this book is all about being a real "Parisienne".

So far my favourite section ( I read 3/4 of it) is the first one regarding Fashion. What are the must have in your wardrobe, what are the do's and the don'ts in mixing items... Beautifully illustrated, fun to read, If you love Paris you NEED this book... no hesitation to have here.

You do not read French ! no panic. It is available in English. You can even listen Inès tell you all about her book (see the video at the end of this post).

Paris, Paris yes Parisian have style but are they the ONLY one in the world? Certainly not.

Though Inès really knows what style and being stylish is, You and I do not have to agree with all the tips she gives us. Some of the guidelines, though, seam to be universal, even for a New York lady.




In 2008 Nina Garcia, you all know as a judge in Project Runway, lunched the cutest book of all: "The One Hundred : A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Should Have". This book is as much fun as Inès's. Placed in alphabetical order this book gives the ABC of style by suggesting you 100 items your closet should really contain. You don't like all of those 100, no worries make your own list Nina says. Here is what you should have according to Nina (click to blow the pictures)




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Here are the items they both suggest to have:

• A Burberry trench
• Pearls
• A little black dress (but of course)
• A pair of Converse ( I have 2)
  
• A leather bomber
• Jeans that fit
• A tailored jacket

What do they both say one should never do ?

1. An overdose of animal prints is a definite NO, NO.
2. Over doing it with jewellery could be a catastrophe. You have to choose: earring or necklace, not both.
   

I really love both books. I intend on using both to guide me in expressing MY style, hopefully without to much "Faux Pas"

Click Here to watch the Parisian Chic Trailer. Si vous avez lu le livre d'Inès et habitez l'hexagone, donnez-moi vos impressions.

Please note that all illustrations (except the first one are from Nina Garcia's book taken on Amazon.com)