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168 reviews for:
Lessons from Madame Chic: 20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living in Paris
Jennifer L. Scott
3.39 AVERAGE
168 reviews for:
Lessons from Madame Chic: 20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living in Paris
Jennifer L. Scott
3.39 AVERAGE
lighthearted
fast-paced
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Piece of fluff - used for calming my brain before falling asleep
I picked up this book several years ago after stumbling upon the author's blog. While it started out as a book that was off my beaten path and a little out of my comfort zone, it has actually ended up affecting my life quite a lot over the years.
I don't do makeup or fashion. I'm clueless about them, and I don't care about them. So why in the world do I love this book? It's because I need it. When life gets crazy and I feel like I've become a big, disorganized mess, I can return to this book. It serenely presents an example for me of a better, calmer way. Is it idealistic? Sure. But how can we move toward living our best lives without an excellent example?
Am I taking all the advice presented here? Of course not. I still don't wear makeup, and I don't own any silk or cashmere. I don't wear perfume, and I still wear oversized t-shirts and flannel pants to bed.
But because of this book, I am a more mindful eater. I sit up a little straighter. I try (try!) to let the craziness of life blow by me and remain unruffled.
The most influential part of this book for me is the ten-item wardrobe. Here's how I used to do clothes shopping: I would wear my clothes until most of them were falling apart, then I'd have to go buy everything at once. I'm a picky person, and I would usually end up with a lot of clothes I didn't love, since I was desperate to find something—anything—to wear. Shopping for clothes is one of my least favorite things to do.
When I read this book, though, a few things just clicked for me. I don't need as many clothes as I thought I did (thank goodness)! There is no use in keeping things in my closet that I don't wear. I can't tell you how great it feels to open up my closet and not have a bunch of shirts stuffed in the back that don't fit/don't look good on me/I don't like. I now update my wardrobe twice a year, for spring/summer and fall/winter (not seasonally as recommended, because twice is enough for me!). While I don't go for luxe fabrics or high-end brands as is hinted at in the book, I have started looking for higher quality items that will last more than one season. And if something isn't right for me, I'm learning to be more choosy about what I let into my wardrobe. When I update it regularly instead of waiting until I'm desperate, I have the freedom to say no to things that don't work for me.
This book challenges the reader to define their personal style. "Laid-back luxe," "bohemian," and "ladylike chic" are some of the examples offered. I'm still unable to do this. The closest I can come is "comfortable and not embarrassing." However, over the years as I've practiced the ten-item wardrobe principles in my own way, I'm starting to better learn what I like and what I don't. And even if I can't put a name to it, I'm very grateful to the author for helping this clueless woman figure out how to do clothes.
I don't do makeup or fashion. I'm clueless about them, and I don't care about them. So why in the world do I love this book? It's because I need it. When life gets crazy and I feel like I've become a big, disorganized mess, I can return to this book. It serenely presents an example for me of a better, calmer way. Is it idealistic? Sure. But how can we move toward living our best lives without an excellent example?
Am I taking all the advice presented here? Of course not. I still don't wear makeup, and I don't own any silk or cashmere. I don't wear perfume, and I still wear oversized t-shirts and flannel pants to bed.
But because of this book, I am a more mindful eater. I sit up a little straighter. I try (try!) to let the craziness of life blow by me and remain unruffled.
The most influential part of this book for me is the ten-item wardrobe. Here's how I used to do clothes shopping: I would wear my clothes until most of them were falling apart, then I'd have to go buy everything at once. I'm a picky person, and I would usually end up with a lot of clothes I didn't love, since I was desperate to find something—anything—to wear. Shopping for clothes is one of my least favorite things to do.
When I read this book, though, a few things just clicked for me. I don't need as many clothes as I thought I did (thank goodness)! There is no use in keeping things in my closet that I don't wear. I can't tell you how great it feels to open up my closet and not have a bunch of shirts stuffed in the back that don't fit/don't look good on me/I don't like. I now update my wardrobe twice a year, for spring/summer and fall/winter (not seasonally as recommended, because twice is enough for me!). While I don't go for luxe fabrics or high-end brands as is hinted at in the book, I have started looking for higher quality items that will last more than one season. And if something isn't right for me, I'm learning to be more choosy about what I let into my wardrobe. When I update it regularly instead of waiting until I'm desperate, I have the freedom to say no to things that don't work for me.
This book challenges the reader to define their personal style. "Laid-back luxe," "bohemian," and "ladylike chic" are some of the examples offered. I'm still unable to do this. The closest I can come is "comfortable and not embarrassing." However, over the years as I've practiced the ten-item wardrobe principles in my own way, I'm starting to better learn what I like and what I don't. And even if I can't put a name to it, I'm very grateful to the author for helping this clueless woman figure out how to do clothes.
I think this book was decent! It wasn't the most well-written if you follow a traditional book format, but this author adapted the book from her blog, The Daily Connoisseur, so the book does read as more of an extended blog post. I do think that she made plenty of good points, and I do find myself trying to follow some of her advice in my daily life now, especially the parts on living passionately, finding pleasure in your daily tasks, and using your best items whenever you want instead of saving them for some undefined future day. I will also be taking the idea of a cheese party!!! Delightful!!! Marvelous!!! In addition, I have been following her no makeup makeup looks to great results. Thank you!
I liked that each chapter had a recap of its main points at the end. I think that will be helpful for anyone who wants to go back and find a certain section during re-reads (like my mom, who recommended this book to me).
The main reason I gave this book three stars instead of four is because the author feels a bit... out of touch. Her inspiration comes from a very wealthy family, and she seems to be wealthy, so a lot of her advice is for the wealthy. I think you can adapt a lot of the advice for a lower budget, but it's hard to see the author as relatable when she complains about spending $600 on a pair of pants... while she's shopping in Beverly Hills.
Overall, I'm not mad I read it. There were some good points made in this book that I will be taking with me, even if it wasn't my favorite style of book. It was a light and easy read.
Favorite quotes:
"Every detail of life can become exceptional if you allow it to be so." (271)
"Eckhart Tolle, the new age philosopher, says, 'What you do is secondary. How you do it is primary.'" (274)
I liked that each chapter had a recap of its main points at the end. I think that will be helpful for anyone who wants to go back and find a certain section during re-reads (like my mom, who recommended this book to me).
The main reason I gave this book three stars instead of four is because the author feels a bit... out of touch. Her inspiration comes from a very wealthy family, and she seems to be wealthy, so a lot of her advice is for the wealthy. I think you can adapt a lot of the advice for a lower budget, but it's hard to see the author as relatable when she complains about spending $600 on a pair of pants... while she's shopping in Beverly Hills.
Overall, I'm not mad I read it. There were some good points made in this book that I will be taking with me, even if it wasn't my favorite style of book. It was a light and easy read.
Favorite quotes:
"Every detail of life can become exceptional if you allow it to be so." (271)
"Eckhart Tolle, the new age philosopher, says, 'What you do is secondary. How you do it is primary.'" (274)
Great insights on living a mindful and lovely lifestyle.
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced