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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
I've read this twice, once about two years ago and once this past week.
I picked it up two years ago as I was looking into capsule wardrobes. At the time, it also inspired me to simplify my beauty routine, try and get my skin problems under control, and "always look cute." I wondered how I could make shopping every day work with my schedule and apartment location. I bought 100% wool sweaters (from Goodwill). (I love them.)
This time, I'm working on my bra and underwear collection and trying to eat breakfast every day (and slow down when I eat in general). There's nothing earth shattering in this book and it can definitely be interpreted as a not-so-subtle suggestion that women aren't worthy unless they're effortlessly lovely and throw excellent house parties. But - it doesn't have to be. All women are real, lovely women, and you can pick and choose the recommendations from this book. The general message of "keep life simple and enjoy what you do, and stay classy" is a good one to revisit every once in a while.
I picked it up two years ago as I was looking into capsule wardrobes. At the time, it also inspired me to simplify my beauty routine, try and get my skin problems under control, and "always look cute." I wondered how I could make shopping every day work with my schedule and apartment location. I bought 100% wool sweaters (from Goodwill). (I love them.)
This time, I'm working on my bra and underwear collection and trying to eat breakfast every day (and slow down when I eat in general). There's nothing earth shattering in this book and it can definitely be interpreted as a not-so-subtle suggestion that women aren't worthy unless they're effortlessly lovely and throw excellent house parties. But - it doesn't have to be. All women are real, lovely women, and you can pick and choose the recommendations from this book. The general message of "keep life simple and enjoy what you do, and stay classy" is a good one to revisit every once in a while.
I rather enjoyed the book, though I do not think I will begin following the blog. The experience one has in Paris as a college exchange student is different than that of a 10 day tourist and how nice that she was able to learn not only from her classes but also from her host.
I thought I was part of the reader demographic, as I read further I was indeed partly of the reader demographic. Some neuroticism and lots of humble-bragging here. If you like reality television, go everywhere in jeans, and have too much of everything and not enough time, Ms. J.L. Scott will educate you. I do like the drink recipes, and I copied some of the chapter recaps and a few resources. Most of this is common sense though, but then again I remember the target readership. I'll be following the author's advice and choosing the best of everything.
good advice on living a conscious, passionate life... as well as pointers to put oneself together and to get out of the "ruts" of food, clothes and entertainment
It was kind fun to read, but not all of it was useful. As other reviewers have written, there's a lot of overlap between it and her other books. I also read "At Home with Madame Chic" and of the two I preferred that one. I got more good tips from it, plus a few recipes and suggestions on music and books. "Lessons from Madame Chic" goes into more detail about the 10-item wardrobe, but I gather you can get most of that information from her blog.
I was more interested in the chapters on things that would make your life easier, like wardrobe and getting rid of clutter. When she it's talking about things like making everything you do a formal affair, it just seems way too complicated Martha Stewart-y. Some of the chapters were just her opinion about things she probably doesn't know that much about, like what kind of skincare routine you should follow, or generic advice like "research purchases on the Internet before buying." Never would have thought of that! And it's kind of annoying how she keeps saying it doesn't take a lot of money to be chic, but then recommends buying designer clothes, getting regular massages, facials, and manicures and consulting professionals like dermatologists and buying high-end makeup and skincare products. Any time she mentions a sweater, it's cashmere and pretty much any shirt anyone wears is silk. (You're even supposed to wear your silk shirt and cashmere sweater when you're cleaning the house. )
I was more interested in the chapters on things that would make your life easier, like wardrobe and getting rid of clutter. When she it's talking about things like making everything you do a formal affair, it just seems way too complicated Martha Stewart-y. Some of the chapters were just her opinion about things she probably doesn't know that much about, like what kind of skincare routine you should follow, or generic advice like "research purchases on the Internet before buying." Never would have thought of that! And it's kind of annoying how she keeps saying it doesn't take a lot of money to be chic, but then recommends buying designer clothes, getting regular massages, facials, and manicures and consulting professionals like dermatologists and buying high-end makeup and skincare products. Any time she mentions a sweater, it's cashmere and pretty much any shirt anyone wears is silk. (You're even supposed to wear your silk shirt and cashmere sweater when you're cleaning the house. )
This was very much an escapist read for me but I enjoyed it. Some of the advice I will take or leave. I won’t be giving up my comfy house clothes (drafty old house in the PNW does not lend itself to slinky dressing gowns in winter) - or cleaning in a silk blouse. But some of the fundamental advice, finding joy in simple things, remembering to put music on, ration junk in all its forms (food, media etc.), focus on quality over quantity, is good advice and all written in the context of a Parisian dream made for a pleasurable escape.
I read this mostly because I've been thinking about a capsule wardrobe. Another reviewer made me laugh when she said this person's credentials consist of having studied in Paris 10 years ago, and by that metric I can write an authoritative book about life in Rome. Sometimes her tone bothered me, but that could also have been the audiobook narrator. I like the general idea of having a few things that are good quality, and why would you hold on to stuff that is past its prime? (Just now I did laundry and got rid of the stretched-out jeans with paint on them that are getting holey.) I'm glad it was a library book as I don't think this one will be one I'll return to.
This book started off with such potential, but by the end of the read I found the author to be annoying and condescending. The parts of the book that are about her observations of Paris I found somewhat interesting. The parts of the book where she talks about herself make me want to throw the book across the room.
Bringing Up Bebe is a much better observation of life in Paris.
Bringing Up Bebe is a much better observation of life in Paris.
Nice, easy read. Broken into twenty chapters, the author describes lessons learned while living abroad. Covers life, style, fashion, food - ultimately encouraging readers to live a present life and enjoy the wonderful moments and experiences along the way.
I enjoyed this book. The author, Jennifer Scott, spent time in Paris as a student, living with a host family with "Madame Chic" as the woman of the house. Scott, now living in Southern California, has a blog called the "Daily Connoisseur" on which this book is based. She shares 20 tips for living based on things she learned in France. Some are very simple, such as walking regularly, spending time reading and seeking out cultural opportunities, eating well, looking for quality (e.g., in food, clothing), having good manners. There are lots of things about French culture that appeal to me. This book helps explain how the French live, with easy tips for adopting some of their ways of life. Scott shares examples from the reserved, aristocratic "Madame Chic" as well as the host mother of a friend, "Madame Bohemienne." A refreshing book.