Un cadeau pour vous!

Oui, c’est vrai!!

Last fall, when I heard that Ines de la Fressange had written a book on Parisian style, I jumped over to amazon.com, only to find out I’d have to wait until sometime in the spring to see it.  I also thought I’d want to give one away, but then changed my mind.  I ordered TWO extra to give away!!!  Spring is here, the books have arrived, and it’s time for a giveaway!

Two parts style tips from Ines (for clothing, beauty, home decor, entertaining) and three parts an insider’s guide to Paris shopping and destinations (there’s even a wonderful section on what to do in Paris with small children), “Parisian Chic” is like a fancy cocktail that initially appears fun and frothy but ultimately packs an unexpected punch.  Witty and straightforward, Ines is your Rosetta Stone to understanding the elements of la mode Parisienne that many other authors allude to but never quite nail down. Whether you agree with all of her declarations about what TO wear, what NOT to wear and where to find it, you have to agree that she comes across as down-to-earth and très charmante.  My only disappointment was that there were no photos of Ines in the English version, only her daughter.  Did the publishers really think that American readers wouldn’t want to see gorgeous 53-year-old Ines???

Some favorite quips so far…

On aging:  The Parisian is more worried about wrinkles at 20 than she is at 50….I pay no attention to wrinkles, I just stand back from the mirror!


On fashion faux pas: Sandals with white socks. Unless you’re an actress in New York art-house film. In Paris, the combination is practically illegal.


Donc, les cadeaux.  I thought about doing something clever, but in the spirit of Parisian Chic, let’s keep it simple.  Leave a comment in this post with your favorite style, beauty and/or Paris tip by 11:59 pm next Wednesday, April 13 and you’re entered to win one of the two copies of the book.  One comment per person, please.  I’ll draw two names next Thursday and post the winners on Friday.  Bon chance!
~

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89 Comments

  1. My Paris tip: if you see a canele, eat it. Yes, this may involve eating an entire tray’s worth if you are in a bakery. No, you will not regret it.

  2. Preaching to the choir here, but wear scarves! After I saw a French TA in college make a pullover sweatshirt chic with one, I was a believer.

  3. Oh, funny! Timing unintended; I reviewed it today. My take is 180 degrees from yours. Well, maybe 140 degrees.

    My favourite Paris style tip is: go to the hammam at the Mosque de Paris; get the full package(gommage and massage); your skin will glow and you’ll be so relaxed!

  4. I’ll never forget my splurge in Paris when I turned 40 (way long ago): a private make-up lesson! I still use the techniques–a bargain, bien sur. My long-ago month in a chic flat near the Marais is still a cherished memory. Being “at home” in Paris is heaven.

  5. Check out the Pharmacies – you can save hundreds on skin care products and get shoe inserts to add ease your progress over cobblestone walkways.

  6. My favorite style tip: Side-zip trousers, no pockets, are THE very most slimming. Vow to never buy a pair with front opening, pleats and pockets, except for jeans, of course.

  7. My sister-in-law is french and one of the most beautiful, effortless women I have ever seen in real life. She just turned 40 and looks amazing with glowy skin, a svelte figure and smiley features.
    Her tips revolve around simple eating and taking good care of her skin.
    She makes style and beauty look easy!

  8. Bonjour! This is not a parisian tip, but I did want to say what a wonderful inspiration your blog has been. I recently went clothes shopping to “update” my style, and found after one or two wearings, that these new clothing items were just not my style. I was not comfortable in them. I am truly a “classic with a twist” when it comes to my style, and I’m back to being true to my self….pencil skirts, ballet flats and twin sets…the style I love the most and that best suits my figure! Thanks again for such a great job on sharing your journey….

  9. Not sure this book is for me, but, what the heck, you’re giving it away so I’ll put in a comment. My favorite beauty tip: use a lipliner *after* you put on your lipstick – it goes on much more easily that way and provides the definition (but not too much) that most of us need as we get older.

  10. My favourite styling tip would be to maintain your skin…moisturize, exfoliate, and have regular facials at home or in a spa…your face should be your best accessory and it is something that everyone sees….and no amount of make up can cover up a bad skin care routine.

    I’d LOVE this book…please consider my entry.
    Thank you for this generous giveaway…

  11. My favorite tip:

    Instead of carrying a lipstick in the evening which takes up room in my small purse, I carry a small, retractable lipbrush which has been swirled in lipstick.

  12. My Paris tip is – go to Paris with someone you love. Stroll along the boulevards, hang over the bridges and look at the Seine, eat chocolate. The glow will stay for years.

  13. I fold a 35″ square Hermes scarf into a long oblong and then wear it as a cummberbund (with knot to the back of body) in place of a belt. Works beautifully over sweaters, blouses worn untucked, or threaded through belt loops. Use any scarf with an interesting pattern. There are great vintage Hermes on Ebay.

  14. Graying hair: unless you have ample time to carefully maintain the roots, do not color graying hair! But condition the @#$ out of it with the ample moisturizing, smoothing, and shine products out there.

  15. My Paris Tip: Visit Fauchon (a wonderful gourmet shop at Place Madeline) and take an afternoon to have a glass of wine (or two) and the cheese sampler with a friend or loved one. Tres Bien!

  16. My favorite beauty tip: spritz in a wave-enhancing spray, scrunch hair with towel, and let hair air dry. Results in casual, effortless waves that last all day.

  17. Hmm, I’ve got mixed feelings about this book in that Ines is one of my style/inspiration icons and yet I am rather jaded about celebrity style books, but I will bite.

    I haven’t been to Paris in a while, but I would say that it would be “god is in the details” meaning pay attention to grooming and be meticulous about fit and maintenance of your clothes.

  18. Be “Queen of the Small Fuss” as I like to say, when it comes to holiday decorating or dressing. Others, i.e. children, men, etc. are so delighted with the effort. You don’t need to go overboard and make yourself insane, but daily grooming, a fresh pair of dark jeans or a skirt, real shoes, a cardigan or twinset in a pretty color, a delicate earring and there you are. Adequate to meet most of what life may throw at you.

  19. A charming saleslady in a Perfume shop in Paris told me that her secret to style was to dress simply, classic clothes and just the right perfume, every day, whether on a date, lunching with friends or cleaning the kitchen floor. I suspect she might have been a little biased!

  20. Please don’t enter me in your wonderful, generous draw; my copy is on its way from Amazon.

    But let’s see … my favorite Paris style tip is … tend to the the details of your grooming (healthy facial skin, a regularly scheduled hair cut and color, neat tips and toes, exfoliated and moisturized body skin). It takes you to the level of impeccable.

    I honestly think I’m going to fall over if my book doesn’t arrive today ….

  21. What a wonderful giveaway 🙂
    My favourite style tip: never wear more than 3 colours at the same time. My strategy: 2 neutrals and one vibrant colour for a bit of drama.
    My favourite beauty tip: less is more, don’t put on every product in your beauty case. And a good mascara is crucial!

  22. What a lovely giveaway!
    My Paris tip, from my chic Parisian friend: don`t always follow `rules` on how to dress! I never thought I could pair gold and silver jewlery, but my friend always dons a silver and gold watch, and a simple gold chain necklace before leaving the house- and she always looks fantastique!

  23. Hmm 30 years ago I worked for an airline and went on a first date with a co-worker to Paris – incredibly romantic. We were married for many many happy years.So while in Paris embrace her romance!

  24. Focus on “natural and effortless” rather than “made up and fussy”. Less makeup overall and an easy-going hairstyle is more chic.

  25. Ooh! Great giveaway! I love the way French women are unconcerned about perfect hair. Tousled and a bit Grady look great on a Parisienne. And body hair is not a crime there!

  26. I almost bought this today!

    My tip? Choose navy over black…..more flattering on most of us, and just as chic, if not more so.

  27. A sunny afternoon, a little table, a best friend and a café espresso on my favorite street Avenue des Champs-Elysées. Oh là là! Merci.
    Sandra

  28. my style tip is this– thrift stores are excellent places to pick up scarves. I’m not much of a necklace person, but I love scarves so much. Thrift stores give you quality and quantity at a low price.

  29. Oh, yes please! Paris fashion tip: quality over quantity. My Paris city tip: there is a tiny hotel in the Hospitel right next to Notre Dame, and the rooms are reasonably priced. It’s amazing to wake up to the bells of the cathedral in the morning.

  30. I always buy my favorite French beauty products like Decleor and Nuxe, when I’m visiting Paris. But you know, that was back b4 the internet was invented. I think it’s still cheaper to buy there and haul back.

    Don’t enter me in the drawing, my copy is on its way to me via Amazon!

  31. Well, it’s difficult for me to give a Parisian tip, was there just once. But you can always read Hemingway’s “Paris – A Moveable Feast” – before, during and after 🙂

  32. My Paris tip: Read the guidebook before you leave your room in the morning. Tuck it in your pocket, but don’t open it unless you need to. I saw so many people in Paris looking down at their guidebooks while walking instead of looking up and enjoying the city.

    And tip #2 – Stay in an apartment instead of a hotel room if you’re going to be in the city for more than 4 or 5 days. Most apartments offer full kitchens and laundry facilities and can save you a lot of money. And an apartment is much more spacious. We used HiP Paris and loved our Montmartre digs!

  33. My Paris tip is: speak French to as many people as you can, even if you are self-conscious! I always forget what should be “la’d” and “le’d” but people are always patient and kind when they can tell you’re trying.

  34. A wonderful giveaway!

    I love the concept that French women make pleasure a priority!

    This is my first time commenting, although I have been reading and thoroughly enjoying your blog for a long time.

    Fingers crossed:) MRK

  35. Ms. Pseu, exempt me from the contest, there are so many great tips in this post, I feel I have won already! I have just recently been invited to Paris for a week in August/September, and am collecting all the tips I can on favorite spots, and what to bring, Your blog has already been an embarrassment of riches, and this post just put me over the top!

  36. Here is a good tip if you are looking for some quiet and peace on a weekend in Paris: Clos de Blancs-Manteaux, in the 4th arrondissement (21, rue de Blancs-Manteaux. Metro: Hôtel-de-Ville, Rambuteau). It is a recently created and little known park dedicated to the memory of Princess Diana. It can’t be accessed during the week as it is used by a jillion daycare children, but on the weekends it is deserted and lovely. Perfect place to escape with a book or loved one for some private time. There are hundreds of species of flowers, aromatic herbs, fruits, vegetables and trees to get lost in.

    Thanks for the chance to win the book!

  37. Oooh, I’ve been eyeing this book on Amazon, waiting for it to be released! Thank you for the contest.

    The only style advice I’ve stuck to (and given out) throughout years of changing fashion is to invest in good shoes. It’s hard to look chic if your feet hurt, and there are plenty of stylish AND comfy brands now. Plus, quality shoes class up a cheaper outfit in a jiffy.

  38. My tip for Paris is to buy a small paring knife and bottle opener on your first day in the city! You will be happy to have them for those impromptu cheese and wine moments in your hotel or picnics outdoors. If you check luggage home, it’s a sweet souvenir. Otherwise donate it to your hotel.

  39. Wow thank you for the opportunity! My fair red hair and complexion mandate that I must state the practical: Don’t forget the sunscreen even in cloudy Paris.

  40. How fun! My paris tip: Fauchon Paris, Le Café.

    And memorize your metro stops before leaving the hotel.

  41. My favorite style tip is “don’t follow the masses just because.” You should wear what looks and feels good to you, not what you’re being told is in for the season. And make sure the fit is perfection. That’s important too!

  42. Beauty tip: coat your heels with vaseline and pull socks on before your next run or walk. They’ll be that much closer to sandal-ready afterwards.

  43. No tip – just a “thank you” for all the fabulous scarf techniques. I have become quite famouns (or perhaps infamous) for my scarf wearing talent thanks to you!

  44. My paris fashion tip would be to have FUN with your clothes. Don’t always play it safe. Add at least something different or fashionable to your outfit. Parissiennes are always stylish but hardly ever boring.

  45. Self confidence is the very best accessory. If one doesn’t have that at the moment, a berry-colored lipstick will do!

  46. my fashion tip would be…dress for the occasion…even if the occasion is thursday (insert whatever day it is)
    and smile…one of the best accessories you could wear!

    excited about the give-away!

  47. If you want to have a spectacular Paris moment…. go to the top floor of Printemps(the building with housewares). Take the elevator to the top floor, then take the escalator up one more floor to the cafe. Avec un cafe ou un verre du vin go out to the patio and sit. There is a 360 degree view of Paris. If you love Paris….enough said.

  48. hmmm…My favorite Parisian style tip is, always dress like you might run into Karl Lagerfeld. That way you are never over or underdressed.

    One time in Paris I was sitting with my husband at Cafe Flore and he sat at the table next to us! We had a little chat, and then we contiued with our ape’rtifs.

    I wish I could of been a “tourist” and been carring my camera. It would of been a perfect photo opportunity!

    Now everytime I go to Paris, I carry a camera-lol

  49. Beauty tip for gorgeous red lips:

    Only wear your best red: this may or not be the vivid red the name evokes, but it should be appropriate to one’s own coloring, softer or brighter, lighter or darker, warmer or cooler. It may be anything from a blue-red to a red-orange, and it may even not be a “red” at all, but rather a coral, a warm pink, a dusty rose, a salmon, a plum, a burgundy, a red-brown, a terracotta.

    A useful tip to find what your best red is: squeeze a fingertip! You would be surprised how this differs from person to person. This is your best red. Another tip: when considering a lip color (or a blush), make sure the color harmonizes with the reds, pinks and peaches on the palm of your hand.

    Now go be beautiful! — Luna

  50. My Paris style tip is to give yourself over to the experts inside the lingerie boutiques. I bought the most beautiful silk underwear set ( mini shorts and vest top) whilst on my honeymoon there. I hadn’t realised you could get lovely underwear like that- that it didn’t all have to be teeny wisps of things!The lady there completely understood what I might like, but also had a healthy dose of expert pushiness! I always feel amazing when I put it on.

    Secret Squirrel

  51. How generous! My favourite style tip comes from Coco Chanel herself: “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” This attribution may be apocryphal and it doesn’t just apply to dressing, but I believe it also does.

  52. I lived there for a year, and could write a book on tips. (OK, I kind of did, though it was a blog!) But here’s one off the top of my head–don’t always trust the woman in the clothing boutique (she wants to sell it to you, and won’t always tell you the truth–you might outshine her if she did!) but always trust the coiffeur–I love getting my hair cut in Paris. It always comes out fabulous!!!

  53. I guess I would say to beware of “ironic” clothing fads because they’re just the symbolic version of
    message tee shirts.

    Saw your comment over at Passage des Perles about appreciating the specificity of the advice. I have to agree. It seems easy to pick up a book of fashion advice and say, Oh, well, duh. But it took me all this time to even think of one thing! Guess I won’t be planning a wardrobe book anytime soon. 🙂

  54. My style tip would be … having your outfit coordinated. Not matching necessarily, but having every aspect in harmony with each other, and your own personality.

  55. My favourite Parisian fashion tip is very simple: stripes. It’s nothing earth shattering, but it astounds me how simple and chic a Breton tee is, whether dressed up with a pencil skirt or down with cigarette pants.

    I’m also very fond of the adage that you take off the very last accessory you put on. Less is always more.

  56. My tip: I always pack a blue and white striped shirt. It can be dressed up or down and makes a great cover-up. I am also reading a few Paris blogs before I go back! Thanks for the opportunity to win, K

  57. My Paris style tip is one that I discovered on my one and only trip there, where I found pretty, feminine underwear. What a revelation! I’d never seen anything like it here in Canada. These lovely matching sets had pretty patterns almost like you’d seen on a china teacup. White with sort of Susie Cooperish pink roses. Pewter-gray with small white polka dots and white cotton lace trim. NOT “sexy” or pushy-uppy. Just sweet and pretty.

    Wear these sets and you feel lovely, and properly kitted out!

    That’s my favourite Paris style tip.

  58. Paris tips
    walk and enjoy the city
    lemon tarts
    Lady and the Unicorn tapestry series at Musee National du Moyen-Age
    Enjoy your blog.

  59. Ooh i would love this book. My Paris tip is to always greet the shopkeeper It makes all the difference in their attitude.

    Christine G

  60. another great giveaway ~ hooray!

    i call this one ‘the power of threes’. bien sur, there are three!

    1) if you do anything 3x’s in an outfit it will look like you did it on purpose. for example, you have tiny rose earrings and a tiny rose necklace….wearomg just these two accents, it looks kind of tentative/can get lost in the total look. so add a scarf with a rose print, and voila! instantly ‘outfit about roses’. works equally well with patterns (floral, abstract, dots, stripes, and so on), touches of color, chains, etc.

    2) proportion. you will look better divided into 1/3 + 2/3 than 1/2 + 1/2. so you’re wearing a knee-length skirt and a tee. tee tucked in = 1/2 + 1/2. boring. tee left out to hit at hi hip = snazzy. 2/3 on top, 1/3 on the lower half. (you can still wear a thin belt to emphasize your waist.) thus, a lower calf length skirt will look better with a high waist and tucked-in blouse. 1/3 at top, 2/3 below. try it! just ‘measure’ from your shoulders to the hem of your pants or skirt.

    3) three pieces = an outfit, 2 pieces = at least i’m not naked. a button down blouse and a knee-length skirt becomes much more interesting with a chicly knotted scarf, a cardi thrown over the shoulders or belted at the waist, or a jacket – nice and tailored for work or a denim jean jacket on the weekend. you look like you are wearing ‘an outfit’ instead of you just got dressed. in a work situation, you look more like ‘the boss’.

    hope people like these! good luck everyone and happy weekend! steph

  61. Oooh! I put this on my Amazon list just before arriving here!

    Shoulders back, tuck your tail bone under, navel to backbone, elo-o-o-ngate, and narrow your stride.

    oh, yes — and find a tailor or seamstress you love.

  62. I am not entering your give-away, no fear. I simply don´t have any Paris tips to share. In my opinion, you have to be born there to really ” get the right feel “.
    What I do find interesting though is, the great number of entries!

  63. Hello! I’ve just found your blog, and I’m lusting after the Ines book. I’m looking forward to reading over your archives. Thanks for writing it!

  64. My favorite Paris tip – when visiting Versailles, tour the gardens on a bike. They rent them by the hour and you can see so much more that way!

  65. Thanks you for your generous offer of the book. I always find that maintaining a sense of inner beauty, a good healthy and humorous attitude, showing our manners and a great smile will go a long way to any of our travel destinations. In fashion, keep it simple, trust your inner fashion guru to create your own look with of course inspiration from the masters, like COCO CHANEL!!!([email protected])

  66. My Paris tip is to take a cooking class at Le Cordon Bleu. You get a great meal, meet people of all types and learn something at the same time. And don’t worry if you don’t speak French – there is usually a translator. The school is easily accessible by public transit.

    My style tip for Paris is less makeup and less fussy hair. That also seems to be my personal style as I get older.

    My favorite new makeup tool is a conical sponge I bought at Ulta. It helps me achieve a flawless finish. Using it dry or damp gives a different look to blending my base and concealer.

    Lastly, your blog is an inspiration to me. I was guided here since we have the same orange Fluevogs! Fun!

  67. If you are straight and slim, with a tendency to carry your weight in your stomach, do not belt a sweater. It will not “create a waist”, even though countless magazine articles try to convince you that it will. Trust me, it will not. I speak as one who knows.

  68. My tip came from a very dear Parisian friend who said, ‘face lifts never make a woman look more intelligent’ I think of Francoise and her comment each time I look in the mirror and see a new wrinkle.

  69. Oh goody! My tips:

    1) Spray a mist of parfum in the air in front of you and walk into the mist to ‘perfume’ yourself instead of spraying it directly onto wrists, neck, etc.

    2) Out and about in town, do not make eye contact but do smile as if you know something no one else knows…like how fancy your lingerie is under your very stylish outfit…which, of course, it is!

    Thanks to you for all the tips you dish out!