Reviews
Lessons From Madame Chic: The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris by Jennifer L. Scott
jennicakes's review
2.0
I'm starting a home design book club, and I thought this might have some good tips. It has a few. This is not a zero-star review.
That said, this isn't well-written, and the author is kind of basic. There was also some stuff I just didn't believe, like the anecdote about seeing her ratty/tacky underwear drying in the hallway during a dinner party. Why would someone nicknamed Madame Chic air-dry laundry in front of guests? Why is she washing your underwear in the first place? Why is the supposedly embarrassing aspect of this that you shop at Victoria's Secret in the PINK section? This story, like the sweatpants that ultimately caused the author such shame, has a few holes in it.
That said, this isn't well-written, and the author is kind of basic. There was also some stuff I just didn't believe, like the anecdote about seeing her ratty/tacky underwear drying in the hallway during a dinner party. Why would someone nicknamed Madame Chic air-dry laundry in front of guests? Why is she washing your underwear in the first place? Why is the supposedly embarrassing aspect of this that you shop at Victoria's Secret in the PINK section? This story, like the sweatpants that ultimately caused the author such shame, has a few holes in it.
wearethedepinets's review
2.0
There a few tidbits that are helpful, but overall I was not impressed with this book. Most of what she shares does not require a trip to Paris to learn or know.
laurafigueiredo's review
2.0
I happened to watch a TEDx talk about the "10-item wardrobe", and the speaker was Ms. Scott.
The talk was short but the topic was appealing indeed. I've been trying to arrange my wardrobe in a more sensible way - with quite little success - and this concept seemed to fit nicely with my purpose.
So I got the book right away and started to read it eagerly.
I knew that this was an style book and that I might no be interested in many sections - I am not a very stylish person and I do not mean to change it, I just wanted some practical hints to improve certain aspects of my life.
And as expected only a few parts of the book were actually of my interest, but to be honest it did not bother me much because it is an extremely easy read and the author did not linger too much in anything so you don't get bored of it.
Actually what I disliked about this book was the whole "perfect family" thing.
Sure, she learned a lot while being in Paris. And this extremely old-fashioned family she lived with was very chic. Whatever. But suggesting that all their habits (most of them very dated) are the way to go is taking it too far.
Every chapter was based on the assumption of them being a perfect role model, and that was very annoying.
If you can live with that, this is not a bad book. An easy read, some interesting topics to think about (even if your views are different) and a few cute anecdotes of an young American girl.
But for information about the "capsule wardrobe" concept, there are plenty of websites which are more useful.
The talk was short but the topic was appealing indeed. I've been trying to arrange my wardrobe in a more sensible way - with quite little success - and this concept seemed to fit nicely with my purpose.
So I got the book right away and started to read it eagerly.
I knew that this was an style book and that I might no be interested in many sections - I am not a very stylish person and I do not mean to change it, I just wanted some practical hints to improve certain aspects of my life.
And as expected only a few parts of the book were actually of my interest, but to be honest it did not bother me much because it is an extremely easy read and the author did not linger too much in anything so you don't get bored of it.
Actually what I disliked about this book was the whole "perfect family" thing.
Sure, she learned a lot while being in Paris. And this extremely old-fashioned family she lived with was very chic. Whatever. But suggesting that all their habits (most of them very dated) are the way to go is taking it too far.
Every chapter was based on the assumption of them being a perfect role model, and that was very annoying.
If you can live with that, this is not a bad book. An easy read, some interesting topics to think about (even if your views are different) and a few cute anecdotes of an young American girl.
But for information about the "capsule wardrobe" concept, there are plenty of websites which are more useful.
lbw's review
3.0
A charming book overall. The author's writing style was perhaps a bit stilted, but I think that might have been the effect she was going for.
debnanceatreaderbuzz's review
3.0
Jennifer Scott shares twenty secrets she learned while staying with the Chic (pseudonym) Family in Paris in her blog and now in this book.
I loved reading them all. The beauty tips—-take care of your skin, perfect the no-makeup look, always look presentable—-are helpful, but it is the how-to-live-well tips that really bring the entire Paris experience into your daily life. Always use the best things you have is something we should all practice, as well as finding simple pleasures and living a passionate life.
I loved reading them all. The beauty tips—-take care of your skin, perfect the no-makeup look, always look presentable—-are helpful, but it is the how-to-live-well tips that really bring the entire Paris experience into your daily life. Always use the best things you have is something we should all practice, as well as finding simple pleasures and living a passionate life.
sg911911's review
4.0
Convinced me I should be living in Paris, although I kind of knew that already. Good advice, in any case.
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