amanditaaa's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Half of it is basically a copy of one of her other books ("20 Lessons"?). Also, author sounds very condescending and judgmental. Very "high and mighty" attitude because she thinks she knows best 🙄Â
kerrynicole72's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't enjoy this as much as her first book, but its still full of helpful tips and worth a quick read.
shelfquest's review against another edition
5.0
I love all of Scott's Madame Chic books but this one may be my favorite. I wish I would have gotten this as a preteen so I could have been practicing these tips for 20+ years. This book gives great tips on how to work towards being a poised adult. I look forward to getting a physical copy to make notes in.
labalkana's review against another edition
2.0
It's really hard to review such a book. I believe that others might love it but for the most part, I had the feeling, the author wanted to make me feel bad. Maybe poise just isn't for me. Maybe the author should stop being so judgy.
Seriously, she once heard someone drop the f-bomb and both were embarassed.
"...whether at home or in the outside world, she presented herself beautifully, with flattering clothes; natural, age-appropriate makeup...".
She doesn't believe in loungewear and talks about lack of self-respect, when wearing oversized t-shirts. I read this on a cozy sunday at home, in my loungewear and felt presentable that way. Maybe I didn't represent the poise she talks about but I represent myself, the way I am. And I have enough self-respect, to wear whatever I feel good in.
Of course I feel differently when I get dressed for going out. But why would I want to feel like I was going out when I'm at home? Plus I think that one should wear whatever kind of makeup one considers appropriate.
On the other hand, there were some great tips.
The poise she talks of, is a good thing and everyone can benefit when translated to any kind of lifestyle one chooses and strives for. We should be aware of the way we look, behave and carry ourselves, as it has impact on others.
Some of her anecdotes say a lot about how the author shows poise, For example, when she went to talk at a conference and realized her expectations had been unrealistic, instead of ranting about how it didn't meet them.
If she just didn't sound so entitled and preachy. She has a strong distaste for things I find perfectly acceptable and do myself. I'm more impressed by people who feel real, dealing with real issues instead of someone who insists of being pulled together all the time. She writes that seeking the Arts is for poised people, while the not so poised enjoy Reality TV. Well, I like both, there's a time for everything. Also cursing apparently isn't for the poised. I am from the Balkans, lots of cursing is what we do and I don't need a handbook on french culture to make me feel bad about it.
She says things like "it emerges when you decide to care about the way you look". Well, I decided to wear an oversized shirt and sweatpants and you judge me, Lady. Is that considered poise?
Then she climbes down a little, talks about getting rid of filthy looking stuff, where I totally agree.
Parts felt completeley irrelevant to me, so i skipped them. I don't need lessons in bathrobes or how to not shake someone's hand. But I loved the part on how family's abandon their holidays together to fight crowds in sales. How it's the ultimate poise to help others. I couldn't agree more, people need to get their priorities straight. Too bad that's only a very small part after being superficial for so long.
Seriously, she once heard someone drop the f-bomb and both were embarassed.
"...whether at home or in the outside world, she presented herself beautifully, with flattering clothes; natural, age-appropriate makeup...".
She doesn't believe in loungewear and talks about lack of self-respect, when wearing oversized t-shirts. I read this on a cozy sunday at home, in my loungewear and felt presentable that way. Maybe I didn't represent the poise she talks about but I represent myself, the way I am. And I have enough self-respect, to wear whatever I feel good in.
Of course I feel differently when I get dressed for going out. But why would I want to feel like I was going out when I'm at home? Plus I think that one should wear whatever kind of makeup one considers appropriate.
On the other hand, there were some great tips.
The poise she talks of, is a good thing and everyone can benefit when translated to any kind of lifestyle one chooses and strives for. We should be aware of the way we look, behave and carry ourselves, as it has impact on others.
Some of her anecdotes say a lot about how the author shows poise, For example, when she went to talk at a conference and realized her expectations had been unrealistic, instead of ranting about how it didn't meet them.
If she just didn't sound so entitled and preachy. She has a strong distaste for things I find perfectly acceptable and do myself. I'm more impressed by people who feel real, dealing with real issues instead of someone who insists of being pulled together all the time. She writes that seeking the Arts is for poised people, while the not so poised enjoy Reality TV. Well, I like both, there's a time for everything. Also cursing apparently isn't for the poised. I am from the Balkans, lots of cursing is what we do and I don't need a handbook on french culture to make me feel bad about it.
She says things like "it emerges when you decide to care about the way you look". Well, I decided to wear an oversized shirt and sweatpants and you judge me, Lady. Is that considered poise?
Then she climbes down a little, talks about getting rid of filthy looking stuff, where I totally agree.
Parts felt completeley irrelevant to me, so i skipped them. I don't need lessons in bathrobes or how to not shake someone's hand. But I loved the part on how family's abandon their holidays together to fight crowds in sales. How it's the ultimate poise to help others. I couldn't agree more, people need to get their priorities straight. Too bad that's only a very small part after being superficial for so long.
luzbella's review against another edition
3.0
The first half of the book was as if reading fashion magazine articles and the rest reminded me topics from self-knowledge books. The author's previous book was more amusing. In any case I did not regret having it read.
169/365
169/365
jessreadthis's review against another edition
3.0
Thank to you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a nod to her prior books in which she pays her appreciation of the teaching and observations of her time spent in France with Madame Chic. The lessons in this book educate the reader on how to regain or develop your elegance and poise in a society that has lost this along the way. If you have read her prior books, you may be disappointed to discover some of these lessons have already been discussed. However, repetition deepens impression in my opinion. So if you are seeking to develop a style of grace, compassion, and elegance; this book will be useful for your education. Tips on managing a closet, living within ones means, and maintaining one's calm are all invaluable but others such as wearing expensive clothing most of the day elicit a raised eyebrow from me. Overall, it was a pleasant read. I appreciated her intent to instill confidence in her readers and she seems to have a sincere desire to bring back an era in which courtesy and decorum are part of our culture.