msbethreads's review against another edition
3.0
A cute book. It's similar to many of the popular lifestyle books out these days: minimalism, essentialism, getting back to the basics of happiness. That's alright - I read them all. I learn something from each of them and most are enjoyable.
I liked that this one tied it all to the French culture. The little tidbits about her time there were fun and interesting for this American who has never been to France. I did think she made the French seem a tad sterile and perfect.
I liked that this one tied it all to the French culture. The little tidbits about her time there were fun and interesting for this American who has never been to France. I did think she made the French seem a tad sterile and perfect.
juliana_aldous's review against another edition
2.0
I think this book should have been written as a memoir instead of a how-to book.
kellyxmen's review against another edition
1.0
I can’t rate it because I’ve never lived in France so I don’t know if she’s right or not.
A lot of it seems cliché but from seeing stereotypes of my own cultures, I know that stereotypes can be pretty damn on the nose.
The best bit was about how people should read more.
The second best bit was about enjoying the simple, even mundane things in life. From talking to (only a few) French people and reading Proust, I feel like that’s really something that they have in common. Like, they can really take the time to enjoy a small pleasure. They savor the little moments in life that others seem to zip by. I think that’s a beautiful quality to have.
A lot of it seems cliché but from seeing stereotypes of my own cultures, I know that stereotypes can be pretty damn on the nose.
The best bit was about how people should read more.
The second best bit was about enjoying the simple, even mundane things in life. From talking to (only a few) French people and reading Proust, I feel like that’s really something that they have in common. Like, they can really take the time to enjoy a small pleasure. They savor the little moments in life that others seem to zip by. I think that’s a beautiful quality to have.
emilybriano's review against another edition
5.0
Nothing revolutionary, but my favorite take-always from the book are the concept of a ten item wardrobe, seeking out sensory pleasure in Sisyphean tasks, and that a little extra effort goes a long way in living a chic, beautiful life.
anjumstar's review against another edition
2.0
And today we have learned the danger of reading a published blog. You know, it's really my fault. I should have known going into this that I was going to read a book all about you, Mrs. Scott. My bad.
Yes, some good points were made, points that I will try to bring into my life. Things that I personally have always believed but maybe haven't been thinking about too much lately. Or things that I haven't ever had put into words like that. Those I am thankful for and will try to keep in mind more often.
Then there are some other things. Look, I'm glad that you want to be French so badly, Mrs. Scott. To each their own and if that's what makes you happy, then by all means do it. However, the French are not the end all to be all and not all Americans suck as much as you apparently did before your transformative experience. I guess I just wish that some of these ideas weren't presented with such gusto, as if they are the only way to live right. Because, frankly, many studies show that it's better to eat little meals throughout the day than three big ones, especially a big late dinner. Also, there are way too many lifestyles in which a capsule wardrobe just can't work--mine as an actor being one of them. Once again, I'm glad that these ideas worked for her but geez, have an open mind, why don't you?
Over all, it's not that I don't recommend this book because, in a way, I will. I read it with as open a mind as I could after an angering first chapter and I did glean some profound things from it. But I just don't want anyone reading this and gathering the sense that this lady has everything all figured out and then trying everything in this book, because they will not work for everyone. Pick and choose the things that resonate with you and only focus on those. That's why this rating is 2 stars; 4 stars for the parts I liked and 0 stars for the parts I hated. 2 seems to be a good average.
Also, I'm sure that not everyone in France is like that. It just isn't possible.
Yes, some good points were made, points that I will try to bring into my life. Things that I personally have always believed but maybe haven't been thinking about too much lately. Or things that I haven't ever had put into words like that. Those I am thankful for and will try to keep in mind more often.
Then there are some other things. Look, I'm glad that you want to be French so badly, Mrs. Scott. To each their own and if that's what makes you happy, then by all means do it. However, the French are not the end all to be all and not all Americans suck as much as you apparently did before your transformative experience. I guess I just wish that some of these ideas weren't presented with such gusto, as if they are the only way to live right. Because, frankly, many studies show that it's better to eat little meals throughout the day than three big ones, especially a big late dinner. Also, there are way too many lifestyles in which a capsule wardrobe just can't work--mine as an actor being one of them. Once again, I'm glad that these ideas worked for her but geez, have an open mind, why don't you?
Over all, it's not that I don't recommend this book because, in a way, I will. I read it with as open a mind as I could after an angering first chapter and I did glean some profound things from it. But I just don't want anyone reading this and gathering the sense that this lady has everything all figured out and then trying everything in this book, because they will not work for everyone. Pick and choose the things that resonate with you and only focus on those. That's why this rating is 2 stars; 4 stars for the parts I liked and 0 stars for the parts I hated. 2 seems to be a good average.
Also, I'm sure that not everyone in France is like that. It just isn't possible.
nlfrey's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
I "discovered" Jennifer Scott a few years ago when I watched her "10 item wardrobe" TEDx talk. That video transformed the way I approached my wardrobe. It sparked my interest in capsule wardrobes, dressing well, quality over quantity, etc, etc. My closet is still a work in progress, but I have a soft spot for Jennifer Scott, as I credit her video with getting me started on that journey.
I enjoyed this book. There were a lot of things that made me rethink how I live my life. We could all use a reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things in life, and that's a big part of what this book boils down to: slow down. Appreciate what you have.
If you want to be more "elegant" and "chic," this book also points you in that direction as well.
On the downside, some of the suggestions and takeaways do seem a bit extreme, unless you actually are a wealthy, aristocratic French woman (or man) living in Paris.
I love the idea of classic elegance. But I don't think it's an "all or nothing" commitment. Sure, embrace elegance (I try to), but also realize that life itself isn't always elegant. There just wasn't much acknowledgement or acceptance of that fact in this book. This book seemed to show a standard of "chic" perfection more than dealing with reality in an elegant way.
Because reality is that at the end of the day, chic or not, when I get home the shoes and bra are coming OFF. And if that makes me a less elegant person, so be it.
I "discovered" Jennifer Scott a few years ago when I watched her "10 item wardrobe" TEDx talk. That video transformed the way I approached my wardrobe. It sparked my interest in capsule wardrobes, dressing well, quality over quantity, etc, etc. My closet is still a work in progress, but I have a soft spot for Jennifer Scott, as I credit her video with getting me started on that journey.
I enjoyed this book. There were a lot of things that made me rethink how I live my life. We could all use a reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things in life, and that's a big part of what this book boils down to: slow down. Appreciate what you have.
If you want to be more "elegant" and "chic," this book also points you in that direction as well.
On the downside, some of the suggestions and takeaways do seem a bit extreme, unless you actually are a wealthy, aristocratic French woman (or man) living in Paris.
I love the idea of classic elegance. But I don't think it's an "all or nothing" commitment. Sure, embrace elegance (I try to), but also realize that life itself isn't always elegant. There just wasn't much acknowledgement or acceptance of that fact in this book. This book seemed to show a standard of "chic" perfection more than dealing with reality in an elegant way.
Because reality is that at the end of the day, chic or not, when I get home the shoes and bra are coming OFF. And if that makes me a less elegant person, so be it.
heyjude1965's review against another edition
5.0
This little book is not for everyone. It so goes against our current sloppy culture! At times I thought it was a bit stuffy (yes, putting sweats on at home after a long day at work does help me relax), but for the most part I found lots of inspiration on living better within these pages. I’m going to get back to eating more meals at the table, and really enjoying good quality food as well as the experience of the actual meal, not the tv, cell phone, etc. (although I may still read a book if I’m alone
mschmug's review against another edition
4.0
This was excellent. Why? A lot is common sense but young women may need to be reminded of manners. It's not only about being French but having integrity. This book is a library book but I will purchase my own copy.