Isabelle ThomasParis Street Style: A Guide to Effortless Chic

I love fashion/styling books in general, but let's be real here. A lot of those say the same sort of thing. This book is something a little different. It is articulate, intelligent and gives something new to the discussion about fashion (and about "french woman" something Americans at least seem to love reading about. I daresay French Women are as versatile as any other countries' women so these generalizations may annoy some, but that's really a minor issue.)Physically, the book is gorgeous, well laid-out and has beautiful photos. It divides out to talk about several different topics. Some you've heard talked of before -for example there's a chapter on the LBD- and some are perhaps more new topics- what you can "steal" from other's closets. Even the topics that are common in other style books still add something new to that topic though. My favorite part of the book though was between these chapters or topics there are interviews with individuals somehow connected with the French Fashion and Style industry. Some of them include: independent/small label designers, magazine editors, small boutique owners, perfume makers and make-up designers among many more. These people are articulate and thoughtful in their answers and the questions were well chosen.A few last notes about what I liked about the book- the vocabulary used is larger and the reading level higher than in many style books. It is not Shakespeare, but it expects that you are an intelligent person yourself. It also- despite the ideas coming from so many different people (see my note about the interviews), a very cohesive vision of what clothes do and how to wear them emerges. Get quality clothing. Take care of it. No need to be perfect; the imperfection is the je ne sais quai that makes the "French" style so admired.It should be noted that this isn't a how-to book or instructional. It reads to me as if the tips are for people who already feel comfortable in their own skin, for the most part, and are instead looking to refine a style.A great read; highly recommended.

A real keeper. A vintage but timeless book, really enjoyed the photos.

The first part of the books consists of interviews with the designers, trendsetters, art directors and others, mixed in with paragraphs on each classic item, such as trench coat, white shirt, pea coat, tropeziennes, etc.That was for the first 6 chapters. For me it has gotten interesting around chapter 7 - most trends are broken down how to use them and how not to use them: leggins, capri pants, skinny pants, bermuda shorts,animal prints, cowboy boots, long skirts.Followed by another wonderful chapter on denim: goes into details on how should each jean style fit, talks about skinny jean, boy jean, flared, white jean and more. Chapter 9 is on handbags, chapter 10 - little black dress. Found nothing new there.Loved chapters 11 and 12 on what to wear and not to wear with clear explanations on why or why not, for example not wearing wide pants cut too short and quilted jackets, while pearl necklace or a navy blue blazer is always a go to. Chapter 12 talks about what can you borrow from grandmother's closet, nieces closet or work locker, safely, without damage you your style or reputation. For example borrowing a nice 60s coat from your grandma, a waistcoat from your boyfriend, denim skirt from your niece, from the professional's locker - riding, boots, tango dancer's pumps and my personal favorite - an army jacket.Two last chapters, 13 and 14 talk about secondhand clothes and age appropriate trends.Personally I'd buy the book for chapters 7,8, 11 and 12. Overall it was an interesting read.

I read this book last night cover to cover. At first flip, I was almost disappointed by so many photos of very in-fashion, super-skinny 20-somethings in Balenciaga that I almost didn't bother. As trendy as the girls appear, the book would have no more value than a magazine because of how fast fashion moves today. The real value to me ended up being the interviews (which in most fashion books, I skip because they are full of the nonsense designers for very in-fashion, super-skinny 20-somethings like to say such as "it's all about confidence"; there are self-help books for that). While there is some of that "fluff", most of the young, striving French designers interviewed had relevant advice, strong opinions about the mass-driven market, and even surprising perspectives (one actually advocated VPLs). So, after all, I ended up really devouring the book and learning something new.Then, on really studying the photos, there were indeed less expensive items thrown in on top of the Celine, Hermes, and Balenciaga, and even a few women older than 30 (I am 32.) You also start to see some the personal items that set apart the French uniform. This book is very French (as you would expect from the title), and for all the talk about French women being relentlessly unique, Americans who favor risk-taking in dress will first notice the conformity under all the one-of-a-kind accessories. The French favor that form of fashion-schizophrenia that New Yorkers do, just with fewer colors (the same formula that dictates floral dresses must have biker boots, etc., as rigidly codified as anything from the 1950s), but this book will help you make that formula look good instead of just plain crazy. It will encourage you to take a new look at formerly old and "out" clothes that you have in your closet which may be just the things you need to really set yourself apart. I almost wish it had included a beauty section, too, but except for the more mature model/designers featured, the younger women are all interchangeable in hair and makeup.Perhaps I sound too critical, but actually I mean it as a compliment. The reason I am even taking the time to write a review (my first) is that this book deserves praise for daring to attempt something sorely missing from most fashion literature: originality, depth, and definition. It does bring a different perspective to this country from overseas, and interviews from fresh designers who are not yet Karl Lagerfeld will interest those still seeking creativity in dress. Overall, I will enjoy it more the more times I read it!

Estaba explorando libros que versaran sobre la cultura francesa después de haber comprado algunos, y me encontré con este tesoro. Para el precio, es una ganga. Lleno de tips y de ilustraciones. Sinceramente no siento que me pudiera poner todos los "looks" que aparecen, pero me motiva a ser más creativa con mi guardarropa, a comprar unas piezas clave y a poner más atención en lo que uso. Me encantan sus "entrevistas", ya que cada una de las mujeres presentadas tiene un estilo único y particular. ¡Gracias Amazon!

I'm obsessed with all things Parisian and this book is fabulous. French women have a more eclectic, relaxed, androgynous style that really suits my personality and I've enjoyed tweaking my own style in line with the advice in this book. I like the fact that it focuses on how accessories can really change or personalise a look, meaning you can look incredibly stylish on a budget! It would take a lot of confidence to adopt this style the way I'd want to in the UK, living in suburbia but I'm slowly making the transition! I bought this recently for a friend for her 30th birthday and she has loved it too. Definitely a good gift for someone who has reached the point in their lives where they are less concerned about fashion trends and more interested in finding or defining their personal style. It is now sitting by my bed and when I'm in the mood for some style inspiration I have a flick through it. I can't see me putting it away any time soon!

Loves all the photos and that they shared where everything was from, really enjoyed adding some new stores to my list to visit next time in Paris. I do find they tended to favour about 8-10 brands, it would be great for them to expand on that. I really hope they continue to publish in english, heard there was a men's version and would really like it in english too!

tra tante pubblicazioni che pretendono di definire ed insegnare "lo stile", questo libro , con annotazioni, immagini ed interviste fa la fotografia di "uno stile" in maniera piacevole ma approfondita.consiglio il libro a chi ama Parigi, a chi ama gli abiti come forma espressiva e anche a chi si occupa di costume.

Das Buch zeichnet sich durch sein liebevolles Design aus. Die Bilder spiegeln die Pariser Straßen wundervoll wieder.Die Interviews mit den Modekennern leben von den kleinen Tipps.