https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:45:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread/page/2#post-486790 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 01:04:59 +0000 rachylou 486790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Still reading... I just realised this is rather like a travel guide. I'm into the home section now, which I'm really enjoying. Ines says her apartment is 750 sq feet - I can't believe such a jet setter lives in so small a place, but it's great that her ideas don't need to be *translated* for real life.</p> <p>I might be doing some international shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread/page/2#post-485725 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 04:11:28 +0000 Anonymous 485725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, I need to get this book! </p> <p>Vicki, I've seen your closet and don't you dare start paring down (unless I'm standing there holding my arms open)! I admire how you can create any look because you have all of the basics plus some great statement pieces. So, you read the whole book and the only thing lacking is the navy sweater? That's amazing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread/page/2#post-485622 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 01:59:16 +0000 Angie 485622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*chuckle*</p> <p>Doesn't Ines also say that you should never wear faux fur? Clearly, I hold another opinion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-485511 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:15:17 +0000 Inge 485511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for loving Book Club, Vicki! The threads remain open, just like all other forum threads, so feel free to add anything (or start a new thread about a different aspect of the book) any time.<br /> (also: now I'm blushing, honestly I'm far from a style expert myself).</p> <p>Fiona: That's a very good point about wardrobe sizes. You read everywhere that French women have a very small selection of versatile clothes, exactly because of that.<br /> I'm looking forward to hearing (and seeing:-) more about your style evolution.</p> <p>Sona: Yes! I have to disagree with Ines on the velours travel pants too:-) I just replied on your separate outfit thread: I absolutely love this on you!!</p> <p>Laura: *chuckle*, my Mum and other family members used to make chicken that way all the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-485436 Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:49:11 +0000 Laura 485436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh! I meant to add that I really did enjoy the sections on the Parisian home and dinner parties - although again, I didn't expect to find that information in the book (how to make chicken in a pot, anyone?). </p> <p>The other thing I appreciated was the mention of U.S. retailers. I did appreciate that the editors made the effort to include that information for the U.S. market. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-485316 Sat, 10 Dec 2011 18:34:17 +0000 Sona 485316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to start of with two comments:</p> <p>1. super dislike: on traveling advice: pack your bags " ultra soft low waisted velour pants" for travel. I think we've had this discussion ad nauseaum on this board. Very not fab. As Kari recently described a dress with leggings or so many other fab travelers have shown us we can do much better!</p> <p>2. super like: effortless style: preppy meets ethnic chic: indian kurti ( tunic) under a cardi with pearls!! I tried this today and loved it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-485050 Sat, 10 Dec 2011 06:15:37 +0000 londonkiwi (now back in NZ) 485050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I managed to order the book and have a quick flick through before I had to pack it to be shipped back to NZ. I am looking forward to reading it again! So briefly, as I don't have it in front of me...</p> <p>- I was particularly keen to read/buy it because I have lived briefly in France as a teenager and I have visited Paris 6 times now. I would love to live there again at some point in my life. I wanted to see if a Parisian would write about her style the same way as I would interpret it. I think Ines's tone is exactly what I would think and mimics how my French friends speak (in both English and French).</p> <p>- I will definitely be using it as a checklist. I think I am moving to a more simple style of dressing. The bright jewel colours that I used to enjoy wearing don't really ring my bell anymore.</p> <p>- I also loved the lifestyle bits and bobs. I would definitely use it as a guide book the next time I was in Paris.</p> <p>- I think that the references to Parisian wardrobes being governed by size constrants is very interesting. I wonder if this is where it is possible to go astray. The bigger the wardrobe the more compulsion to fill it - and therefore it is more likely to be populated with orphans? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-485021 Sat, 10 Dec 2011 04:08:42 +0000 Vicki 485021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, Inge, I totally "get" your comment on "natural elimination" and that discovering one's own style or taking things in a new style direction will need time to "sort itself out." You are so eloquent and I understand, now, how this is a process. Thanks again for a great day at the book club. Looking forward to next month! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484933 Sat, 10 Dec 2011 01:14:56 +0000 rachylou 484933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I have to add: I liked her lists and tips for wearing things new ways. A little bit like Angie's try it backwards! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484932 Sat, 10 Dec 2011 01:09:44 +0000 rachylou 484932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey Ana - No offense intended! Sorry! "Dusty colored hoodie" was meant to reference a colour palette, not be derogatory. As in the "dusty rose" of Americana. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484919 Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:35:13 +0000 Inge 484919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also: I'd love a cup of tea, Vicki, thank you!-)</p> <p>About your concern of having "over-bought" things. I'm all for a fully functional and nicely curated wardrobe, but I wouldn't worry about this too much as long as you haven't bought many exact duplicates. We all have a different "ideal number" for each item in our closet, depending on lifestyle, climate, different dress codes etc. It's also important to allow some room for experimentation and to take your time with discovering your own style (or to take things in a new style direction). Plus, you want some fun options in your closet to mix things up right?-) There's also something I call "natural elimination": once you've put new items through their paces, you may discover that items you thought you'd wear all the time, aren't the most versatile at all and vice versa. So part of the reducing and merging will sort itself out over time, if that makes sense? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484908 Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:23:10 +0000 Inge 484908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh very interesting and varied comments, love that!<br /> I have a feeling a few navy sweaters will be purchased in the near future:-)</p> <p>Refugee: Exactly! That's what I'm thinking too. Eventually one long thread might become unwieldy. Thank you for starting a separate one.</p> <p>Ana: I absolutely agree that you cannot generalize style. There are super well-dressed and not so well-dressed people everywhere. Regarding this particular book: I personally didn't feel Ines was saying that only Parisians (can) look great. But every book needs a hook, and since Ines is French, and a famous French style icon to boot, it was logical they went with the "Parisians are chic" theme.</p> <p>Angie: I was thinking exactly the same thing about the more monochrome colour palette. </p> <p>Laura: You certainly have a point there. This is not an in-depth style advice guide that goes into every detail. It's very airy and light. I have a hunch it was "build" around a one to two page information blocks concept, which would explain the disjointedness?</p> <p>- I agree that the second part of the book might not be super helpful or interesting for those readers who thought the entire book was going to be about style. I knew this section was in there from reading a few external reviews and quite enjoyed it, because her clothing store picks did give me some extra insight into her own style. The other descriptions added some fun couleur locale for me, but I'm weird like that:-)</p> <p>- I've added my two cents about Nine being the model for the pictures in one of the other threads.</p> <p>- Her tone is definitely no-nonsense and the opinions very "black and white", I 100% prefer Angie's much more nuanced advice, but I wasn't put off by it. </p> <p>- I love the simplicity and crispiness factor of the outfits, the mixing it up and adding your own personality, paring down your closet and buying good quality basics and classic pieces that you can dress up or down, and the practicality of the flat footwear. It fits my personal style preferences to a tee, and I think I've been dressing like that for much of my life. The ideas aren't new, but every country and every person has their own little twists on them, and I never tire of seeing a stylish outfit that "just works". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484793 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:01:51 +0000 MsMary 484793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will say that I have decided I must have a V-neck navy blue sweater! Like, today! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484785 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:54:11 +0000 Suz 484785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, I liked the "mix it up" advice, too...but honestly...I felt I had already learned that lesson extremely well (with more interesting variations) from ANGIE!!! </p> <p>If this is a feature of Parisian style, I love it, but I didn't learn it from Ines and her list didn't particularly inspire me—perhaps because I either don't own or can't wear many of the items on it (e.g. don't own a diamond necklace; can't wear ballet flats, much as I love 'em). </p> <p>Vicki, my LBD with denim jacket, silky scarf and boots seems right in line with the "mix it up" advice, but it is really a version of Angie's formula for "dressing down" a dress. BTW, I'm wearing my formula again today with different tights, scarf and belt; it is serving me well. So thanks, Angie!!</p> <p>I think I'd love the shopping section if I were planning a trip to Paris. And I did like the list of basics because unlike many such lists it seemed to incorporate the "mix it up" idea (leather jacket as well as cashmere sweater). I also liked the slight androgyny I detected in many of these key outfit basics. </p> <p>Right now, my own wardrobe is even leaner than a typical Parisian's, and I still have lots of wardrobe holes. I know I'm not a maximalist at heart, but how much of a minimalist I am awaits discovery. I found the book very interesting from that perspective. It also reminded me of the importance of really good accessories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484690 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:03:14 +0000 Vicki 484690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good morning, from Southern California! More tea or coffee, anyone?</p> <p>I just started reading "Parisian Chic" yesterday and am traveling through it as fast as I can. First off, Inge, thanks for the shout-out. My first attempt was fun to do and now that I have my book, hopefully my subsequent ones will improve measurably.</p> <p>Now for the book. I really like it very much and also love the color and feel of the book itself. The cover just feels good and makes me want to refer to it often.</p> <p>As Vildy commented in her review on your Books page, I would have really enjoyed seeing the photos of both mother and daughter to broaden the spectrum of the pared-down look with different generations. Special thanks to Vildy for posting a link so I was able to see the Parisian version of both women in side-by-side photos.</p> <p>I have learned a lot in 24 hours! In my own private ode to Ines, I went out and bought a lovely navy V-neck sweater at Zara that I plan to wear with both black and white jeans in winter! See! I'm already making progress, because I would have never contemplated wearing black and navy together and I have only stuck my toe out a few times wearing white in winter. But, the image of her daughter in those sleek jeans and navy sweater sold me.</p> <p>Her tone does not bother me in the least. It's matter of fact and she's just getting on with the business at hand. One thing that does concern me and raises a question in my mind, is that with the Parisian Chic style, I feel like I've "over-bought" in every category, from jackets, coats, tees, shirts, etc. How to blend, reduce and merge the two is now a puzzle if I choose to embrace part or much of her recommendations.</p> <p>Inside my book cover, I already have a post-it note assembled with a list of items to fill in my wardrobe: Fisherman's sweater, navy blazer, more neutral tees, etc.</p> <p>I agree with Small But Mighty that one lesson for me is "Mixing it Up" by combining pearls with denim or something feminine with tough. I like the edgy tension this presents as well as the unexpected.</p> <p>Another section of the book I loved was What to Wear, When, because her formula is simple and easy to perform in most cases.</p> <p>My brother, who loves world travel and has ever since he was a high school exchange student in Spain, deserves a shout-out, too, because on my first trip to Paris, with Nick and my parents, his hotel neighborhood was listed in Ines's book, Saint-Germain-des-Pres.</p> <p>I'm a bit more reticent about the shopping and travel material she offers, because this information may become dated (shopping more so than the hotels). Still, for anyone traveling to Paris in the near future, it could be a goldmine of discovery.</p> <p>Now, I'd better let someone else add to the pleasure of our first Virtual YLF Book Club with Inge beautifully hosting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484667 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:40:06 +0000 Laura 484667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Squeee! The book club begins.</p> <p>Inge, I wanted to comment on your question about the second half of the book - the pseudo travel/shopping guide to Paris. I absolutely did not expect to find this information in a book called "Parisian Chic" and I found it out of place. In this way, I found the book quite disjointed and I would have been happier with a lot more details on how to achieve the Parisian Chic look. I felt that Ines glossed over the details quite often. </p> <p>On the plus side, I found the book aethestically pleasing, and I loved the no-nonsense tone that Angie mentions. </p> <p>My feeling is that the book's audience is more ideally Ines' fellow Parisians than someone like me, sitting in the U.S. If I was a Parisian who wanted to be one of the "it" girls like Ines (and now, her daughter), this would be an ideal guide to how to dress, and where to shop, eat and generally hang out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484665 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:37:31 +0000 Isis 484665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved the way Ines steered away from high-heels-all-the-time.</p> <p>I also loved learning that mixing navy and black was formerly declasse, but is now stylish!</p> <p>My very favorite part was the list of stylish ways to mix it up. Ines advocates mixing price points, but also mixing up styles. I found this similarly exciting as Angie's recent blog post about mixing a plaid flannel shirt with a sequin tank, same idea. I LOVED her list, and want to figure out some of these outfits for myself!</p> <p>Ines's list:<br /> 10. Jeans with gem-crusted sandals<br /> 9. A pencil skirt with ballet flats<br /> 8. A sequined sweater with men's trousers<br /> 7. A diamond necklace with a denim shirt, during the day<br /> 6. Loafers with shorts...and even with socks<br /> 5. An evening dress with ultra-plain open-toed sandals<br /> 4. A pearl necklace with a rock 'n' roll t-shirt<br /> 3. A chiffon print dress with battered biker boots<br /> 2. A tux jacket with sneakers<br /> 1. An evening dress with a straw handbag </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484638 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:13:07 +0000 Mochi 484638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ana, I haven't spent much time in Paris at all, but I was an organizer/leader of a homestay program where about 20 French teenagers (from Paris and other parts) came to my town for three weeks. Their style was pretty American-teenager. FWIW, their chaperone was a lovely woman in her thirties at the time who was very short and heavyset and dressed in t-shirts and jeans. </p> <p>I think a lot of it must have to do with the circles Ines runs in, wouldn't you think? You would just have to be super-chic. And the type of body she has lends itself to looking great in everything. </p> <p>And also I agree that French and Euro style are not the same. I actually loved the style of people I observed in Italy. It was more to my taste anyway, but I think there was more consistency in people making effort and yet having fun with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484637 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:11:56 +0000 Angie 484637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay! Our first book club thread! Inge, those are great questions and I could yak about them all day :)</p> <p>I have a lot to say about the book and it's ideas, but I'll start with a few short and strong feelings. </p> <p>- We lived in France before we came to Seattle so the contents made extra sense with the visuals I have in my head of Parisian style. I could also navigate my way through quite a few of her store suggestions because I have been there, so that was extra fun. The contents and way of Parisian life as Ines describes it was familiar to me. </p> <p>- I LOVED the tone of the book. I find it very attractive when a French person speaks English, and I could "hear" Ines in my head all the way through the book. </p> <p>- I loved Ines's non-apologetic reasoning for things. She has an opinion, states it strongly, and gets on with it. In my personal experience, this is what it was like when we lived in France so I found the tone very authentic. You can either agree or disagree. And I did disagreed with a few things :). I have the polar opposite reaction to MaryK I guess.</p> <p>- She had me with flat boots, ballet flats, Converse, jeans, shirt and jacket style = this is how I dress a lot of the time. </p> <p>- There was not one reference to "comfort dressing". It's a given. </p> <p>- Ines loves navy :)</p> <p>- Parisian style is different to Dutch style. It's more monotone for sure. In my experience, people dress a little differently in London, Milan, Cologne, Zurich and Stockholm than they do in Paris. In fact they dress a little differently in ALL these Euro cities. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484631 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:03:34 +0000 CocoLion 484631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Isis! I understand it better now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484623 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:49:33 +0000 Isis 484623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Denise, Here's a thread about Euro Chic:</p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-or-anyone-what-is-euro-chic" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-euro-chic</a></p> <p>I think it's not a single definition.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484619 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:46:01 +0000 CocoLion 484619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just ordered the book along with the "100 Ideas That Changed Fashion" (or something like that) book. So I will participate late, I assume it's OK as I can just add to this thread once I've read it.</p> <p>I am looking forward to the Parisian Chic book because I am going in to this with some prejudice: I think this style is over-rated. Although it looks like some of her advice is good, but that is separate from what I think of Parisian style.</p> <p>Also, I do not know what Euro chic is, so can someone elaborate? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484607 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:22:23 +0000 MsMary 484607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm only about a third of the way through the book, and although I love the photos and I like some of Ines's advice, I have to admit to being completely put off by her tone. It seems like she is talking down her oh-so-chic French nose to the rest of us Philistines and it's hard for me to get past. I think it's that I'm somebody who responds more to "this is what works for me and you might find it helpful, too" than to "you must NEVER do this and ALWAYS do that!" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484591 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:08:44 +0000 Ana 484591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Disclaimer: I have not read the book. I just wanted to say that I'm disappointed in the general sentiment I see that American style is somehow inferior to European style (like a dusty-colored hoodie), or that all Parisian women are [thin, glamorous, chic, etc.]. I really appreciate the clean, sporty lines of designers like Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors and Calvin Klein. I think it's a mistake to generalize any group of people, and I see it happen all the time (I'm not specifically talking about this forum, but lots of fashion boards/blogs do it). I'm sure I've been guilty of this, too, and I'm trying to be better about it. I know Parisians who wear baggy cargo pants, oversize t-shirts and trainers (and not in a chic way). And I know Americans who are super chic and fashionable and vice versa. I'm sorry, I'm not trying to derail the thread, or imply that the book specifically does this (like I said, I haven't read it). It just makes me sad to read comments along these lines. : ( </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484582 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:53:59 +0000 rachylou 484582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1. There are a pair of earrings shown that I really want! But the store is strictly brick-and-mortar. They're the ones that are flat gold hoops with flat gold lines in the middle.</p> <p>2. I was surprised by the giant list of stores in the middle.</p> <p>3. The French formula is still the French formula it was when I was a little girl. That fascinates me. And even tho this is maybe what French women have running through their heads when they get dressed, I still feel like there's a secret magic key.</p> <p>4. I conclude Euro-style and French-style are not one and the same. I think Euro-style is a red windbreaker with a green stripe and French-style is a navy blue cashmere sweater. And American style is a dusty-coloured hoodie. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484575 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:44:07 +0000 Refugee 484575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay! I am so excited to start discussing this. Instead of commenting directly on this thread, I grabbed one of the ideas above and started it on it's own thread. I'm hoping others will do this too. I think having the discussion broken up a bit will make it easier (at least for me) to feel like we are having actual conversations like in a IRL book club. Can't wait to chat about so many things in this book. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484566 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:22:59 +0000 Carole 484566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm realizing, I MUST get this book. Sounds right up my alley. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484559 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:56:06 +0000 modgrl 484559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Who else wanted to see more pictures of Ines? She is so incredibly fab! Her daughter is lovely but I think she would have hammered home her point more strongly if she showed that you can have fun with Parisian Chic at any age. </p> <p>My favorite style tip is don't let your style get stagnant. That will age you immediately. Just because it looked good on you 10 years ago, doesn't mean it will work for you now. Keep up with trends. Stay interested and Be Bold, even if it results in the occasional faux pas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484508 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:04:33 +0000 Mochi 484508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I lurve the skinny red belt her daughter is wearing over her grey blazer. Want. </p> <p>I found it interesting and probably helpful to come up with the essential pieces, but I was also left with a sense of "how do you end up with an individual look in all of this?" I know, accessories, right. But she mentions all these people in Paris wearing Converse sneakers, and in a way it seemed like another form of conformity. Maybe more pictures (of women other tgan her daughter) would have helped. </p> <p>The outfits were wonderful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parisian-chic-kick-off-thread#post-484488 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:41:17 +0000 velvetychocolate 484488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A couple of years ago, I bought some really pretty pewter wedge sandals to take on a cruise, to wear with a fancy dress. They are downstairs in a box full of dressy shoes. I liked the tip to wear "gem-encrusted sandals with jeans" instead of sneakers. In fact, the whole "Mix it Up" section of this book is eye-opening for me. Useful too, because I'll be able to get more wear out of things that I'd mentally segregated into the "dressy" category. </p>