Parisian Chic Your favorite style advice

modgrl

Mine was to not give up. You age yourself by just saying things like "I don't get twitter." Keeping up with and being accepting of new trends keeps people from thinking that your views and style are outdated.

12 years ago

Book Club

14 replies

Latest reply was from Queen Mum

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES. *nodding, nodding, nodding*

My favourite bits of wisdom were more of a confirmation of my own thinking - that flats can be so very stylish, that simple silhouettes can be killer, that navy is heavenly, that drugstore products are fab, that mixing things up is key, that tuxedo jackets are always in style, that wrinkles don't matter.....and that Converse are cool.

12 years ago

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Two things:

"Everyone makes mistakes when they're out shopping - take it as an (encouraging) sign that you still dream of reinventing yourself."

and:

Well...that navy colour!!

So funny, because navy used to be one of my all-time favourite colours to wear, and I ditched it - thinking black was more stylish or sophisticated. I'd somehow gotten this idea in my head that it was boring or perhaps even frumpy-looking. Wrong!

I've changed my mind (back again) since reading this book

Some of my more expensive and loved clothes have been navy. I still have a gorgeous navy 'maxi' type coat (too big now, but I've hung onto it because I love it so much). The first time I bought a really good suit, I bought navy 'cool wool'. Any kind of event - I wanted a navy dress instead of black. Even my bridesmaids wore midnight/ink/navy raw silk gowns.

Somewhere in there, I switched to black.

Glad to find myself reading that navy is a good colour. Very excited about this!

12 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

What stood out for me is in line with the mix Angie is talking about above + that leather jackets, blazers and riding style boots are always stylish. Music to my ears:-)

Also the "If it feels good, wear it" motto, something we talk about on YLF very often too, and it's so so true. If you adore a piece, but it doesn't flatter you and you don't feel good or comfortable in it, chances are high you just won't wear it.

The "One maxi-impact accessory with an ultra-simple silhouette" resonated with me too, since I've always been a bit of a minimalist myself.

12 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I finally got my book and there is a lot of good advice! At first I was put off by the tone, but then, decided to take it all as humorous. ines's illustrations help lighten the angle of Parisian conceit.

So far, advice I am taking to heart:
- a tuxedo jacket as a basic.
- when bored with clothes, dye then navy.
- if you don't want to wear it tonight, don't buy it.
- earrings and necklace are too much together.
- frequent examples of mixing elegant and casual pieces for a more effortless look. Example: chiffon, girly dress with combat boots. Or, tailored black pants with a t-shirt. I think this is also referred to as mixing high and low.

I will add more as they come to me!

12 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I just got the book yesterday but already love the advice on "would you wear it tonight". I think this might be my new shopping mantra! I also love the advice on unexpected pairings. I did chuckle when reading that see-through pants are a "no no"...has anyone ever seen see-through pants???

12 years ago

Anonymous

Ok I've had the book for a few days and I've read the first section numerous times. I really had to think hard about what my favorite style advice was. To expound on what Inge said, here is the point Ines makes:

"You'll never hear a Parisian complain that her skirt is too short, her dress too tight, or her heels too high. Fashionistas and style gurus all come to the same conclusion, 'The secret of great style is to feel good in what you wear.' The Parisian knows her shape, what suits her, and what matches her lifestyle. If you don't feel comfortable in a plunging sweater, skin-tight jeans, and killer heels, go home and change!"

I need to paste that quote on my mirror (or on my debit card, lol)!

12 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I love the book; I held it briefly in the bookstore - still waiting for it to go on sale

I like the way she says we shouldn't buy things if we won't wear them ASAP. So true

12 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

LOL, I have to say I followed that rule yesterday! Found a great jacket over my lunch hour, put it on immediately, and wore it for the rest of the work day! LOL

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hilarious, MaryK. But only because I have done the same thing!! TOTALLY on Team Wear here!

12 years ago

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, Liza Minelli had some amazing see through pants. I was thinking of getting a pair myself.

Just kidding.

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12 years ago

Parsley

Veteran

Yikes! That is one bad look!

12 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Claire: I've thought about this some more too, and it's so true, really. Whenever I am wearing something I am not completely sure about, or just don't feel good in (anymore), I feel a little off for the rest of the day. On the other hand, when I've found an item that really works, I somehow just know it, start wearing it immediately and want to wear it all the time.
(I know this is probably not earth-shattering "news"" to anyone, but I like books like Parisian Chic because they sometiimes remind us of some small aspect we haven't been paying much attention to lately).

12 years ago

nancylee

Veteran

I echo modgrl on the advice to "not give up." So many middle-aged women start to do that with regards to technology and fashion and music...everything! And I just don't get that attitude. My husband and I have a pact to keep encouraging each other to push forward and try and accept new things. Having a 19-year-old son helps push us, too.

I also found the advice about navy interesting. For a long time I've had a love/hate with navy since it was the color my mom ALWAYS dressed my sisters and I in as children! As I age, though, I'm coming back around to it as a less-aging alternative to black...especially in the summer.

12 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I haven't read the book, but I've enjoyed the cliff notes version here Some good reminders as I'm heading into my year of one item per month. You all are gonna help me only keep that which is utterly fabulous!

But honestly, I don't get Twitter

12 years ago

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