Paris Street Style Guide Effortless
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!
What a bossy book! But I love it. It's sort of Susan Sommers 'French Chic' meets the blog-age newer publication, 'Style Yourself'. If you love style guides, French women's dressing, fashion, street looks, and shopping (Etsy!), you'll love this book.
BalasHapusThis book is a must if you like to have fun with fashion and enjoy the outer expression of yourself through the aesthetic of clothing. It is well written, it has fabulous photos, countless chic and timeless fashion inspirations, and the absolute best faux-pas!
BalasHapus
BalasHapusI 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.
BalasHapusThen, 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!