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.

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!