Lessons From Madame Chic
Gema Shisila
"Scott blends vignettes and fun encounters with philosophies and lessons that helped her evolve a sense of style and aesthetics. Lessons from Madame Chic is a fine pick for anyone interested in women's fashion, style, and how the French have recreated style lessons."
Daily Connoisseur blogger Scott explains what she learned about living well from the two French families she stayed with a decade ago as a student in Paris. Lovers of books about self-improvement will enjoy the author's debut, which she originally self-published. She winningly combines sincerity and self-deprecation, and her heartfelt desire to improve readers' lives is touching, if a bit wearying after more than 250 pages. The "lessons" of the book's title are certainly sound, though it is difficult to see how they qualify as "stylish secrets"; it's not exactly a secret, even to unchic Americans, that snacking on junk food is bad, exercise is good and clutter is undesirable. Scott's gestures toward inclusion are admirable; she is careful to emphasize that true style is not a quality available only to the wealthy. This egalitarian principle is undermined to some degree by constant references to products like the Clarisonic, a "sonic skin care tool" that "starts at $149." It's hard to miss the product placement--Scott helpfully includes an index of shockingly expensive recommended beauty aids at the end--but even this can be overlooked, since it's clear the author is more true believer than cynical shill. For the most part sweet-natured and well-intentioned, the author will find few to quibble with her concluding recommendation to "lead a life of passion." Lighthearted and silly, full of advice as patently obvious as it is sensible.
Ooohhh! I love OPI colours! And it's one of those deep reds that I adore. Must try. = )
The jungle red reference is from a 2008 movie called "The Women", a 1939 remake. If you've not seen it, then you should. Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Debra Messing, Cloris Leachman - so funny and inspirational. Didn't get good reviews at the box office, but it's a chic flick to the core, as there are NO men in it. Haven't checked out the original version yet, but it's on my Netflix list - which is legions! LOL
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, to you and your growing family (caressess to the belly), Jennifer. xoo
Michael- Thank you so much for asking this question. The CNN article was so brief it really didn't touch on that topic at all, which I do touch upon in the book. My host family was upper-middle class and had an aristocratic heritage. The way they lived was not normal (and is not normal) for the way most modern people live. Having said that, the values they had and the lessons I learned from them can be translated universally regardless of how much money or education one has. (For example, anyone can listen to classical music after dinner- anyone can use their best dishes- and wear their best clothes. Everyone's 'best' is different)
I also do a major comparison in the book with a family called 'Famille Bohemmienne' who were a middle class family raised by a single mother. They lived equally as well to the Chics, showing that money and heritage are not important aspects of living well. I do hope you can check out the book to delve further into the issues. Best Regards
I was lucky enough to procure a digital galley copy of Jennifer's new book and read it from front to back in two sittings. I thoroughly enjoyed this easy yet thought-provoking read about a young woman's sojourn in Paris and the lessons she learned about living a beautiful, simple life from the two French families she came to know. Days and weeks later, I find that I have taken many of the "Lessons" to heart as I strive to simplify my possessions, home, daily life, make-up, and wardrobe. I am always cautious about the current of books that elevate the French as superior beings; however, as a former student who also studied in France, I do agree that Jennifer Scott is accurate in her assessment of les Francais. I enjoyed the book so much that I checked out her blog, "The Daily Conoisseur," for other tips on living, style, and beauty. I am a librarian and avid reader, and I consider myself to be a "selective" reader. I encourage any woman in her 20's and up to read this delightful book!
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