Jennifer L. Scott

I really enjoy fancy etiquette and style books. Whenever I go to Anthropologie, I end up with a book instead of clothing. I like the feel of the glossy thick stock, the look of the cute pen illustrations, and the idea that perhaps at some point I'll be able to embrace some of the suggestions in these books. Unfortunately, my most recent read in this genre, picked up at the aforementioned store, was disappointing/

I have read enough of this genre to recognize that is challenging to come up show more with new ways to discuss French living and how to incorporate French culture into life in the US. Still I was expecting something a little more. Yes, it is a style book, but I was hoping for more substance.

The book (based Ms. Scott's blog) includes twenty chapters, each focused on a lesson she learned from her host family when she spent a year in Paris about a decade ago. I know. A year does not make her an expert. However, as someone who also lived abroad for a year, I do recognize that the culture shock can leave a big impression, and what is out of the norm for a short period of time can stick with one long after that time has passed. So I'm not willing to write her off based on that.

There really isn't anything new here, but there were good reminders. The concept of the ten item wardrobe is one that I've seen repeatedly and am actively working towards. (Note: those ten items do not include things like underwear or outerwear, so it isn't that big of a deal). Ms. Scott also discussed the tidbits made famous by "French Women Don't Get Fat" (yes, I've read that too), like not snacking and instead of working out, incorporating more exercise into daily life. Again, not horrible advice - unless you love the gym, which she acknowledges - but not earth-shattering. Imagine similar chapters about enjoying life, seeing the arts, etc.

It's all fine, but it's also all through the lens of someone who was not working and who had access to apparently unlimited funds. Because the author learned these 'lessons' while a student, she has nothing to say about work culture. It's great that she doesn't decide to simply make something up, but there is something lacking for those of us who spend a very large chunk of our time at work. By not mentioning the realities of outside work when discussing the importance of making a four-course dinner for the family every night, the author chooses to ignore the challenges of managing a home in which two adults work.

This brings me to gender roles. Much of the book's content seems to lean heavily on certain ideas of what women are like and what women do. There are some basic attempts at seeming progressive, but overall this book suggests that style is for the woman who works at MOST part time, and that women have certain duties to their family that apparently don't apply to men. Or to the men she encountered in France, at least. It would have been nice to see that addressed. She also spends time on her version of femininity, even expressing approval of street harassment. Not exactly a feminist position.

And then there is the author's slight attempt at addressing economic disparity. Look, clearly I don't pick up a book like this and expect that the author is going to focus exclusively on living the good life while working two jobs for minimum wage (although I would totally read that book). But. The 'lessons' the author learned were clearly from people with a TON of money, and that seems to color all of her observations. Additionally, she wrote one paragraph that discussed sustainability (sort of - she mentioned organic and local foods). In all of her talk of quality goods and clothing, she didn't mention that one should consider things like the treatment of labor or the impact of certain fabrics on the environment. Would that have put a damper on the book? No, not if done well.

If you are interested in learning about life in Paris, I recommend finding another book - Bringing up Bebe was quite enjoyable for me (and I'm not having children). If you are interested in improving your style and quality of life, I also recommend finding another book. You can find better. show less

Best for: People who like etiquette books and who are looking for a quick read.

In a nutshell: Author continues to stretch the semester she spent in Paris into a lifestyle brand.

Line that sticks with me: “Also think (and pause) before you speak.” Seriously, I need to be reminded this daily.

Why I chose it: I’ve been picking up a lot of fairly heavy books lately. Even though I didn’t like her previous book, I felt like giving it another chance.

Review:
Books like this can be challenging show more to review. On the one hand, there are some great tips in here that I will be working to incorporate into my actions to improve my life. On the other, I find the writing stilted, and some of the tips needlessly conservative if not a bit classist (and, in a couple of cases, casually and likely unintentionally racist). I’m also still fascinated by the fact that these tips come from a six-month period the author spent in Paris a good decade ago at least.

The tips that will be useful, to me, are reminders around things like posture and how I interact with other people. I think the way she chooses to share those tips is thoughtful and applicable to life. And she has taken care this go round to point out that one can still carry oneself well regardless of body shape or size, or of access to funds. I appreciate that.

However. Her idea of what denotes poise wavers on the edge of being overwhelmingly white. Her examples of laudable and poise-filled films are overwhelmingly white, as is her list of celebrities to admire (save Denzel Washington). She also makes an ignorant comment about twerking. It seems as though she didn’t submit the book for sensitivity reading.

She also has, in my opinion, a misplaced distaste for cursing. I refuse to sign onto the idea that people should remove the words ‘fuck,’ ‘ass,’ and ‘shit’ from their vocabulary if they don’t want to, and I don’t believe they have any less poise than someone who says “gosh darn it.”

I think my reviews of her books are likely overly harsh because this is a genre I’ve spent so much time reading. I think that many people will find this book entertaining and useful, and there’s nothing wrong with that. show less

Lettura frivola e sciocchina, ma altrettanto veloce. Non capisco l'astio in alcune recensioni, il libro mi sembra si presenti fin da subito per quello che è, senza particolari promesse. Editing italiano un po' così, con robe tipo il ripetuto "qual'è" o "Quella" sempre maiuscolo, ma è davvero una lettura senza pensieri e mi sembra si capisca fin dal titolo o dalla copertina! Diciamo che sarebbe da prendere in biblioteca o comunque senza spenderci soldi, ecco.

Ho vissuto un anno a Parigi show more (tanti anni fa, sigh) e alcuni passaggi mi hanno ricordato l'atmosfera che si respirava in alcune case parigine che ho avuto la fortuna di visitare al tempo. Purtroppo l'eleganza francese non mi è rimasta, ma mi ha fatto venire voglia di Camembert... show less

As part of the wave of French lifestyle books, this one recounts the French study abroad experience of a California girl, now a wife and mother. She was placed with a wealthy family with grown children, only one still at home, and presents their habits for living the good life. These center around a few basic ideas: Buy very little “stuff” (clothes, gadgets, etc.). Make sure what you do buy is the best you can afford, and use that best every day. La Famille Chic, as she calls them, ate show more three-to-five-course dinners every night, while exquisitely dressed (Madame Chic wore an apron over her wool skirt and cashmere sweater), then sat in their living room drinking coffee and listening to classical music. Basically, it’s about taking it up a notch and living a little more formally and fancier. It’s a little more general than some of the other offerings, since it addresses everything from food to home décor to free time to food, and it is a quick, enjoyable read. show less