Parisian Chic - The Book For A Stylish Life

One of my ultimate style icons has written a book entitled Parisian Chic: A Style Guide. Whatever Ines de la Fressange recommends, I will heed. She has the je ne sais quoi we all try to emulate, so hurrah for the fact that she has decided to share her tips for a styled life. She talks about where she shops for everything from candles to riding boots and beyond. She also muses on her lifestyle and beauty tips ( no to botox, yes to plenty of sex and carrot juice for great skin!). I fully intend to soak this book up like a sponge...

Here is an extract of her interview with Nowness whilst promoting the book...

Who is Parisian Chic aimed at?In the magazines we see the latest fashion, on gorgeous girls, but in my book I just wanted to help the busy woman––a woman who is not thin, and not that fat, but in a hurry, in a hurry, in a hurry! Because we are all a lot like this—too much tummy, not enough time.

Fishnet T-shirts, flip-flops and Hello Kitty nightgowns are a few of your “don’ts.” So what's your must-have?Nice black, buckled shoes. The clothes you can always steal from the boyfriend—it’s the easiest thing. But shoes? Non! Imagine you go somewhere for a wedding, and you lose your suitcase. If you have your shoes on you, you’re safe. It’s like perfume. 

At the age of 53 you walked for Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel show, and you did again for the spring 2011 show. How much has changed since you were the house’s muse in the 80s?It was nice for Karl to show that he liked mature women. Age is not that important, however. In my time, I only remembered the names––Pat Cleveland, Marpessa Hennink, Jerry Hall––I never knew their ages!

What is your favorite must-stop shop outside of Paris?In Tarascon in Provence there is an equestrian shop, T Rodeo Les Amphores, where I find boots, ponchos and belts. 

What piece in your closet means the most to you?None: clothes are made to disappear. They lose their magic with time, and one shouldn’t treat any object with devotion—which doesn't mean that you don't appreciate quality, beauty, rarity, refinement and talent.

Your beauty philosophy seems based on ways to live, rather than products to buy. Yes, indeed, but I am still a shopaholic! Shopping means enthusiasm, a taste for life, curiosity, joy. All of these things are the clues for staying young.