The Parisian Woman's Guide to Style [Paperback]

Virginie Morana (Author), Veronique Morana (Author), Philippe Sebirot (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 29, 1999

The women of Paris have always been recognized as the world leaders of a classic, sophisticated look, that certain je ne sais quoi which has held such mystique for style-conscious women around the world.

Here two native Parisians demonstrate what it takes to achieve the look of la petite parisienne, from building a collection of chic, timeless pieces (what the Parisian woman looks for in color, line, etc.) to choosing accessories, jewelry, perfume, and more. In addition, the book provides complete listings of not-to-be-missed Parisian boutiques, plus an indispensable glossary of French fashion terms. At once a practical style guide and a charming homage to one of the most popular destinations in the world, this colorful volume reveals the elusive secrets of Parisian chic.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Virginie and Véronique Morana are the owners of Gioia, an elegant costume jewelry boutique located in Paris's well-heeled 16th arrondissement. Featured in such international fashion magazines as Paris Capitale, L'Officiel, and Madame Figaro Japan, the Moranas' boutique is heralded for its unique designs from notable costume jewelers around the world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Universe (October 29, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789303728
• ISBN-13: 978-0789303721
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #618,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Slice of Parisian Style!, January 2, 2001

By 

Lee Mellott "Skin Care For Wrinkles" (Frederick, Maryland) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Parisian Woman's Guide to Style (Paperback)

This book offers a lovely look at the Parisian's way of dressing in style. The authors Virginie and Veronique Morana (mother and daughter) share their ideas on the essential wardrobe, accessories, and jewelry. They also include a chronology of French fashion, history of French perfume and shopping tips. Throughout the book Virginie and Veronique are pictured in different settings ie shopping, having tea etc wearing the types of clothes they recommend. The book is by no means an in depth guide to French style as is the out of print, comprehensive book "French Chic" by fashion reporter Susan Sommers, but is more of a simple, overview of the French style. The basics of French style are shared here from which you can build. I found the photographs of the mother/daughter team a refreshing change from models. Here we see how real women translate the French clothing to the street. And the fashions shown would work well in the US. Some of the garments are laid out on a chair making it hard to see details however. In addition, though the section on jewelry was extensive as the authors own a jewelry boutique, the section on makeup was sketchy limited to a paragraph. Overall I enjoyed the little book but view it more as a light overview not a deep picture of French fashions.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Oh to look like a French woman, July 2, 2000

By 

"rjudith" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Parisian Woman's Guide to Style (Paperback)

Last night I read this little book that I bought in February. This is a simple book which at first I was disappointed in and put aside. If I were "starting over", re-entering society and/or the job market, I think it could be of help. It also has some very good historic reference pages such as its beginning which is a Chronology of French Fashion and a section on Perfume. The chapter on The Essential Wardrobe I think intersting. It really simplifies the "French look" which consists of: the perfect little black dress, the suit which is a jacket and pants and co-ordinating skirt and the perfect white shirt. The book describes a classic look that goes from Sept to June. Summer is the only oddity. Sections on accessories and jewelry give photographic examples of how to bring the look together. Jewelry is both precious and costume. But many of photographs add little since garments are on the authors or just laid out. Too many pictures of the authors and overall too much of an indirect plug for the garish jewelry that they sell.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A correct description, January 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Parisian Woman's Guide to Style (Paperback)

I am an American who has lived in Europe for over two decades and always wondered how in the world French women manage to look so fabulous most of the time - whether at work, home, or just grocery shopping. I have been making my own observations, but was never quite able to put my finger on what really makes the difference. Finally I came across this book and - voila! - with just a few words and pictures all the pieces of the puzzle fall in place. This book also clears away the myth that "French Fashion" is oppulent - it is exactly the opposite: simple lines, simple colors, simple styles. Its actually very moderate, which is what intimidates Americans when they visit Paris and find themselves overdressed or hopelessly underdressed. Anyway, I sent my sister a copy so that when she visits Paris with me what she has in her suitcase will let her "fit in" appropriately - which is what the Parisian Woman wants to do at all times.