book Archives – DAARBOVEN

To read: The New Garconne

I spent a large part of my youth reading whatever I could get my hands on. I used to visit the library every single week, borrowing several books at a time. Unfortunately the pressure of reading many, many books in high school and university somewhat killed the pleasure of reading for me. Along with this fast paced world we are currently living in, I can hardly find the time to rediscover my love for books. However, occasionally I’ll pick up a style related book for some light reading such as The New Garconne – How to be a Modern Gentlewoman.

The book by Navaz Batliwalla celebrates fashion’s gentlewomen. Inspiring, independent and relatable women with a penchant for classic styles and a more reflective way of shopping such a La Garçonne founder Kris Kim and perfumer Lyn Harris. A nice change from the usual well-known fashion suspects. Apart from the interviews you’ll also come across an enjoyable essay on the evolution of the gentlewoman, a section on the classic items that every Gentlewoman most likely has in her closet and a shopping guide which not only focusses on designer brands but also more attainable high street brands such as COS.

I definitely don’t consider this the ‘perfect’ style-guide but is there really such a thing? What I like about it is that it’s not another book that dictates you what to buy. Instead, the profiles of these fairly unknown, modern women leave you inspired and make you rethink your own wardrobe. The imagery is lovely and the design is very reminiscent of the Gentlewoman magazine. The only negative thing I can think of is that I got through it rather quickly and would have loved to read more on the subject. This book would make a great gift for the upcoming holiday season or just as a gift to yourself.

On an entirely different note, I’ll be in London the next three days for work and tomorrow (Monday) I’ll be exploring the city on my own before my colleague joins me on Tuesday. I don’t know if this blog has any visitors from London but if someone would like to meet up for drinks, a wine and an Oddbins wine quiz after, send me a message or leave a comment!

How to be Parisian wherever you are

The only upside to having a stomach flu is that you can finally catch up on all your favorite shows and read some new books. When you’re not crawling your way to the bathroom, that is. Number one on my reading list was ‘How to be Parisian wherever you are‘. Before I bought this book I read some disappointing reviews, but since I rarely rely on other people’s opinions on music, books or movies, I had to read it myself. I totally get the confusion, because if you’re looking for a style guide on effortless dressing etc., you got the wrong book. Yes, it does include a few useful tips on how to dress like a true Parisienne (if such a thing even exists):

You don’t have to spend a decade’s worth of salary on your wardrobe, or flaunt designer brands the whole time. All you need is one signature item: the one you wear when you need to feel strong.

But it’s mostly a very entertaining book written by four French women who like to poke fun at the stereotypes of the ‘Parisienne’, while discussing topics such as: motherhood, love, style and the city itself. Mind you, it’s all very tongue-in-cheek, so a sense of humor is definitely required (which some reviewers seem to be lacking). But if you just want to have a fun read, you can appreciate a little sarcasm here and there and you’re interested in all things ‘Parisian’, you will enjoy this book. The chapters and sections are short and you can easily flip through it and start reading wherever you like. What I like most about it, is that it finally breaks down the Parisian cliche. There’s no such thing as the perfect woman. Even the Parisienne has bad habits and has to deal with imperfections, just like the rest of us. But what makes her different is that she accepts those flaws and embraces who she is, which most likely explains her confidence. So maybe that French je ne sais quoi isn’t so difficult to explain after all, hmm…

Despite all these routines, the Parisienne retains her little imperfections, cherishes them even (the gap in her smile or her slightly crooked tooth, her prominent eyebrows or strong nose): these are the signs of a certain strength of character and allow her to feel beautiful without being perfect.