My Parisian Inspiration

If you have been following my blog for a while, you will know that I absolutely love Paris. I think I was 12 the first time I went, and I must have been 4/5 times since, but it never gets old for me. Unfortunately my boyfriend doesn't like going back to the same place several times, so it is unlikely that I'm going to be visiting again any time soon, but I through books, I can pretend I am there!

The newest book I have found about Paris is Bright Lights Paris by Angie Niles. This is a beautiful book, which I will probably leave on a side table in my living room when I have finished it (just because it's so pretty!) This book is a fantastic reference book, it contains bits of information on a variety of topics such as the best skincare, perfume, coffee shops, where to go away for a weekend and information about different districts. It is brilliant! I'm enjoying flicking through it, just picking it up for 10 minutes or so here and there.

I know that I said I'm not going to Paris anytime soon, but even so - I love the lonely planet guides, so I decided to get the Paris one - I'm sure I'll go back there one day and be able to use it! If you are going to Paris, I can definitely recommend getting this book, it is organised by area, so for example if you are going to the Eiffel Tower, it recommends nearby restaurants and top tips for when you are there. It also has maps of individual areas, so you won't miss seeing anything, although if you want a larger map, there is a pull out on in the back. Considering this is a pocket sized book, I think this contains some brilliant information, with the bonus that it doesn't weigh you down.

Anybody who has an interest in French style or fashion has probably heard of this book - Parisian Chic was written by Ines de la Fressange, is a French model, aristocrat, designer and perfumer. This is a very tongue in cheek book, which discusses all things beauty and fashion, including lots of tips and where to go in Paris for different things.

Ok, so I only photographed The Goddess Guide, but I also want to include the Goddess Experience also in this - technically neither of these books are just about Paris, but they do include bit about Paris, and it was from these books that I first discovered the wonder that is Ladurée - which in my opinion, makes the best Macarons in the world.

 This book is very different from all the others - in that it does not in any way provide tips or advice, but it does provide a beautiful background for a story of growing up. Kate Betts was the youngest ever editor of Harper's Bazaar, but to be honest for me the main story was watching her grow up and learn how to find her way as an adult, which I definitely relate too! I definitely recommend picking up this book if you have an interest in Fashion, Journalism or Paris!
I hope you have enjoyed my flavour of Paris, if there are any other books you think I need to read please let me know in the comment section below!
Lots of love

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Book Review: My Paris Dream

In the summer I definitely read a lot more books than I do in the winter, probably because it seems really weird to sit out in the sun and knit! One of the books I have recently finished is My Paris Dream, by Kate Betts. For those of you who don't know, Kate Betts is a fashion journalist, who was one of the youngest ever editors of Harpers Bazaar.

This autobiography chronicles Kate's life, starting when she finished high school and went inter-railing around Europe, stopping in Paris for two weeks. The book is extremely well written, and unlike many autobiographies I have read, I really did not want to put it down. I think it probably helps that I love Paris, and having been their a lot can relate to some of the places she discusses, and the slang she struggles with.

Another aspect of this book that I really enjoyed was the story of growing up, finding your feet, and the realisation that you can't always have it all, as on several times in the book, Kate was working so hard on progressing her career, she let personal relationships suffer. I think this is something a lot of people can relate to, as it is often difficult balancing work and a personal life.
Overall, this book can appeal to a wide number of people, clearly if you have an interest in fashion, and want to build a career in that field the book will be of interest, as it shows an insight into the industry. Also anyone who loves Paris will definitely relate to the book, as I did - although she is American and struggled to fit into the culture, I think it is still relevant to brits, I know that I never felt anywhere near as chic as any Parisians when I was there, they definitely have that Je ne sais quoi!

I'm always after new books to read over the summer, and love autobiographies, so if there is anything similar to this that you know of, please let me know in the comments!
Lots of love