be clearly recognized by these specific traits. To be truly parisian, is to know that the minute you walk into a snobby café carrying this season’s (clearly labelled) Chanel b ag, oozing this certain flair about you, you will be
treated immediately differently and are now automatically classified as parisienne. It could easily be compared to its similar, Classy, written by socialite Derek Blasberg in early 2010, similarities
ranging from the blunt and unapologetic way of writing to jokes and the description of their own culture, whereas in the latter, it is the american culture that could be criticized. This book is filled with contradictory statements and is a contradiction itself, but nonetheless a fun and simple read for anyone interested in the French (or more specifically) the paris culture and would like to peak their fascination. The fact of the matter is, to be able to be really parisian, involves living in the magical city itself. Because most of the tips and attitudes described and even the way of life could not be possible anywhere else in the world, because it has an allurement of its own. There is no other city where sitting by yourself, or having a sandwich or talking with friends on a bench is even remotely acceptable; there is no other city in the world where the men are as romantic, attractive yet bleak and ego-centrical; where the women are as empowered and in control of every situation they are even deemed as bitches; where it is acceptable to have a lover or an affair for whom you do not care for, but unacceptable to not know the accurate combinations of food and wine and how to plan a proper dinner party. The french culture is intriguing, and this book does a good job in portraying its qualities, as well as its defects, and to those who aren’t in constant contact or don’t have the opportunity to experience these in the flesh, it accurately describes life the parisian way and gives a glimpse into what the bourgeois have as beliefs and behaviors.
21 Skron No.1 SS 2015