New York Chic

Posted by Kait on July 29, 2014 · 8 Comments 

Last night I read Jennifer L. Scott’s delightful Lessons from Madame Chic, a lifestyle book inspired by her study abroad program in Paris under the tutelage of Madame Chic, her host mother. Jennifer’s experience in Paris is strikingly similar to mine. In fact, if one were to change a few details (children, arrondisement, country retreat), our host families would look nearly identical. I found myself nodding along with almost everything she mentioned.

In the spirit of honesty, I am working on Jennifer’s next book At Home with Madame Chic, which comes out in October and is, not coincidentally, also delightful.

Several of the early chapters of Lessons from Madame Chic really struck a chord with me. Many of these focused on food and presentation (clothing, beauty, etc.). They were all tenets of my routine that I followed in France, but have recently lapsed now that I have a full time job in New York. I’ve kept a few reminders of my Parisian life since I returned to the U.S.: I walk nearly everywhere– upwards of three miles a day– and I still often eat a Parisian breakfast of baguette tartine, coffee, and mini financier at Eric Kayser when I have the time. Unfortunately, some poor habits have resurfaced as well; I’ve indulged in the American pastime of snacking, and have been prone to leaving my apartment in some less-than-inspired looks. In Paris, I only ate at designated meal times and always left the apartment perfectly put together.

 

I curled my hair, did my makeup, made sure that my outfit looked presentable, even in wintertime. I often wore jeans in the winter (because it was truly too cold for skirts), but paired them with one of my beloved and stylish winter coats.

Last week at work I found myself looking particularly bedraggled. In my defense, I also had a cold, but I had been feeling distinctly un-put together for several weeks. I missed my coiffed hair, my morning tea, my perfectly chosen outfits– all abandoned in the mad rush out of the door.

After reading Lessons from Madame Chic last night, I decided to recommit myself to the Parisian habits I miss. So this morning I awoke early, curled my hair, put on makeup and a nice dress, and had my baguette tartine, raspberries, and a cup of tea while reading at the dining room table.

Related reading: What I Learned in France

Filed under Personal, Uncategorized · Tagged with at home with madame chic, baguette tartine, lessons from madame chic, paris, parisian routine