How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits.

The authors: Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret, and Sophie Mas

 My current job is the second French-owned company I've worked for. I work for and with the French all day long (and yet, I still don't speak French. Le sigh.) And although I don't think it's fair to generalize any culture, I do think it's fair to say that a lot of French women have great style that feels natural and effortless.

But I recently got this book in the mail, How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits, where the authors--Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret, and Sophie Mas -- unmarried but attached, with children and friends for years, provide a "how to" to Parisian chicness.  When I read the book, I was amused. For one, French women do actually try to look chic! But the key is giving off the illusion of not trying at all. And secondly, they don't obsess.

You'll definitely roll your eyes a few times but then you'll make a mental note of their advice. You can take away whatever tidbits you'd like but read on for some gem quotes from the book...

The Pedro Almódovar Archives

My first Pedro Almódovar film was Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, which is I saw in my tenth grade Spanish class. I remember being blown away by the story, the characters, and the dialogue, which was nothing like I had ever seen before. Since then, I have continued to be mesmerized by everything else Almodovar does and now, I'm excited to see that Taschen is releasing probably the coolest book ever in their collection: The Pedro Almódovar Archives. Now you know this is gonna be good! 

With over 600 images, many of which were previously unpublished and some that Almódovar took himself while filming, plus introductions to the films by prominent Spanish authors, this book is a must have for cinephiles. And with that gorgeous binding and cover, can't you just imagine it finding a new home right on your coffee table? Adding it to my Christmas wish list. 

PS: have any of you seen The Skin I Live In yet? I am seeing it this weekend at my new favorite theater, Nitehawk. They serve food and drinks while you watch the movies and their menu is created based on the films they screen. So for example, when I go to this new Almódovar film on Saturday, I plan on having sangria and paella con chicharrone. How cool is that?! 

Tomboy Style

I just found this awesome blog, Tomboy Style. Have you guys seen it before? I am in love with every photo Lizzie Garrett posts. Especially the one above! Can you believe that's the First Daughter Susan Ford washing her car outside The White House in 1975? (via The Ford Library). I love how she looks like a fun California girl -- tan, athletic and slightly breezy. Like she's ready to take her surfboard to the beach.

The good news is that the blog is being made into a book next spring, published by Rizzoli. I am so looking forward to adding it to my coffee table.

Hot Chocolate + Good Book = Perfect Snow Day

Another snow day here in New York. But I think this time we, New Yorkers, are ready for it!

I'm working half day then intend on heading home to hibernate with hot chocolate, my favorite blanket + my latest book, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, where rambunctious Chef Anthony Bourdain chronicles his early days in the restaurant business. So far it's hilarious + awesome. (and I've learned: don't order fish on Mondays!)

What's your perfect snow day? Read any good books lately you recommend? xo

(Photos via Tumblr + Pinterest)