Practising Parisienne: Lifestyle Secrets from the City of Lights

by Marissa Cox

'Even if you don't find yourself booking a one-way Eurostar ticket to the capital like Marissa, this book might just be the key to finally nailing that elusive Parisian je ne sais quoi.' Penny Goldstone, Fashion Editor, Marie Claire'A delightful, down-to-earth guide . . . complete with insider fashion tips, beauty tricks and dating advice from Marissa's own personal experience, plus interviews with many modern iterations of the ever-elusive Parisienne herself.' Monica de La Villardière, journalist and co-founder of the Fashion No Filter podcastTo be Parisian is to have a certain attitude and outlook on life. In Practicing Parisienne, British journalist and blogger Marissa Cox decodes this seemingly nebulous je ne sais quoi, explaining what she has learned since moving to France eight years ago, and how and why the reader can and should adopt a more Parisian lifestyle. She reveals how she learnt to live her best life in this iconic city, what it means to be Parisian and in turn inspire you to make positive changes in your own lives, however big or small. Covering everything from style, fashion, beauty and wellbeing to chic interiors and food and wine, as well as advice about dating and friendship, each section also contains interviews with well-known Parisians and Francophiles who inspire us to live better. Because, as we know, Paris is ALWAYS a good idea.'Practising Parisienne is a celebration of the City of Lights and an ode to the pleasures in life. Marissa Cox effortlessly mixes practical tips, personal stories and inspiring conversations in this charming guide to living well the Parisian way.' Miranda York, author of At the Table and The Food Almanac 'With appreciation, honesty, a deep understanding and access to leading figures, Practising Parisienne reads like a who's who and what's what when it comes to everything Parisian.' Hannah Almassi, Editor in Chief, Who What Wear UK

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2021

Reviews

[Francine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3* for the effort. It was well investigated but repetitive, maybe I was expecting a little bit more than clichés often heard.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a exactly what I was looking for: an up-to-date look at Parisian style through the eyes of an ex-pat (the author is British). The writing is straightforward—nothing fancy here. I loved the tips, the interviews with Parisians and ex-pats, and the information about favorite shops, cafés ,etc. I was a tad disappointed in the lack of photos, however the book offers specific websites and accounts for those (me!) who don’t mind searching online. I began following quite a few social media accounts and even did some online shopping. I feel like I need to hop on a plane (with a copy of this book in hand) and experience it all!

[Alexandra.Cr · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to read the book. I am newly moved to Paris, for love, for less than 1 year and I'm also practising Parisian. I was looking for a bit more inspiration and maybe something in a new tone (as we are in 2021).
Overall the book isn't bad, but it left we wishing for more. The interviews feel a bit too short, the examples a bit repetitive and I couldn't catch any feelings... General, a bit narrow in the examples she gives and not necessarly sharing her path. Maybe it's just the writing style that is not suiting me at all.

[Soo · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing this book, I wanna rush to take a plane to Paris ☺️! The author did a commendable job by compartmentalising different aspects of Parisienne life. House hunting, people watching , frame of mind, food, wine, beauty, ageing, romance etc.. it comes with lists of recommended cafes, restaurants, beauty products and lots more that help one navigate how a Parisienne lives. The prose was easy to digest too. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Paris, here I come 😂.