Dangerous eleganceNovember 16, 2004 37 out of 37 found this review helpful
This book is a rather dangerous little flower. It appears to be very sweet and innocent, but before you know it, Madame has you following her every word. This book makes What Not to Wear seem careless. Madame advises on "everything" and even though this edition has been recently revised,it still is rather rigid and old-fashoned. On the other hand, if you already posess some taste and personality,it is a wonderful source of inspiration to never let our modern times get in the way of glamour. The glamour of simplicity,that is. And as a lover of all things retro, I can definitely recommend this book as a how-to on retro dress.
I hate to admit itSeptember 11, 2004 184 out of 186 found this review helpful
I hate to admit but since I bought Elegance and started following its advice I look much better. People have actually stopped to comment. Although I'm cringing (what did I look like before?) it has been fun to get the compliments. Madam Dariaux was a designer, a director of Nina Rici and a fashion writer. She arranged the book in alphabetical format with instructions and observations about everything from alligator bags to materntiy wear. The editors have updated the book just a tiny bit but it does no harm. It's like having your own stylist.
Exquisite!July 29, 2004 165 out of 171 found this review helpful
From Accessories to Zoology, this volume in its Tiffany blue dust jacket covers in exquisite detail everything one needs to be elegantly attired. Women will appreciate the trimmed down, but versatile and chic, wardrobe ideas as well as tips on beauty during pregnancy (E for Expecting) and for dressing your man (M for Men). Also amusing (and true!) is the section that contrasts what men think they like versus what is really attrative to men (S for Sex). In sum, Mme Dariaux's book is a breath of fresh air in our part of the world, where more is not always better and elegance is in short supply.
Highly recommended, but you may have to look for it: The Borders in Sacramento had it in the fiction section, under D for Dariaux~I suppose confusing it with Kathleen Tessaro's charming and evokative novel!
