Jennifer L. Scott

“Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic” is the third in a series of gracious living lifestyle books by Jennifer Scott under the “Madame Chic” banner (a nod to her elegant host family from her year as a study abroad student in France). In a world full of twerking, selfies at funerals, and anything Kardashian, Scott’s message of common sense manners and tasteful (while still alluring) apparel are a welcome antidote. Unfortunately readers of her previous books will have a sense of déjà vu with this latest installment as the message just seems like more of the same.

Read on its own, the book delivers a fine message – present yourself with grace, dignity, kindness, and compassion. Remember that the way you carry yourself and behave does have an impact on others. While I think Scott tries not to be preachy, some may be turned off by her formality.

I commend Scott for including an anecdote about a speaking engagement at a TEDx conference which did not turn out at all as she had expected. Rather than get flustered or act like a diva because the conference did not fit her expectations, Scott showed real poise, realized her expectations had been unrealistic and ended up not only having a learning experience, but an enjoyable one as well. (I contrast this with a blog post I read earlier this week from someone I follow who took to the web to go on a rant when a recent speaking engagement didn’t meet her expectations. Quite a difference.)

If you’re interested in the subject matter, Scott’s books provide a fine primer. There’s no need to read all three though. Pick up the one that looks most interesting to you and you’ll be set.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

Thank to you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Lettura frivola e sciocchina, ma altrettanto veloce. Non capisco l'astio in alcune recensioni, il libro mi sembra si presenti fin da subito per quello che è, senza particolari promesse. Editing italiano un po' così, con robe tipo il ripetuto "qual'è" o "Quella" sempre maiuscolo, ma è davvero una lettura senza pensieri e mi sembra si capisca fin dal titolo o dalla copertina! Diciamo che sarebbe da prendere in biblioteca o comunque senza spenderci soldi, ecco.

Ho vissuto un anno a Parigi (tanti anni fa, sigh) e alcuni passaggi mi hanno ricordato l'atmosfera che si respirava in alcune case parigine che ho avuto la fortuna di visitare al tempo. Purtroppo l'eleganza francese non mi è rimasta, ma mi ha fatto venire voglia di Camembert...… (plus d'informations)