Friday, October 19, 2012

French Chic Book Giveaway

Weee-o!  (Or in French, ouais!) 

This is my first ever book giveaway!  In the past I have been supplied with books to read and review upon occasion; but this time the generous folks at Simon & Schuster have sent me an extra book to offer to readers of Polly-Vous Francais? in a Book Giveaway!

Drum-roll, please.

And this is not just any book.  It is Lessons from Madame Chic:  20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living in Paris by Jennifer L. Scott.

Okay, well, damn, I thought when I first heard about this book.  Or "Sniff!" as I wrote to the lovely  Simon & Schuster publicist who offered me the advance review copy, "This was the book I was going to write," I whined.  "Oh well, she who hesitates... blah blah."  So I swallowed my pride (and that half-written manuscript) and eagerly agreed to read the book and offer a book giveaway on ye blog.

Mardon me, Padame, but how the h** does one do a book giveaway?

Keep reading.

Of course one googles the phrase "Book Giveaway" and then picks from the best of the ideas and marches onward.

And so I present:  the Polly-Vous Francais first-ever book giveaway!

Are you still awake?  Would you like a free book?

If you'd like to learn how to be chic like the French women in this book, and get a free book which gives you all the details, simply leave a non-spam, non-anonymous comment below.  And while you're at it you can "like" our Facebook page!   I will print out all the names and cut their email addresses in little strips of paper and then place all the names in a beret before November 6 (the release date of the next edition) and then I will ask a random friend to extract the names from the beret.  Then the winner, selected at random, will be contacted.  Said winner will have to have enough confidence that I am not an axe-murderer to give me her (or his?) mailing address, and then I will send that winner a pristine copy of the wonderful Lessons from Madame Chic.  And I'll actually pay the postage.   And I actually promise to put it in the mail, unlike most of the other letters on my desk which have been languishing in the "to be mailed" pile for lo these many months.

But don't stop reading yet. You need the preliminary review!   Lessons from Madame Chic arrived in this afternoon's mail.  And I can't put it down.  It is a fabulous look at French savoir vivre.  Jennifer Scott never attempts to generalize or make stereotypes, but simply offers one view of chic French life as she observed from a year living in Paris with Madame and Monsieur Chic in the 16e arrondissement.  She balances it with great observations about Madame Bohemienne in the 11e.  No broad-brush "the French are this or that" statements, but simple and astute observations from her year in Paris.

I like that.

I think perhaps some cultural/social evolution has happened since the author first spent her junior year in France (most chic French women now wear jeans?), but this book is nevertheless a great resource, with helpful tips on how to incorporate French chic and practicality into your everyday life.  In every realm from fashion to food to family living to feeding your brain, with chapters such as "Exercise is Part of Living, Not a Chore." You'll be glad you read it. And I think you'll keep it on hand as a reference book.

So, my friends, submit comments below (and "like" us on Facebook for a plus) to qualify to win a free copy of Lessons from Madame Chic!  Comments (or new Facebook "likes") must happen before November 5.

The winner will be informed by November 6.

73 comments:

Anne said...

Pick me please even though I'm hopeless. Just as frumpy after four years in Paris as when I began. But my fashion conscious progeny would love it.

Polly-Vous Francais said...

I will keep you in the running, Anne! And if you read this book you'll realize that no one is "hopeless.' Thanks for commenting!

Fiona said...

I've had this book on my wish list for awhile and would absolutely live to win a copy:). What a great contest


Fiona

Diane said...

What a fun contest! Pick me!

Grammy Goodwill said...

Oh, I'm still searching for style. If I win this book, maybe I can be stylish by 60.(My birthday is in May. Is that enough time to turn myself around?) Thanks for the chance to win it.

Juliet said...

I love books about Paris and Frenchness - count me in! Merci!

Janis Jaquith said...

I need all the help I can get!

Jan O said...

I'd love to win! I enjoy your posts, Polly.

Literary Chanteuse said...

Please count me in for the giveaway thank you! Liked on facebook.

Margaret
singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

Sara Bette said...

Always love me some french fashion! How fun.

Alison said...

Yes! I would love to own this book! Because clearly, eleven+ years in the Charente-Maritime did me no good on the style front. ;-)

Anonymous said...

I would love a chance to win this book; I'm living in Paris now and it would be awfully handy!

Anonymous said...

P.S. I have yet to leave a comment on your page but I guess now isn't a bad moment to finally do so.

I found your blog sometimes last year and went back to read every single post published since you started writing. I read the posts as a way to prepare for my year abroad in Paris. Thank you very much for all your observations on Parisian culture. I look forward to reading your future posts!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for a fantastic book giveaway, that i would love to have the oportunity of reading. I would be most greatful if you could put my name into the hat, thank you x

Email: lfountain1(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk

*apologies not on facebook*

Marta G. (A Bilingual Baby) said...

Hi! Please, count me in if your giveaway is open to international readers of your blog! Bisous !
Thank you!
Marta GarcĂ­a
martaplayita gmail com
http://abilingualbb.blogspot.com

Polly-Vous Francais said...

I'm sure all you lovely people are actually very chic with your own style -- half of chic is confidence, as you'll read in Lessons from Madame Chic. I wish I had more than one book to give away! I'll reconnect with the nice publicist and see if she has one or 2 more copies. Double your odds!

Polly-Vous Francais said...

And Staceylaparisienne you are so sweet, and I am not joking when I say that I teared up when I read your kind words. The WHOLE blog? You didn't die from polly-itis?

Marcia Nye said...

Merci for the opportunity to win a Paris chic book! Biz!

tobyzebra@htva.net said...

My friend Lee Anne would love this book.

Rodney

tobyzebra@htva.net said...

My friend Lee Anne would love this book.

Rodney

Berta B said...

I always look forward to reading your posts, and we have been Facebook friends for a while now...can always use a boost of cheeky chic in my life! Thanks for throwing my name into your beret!
berta_b@juno.com

Barb Y said...

First off, I love your blog. I would to win a copy of the book. I desperately need help with my style. I have been a life-long francophile.
I am also following you on facebook.

Polly-Vous Francais said...

Here is one of the many classic anecdotes which made me love this book.
The author is out shopping with Madame Chic, who turns to her and says, "That sweater does not look good on you..." then hearing her reaction, continues, "Don't be upset, Jennifer! It's just an observation. As a woman, you must know what colors look the best on you. How are you to know if no one tells you?"

Anonymous said...

Major Francophile here. Would love to have you drop my name in the hat for the draw. Thanks!

Marsi
manon729 at yahoo dot com

guiltlessreading said...

please pick me - i'm no fashionplate but really, any girl can dream :) i'd love to have this one!

readerrabbit22 at gmail.com

joyous said...

This book is on my wish list! What a nice giveaway.

Theresa said...

I've wanted to read this since before a big-time publisher decided to print it. It was off the market for awhile, and in that time, people were selling her first edition on Amazon at astronomical prices! In fact, one seller still has it for sale for $980!

I also follow Jennifer on her YouTube channel, and she's very informative! She also has her Daily Connoisseur which I frequent.

Best of luck to whomever wins, it will be a real treat!

Jess said...

Please please me!

Mary Campbell Gallagher, J.D., Ph.D. said...

Great idea. My main focus in France these days is the campaign to save Paris from skyscrapers. You can read about it in my new editorial "Paris Does Not Want or Need Skyscrapers." http://www.bonjourparis.com/story/paris-does-not-want-or-need-skyscrapers/ But of course! I also read every book I can find on French chic.

Mary Campbell Gallagher
writergallagher@hotmail.com

Elly said...

Oooh, looks like just the kind of book that I like.

PS I've been reading this blog for a few years now, and I really like it but I've never commented before, so I'm taking the opportunity to say thanks for all the posts and keep up the good work :)

SweetVioletLady said...

What a Charming, Sweet thing to do ! I'd truly enjoy reading this book ! Thanks, Vera

Unknown said...

I would love to read this book. I am addicted to all things french.

twoclippedwings said...

Would love getting help becoming more chic!

Lacey R said...

I actually have the 1st edition of her book, which was self-published last year....so I'm not going to enter the giveaway, but I just wanted to mention that Jennifer's book is fantastic - well worth the read!

Patricia said...

Thank you for hosting this giveaway Polly, I came over from the French Chic group but I also enjoy reading your blog. Please enter me into the contest: pg.doyle(at)hotmail.com

Laura said...

Being a French teacher, I am always trying to look the part ;-) This book would be a great resource. Laura

pdxknitterati/MicheleLB said...

I would love the chance for an infusion of chic!

Loris said...

Yes, count me in! I'm cooking the food, singing along with Charles Trenet, I'm learning the language, I'd love to know how to look the part! Thanks so much

Patti said...

I would love this book. What a fun giveaway!

Dale Bemis said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
dhbemis said...

I have loved reading your blog over the years.

Ellen said...

I'm a long-time follower of your blog and would love to win a copy of "Lessons from Madame Chic."

Merci beaucoup!
Ellen

Ksam said...

Ohh, how exciting! I know I could certainly use a little more "chic-ness" in my life. :)

Femme Francophile said...

I would love to win Jennifer's book. Don't give up on writing your own book - as you can see from all our comments there are a lot of us out there interested in finding that all elusive chicness and French Je ne sais quoi.

Unknown said...

Oh I never win anything but I simply MUST try for this book! I have been trying to BE French for years!!

elise corbin said...

I would love a copy of this book!

Carrie said...

Personally I just like the idea of my name floating around in your beret for a few hot seconds. ;-)

Pat said...

what fun! I'd like to read the book as I've read her blog for a while! thanks for the offer!

Kathy D said...

I borrowed the book from the local library but would love to have my own copy! It would be easier to keep my French resolutions with the book sitting enticingly on my bookshelf or nightstand.

Kathy
kjdav53@yahoo.com

Deanna said...

Oh, how I would adore winning that book! Btw, I just hosted my very first book giveaway, too. In fact, I drew the winner last night. If you'd like to see how I did it you can take a look at the post here:
http://teawithdee.blogspot.com/2012/10/and-winner-is.html

deepiercy@gmail.com

musikelle said...

I adore the French and have tried to read every book ever printed about them and their lifestyle. I would be thrilled beyond words if I got selected. Thank-you!

Carol White said...

Jennifer deserves great success with this book and her devotion to her followers. If I can prove I'm not a robot, I'll submit this comment for a chance to win!

Georgia said...

Yes, I would like to win. I'm going to Paris for the first time in May. Would like to read it before I leave.

Mary Ann said...

75 tivaThJust found your website while reading Jennifer Scott's FB page. Now P-VF has been "Favorites"-ed, too.
Love the book - hope I win the new edition!!

Diary of Why said...

I would love to win a copy of this book!

Unknown said...

I would love to win this! I also like you on FB (lindsay maki).

asteride said...

We are all stylish, in our own way. But I want this book.

Anonymous said...

Re: Polly-Vous Francais

Yes, the WHOLE blog! Haha. I think it took me over a month, maybe two, but I would just read it whenever i could on my nook and I found that after I started I couldn't put it down! You wrote on subjects a lot of other bloggers neglect and I really enjoy your style of writing.

Best,

Stacey

ingsellas@yahoo.com said...

I LOVE your blog and can"t wait for the book!!
Capsule dressing is the BEST!!

Shelley said...

Tossing my chapeau into the running. Thank you!

PrettyChana said...

Great giveaway! I'm looking forward to reading it.

Valerie said...

just discovered your blog via the daily connoisseur. thanks for considering me in the contest!

LizL said...

Oh, oh, me please.
Familylively at yahoo dot com

Giedre said...

I wish I'd win this giveaway!!! I am in a new period of my life, moving to minimalism, but still keeping things glamour... Currently working on my 10 items wardrobe. So this book is on my wishlist too!
giedre.kazlausk@gmail.com

C said...

Just found your blog after reading today's Daily Connoisseur post. Pick me, s'il vous plait!

Carlin

Susanne said...

i would LOVE to win this book! (even if i don't win, i'm still going to buy it!)

Connie said...

Being a private caregiver I am frumpy all of the time it seems! I took French in school but have forgotten so much. I need to feel fabulous! Thanks for the giveaway!!
Connie

Jolie jolieinphilly(at)gmail(dot)com said...

Hope I win! Love reading about French style.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Laura said...

Well, guess I'd better get my groove on and enter...it's almost show time! Thanks, Polly. Loving your blog daily. =)

Harriet said...

AS a long time follower of your blog, I would love to be in the running for the book give away! I was just in Paris for 2 weeks with my 92 year old friend. I commented to her that on my first trips to France I never wore slacks, but now they seem to blend in very nicely.

Josette said...

I hope I'm not too late! I would love to win this book...I need fashion advice! :) Please count me in if this giveaway is international. Thank you so much.

P.S. Liked you on Facebook (initials of my name are JJ)

josettebooks[at]yahoo[dot]com

Polly-Vous Francais said...

Hi everyone!

Thank you SO much for your comments and hopes for the giveaway.

I was a bit out of touch last week due to hurricane Sandy.
Tonight I am busily printing out the comments and cutting them in strips as I anxiously watch the presidential election returns. I'll draw the name from a hat and will try to post the winner ASAP. Bisous, everyone!

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