Metro - September 27, 2006

STYLE

TREND TRANSLATION

THE ART OF BECOMING CHIC

After 25 years of sussing out the best boutiques in Paris with some of the world's wealthiest women, personal shopper Susan Tabak has become an artiber of stye. During our chat with the author of the new book "Chic In Paris" ($27.50, Paris Personal Shopper), she gives us three pearls on how to develop a unique personal style of your own.

• 1. DON'T GO OVERBOARD "When in doubt, always keep it simple. I think it's tragic when women constantly try to be of-the-moment. What might look trendy on one person could look ridiculous on another."
• 2. KNOW YOURSELF "It's OK to take risks. You just have to know yourself and know what you look good in. Personally, I love the clothing from the Balenciaga period at its height. I wore a Cristobal Balenciaga dress last night to the opera and felt wonderful. I also love to wear Lanvin. Alber Elbaz's clothes just suit the kind of woman I am."
• 3. GET A SOLD EIGHT HOURS "Sleep is actually very important because if you're exhausted, you won't look so good not matter what you wear. Being chic comes from the inside, and being well-rested and confident is a part of that."