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Monday, September 15, 2014

Forever Chic by Tish Jett: Frenchwomen's Secrets for Timeless Beauty, Style and Substance Book Review

Striped Tees...Ballet Flats…Designer Handbags…Beautiful Sunglasses…These are just some of the classic things that come to mind, when we think of Frenchwomen. I just finished reading ForeverChic: Frenchwomen’s Secrets for Timeless Beauty, Style and Substance by TishJett and there’s definitely a whole lot more that makes French women so chic! I really enjoyed reading this book. Tish Jett did a fabulous job interviewing French women and doctors, suggesting beauty products and overall giving you a close-up view as to how French women think and live. This book was formulated for a mature age group, but I think it would be beneficial to all women. It makes you look at things differently and evaluate your life. This book is far from shallow. It gets deep and specific. I generalized it for you below, but this book offers so much more. Here are 12 lessons I learned from reading this book.




Lesson #1 YOU are Priority #1! YOU are your own best investment!
Life gets hectic, crazy and busy, but always make YOUrself a priority. If you don’t take care of yourself, how can you help others?
Lesson #2 Get Organized! Be Disciplined!
Discipline + Organization will help eliminate: wasted time, stress, chaos and confusion.
Lesson #3 Au Natural
‘Naturel is the mantra of Frenchwomen. They want their hair, their skin, their makeup, their figures, their style, their comportment, and their confidence to appear ever and always naturel – an extension of who they [actually] are.’




Coco Chanel “I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little – if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny.”

Lesson #4 Clothes
French women believe their clothes (style) should look ‘natural chic’. What they wear shouldn’t look ‘stilted, contrived, or consciously put together’, or ‘that a great deal of effort went into pulling together their looks.’ ‘Pulling together a workable, elegant wardrobe will dispel time-wasting panic attacks and as a result, bring you new self-assurance.’ Take pride in how you look every single day! ‘No one is invisible!’ Whether you’re at home, going to the store, headed to work etc. Frenchwomen have ‘too much self-respect and self-esteem to be unconcerned with [their] appearance. ‘You must begin with [a] wardrobe assessment, rejection, deconstruction, and reconstruction. Harsh decisions must be made. Emotional attachments must be resolved.’ ‘Does your wardrobe function? Is it [YOU]?’ Take good care of your clothes (seamstress, dry cleaning, laundering). French women know what works for them! They know their body type! Buy what works for YOU, not what looks good on someone else. When buying clothes, think of them as investment pieces! Buy clothes that will pair well with other clothes in your closet. “Frenchwomen “recast” their favorite pieces. They mix ‘the old with the new or the old with the old in new ways.’ Buy designer pieces on sale or through consignment shops. “Chic is an eclectic mix of high and low, new and old, scrambled together to reflect a woman’s personality. Chic does not come from an overflowing closet, bursting with big name labels.” Also, getting dressed should not be a chore. It should be pleasing. “Frenchwomen build ‘their wardrobes upon a foundation of neutrals. A solid foundation is neutral. With neutrals, a woman can always pull something out of the closet and pull herself together without hysteria in record time. Everything goes together naturally. No mess, no stress. Color can come from a shoe, handbag, jewelry, scarf (accessories) or even mixing a neutral with a color.

Karl Lagerfeld “Reinvent new combinations of what you already own. Improvise. Become more creative. Not because you have to, but because you want to. Evolution is the secret for the next step.”




Lesson #5  Don’t Draw Attention To Your Negatives!
Stop asking your husband or companion if your derriere is big etc. “Why would you [draw attention to] point out anything negative?” Accentuate and focus on your positives. ‘A Frenchwoman knows her strengths, conceals her weaknesses.’

Lesson #6 Beauty & Self Confidence
Beautifying yourself should not be a daunting task! It shouldn’t be looked at as a chore. It should be pleasurable. ‘Frenchwomen do not see the process of caring for themselves as an onus; It is their pleasure to pamper and primp’. ‘Don’t you feel better after a pedicure, a facial, a great haircut, when you wear divine underpinnings, spritz on your favorite perfume? Frenchwomen understand this intrinsically.’‘Taking care of oneself is what builds…CONFIDENCE’. ‘Self-pampering is something you deserve’. ‘The rewards are immediate.’ ‘Daily skin maintenance regimes (skin, hair, body care) [is] a woman’s investment in herself…the best investment she can make.’ ‘Confidence is constructed over time. First you must BELIEVE you are exceptional, youthful, stunning, and interesting. Emphasize the POSITIVE.’ It’s ok to concentrate on your face, but ‘not one millimeter of their [Frenchwomen] skin is neglected.’ Frenchwomen believe, beauty is from face to feet! Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Argan Oil and Sweet Almond Oil is widely used! Sun protection is key! Be sure to put sunscreen on your hands (prevent aging). Get sleep! ‘Sleep rejuvenates not only the soul, but also the body.’ The French believe in MEDICAL pedicures, instead of regular pedicures.

The Magic Equation / Effort + Discipline = Major Rewards

Lesson #7 Simplicity
French women ‘appreciate the beauty of simplicity, and they understand that the essence of luxury is always QUALITY over QUANTITY’.

Lesson #8 Dermatologist
Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist annually, just as you would a gynecological or mammogram exam. It’s often covered by insurance. A dermatologist can tell you if you have oily, combination, dry or normal skin. They can tell you exactly what products to use to benefit your skin (instead of you guessing and spending unnecessary money). A yearly visit is important, because your skin changes as you age. They can adjust what you’re using. Remember, nothing will look good, if you don’t have an “impeccable canvas”.


Lesson #9 Hair
Frenchwomen ‘spend serious money on their hair, which they consider an essential investment.’ It’s important to get a really good style, hair cut and color. It will save you from bad hair days and frustration.

Lesson #10 Culture and Personal Enrichment
Patronize local museums, galleries and the arts (ballet, opera and symphonies). Travel locally and abroad. Read the latest books. Take a class (painting, photography etc). Learn a second language. Take long walks. Spend quality time with family.

Lesson #11 – Food, Diet and Exercise
Diet’s are too time consuming and exhausting! Be mindful of what you eat and move. ‘Food is not the enemy!’ ‘Overindulgence and thoughtless eating are the enemies.’ Prepare food in the kitchen. Delicious and nutritious meals help successfully maintain weight. Fresh produce! Shop at local markets! Choose seasonal fruit over sugary confections. Vegetables, soups, fruit and fish! Natural…NO processed foods. To overcome impulses, Dr. Lamboley suggests ‘immediately doing something for twelve minutes, like polishing your nails, or making a phone call’ before indulging into something caloric. Eat yogurt for dessert! Get moving: yoga, tai-chi, bicycling, walk to your favorite places, swim, aqua gym classes, take a sports-related vacation.

Lesson #12 Embrace Each Birthday
Don’t dread your birthday! Frenchwomen “see the day as an excuse for a celebration of a life well lived, full of experience and adventure.”
Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet
supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 
  Forever Chic by Tish Jett is Sweet.

credit: all quotes are from Tish Jett's Book, Forever Chic: Frenchwomen's Secrets for Timeless Beauty, Style and Substance

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45 comments

  1. Great Review! Love especially Lesson Nr.1 :)

    Happy Monday super sweet Kim <3

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  2. This was so interesting Kim - thanks for taking the time to summarise all the lessons you learned. I like the French approach in theory but it's hard to put it all into practice sometimes!

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  3. Hi Kim! Well, I didnt know about this book but, since I love that kind of reading and especially about French women, Id love to read it now. The lessons you learnt are so inspiring and make me think a bit. Always put herself first, do not focus on negatives and taking care of herself; things that has to be followed by all the women on earth. Happy Monday Kim, hugs! xo

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  4. I have this book on my bedside table right now and I started to read it just last week! It was a gift which I really appreciated as it's full of great advice. From the pages I've enjoyed so far, I would agree that although it was originally aimed at mature ladies, it's suitable for all ages. So much more than just a style guide. Isn't the cover so cute and stylish too? Have a great week Kim.

    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk

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  5. What a nice book! I should get it and read it! I loved everything that you learned from it! French women definitely know how to live their lives to the max and to take care of themselves. Thanks for sharing, I'll have this book in mind!

    sunandsany

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  6. I like these kinds of books, so cute :)) Will have to check this one out. Happy Monday doll, I hope you had a great weekend xx

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  7. Hi Kim! It's bad that I didn't know about this book but, since I love that kind of reading and especially about French women, I would love to read it now. Have a happy Monday darling <3 Kisses <3


    http://rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.blogspot.in/

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  8. I want to read the book now cool sound interesting.
    http://tifi11.blogspot.com

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  9. I'm so enamoured with French style and looks, and even more so with books that tells me how to be more French. I'll see if I can score this in our local bookstore, Kim. TY for the review:D
    Happy Monday!

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  10. I love the celebrate each birthday part. it's so so true. So many people are afraid to age but really it's a day when you can look back and also look forward to so many more things in your life. I was reading (didn't finish yet) a book called Bringing Up Bebe about mothering in France vs. the US and it had some really interesting things and perspectives.

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  11. It certainly sounds like this book is full of little nuggets of wisdom Kim! There is a reason why Frenchwomen are envied for their style. Yes to 1 & 2!

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  12. This book reminds me of Mireille Guiliano's cookbook French Women don't get Fat and her other books. So I'm sure I will love it.

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  13. This seems like an amazing book, Kim, I've to read it, because I love French style, it's always chic and timeless and I love this quote of Karl Lagerfeld!


    http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/

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  14. Hi Kim, this sounds like a great book! It's true, the French women dress very simple but very put together. Even the bags they carry are simple totes, nothing flashy. I have so many books lined up but I will check out this book today. :))

    xo Jo

    http://www.whiterosesandcoffee.com

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  15. I need to add this book to my list. I've stopped reading for a while, really need to get back to it again. Thanks for the Cliff Notes though, great pearls of wisdom! I love the Coco Chanel quote, something to think about whenever I'm tempted to go out in my sweats :)

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  16. Kim, I'm so glad you wrote this post and read the book because I definitely have always heard about how French women are so chic and it's definitely true! (one thing I noticed in Paris and Europe in general is that there is SOOO much more cigarette smoking) but they do definitely seem to be more natural and have a certain vibe about them that is just stylish. Great post!

    I want this book asap. :)

    xoDale
    www.savvyspice.com

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  17. Very good review. I have this book too. I admire the French style very much. They are just so naturally chic and elegant.

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  18. These kinds of books always make me smile. It's true, culturally French women are a bit different from North American women, but overall, they're individuals, just like we are - some over indulge in food and go on diets. Most absolutely don't invest in their hair (that one almost made me laugh.) The one thing I do think they do a lot more than we do, which rarely gets mentionned, is reward themselves with time with friends, rather than treats. Spending time with good people is so much more enriching than a slice of cake, but I think with the big distances we often have to travel to connect with friends here in North America, cake can be a lot more accessible.
    xox,
    Cee

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  19. Interesting book, many things are true, thanks for shared this tips, this book have a spanish version?

    www.urbanikamoda.blogspot.com

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  20. I love the cover of this book!! sounds like a fun read!

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  21. Oooh, I want to read this book now. I've always envied the European's flair for chicness and timeless style. I still like having fun trying these crazy trends, but one day, I want to have that effortless, put together look nailed down.
    Totally bookmarking this for future readings <3

    The Dragonfruit Diaries

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  22. This sounds like a great read and perfect for your beauty blog... hehe~

    http://ahleessa4realz.blogspot.com/

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  23. sounds like a good read,quite interesting
    great review

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  24. I didn't know about this book but it sounds like a good read! :)

    Layla xx

    www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk

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  25. Thank you for the review!
    Sounds like a very interesting book :)
    From Brussels, with Love

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  26. I never realised these were the inner thoughts of the every day French woman! They seem very like myself in that I like effortless looks that don't seem contrived or worked on but flow naturally, from make up to fashion. Maybe I aaam French. Nope, still got that awful accent and can't roll my R's. Rosemary x

    rosemaryofelephants.blogspot.com

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  27. Thanks for the review - I will have to agree, having a good wardrobe foundation with pieces that flatter make all the difference. And hair. A good hair day changes everything.

    http://iamchiconthecheap.com

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  28. Great review and it sounds like something I will want to check out for myself!

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  29. This sounds like a book every woman should have on her bookshelf! The tips are so useful. I love Coco Chanel's quote. Even when I go to the post office first thing in the morning, I always put on normal clothes and brush my hair so I don't look like I just rolled out of bed!

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  30. What great lessons! Ugh, I really need to cut out the junk food, but i'm so hungry and frantic to eat something quickly while taking care of the baby!
    I do agree that great skin, great hair, and an effortless wardrobe are key!

    xoxo,
    little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  31. I think this is a book that I would absolutely love. I am more than a little obsessed with all things French.

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  32. That sounds like a great read! I love #5!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  33. Aww, this book is absolutely empowering. Thank you for a beautiful review!

    http://www.thefashionstirfry.com

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  34. Kim, I am indeed a Francophile, and cannot wait to read this one! My great grandmother came to the U.S. from France, and I'm always eager to embrace my French heritage. :) T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  35. this sounds like a great read. I love the lessons learned. They have a smart and rational approach!
    xo
    nancy

    http://www.adoretoadorn.com

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  36. french women are the epitome of classic and timeless beauty. i always try to simplify my wardrobe to make life easier, but haven't been successful in doing so, lol!

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  37. This was such a great review! I loved how you followed the same structure/"lessons" from the book and actually went into detail! Sounds like a cute book and I want to check it out! xx

    <(') Hoda | JooJoo Azad

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  38. Thanks for this review. I read this book a while back but it is always great to have a reminder. I read through your selections and feel refreshed and excited to reapply this French theory to my life once again tomorrow after a good night of sleep. <3

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  39. This sounds like a great book to read. Thanks for summarizing each chapter!

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  40. Pretty post!

    http://ladyparisienne.fr/

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  41. I love books like this.. plus I think we could def all learn a thing or two from the French girl's approach to beauty and life! There's a new book out called How to Be Parisian, can't wait to get my hands on that one too!

    xx Hélène
    www.FashionOverReason.com

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  42. This is really great and I love all the lessons. Defo something to pay attention to and true. Great book/review. :)

    missymayification.blogspot.co.uk

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  43. I enjoyed this review Kim! I need to get strong in point two, as I've recently realised that discipline is really helpful against stress. I have a friend from Paris and she mirrors exactly the behaviours you gathered from the book !
    Baci,
    Coco
    Coco et La vie en rose / Bloglovin / Facebook

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  44. I've heard a lot about this month and I would love to read it for it is always interesting to read about cultural (and fashion) differences. Plus, Parisian chic is adorable!

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