I have to say that I am not terribly fond of massive generalizations. There is little that will rile my red-headed ruff more quickly than any phrase containing, “You Americans always…” And yet…and yet…there are some such wide swaths of words that ring true, they just do. Americans are (more often than not)…friendly. French women are (more often than not)…chic. What does that word mean to you? I know what it does to me, most certainly within this context and I’ll give you an example to illustrate it.
When I first moved to Paris from Manhattan twelve years ago, I was struck by the beauty of French women, the way that they put themselves together in a way that didn’t necessarily have to do with fashion per se. And yet I couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was that made them unique. I was soon introduced to Claudine, a journalist specialized in luxury travel. That first time that I met her, she was wearing simple black pants but with Converse high tops and an artfully deconstructed jacket that, on second glance, I realized was a Yohji Yamamoto. The mix between high and low was dizzying. Not to mention that her hair was beautifully blown-out but she appeared to be wearing no makeup. I couldn’t understand much of what she said yet but I watched as she spoke with conviction punctuated with fluid gestures. “How old is she?” I wondered. I had no idea but it didn’t matter, really, not in the least. Because she was bien dans sans peau, good in her skin.
Tish Jett knows all about this concept and understands that being chic is not only about what is happening on the surface but all about the big picture. In her fantastic book, “Forever Chic – Frenchwomen’s Secrets for Timeless Beauty, Style and Substance” she methodically pops the bubble of the mysterious je ne sais quoi adjective that has always described our Gallic counterparts and while doing so, suggests how French attitudes towards the beauty – of the inside and out kind – can be beneficial for all of us. This wonderful sentence sums up her take well: “Over and over, they prove that what is pleasing to the eye is uplifting to the spirit, and that what is nourishing for the spirit is what makes life worth-living.” Wow. Yes, please.
Now here is the thing. Tish, an American journalist and author of the wildly popular blog A Femme d’Un Certain Age, has lived in France for over twenty-five years and has a dizzying resume – she moved here to become the style editor of the International Herald Tribune and was the last editor of American Elle before the magazine was transferred to New York. So she not only has a clearly established point of view based upon extensive experience (I believe that I have already griped about “expat authors” who publish “authoritative” tomes after having trotted through la Belle France for a few months) but she has the Open-the-Doors might to take you right to the very top experts in each field she is discussing (such as Jean-Louis Sebagh for skincare/plastic surgery and Christophe Robin for hair color). Their advice can be surprising and gathered together (something I have never seen before at this level), it is a gold-mine. Plus – and this is something very appealing to me – 90% of the ideas kicked out have nothing to do with “cash flow” as Tish calls it.
With my redhead temper, I hate to be told what to do (just ask Remi) but at the same time, I love to have things clearly broken down for me, to have options. Tish is brilliant at this. Forever Chic is published by Rizzoli and so it is no surprise that the layout is gorgeous and the illustrations that pop up through the river-swift text help the medicine go down. The chapters range from skin and makeup to hair, diet and exercise, wardrobes and accessories to…une mode de vie or way of living, what makes the inner life tick.
I am 44 and am feeling the physical and mental changes that have arrived already with age. Also in the past year, I have, admittedly, let myself go a bit. Too many days have been spent working in front of the computer sporting yoga pants and that messy Garance Doré bun. When I do make an effort, I feel better about myself. And when I feel better about myself, my confidence lifts and I feel…happier. With her book, Tish is giving us options on how to feel just that, tools for our arsenal if you will. And while the book is geared towards those of us over 40, this advice is certainly applicable to a far younger set (and indeed, Tish mentions how the French start young).
I was lucky enough to meet Tish and her fabulous daughter Andrea this past summer (they too have a loving and fun Mother-Daughter relationship). I saw first hand that not only does she practice what she preaches but that it works. Like Claudine, she is just…beautiful. I never thought about her age for a moment but rather on what an amazing woman I was spending time with. She is funny, gracious and grounded. Never pretentious or preachy (I threw down “French Women Don’t Get Fat” in disgust two chapters in). And generous too. Now I understand why she worked so very hard to make this book happen – and she did – for she wanted to pass on the goods to as many people as possible. Now, for me that is the definition of “forever chic.”
While this certainly would make an excellent last minute gift for a girlfriend, Sister or Mom in your life, for my female readers, I think it would be even better…for yourself. Something to read and savor over the holidays in order to run into 2014 with a fresh perspective and a healthy attitude. Pas mal, non?
To buy “Forever Chic”:
On Amazon US, it appears to be sold out in print (I told you it was good!) but for a Kindle edition, click here. But on Barnes & Noble there are hardcover editions, click here.
For my French speaking friends, there is availability on Amazon FR here.
For Amazon UK, click here.
To discover Tish’s excellent blog: voila
And to read an interesting interview with Tish by the ever faboo Vicki Archer: ta-dah
How is everyone doing? Are you holding up? Enjoy your weekend and don’t forget to breathe…only five more days until Christmas…
PS. Thank you all so very much for all of your amazing comments on my previous post. Both my Mom and I were very touched!
Oh you are right, I am wrong! I read through it so fast–as I wrote to Tish, I couldn't help myself! I am afraid that the whole "discipline" concept is one that I still need to work on. 🙁 But I know that I will go back and reread it and refer to it as well.
Bisous à toi!
H
Will deliver them!!! And you haven't bought this yet? You will love it. Now, true, you don't need some of this advice as you have it going on already – and I don't think that you will quite buy the "building a wardrobe on neutrals concept" (as I do). But the rest is just really fun.
Lots of Love to you!
As do you, lovely lovely Jeanne. Meeting you was such a treat this year!
I think that you will like the illustrations…they are very "you"! And yes, this will be a good take-along for Paris. You can read and compare those chic ladies as they parade in front of you.
While it is hard to imagine you in UGGs (it really is), it is good to know that I am not alone. I have been making a tiny effort since reading this and it really makes me feel better.
We both have had…interesting years…yes, here is to much happiness for the holidays and for 2014!!!
Natalie!!! Oh, it is so lovely to see a comment from you here! I hope that you are well and have had a good end of 2013. 🙂
And you are so sweet. I love your question and bet that Tish would too. Well, we American ladies have our charms for sure…
Happy Holidays to you as well and here is to an excellent 2014!
xo
H
Ah, I disagree with Mumbai! LIFE is your topic! Life in France is your topic, the tiny things that make life beautiful is your topic. This sounds like a wonderful book! I agree that French women seem way put together, but I also like the comment above that mention the Frenchmen, Remi included, that have chosen very beautiful soulful American women as their mates! (YOU). Christmastime is a good time to say "thank you" for your year-round gifts to us of visual feasts and reminders of mindfulness! The holiday time is busy here, and nice, but is missing a certain redhead who has that je ne sais quoi – wait, I know what: funny-ness, warmth, beauty, LOVE!!
It really was. I didn't want the afternoon to end! They are both just so funny and smart. And I hope you like the book Sara! I think its great.
Two big dogs? Really? My goodness, they better behave themselves. Whoever is bringing them into your fine shack better have a strict talking to with them!
And yes, French women really do have a genetic advantage, I have to say! All of those straight cut pants are proof! I certainly am a big-boned gal and have to buy mine when I go home to the US…
Oh my gosh, that almost made me do a spit take with my coffee! Oh just a tiiiiny bit…;)
Isn't that always the way?? Well, hang in there copine, I know that you will make it all work and you know that I am not going to frown on your having work! So breathe and type at the same time! 🙂 And tell yourself that you will have some quiet time in January. I think that you will like the book as I did–so much practical advice.
Bisous!
Too many blogs write about it. Not you too. Indeed nice told but not your topic. I really considered carefully to reply without make a gaffe . Sorry, Heather.