Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, Ines de la Fressange, Christine Lagarde - French women of a certain age with intelligence, grace and style. And who doesn't want to know their secrets? Good news, then. American fashion journalist and blogger Tish Jett has lived in Paris for over 25 years and is perfectly placed to spill the er, French beans. Her book, Forever Chic is beautifully written and crammed full of insider information on style and substance and obtaining that certain je ne sais quoi. The chapter on beauty reveals the tricks and tips of une femme d'un certain age - being completely low maintenance, I honestly found it slightly overwhelming. All those, treatments. All that stuff to do/remember. Obviously, my nightly regime of collapsing into bed with a packet of face wipes is NOT chic. I must adopt the French approach, stop neglecting my skin and find a dermatologist immédiatement (every French woman has one). Anyone know a good/cheap practitioner in London?
As for fashion, ' Clothes are the canvas. Accessories are where the artistry comes in.' Basically, French women create a garde-robe of neutral basics and perk things up with accessories. We knew that anyway but Jett interviews friends, stylists and designers to deconstruct the look. I'm yet to start the chapter on maquillage, and I will go back to the beauty section again and again, revisit the how-to guides and lists of emergency beauty treatments and tips on how to remain Forever Chic - though my favourite comment is on the cover:
'Who cares if the last time we saw forty was on a speedometer? C'est la vie.'
Every woman should own a copy.
Interesting about the Garde robe idea.
ReplyDeleteMyself and my daughter are both over 6ft and as such buying clothes can be a problem.Anything 'high' fashion is usually out of the question for us as the specialist tall shops are often slow to react therefore we both have a pretty small wardrobe of basics which we alter with accessories and it is interesting to note how many people believe that I have an incredibly extensive wardrobe.
The power of illusion!
it's a wonderful book...I highly recommend it. I have learned so much which was easy to apply to my American life!
ReplyDeleteIf you discover a good, cheap dermatologist in London - please share! I visit my children in London a couple of times a year so it would be good to be able to fit in a dermatologist on my next visit (if my budget allows!) I'm currently pricing some of the beauty products from Tish's excellent book....!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read it yet, but it's on my list - thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteYou are so dear, so kind.
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, thank you.
As for a dermatologist, do you have health insurance that would cover an annual visit to check for melanomas -- basically an extension of yearly doctors' visits? If so, you take the last few minutes of your appointment to ask beauty questions. Remember to tote your products to see if what you're doing makes sense for you skin.
That's what my dermatologist recommends. She points out that's what makes the visit fun.
A once-a-year visit is all we need from a beauty standpoint.
You're the best, merci, merci.
Tishxo
Will do, Sue.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Tish. It's a fantastic book. I don't have health insurance - just the good old NHS. I'm going to investigate not-too-expensive dermatologists to visit once-a-year. Thank you!
I am totally in agreement with her "clothes are the canvas, accessories are where the artistry comes in". I think that makes the most sense for a sane and chic life! Kudos to Tish and you.
ReplyDeleteSo how do French women d'un certain age deal with the dreaded Christmas party? am really needing some direction on how to keep it chic this Noel...
ReplyDeleteGreat post and lovely to see Tish commenting. Good to know we will only need a dermatologist once a year too. Xxxx
ReplyDeleteWonderful read! loved it! very inciteful!
ReplyDeleteWonderful read! loved it! very inciteful!
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