https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 03:54:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925986 Wed, 06 Jun 2018 04:36:10 +0000 Gigi 1925986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>lyn67,&nbsp;</b>thank you! I agree that hearing the author's praise of cultivated women was heartening. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925772 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 12:50:55 +0000 lyn67 1925772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loved your review, l am 50 and was very comforting to read esp. your last 2 paragraph:-), thank you for doing us the hard work! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925703 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 04:48:11 +0000 Gigi 1925703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Dianna,&nbsp;</b>I'm glad you enjoyed the review! The book is definitely worth a read.</p> <p><b>MsMaven,&nbsp;</b>how neat that you got to meet Tish Jett!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>RobinF,&nbsp;</b>do check the book out. It's a fun read.</p> <p><b>Bijou,&nbsp;</b>yes, high-end designers are a big thing, and I'm sure that women want to hang on to those spendy pieces as long as possible.</p> <p><b>gradfashionista,&nbsp;</b>it would be interesting to see how the younger groups interpret their ideal of fashion. This book was written for the 40+ club, so I'm guessing they hold to the more traditional "rules."</p> <p><b>texstyle,&nbsp;</b>I found the lying part interesting too. The author does mention it quite a few times in her book, at least with regard to the amount of time spent getting ready, so it must really be a thing.</p> <p><b>SarahD8, </b>good point!<b></b></p> <p><b>Joy,&nbsp;</b>I haven't heard that about washing your hair in champagne! I did a bit of googling, and it looks like it's supposed to bring out natural highlights in blond hair.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925494 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 18:08:07 +0000 Anonymous 1925494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now I want to read this book. Thank you for the great review. I knew a young French woman who looked beautiful but was really ver ordinary. I wondered how she did it. Her hair was an exceptional shade of blonde. She told me that she learned as a child to wash it in champagne. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925487 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 17:34:40 +0000 SarahD8 1925487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Related: if they really do lie so much, ought we to revere them as paragons of style? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925445 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 15:45:13 +0000 texstyle 1925445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The one thing that bugs me about many of the french style books is the fact that they all seem to concur that French women lie about not only their beauty routine (how long they spent on their hair, etc.) but also that they lie about their diet, exercise, health, $ spent,&nbsp; and other things. Rhetorical question - Do they really lie so much? I have never felt a need or desire to lie to someone if asked how long I spent on grooming or what supplements I take or whatever. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925418 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 14:30:08 +0000 gradfashionista 1925418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoy these reviews and regard the description of French women as more aspirational or prescriptive than descriptive. Yes, there are smaller boutique stores, but fast fashion is prevalent. Yes, moderation might be the official line, but fad diets, restriction, slimming pills/creams, and smoking are also very popular methods of controlling one’s weight. It obviously depends on the demographics, but I don’t know how applicable these ideals are to the younger generations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925356 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 13:07:30 +0000 Bijou 1925356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such an interesting review and nice to hear that French women value quality and longevity in items. It makes designer pieces more affordable if you intend to keep them a lifetime. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925340 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 12:34:02 +0000 RobinF 1925340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a very interesting read. I'll have to check it out.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925267 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 05:58:47 +0000 MsMaven 1925267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Gigi, I have a signed copy of Tish's book! A couple of years ago she came to do a book signing in Los Gatos. Susan B. of Une Femme and Lisa were there along with Ginko, a fellow Fabber. Tish didn't want her photo posted, but I wrote about it here.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/forever-chic-book-signing">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ok-signing</a></p> <p>It's been a while since I read her book, but I am a sucker for books on French fashion. I'll get out my copy and see what was important to me.</p> <p>Thanks for your review. When I was in Paris last, three years ago, the trait that stood out the most for me was that the clothing of French women might be simple, but that it fit well and was made of good fabrics, so that even a simple outfit looked better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925263 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 05:18:33 +0000 Dianna 1925263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very thorough and interesting review, Gigi.&nbsp; Now, I want to read the book.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925261 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 04:56:53 +0000 Gigi 1925261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sterling,&nbsp;</b>thank you!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>jussie,&nbsp;</b>the story about the makeup artist not covering Jett's under-eye circles has made me look at my under-eye circles in a different light. When I am going for a very natural look with little makeup, I now do not necessarily conceal them.</p> <p><b>Lisa p </b>and<b> Style Fan,&nbsp;</b>I suppose it is the nature of the beast for French beauty books to paint everyone with one broad stroke. It would be interesting to see what changes have taken place in the five years since the book was published.</p> <p><b>rachylou,&nbsp;</b>I don't know whether the French invented the vanity table, but I agree that it seems to represent the importance French women attach to self-care.</p> <p><b>Carol,</b>&nbsp;I don't have a dermatologist myself, so I am subsituting an esthetician. I think the principle is the same. And it is cheaper (at least for me). Many salons will give you a free consult--they make money off you when you buy the products.</p> <p><b>Becky,&nbsp;</b>I highly recommend this book. It is well written and enjoyable to read and filled with a lot of easily implementable tips. Jett is really instilling the French attitude toward style into the reader, so you can interpet her principles in whatever way works for you.</p> <p><b>Suz,&nbsp;</b>yes, excellent grooming is a key part of Frenchwomen's style. And the author mentioned a number of times that although an effortless look is aimed for in all things, much time is invested in getting there--and most women will lie about how much time it took them to get ready!</p> <p><b>efbgen,&nbsp;</b>I'm glad you liked the review. Thank you so much for recommending this book. It has really made a difference in how I view myself and how I view self-care and style. I really enjoyed the chapter on "food education." Very enlightening.</p> <p><b>shevia,&nbsp;</b>I love hoop earrings too. :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925241 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 02:42:28 +0000 Jaime 1925241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great review! I think you really distilled the essence of the French mentality as described in the book. I am definitely "French" in my devotion to skin care and hoop earrings (and red wine), but not so much with the strict tailoring and neutrals.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925238 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 02:31:15 +0000 Anonymous 1925238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GIGI- Thank you- what a great review. You nailed it!<br /> I totally felt like she had invited me into her home so that I could listen to these women share their secrets.<br /> I was surprised about the dermatologist too but more so that they are constantly considering new products. I thought they would have more brand loyalty but apparently the “quest” for the next best product trumps brand loyalty.<br /> The other thing that struck me is how early they introduce their daughters into the beauty , confidence , self esteem and nutrition regime. No wonder they are so admired.<br /> Thanks again for the fantastic review. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925235 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 02:20:15 +0000 Suz 1925235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a thorough review. Thank you! My main takeaway from what you wrote is that French women never underestimate the importance of excellent grooming. They may aim for an "undone" or casual look but it will always be deliberate. And they consider it as much a part of their overall style as clothing. This makes sense.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is amazing to think of someone holding onto the same dress for 30 years and adapting it... you need superb fabrications for that to be feasible!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925174 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 00:40:49 +0000 Becky 1925174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for this review. I haven't read a "style" book for a number of years, but this one sounds like one I wouldn't mind spending some time with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925159 Sun, 03 Jun 2018 23:31:27 +0000 Carol 1925159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, great run-down of a book I now want to read!&nbsp; There are a couple of&nbsp; tips I can use, like the dermatologist, and the haircut.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925134 Sun, 03 Jun 2018 22:25:30 +0000 rachylou 1925134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Did the French invent the vanity table? I carry this image in my head of women applying potions and lotions at a vanity which seems very French to me... taking that time, that is, in such a decided way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925131 Sun, 03 Jun 2018 22:23:45 +0000 Style Fan 1925131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for the review.&nbsp; I might read the book because I love the French culture.&nbsp; I do wonder the same thing as what Lisa has said about French women being so homogenous.&nbsp; However, we spend a lot of time in Montreal which is influenced by the French and I can see some of the things you have written about. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925099 Sun, 03 Jun 2018 21:30:18 +0000 Anonymous 1925099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed that book too. &nbsp;But interestingly, reading the summary now reveals it to have painted French women with a pretty broad brush stroke. &nbsp;I think that culture is far less homogenous than it was in years past, with so many cultural groups making up the population . &nbsp;Anyways, I found the attitudes toward food and fitness enlightening and appealing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925088 Sun, 03 Jun 2018 21:18:15 +0000 jussie 1925088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a good read. I am impressed by the women who had sleeves added to her dress! And the story about the under eye circles is so cute. I can just imagine a French woman saying that lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925085 Sun, 03 Jun 2018 21:06:20 +0000 Anonymous 1925085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW. &nbsp;Great review. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-review-forever-chic-long#post-1925082 Sun, 03 Jun 2018 21:02:20 +0000 Gigi 1925082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not long ago I finished reading <i><b>Forever Chic: Frenchwomen’s Secrets for Timeless Beauty, Style, </b></i><b>and&nbsp;</b><i><b>Substance</b> </i>by Tish Jett (2013). YLF member <b>efbgen&nbsp;</b>recommended it in a post a few months back, and since I am currently interested in learning more about French chic, I thought it would be a good read. And it was!</p> <p>The book is written for <i>les femmes d’un certain âge&nbsp;</i>(women of a certain age), that is, women who are 40 and older—my age bracket (I am 45). Jett is an American journalist who was sent to France to be a Paris fashion correspondent, and the book compiles what she learned from actively researching French style. She still lives in France, having married a Frenchman. She spoke to both high-class French professionals and average women to come up with the gems for this book. Here are some of the things that stuck with me:</p> <p><b>Body and Face Care: </b>Every Frenchwoman has a dermatologist to recommend the right products for her skin; they don’t mess around with figuring it out themselves. As we age, we need to work harder to maintain what we have than we did when we were twenty—and that’s OK. The key is to view this self-care&nbsp;<i></i>as a joy and not a burden. Take time to pamper yourself as you apply your creams and serums. You want to be the best version of yourself that you can be. (Translation: We don’t give up and let things go, but neither do we stress unnecessarily about trying to look younger than we are.)</p> <p><b>Makeup: </b>Bronzer is a favorite of Frenchwomen. They like the just-back-from-St.-Tropez look. Jett talks about bronzer quite a bit, saying that it is important to get just the right shade for your skin and to learn to apply it properly. Makeup is always worn when a woman goes out, even if it’s just to run an errand. It might just be a bit of lipstick and some mascara; you don’t have to do a full face, but you do want to look somewhat put-together. Makeup is generally kept natural looking, unless you are purposely trying to make a statement. Jett mentions that one makeup artist she went to refused to conceal her under-eye circles, saying that they were beautiful and very natural looking. Rose lipsticks are the standard for everyday wear.</p> <p><b>Nails:&nbsp;</b>Neutral nails are the norm. Many women soak their nail tips in a mixture of water, lemon juice, and peroxide, then push back the cuticles, run a white nail pencil under the tip, and put on a couple of coats of pale pink polish.</p> <p><b>Hair: </b>Give yourself permission to drop a lot of money on hair, specifically cut and color. Your hair is such an important part of your overall style that you must not skimp in this area! Be willing to work with what you have: your natural texture, face shape, etc. Frenchwomen in general maximize what they have and don’t try to be something that they are not. As we age, generally shorter hair (just above the shoulders) looks best. An “effortless” styling is very popular, but that effortless look might have taken a very long time to achieve (and your French girlfriend will lie and tell you it took her only five minutes).</p> <p><b>Diet:</b> Frenchwomen don’t deny themselves sweets and rich foods, but they are careful to eat them in moderation. Or, if they splurge one day, they will cut back the next few days to make up for it. The adjustments are minor, not major. They try to eat healthy as a rule, which allows them the occasional indulgence. If they notice that their clothes are getting tight, they adjust what they are eating accordingly until their weight is back to normal. This approach to food is portrayed as very cultural and a lifestyle.</p> <p><b>Clothing: </b>I skipped most of this chapter because a lot of it I already knew from Angie’s blog. One important point was to maximize your best body traits and minimize your less beautiful traits. For example, if you have a small waist, wear tailored clothing to emphasize that; if you have cellulite, downplay it by wearing a longer skirt. Women rely heavily on tailoring to get their clothes to fit perfectly. They may wear the same dress for thirty years, taking it to the tailor to have seams let out if necessary as they age. Jett mentioned one woman who even had sleeves added to a much-loved sleeveless dress because she no longer wanted to expose her upper arms.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Accessories:</b> Scarves are popular. Hoop earrings are a favorite.</p> <p><b>Substance: </b>Jett says that women who are cultured and can carry on a good conversation are considered highly attractive—even if they aren’t much in the looks category. She emphasized the importance of attending concerts, plays, and museums and continuing to learn about all kinds of things.</p> <p><b>My Reaction:</b> I thought this was an excellent book. As I read it, I felt myself growing in acceptance of my aging self. I no longer felt like I had to try to find the latest magical potion to make me look like I’m twenty. At the same time, I felt vindicated in devoting a decent chunk of time (and money) to maintaining my appearance—and actually daring to enjoy that time that I spend on myself. I also made an appointment with a local esthetician for facial product recommendations so that I am not shooting in the dark. I am renewing my commitment to developing my substance side: I agree that a woman of substance is very attractive indeed, and I want to cultivate that. I want to be the best version of myself that I can be.</p> </p>