Review: Forever Chic By Tish Jett
On our first visit to Paris in 2007, the thing that struck me immediately was what a visually beautiful city it is. It was the architecture, yes, but it was also the attention to detail, the effort to make even the most public, utilitarian spaces as aesthetically pleasing as possible that brought home how the French culture values creating beauty as a greater good. Beauty brings pleasure, and beauty is meant to be enjoyed by all. No wonder art and fashion flourished here. I was also struck by how well les Parisiens were dressed…not just the women but the men and children too. Not exceptionally trendy or fashionable, in most cases, but well put-together.
So it seems only natural that as much as the French value beauty, they would be at the forefront of developing products and practices to keep us looking our best. Tish Jett’s new book, Forever Chic: Frenchwomen’s Secrets for Timeless Beauty, Style, and Substance
delves into skin and hair care, diet and exercise, style and substance, and all from the French perspective that yes, the years go by but bien sur we want to maintain and enhance our allure. Tish has done considerable research and as an American living in France, explores options from the most exclusive cosmetic surgery to drugstore products to simple, do-able nutrition and exercise routines that will help us remain vital, healthy and engaged.
“Forever Chic” is much like the French women it describes: charming, witty, alluring, but knowledgeable and substantive. Yet it doesn’t come across as “you must do this/you mustn’t do that” advice; it’s about presenting the best of French skincare, diet, beauty routines and style tips in a way that allows for adapting to our individual tastes and lifestyle. The book is well written, personal, and feels like getting great tips from a good friend over a cup of tea.
While she does cover high-end cosmetic procedures and shopping, Tish stresses that French women find their best beauty secrets at the corner pharmacie and score stylish options at Monoprix, the very French version of Target. (Every time I meet up with Tish in Paris, we schedule a shopping trip to Monoprix, and trust me, she always finds the best stuff!)
Whether or not you subscribe to and admire the particularly Parisienne style, I think we can all benefit from the skincare, hair care and style tips that Tish shares in Forever Chic. And I do believe one of the most important aspects of maintaining our allure and joie de vivre is in being interested, informed and engaged in the wider world around us, something French women seem to understand instinctively (or perhaps it’s the French cultural history of salons and tradition of vigorous discourse about politics, the arts, history and current events that has become a part of their DNA). Truly, it’s this kind of broader focus that makes us more alive, more vital, more alluring.
While we may not have access to those wonderful French pharmacies, many of the skin care products that Tish recommends in the book can be found online.
(I’ve used every one of these at Tish’s recommendation, and recommend them all in turn.)
And for those of you who have read this far, I have have a treat….I’ve purchased two extra copies of Forever Chic to give away to two lucky readers!! Just leave a comment in this post to enter. I’ll draw the winners at random from comments one week from today and announce on Friday November 15.
(Just a note: if you haven’t commented before, or are commenting with a new email address, your comment may be held in moderation. If you don’t see your comment appear right away, please don’t re-submit. I’ll check the moderation queue and approve comments every couple of hours.)
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which may generate commissions for unefemme.net.
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Ooooh how exciting sounds like a book right up my rue. Must see if we can get that Eucerin filler here in Oz x
Sounds like a good read…I’ll have to pick this up…or win it!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com
Love your blog–one of my first go-to’s daily. Would love to win the book.
I would love to win this book seeing as how I am a outdoor worker looking like I need an overhaul ALL of the time!
Pseu- I already have my copy which I had preordered. I’m am reading it now and really appreciate the list above. I could not find Eucerin Hyaluron products in Dublin and am happy to know that I can purchase on-line. I haven’t gotten very far in the book, yet, but I was writing down her skin care advice. There are so many products out there and it can be so confusing.
I just discovered your blog a few weeks ago – I love it! And I’d love a chance to win this book. 🙂
Great review…I am looking forward to reading Tish’s book!
Love your blog and would appreciate winning a book
Thanks for the review and product recs, Une Femme. I would love to be considered in the book giveaway! Sounds delightful.
I’d love to read this book. Thanks for the skin care recommendations.
I love Tish and her recommendations. Would love to win the book.
I assume that the book giveaway is only for US readers? I have taken a note of the products, and will be checking my local Spanish shops. I actually have the Avene Soothing Moisture Mask, which I bought in Paris on my last visit, as well as the Avene Moisturiser. I suspect that Trish had mentioned them on her blog, which is why they were on my shopping list!
I’m eager to read Forever Chic! As a dyed-in-the-wool Francophile, I enjoy Tish’s blog, and have tried many of her recommendations. I adore Eucerin Hyaluron products, in particular.
I would love to read this book. It makes my morning when I wake up and you have a new blog.
I love Trish’s writing style, advice not “you must” is just what I’d expect from her. Sounds like a wonderful book to help me step up my skin care routine to the next level.
I enjoy both your and Tish’s websites!
Please enter me in this great giveaway. I am a longtime admirer of A Femme’s tips and Une Femme’s recommendations!
I am just hopping in to say that the book is excellent. These are doable steps and it helps so much when Tish tells us that she tested everything herself. Her writing style is quite personable. I have my copy so I am not entering…just applauding!
This sounds like a fabulous book – thanks for the review! I like reading what someone I actually “know” thinks …
As a “femme d’un certain age,” I am reading and passing on to other women those tips. We have been taught by the media that beauty is a number. I want to help reverse that thinking. Can’t wait to read this book!
Please enter me in the drawing! I have been a Francophile since I spent a semester in Paris in the early 80s. I would love to have a copy of Tish’s book!
I would love to read this book. Please enter me in the drawing! I am a new follower of your blog and, as another 50-something, I am finding lots of great inspiration. Thanks for your wonderful writing.
My favorite part of the day is reading your blog….thank you!
Katie
I’ve been reading this book and can attest that it is entertaining and has a lot of good information.
I am a fan of both your websites and would love a chance to win a copy of Tish’s book! Thank you for this wonderful offer. Do you know if Tish will be making any appearances to promote her book?
Count me in as someone who would love to win the book.
I don’t remember which one of you I found first, but I read this blog, Tish’s, and Janice at The Vivienne Files religiously.
Thanks, Jean
Nothing inspires a fresh thought like hitting submit…
I wanted to add, months ago I entered to win the Impressionism exhibit book that Janice was offering. I didn’t win but ended up taking a weekend trip to Chicago to see the exhibit. Although I do want to win Tish’s book, maybe I’ll end up taking a trip to Paris if I don’t win. It’s all good.
I use a couple of these products already. They are good. Please submit my name in the contest for the book
I, too, would love to receive a copy of this book and experience Forever Chic!
I would love to be “Forever Chic!” Please pick me.
Love your blog, really want the book. I’m 55+, work in high tech, niece n nephew just moved in, have teenage daughter…reading something like this would give me the boost to pay attention to me. 🙂
I’ve never been lucky enough to visit Paris, but maybe winning this book would give me a little bit of “Paris style”. Thanks for the opportunity.
I love this book. I need a second copy for lending out. 🙂
Having just returned from Paris two weeks ago I can confirm that French women really do have “le je ne sais quoi”! Check out City Pharma on the rue du Four in the 6eme for the lowest prices on all the items you listed. Long lines, but VERY low prices!
The perfect place holder and inspiration until I can make the journey.
I would love to recieve a copy of Tish’s book.
Merci!
Yay! I have been waiting for this book thank you so very much for this giveaway!
I LOVE your blog and would jump for joy in my ballerina flats if I win the book Forever Chic! Thank you!
Such a pleasure to read your blog and Tish’s too! I would love to win the book and thank you for the opportunity.
I have the e-version of Tish’s book, but would love a hard copy to give to my sister-in-law. Faithful readers of her blog will recognize some of the tips, but they are fleshed-out in the book. One confirmation and one revelation for me: confirmation that you don’t need a separate eye cream, and revelation that the French aren’t interested in trying to conceal under-eye shadows. I never could get the hang of concealer — it always makes things worse, IMO — so am glad to give it up (or at least scale it way back).
I will be getting this book come hell or high water, even if not lucky enough to win the draw. Thanks for your generosity in hosting this giveaway!
My French mother-in-law always looked so young. Once we were mistaken for sisters-a compliment to her, not so much to me.;)
I’ve been meaning to pick up a copy of this, maybe I’ll win it instead!
Love both your blogs and am SO looking forward to reading Tish’s book!
I was hoping to order the book from Amazon for my book club’s holiday gift exchange but, happily for Tish and unfortunately for me, it sold out.
How exciting! I read Tish’s blog everyday and have learned a lot from her. I use several of the products that she recommends and I am sure that I would learn even more if I had her book!
Please enter me in this generous giveaway, I would love to win a copy. As I have been unable to locate a copy locally.
During the last few years I have been working in cultivating a chicer look (and life) using the “French lifestyle” as inspiration. I would love to read Tish’s tips! Thank you for the giveaway!
The book sounds très intéressant! I just discovered your blog and love it!
Linda
Have been reading Tish’s blog for years, as well as yours. Really need this book.
One more thing (I’m not trying to get two slots in just to win!) I noticed that you have a cat named Lars! That’s my cat’s name as well, and he’s an orange tabby.
Love your blog and your style! Rock on!
Ah, mes pensées. . . I think I am very, very, very lucky to have you as a friend. That’s what I think. Dear, dear Pseu, thank you so very, very much. I can hardly wait for our next render-vous in Paris.
xo,
Tish
I enjoy your blog and all the fashion inspiration from the photos of your outfits. You have wonderful style.
Sounds very interesting and I look forward to reading it and passing along to my daughter and daughter in law.
Dec. 2007 was the date of my first trip to Paris — like you I was struck by how pulled together people looked and yet as if they were born to it. I also noticed that no-one ate on the metro or walking down the street (except tourists). I’ve been back many times since and fall in love with it all over again each time – the architecture, the art, the history….the food, oh, the food. Anyway, would love to win a copy of this book to hear the inside tips. thanks for having this contest.
I want that book!
I’m reading Forever Chic at the moment, it’s fantastic!
One way or antoher. I’m reading Tish’s book! Please enter me. (So to speak.)
Please put my name down for the contest/giveaway! Great review. I definitely want to read this book.
A few months ago, I read about the Vivienne Files on a cruisecritic.com forum. I immediately became hooked. This led to Trish’s blog which led to yours. I now check you all out every day! I am in the process of updating my wardrobe based on what I’m learning.
I would love a copy of “Forever Chic”.
WOW!!!! Please feel free to send me a copy xxx
I have followed her blog for years & can’t wait to read the book !
Thanks for a lovely giveaway. I’ve been wanting to read/consult this book. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
Love French Beauty tips.
Thank you for the chance to win a copy & will try the above listed products.
I have never been disappointed by your recommendations.
Would love to be entered for the book giveaway. Thanks!
So thoughtful of you to add the online links, as well as giving away the books. Thanks.
Very generous of you !!!
My look’s been getting a little stale. This looks like just the thing to give me a fresh prospective.
I would love a copy of this book. If I don’t win it, I’ll definitely purchase it!
Thanks for the great review!
French women are so subtly chic and can teach us so much, it sounds like Tish’s book is the ultimate in this lesson.
I’m looking forward to reading this book
I would love to enjoy a copy of Forever Chic! Thank you!
I do believe I’ve seen this book in my local shop, wrapped so invitingly in cellophane, making me desperate to know what’s inside. I haven’t been to Paris before but reading so much about how stylish everyone is, I wonder if I might get bored and dress ultra-slob. Nah.
I would be very please to receive this wonderful book ! Thank you very much for the chance. Claudia
What I found so interesting about Jett’s book is that it is not yet another ‘Paris style by numbers’ how-to manual for the sartorially scared who require hand-holding and coaching to take them from frumpdom to fabulous. It read far more as a sociological/anthropological study of a certain species of female and as such I found it fascinating. My mother is from Milano and she is equally chic as any French woman but arrives at that outcome by very different means, a distinctly different philosophy. I find those differences so interesting. Really recommend the book.
forgot to add, please don’t add my name to your draw for the book as obviously i already have a copy.
I too love Tish’s book and it is filled with fabulous advice. You’ve summed it up beautifully. Please excuse me from your drawing as I already have my own copy, so I would wish that the change would go to another lucky reader.
Sam
Thank you for your beauty recomendations-I can’t wait to try some of them. I would love to be entered in your give-a-way. Thank you for being so generous !
I have been reading both of your blogs for years! Would love a copy of her book!!
J’aimerais avoir ce livre…and have it signed by Tish.
I enjoy both this blog and Tish’s and would love to get a copy of her book.
I arrived at “a certain age” today so this would be a timely bday gift — or I will buy myself. Merci!
I’ve enjoyed the snippets of this book as they’ve recently appeared through various blogs. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
So glad to see the review of this book. I love the idea of it and would be thrilled to receive a copy. Thanks for making this offer available.
I’m totally enjoying your posts! I’ve only been to Paris once, and I’m dying to go back! I will put a trip to Monoprix to my list of places to go~ Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. I’d love to win a copy of the book!
I recently found your site and I REALLY enjoy reading your posts along the fashion/beauty recommendations. I would love to have an opportunity to read Tish’s book as I’ve just lost 168 lbs and I’ve started on a whole new journey of self discovery (along with learning how to dress stylishly and smartly). Thank you for this opportunity!
What fun – thank you for conducting this offer. fingers crossed and Merci beaucoup!
Thank you for the opportunity of a chance to win a copy of “Tres Chic”. Much appreciated, as is the skin care list. At present, I am well content with Murad but will keep this list should the Murad not perform as well in the future. Merci.
Love the drawing on the cover too! CANT wait to read the book–whether i win it or not! Xoxo
I would love to read this book! And I would love to win this book!
What a lovely give-away! I would love to put my name on the list for the drawing. Thank you!
And thank you for all your wonderful posts. I look forward to reading them all.
Interesting how much attention is paid to French cosmetics (although I sorely miss the Monoprix myself :-)) and none to the main difference between a Parisian and most Americans: walking. Several miles a day are so routine as to be invisible. And let’s not mention the common 5-or-6 flights of stairs, several times a day. Much more effective than anything you can put on your skin. Mind you NYers are fine on that level, and most French women outside of Paris no longer benefit from this either.
M-C, actually the book does have an entire chapter on exercise. 🙂
Pseu, I think you and Tish may be making some headway. It seems to me that I am seeing more “women of a certain age” dressing in a more sophisticated fashion than in the stereotypically “loud” fashion. Keep up the good work!
I’m forever drawn to books on French beauty and lifestyle. No need to enter me in the drawing, as your post reminded me to download Tish’s book to my Kindle!
Love France, love your blog, and know I would love the book! Michele
I feel so lucky to be amongst a fabulous tribe of Femmes d’un certain age and would be extremely lucky to win the book!
Debra
OMG!!! 3 years ago when I dream about becoming a stilish woman of a certain age you and Tish became my 2 “goodmothers” and mentors…. I have benn following you and now I’m a proud 50’s woman of a certain age .. and the best compliment I have received it’s that I look ver french and chic so thank to both of you again and I love to be part of “our sisterhood”” around the world.. I will feel extremely lucky if I win…
Regards from Barcelona, Spain!!!!
I went to Paris for the first time last month, and was very impressed with how all French people are well put together. Even ladies in their 70’s and 80’s had wonderful clothing and shoes. Most of the clothing I took with me I purchased after reading your travel capsule wardrobe ideas. I would love to win a copy of Tish’s book Thank you for providing great inspiration to those of us who are not in our 30’s any longer!
Please enter my name; I would love to win a copy!
Fabulous book. I would love to read it! Love your photos always!
Sounds like a must have book to read and follow. Please enter my name in the drawing. I have enjoyed reading your blog and seeing your photos always such an inspiration.
I was visiting Paris last month and it happened to be Fashion Week! If Tish’s book inspires me to be more “French”….sign me up! lol!
OOOO thank you for this fun contest. I also love Paris, been there only 2 times and your blog is making me want to go back!
I enjoy reading your blog. I have a few blogs I read everyday and I always start with yours! Your photos always inspire!
I follow Tish’s blog so was planning on ordering her book from Amazon but if I could win it – Great!
Please enter my name in the drawing if I am eligible (Canada).
Suz
Would love to win and read this book.
Kerri
Merveilleux! Je voudrais quelquechose comme ca! French at heart, living in California.
I’ve been following Tish — one of the few I follow — for some time. Can’t wait to read this.
Oh, I would love to win – you(with Privilege) are my favorite bloggers and I read you claque jour! Thanks for the contest.
Thanks for spreading excitement along with the info from Tish’s book!
Merci Pseu,
Teresa!
My fingers are crossed!
I would love to win/read this book. I want to keep people uncertain about my age!
J’adore French style!!!!
i would love to read this!
Like you, I went to Paris for the first time in 2007 – and returned for 3 (and what I hope will be many more) visits. Love your take on French chic and especially your travel wardrobes which have inspired me on all my trips abroad.
Having visited Paris last year (for the first time as a true “grown up”), I would LOVE to dress more like the elegant women I admired there!
I can’t wait to read this book! Thank you for the lovely giveaway.
I would love a copy – just got my Eucerin filler cream from Amazon and hope
to be a new woman by next week..
I’ve been reading Tish’s book (thanks to my local library) but couldn’t keep it as long as I wanted since there are multiple holds on it! Her book is so enjoyable – I’ve learned so much and have already started putting many of her ideas and suggestions to good use. I would love to own a copy of her book since it is both practical and so very lovely to read. (I especially love the wardrobe chapter – it has given me hours of good reading and wonderful ideas on ways to revitalize my wardrobe.)
Just found your blog today. Would love to win the book!
Would love to win a copy of this book. I need all the help I can get! Love reading your blog, btw.
This looks like a book I would love to read, after reading your review. I am hoping to get to Paris for the first time within the next year.
So love your blog! Thank you for the opportunity to win Tish’s new book.
After traveling to Paris and other big European cities, I made a personal vow to myself to step it up..my personal style has really evolved and I now add red lipstick and a lovely scarf to most outfits. Would love to win!!
Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. Love your blog.
I can’t wait to read it — I’ve been waiting patiently since it was announced. Thanks for the chance to win it! 🙂
I love your blog and your style! I would also love to be considered for the giveaway for the book as it’s already on my Amazon wish list!
I am standing in line right here!
I am a 50-something Francophile. I would love to win a copy of the book. J’adore le blog aussi.
Pick me! Pick me! I’m a dedicated reader of both your blog and Tish’s. It would be lovely to have all that information to hand in a book!
Thank you for the giveaway .I’d really love to win it.I follow you and Tisch.
Thank for your giveaway. I am a 50 something single mom who has forgotten how to be chic, especially a French chic!
Love your blog! Just started at new job that involves international travel, after 10 years of staying home with my children, and find myself in serious need of style advice for the 40+ woman I have become in the meantime. Would be thrilled to win this book. Thanks!
Would love to win the book but, more importantly, would like to know if either of the Ecerin Hyaluron products are truly as good as she says, inotherwords, are worth ordering online.
What a a wonderful book and give away! I’ve found so many helpful tips here.