Chic Explained
Create Your Style:
Secrets Of Style: French Chic
I have beacoup des choses to post about, but time has had the upper hand these last few days. In the meantime, I found this video over at How To Be Chic, and wanted to share. While I don’t necessarily concur with all of the proclamations (or the smoking!) I thought it was très amusante.
–Whether or not you agree with her view of maquillage, you have to love the line “It STINKS of effort.” (So quintessentially French!) And “PASSION.”
–Her take on Comfort vs. Style (“you have to sufFER, just a little bit”) strikes me as more indicative of youth than culture. I remember thinking the same thing in my twenties. Now, I don’t think one has to be physically uncomfortable to be stylish; as Coco Chanel said, “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.”
–I think the real secret to French chic she demonstrates, beyond her words, is her self-confidence.
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I agree the necessity of suffering is an idea that we have as youngsters, but we do get over that. Also, I think there is nothing wrong with looking like you’ve made an effort. Again, that’s an age thing. But, she is cute, and I agree with her thoughts on dresses.
Charmante, with concessions granted for her youth. Perhaps the “not comfortable” rule is because childhood, when girls were naturally comfortable, is not far from memory. Suddenly the new teen gives up that freedom and ease, and plays with the objects of womanhood.
I see young women wincing in impossible heels or walking through slush in paper thin ballerinas with no stockings in the name of fashion and feel sorry for them.
Another rule provided by a young French woman I know: “Don’t wear fleece, ever.”
I have a weird desire to make a fashion advice video where I’m both smoking and drinking….
i came across this video not long ago, and have watched it a few times…i am glad to see it again, for i agree with her on many- not all- points. plus, she makes me want to buy a long strand of pearls!
I have seen this many times before and am quite taken with her charm…
When one is young it is easier to look lovely with little effort…unfortunately much effort is required now!
Howling at Wendy B’s comment – do it for us!
I can’t suffer anymore, I’m looking at my “birthday shoes to be ” i usually plump for pair of new shoes as my present and for the first time I am thinking, yes another pair of Lanvin ballet pumps. I wear heels about once or twice a month these days, i think it’s better to focus more on my every day clothes now.
Paula – that’s very interesting. I agree that the pressure women put on themselves to live up to certain ideals can be overwhelming.
Rita – I agree about effort, though I do think there’s a line into “overdone” that we don’t want to cross.
Duchesse – as with “effort”, I think there’s something to be said for not going “a bridge too far” when it comes to comfort. Here one sees people out doing errands in sweats. I do think we can be comfortable without being sloppy, especially with all of the nice ponte knit fabrics available now. Fleece, mais non!
WendyB – oh, I hope you do it!! I know it would be a riot.
style odyssey – yes, and a long strand of black crystal beads too!
hostess – it’s true that more effort is required as we age, but I think some restraint is a good thing. I see too many women in their 50’s and 60’s who have overdone it with the makeup.
Tabitha – that’s very wise of you. I can’t suffer anymore either. I’ll wear heels (up to 3″), but they MUST be comfortable.
Veuve – I would love to see one too.
Around World Women’s Day french women have been portraied in the the Austrian radio. Did you know the super-woman in France (slim, chique, mother of 3 or more children, working on their career) is known as the women consuming the highest consume of antidepressants compared to other nations? It seems as if the image (see above) weighs to heavy on them today.
michele, if she’s an actress, she’s nailed it. I know several young French women, daughters of friends, and they are so “her”, had to look twice!
I would love to hear advice from a French woman over forty. I just finished reading Debra Ollivier’s book “What French Women Know” which goes beyond the fashion advice into philosophy, and is a fun read.
Paula, that’s an eye-opening comment– another sign that the “superwoman” role is yet another trap.
Un petit peu de trop, mais mignonne!
And as for suffering, I reserve that for when I want to sing the blues. Cue David Bromberg.
I want to see Wendy B’s video!
No more suffering, period. Confidence is key. How do you get that? What is it made of?
This almost seems like a send-up of some sort, or an audition video of say, a British actress trying out for the part of the “French woman”. Still, amusing, and “timeless” tips.
Very cute indeed! I think she needs a bit of refinement and growing up to really convince me. The whole thing was just a bit too much playing for the camera, but overall a very stylish and confident young lady.
I thought it was cute. St the end it’s all about CONFIDENCE !
If I act confident, then I feel confident. Pretending first is like the ignition. Just one method…:)
B.
Merci for the mention! Thanks to viewing this a few times I no longer wear eyeshadow and eyeliner, it’s one or the other (I never want to stink with effort) and even wore a pair of leggings under a dress. So daring for me.
Susan Tiner – I think Wendy would do a brilliant video!
I’m a late comer to confidence, it’s something we have to nurture and grow.
michele – she does remind me very much of one particular French woman I know, so her persona rang true to me.
coffeeaddict – I don’t know who she is but get the impression that she was specifically asked to do the video. I’d love to see one from a French femme d’un certain age!
Rubiatonta – I’m with you on the “no suffering” thing, except for the blues, yeah.
Lorena – I agree! Wear what you like and OWN it.
B. – that’s very true. It’s “fake it till you make it” and it works!
Fiona – je vous en pris! I don’t know how I’ve gone this long without finding your lovely blog, but now that I have I’m a follower, and have added you to my blogroll.
micing – that’s a good question!
I’m in my 20’s and choose comfort over style. I don’t like suffering! Plus, I’ve seen the price some feet pay for wearing high heels-not so chic… I always enjoy watching these videos. I often wonder, don’t these women ever work in jobs where you can’t wear jewelry or dresses/skirts because you’re working in a machine shop/lab?
Doesn’t anyone else think that this video is a total spoof?