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Forever Chic: Frenchwomen's Secrets for Timeless Beauty, Style, and Substance
For any woman who last saw forty on her speedometer comes a sparkling new primer for aging—the French way—with grace and style. Frenchwomen of a certain age (over forty) are captivating and complex. They appear younger than their years and remain stylish throughout their lives. They look at birthdays as a celebration of a life well-lived and perhaps a good reason to go shopping before they dress to perfection for a celebration of another anniversaire. American-born journalist and blogger Tish Jett has lived among the French for years and has studied them and stalked them to learn their secrets. Exploring how their wardrobe, beauty, diet, and hair rituals evolve with time and how some aspects of their signature styles never change, Jett shows how Frenchwomen know their strengths, hide their weaknesses, and never talk about their fears, failures, or flaws. After all, in France, beauty, style, and charm have no expiration dates!
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
191 people are currently reading
1165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
February 13, 2021
Sweet Jesus, what did I just read? I wish there was a zero star option for this collection of blather. Let me see if I got this straight - French women are better because they’re French. And they’re beautiful. Because they’re French. And because it’s a natural beauty. Which is created through insanely expensive creams, injections, and a coterie of tailors, hair stylists, manicurists, estheticians, cobblers and personal jewelers. But it’s all natural. And they don’t really care. Except they really, really do. And clothes aren’t what is important, it’s the personal style of the woman in them. But still, you have to have the right clothes. Unless you have style. Because you’re French. And French women are naturally superior. After lots and lots of effort and money. But it’s natural. Except not really.
I’m sorry, I’d continue but it’s time for me to engage in an expensive skin and hair care regimen so that I will be presentable enough to go out in public to return this abysmal book.
I’m sorry, I’d continue but it’s time for me to engage in an expensive skin and hair care regimen so that I will be presentable enough to go out in public to return this abysmal book.
July 3, 2015
First sentence:"This is the program," I told my eight-year-old daughter, Andrea.
Favorite quote: First you must believe you are exceptional, youthful, stunning, and interesting.
This little book is lovely to hold. From the blue and white strips on the inner cover, to the little circles on the pages catching my eye for a tip or a quaint little drawing. I will never be French chic. The focus on the care of skin is far beyond my budget that I would never be able to afford anything else. I always glean a little something when reading these types of books. I thought it just perfect referring to women over 50 as women of a perfect age, I may begin calling my under clothing under pinnings - I just love that and substituting the word pleasure for obligations. I may never be French chic but I can certainly be Kathryn chic!
Favorite quote: First you must believe you are exceptional, youthful, stunning, and interesting.
This little book is lovely to hold. From the blue and white strips on the inner cover, to the little circles on the pages catching my eye for a tip or a quaint little drawing. I will never be French chic. The focus on the care of skin is far beyond my budget that I would never be able to afford anything else. I always glean a little something when reading these types of books. I thought it just perfect referring to women over 50 as women of a perfect age, I may begin calling my under clothing under pinnings - I just love that and substituting the word pleasure for obligations. I may never be French chic but I can certainly be Kathryn chic!
June 8, 2016
The WORST.
I expected this book to bee full of inspirational quotes, advice how to dress, how to be elegant, how to drink tea from a porcelain cup and more puffy pink dreams about how to feel good about yourself. Brainwash me!!!
It was the total opposite. I didn't like it even a bit. I hated the fact that this book thought that it teaches about beauty and style, but the advice and vibes I got were more like: spend a lot of money on face creams/hair salons/cosmetic/clothes. I think this books shows the wrong picture of a woman - always perfectly groomed like a race horse, existing only to please everybody and be pleasant to look at. French fashion and style is not about that. I think this book might even make people feel worse about themselves and discourage all positive changes. It just made me angry.
The book was also shallow. It seemed that author just invented and babbled about "the secrets of French woman" just out of thin air. I missed at least some proof, facts or substantiation. Also, it seemed that author just wanted to jump on the train - books about style and how to be stylish are quite popular now. And well, the rule of doing something better than everybody else was broken.
I expected this book to bee full of inspirational quotes, advice how to dress, how to be elegant, how to drink tea from a porcelain cup and more puffy pink dreams about how to feel good about yourself. Brainwash me!!!
It was the total opposite. I didn't like it even a bit. I hated the fact that this book thought that it teaches about beauty and style, but the advice and vibes I got were more like: spend a lot of money on face creams/hair salons/cosmetic/clothes. I think this books shows the wrong picture of a woman - always perfectly groomed like a race horse, existing only to please everybody and be pleasant to look at. French fashion and style is not about that. I think this book might even make people feel worse about themselves and discourage all positive changes. It just made me angry.
The book was also shallow. It seemed that author just invented and babbled about "the secrets of French woman" just out of thin air. I missed at least some proof, facts or substantiation. Also, it seemed that author just wanted to jump on the train - books about style and how to be stylish are quite popular now. And well, the rule of doing something better than everybody else was broken.
July 6, 2014
This was a good, basic breakdown of French style, but geared towards the middle aged woman, it contains the information I wish every American would read- eat less, move more, own fewer clothes, make most of them in timeless neutrals. Be interesting, continue to learn, read, see interesting movies, have more self confidence that isn't related to how young you look, and for the Love of God, take care of your skin!
Some of her advice can go on a little too long and be too opinionated (the skin care regime, for one, and the authors opinion that a little Botox is just fine, as well as the chapter about fashion) but for the most part, great basic stuff. Less really is more, and these women are on to something.
Some of her advice can go on a little too long and be too opinionated (the skin care regime, for one, and the authors opinion that a little Botox is just fine, as well as the chapter about fashion) but for the most part, great basic stuff. Less really is more, and these women are on to something.
January 1, 2017
Shall I call this review: she lost me at botox?
While I expected to read all of the "naturel" methods a French woman uses to keep herself looking beautiful through the ages, I received a rather expensive and thin manifesto, which includes pricey facial teatments, botox, injections for the decollatage, medical pedicures and so on. I had thought I was going to learn about a culture that earned it's beauty/confidence naturally, but, really, the prices and description indicated that one was going to war to avenge aging, which seems totally antithetical to what I believed the original treatise was.
Much of what is described is only for those well-to-do, which, I am sure does not encompass all of the French. I expect that the discussions, at least some of them regarding exercising and diet might be across the board, but even here I am skeptical. Like most European countries, French towns, cities and villages are more set up for walking than American ones.
I wanted this book to be something more, I guess. Something about how French woman take aging more naturally and go with the flow. If the book is true, they just throw more money into it, do medical teatments as necessary, and then act confident. With all of the descriptions of what the women need to buy to keep their faces, hair, nails and feet looking fit, I am surprised that they could purchase the latest litature. But then, I suppose Jett was never talking about the average working woman...only actresses, models, etc. Pfttt!
Obviously not recommended for the average woman who can't afford the regime and will feel sad.
While I expected to read all of the "naturel" methods a French woman uses to keep herself looking beautiful through the ages, I received a rather expensive and thin manifesto, which includes pricey facial teatments, botox, injections for the decollatage, medical pedicures and so on. I had thought I was going to learn about a culture that earned it's beauty/confidence naturally, but, really, the prices and description indicated that one was going to war to avenge aging, which seems totally antithetical to what I believed the original treatise was.
Much of what is described is only for those well-to-do, which, I am sure does not encompass all of the French. I expect that the discussions, at least some of them regarding exercising and diet might be across the board, but even here I am skeptical. Like most European countries, French towns, cities and villages are more set up for walking than American ones.
I wanted this book to be something more, I guess. Something about how French woman take aging more naturally and go with the flow. If the book is true, they just throw more money into it, do medical teatments as necessary, and then act confident. With all of the descriptions of what the women need to buy to keep their faces, hair, nails and feet looking fit, I am surprised that they could purchase the latest litature. But then, I suppose Jett was never talking about the average working woman...only actresses, models, etc. Pfttt!
Obviously not recommended for the average woman who can't afford the regime and will feel sad.
October 22, 2013
Forever Chic is a fashion, beauty, "change your life" guidebook for women of all ages. I had the pleasure of receiving a review copy of this little treasure back in May at BEA, Book Expo America. The galley of the book is adorable and the final hardcover is absolutely darling. Wait until you start reading it. Tish Jett spent some years in France and noticed a few things - specifically, tips that French women have embraced with respect to their beauty regime, their fashion sense, their internal development, as well as their overall view of life and their own place in it.
Jett started to adopt some of these tricks and and habits and voila, she noticed changes in herself that affected her entire life. We are lucky she decided to share the secrets that she learned and adopted. I dig Tish Jett's entire attitiude in treating the whole woman, inside and out. I know you will enjoy this practical and well-written guidebook for woman of all ages as much as I do. The hardcover copy of the book rests in a favorite spot on my desk for easy and frequent reference.
I can not say enough good things about this book. Every time I pick it up, I learn something new that I can use. Tips include specific practical ideas for fashion, makeup, accessorizing, skin care, hair care, exercising stress relief and daily living. My favorite insights had to do with ideas for developing what is on the inside! You will love this book.
Jett started to adopt some of these tricks and and habits and voila, she noticed changes in herself that affected her entire life. We are lucky she decided to share the secrets that she learned and adopted. I dig Tish Jett's entire attitiude in treating the whole woman, inside and out. I know you will enjoy this practical and well-written guidebook for woman of all ages as much as I do. The hardcover copy of the book rests in a favorite spot on my desk for easy and frequent reference.
I can not say enough good things about this book. Every time I pick it up, I learn something new that I can use. Tips include specific practical ideas for fashion, makeup, accessorizing, skin care, hair care, exercising stress relief and daily living. My favorite insights had to do with ideas for developing what is on the inside! You will love this book.
April 26, 2015
Wow, I know I am not the target market, but I could not believe how poorly written this book is. The author frequently repeated herself, wandered off in the middle of an anecdote, or just offered advice like "be more French" or "go to a professional." (Which explains why about 90% of the book is repetitive filler.)
I grabbed this book off the shelf on a whim because I tend to have 3 looks:
1. going to exercise/clean/sleep
2. just exercised/cleaned/slept
3. going out but all my clothes have holes in them and my daughters steal my makeup
I expected light reading, and possibly limited usefulness, but I didn't expect 100+ pages of unfinished blog posts barely strung together.
I grabbed this book off the shelf on a whim because I tend to have 3 looks:
1. going to exercise/clean/sleep
2. just exercised/cleaned/slept
3. going out but all my clothes have holes in them and my daughters steal my makeup
I expected light reading, and possibly limited usefulness, but I didn't expect 100+ pages of unfinished blog posts barely strung together.
June 7, 2016
Given Jett's bona fides this book should have been better. The writing should have been better. The content should have been fresher. But, it wasn't. It wasn't without its merits but if you've already read a few of these books on French style...well, you've taken then genre as far as it needs to go.
Jett's twist on the topic is supposed to be about how French women stay chic after 40. I'm not sure I found anything new in here. But, look, this may be Jett and this may be my diminishing interest in this reading about this topic. Herein lies one of the big benefits to being over-40: if you've been paying any attention to your appearance at all then you already know what to do. You already know what looks good on you, how much or how little make-up works best for your face and your life and how much you can eat before your weight starts creeping (spoiler alert: it's less and less food every year....sad, but true). My lack of interest isn't a lack of interest in my appearance, but in reading about how to improve or maintain it.
So, if you're new to this genre then this is probably a pretty good place to start and has a lot of good advice (as well as some useless but relatively harmless advice). Whether or not it was peculiarly French or not is debatable.
That being said, I enjoy her blog quite a bit.
Jett's twist on the topic is supposed to be about how French women stay chic after 40. I'm not sure I found anything new in here. But, look, this may be Jett and this may be my diminishing interest in this reading about this topic. Herein lies one of the big benefits to being over-40: if you've been paying any attention to your appearance at all then you already know what to do. You already know what looks good on you, how much or how little make-up works best for your face and your life and how much you can eat before your weight starts creeping (spoiler alert: it's less and less food every year....sad, but true). My lack of interest isn't a lack of interest in my appearance, but in reading about how to improve or maintain it.
So, if you're new to this genre then this is probably a pretty good place to start and has a lot of good advice (as well as some useless but relatively harmless advice). Whether or not it was peculiarly French or not is debatable.
That being said, I enjoy her blog quite a bit.
October 21, 2015
This book is full of encouragement to women to take good care of themselves - sound, practical advice. It was informative, but began to drag about midway. I got annoyed of the repetitive “French women including those of a certain age”. Also I think you don't need expensive clothes, spending fortune on dermatologist consultation and skin products to age gracefully and with class and you certainly don't need to be French. It seemed so fake and pretentious.
June 6, 2019
I found the tone of this book to be a bit odd. Some of it is inspiring or at least entertaining, but for the most part the author seemed very insecure to me. The depth of her obsession with French women and random parts of their beauty rituals was disturbing but still didn’t make this an informative book. It seems like she really wishes she weren’t American. I like beauty and fashion books but even for the genre this one seems to encourage being abnormally fixated on your appearance.
November 17, 2013
Overall I thought it was a very good read from an American that had moved to France and slowly began to learn how French women approach taking care of themselves. It comes down to daily little habits that keep their bodies and faces well cared for and overall quality versus quantity. Quality of makeup and skincare products (they use drugstore too!), clothes that are classic and fit the individual person, shoes that will last, excellent food, good & interesting companionship.
Basically they know what looks good on them, purchase items that will last, and have quality coming into their minds.
Inspiring book for me.
Basically they know what looks good on them, purchase items that will last, and have quality coming into their minds.
Inspiring book for me.
December 20, 2017
Half of this is interesting and useful; half is pretentious and elitist, and a bit precious, to boot (lots of cute little French phrases and exclamations thrown in for authenticity). Not sure what SES demographic this is aimed at, but I'm not in it. Lots of designer name-dropping and interviews with celebrity stylists, expensive dermatologists and such. On the other hand, some genuinely helpful tips, a good pep-talk and morale boost for women in the 40-50+ age range, and some fun descriptions of what is allegedly the French way of savoring life, all of which I found enjoyable and mildly inspiring. Find a used, inexpensive copy; don't pay full price.
December 31, 2013
So fun! My mom got me this for Christmas, not realizing it was meant for the over-40 ladies, but there wasn't anything in here that wasn't useful to a girl in her 20's or 30's. Besides the interesting health and beauty advice, I like to read about how differently we approach the subjects of beauty, age, and decorum. A fun holiday read.
May 20, 2015
I choose this book to learn the secrets of beauty concerning about women. I didn't know it was a 40 year old "read". The complex of this book is to live happily and beautiful, and discover the substance of beauty. I enjoyed reading and understand the simple factors of living well, and to embrace our natural beauty.
September 5, 2018
"French beauty advice is always a good read - secrets of beauty always welcome."--patron
August 27, 2021
After reading author´s second book first, this one was a bit of a letdown for me.
First, unlike probably the rest of the world (?), I do not speak a WORD french (Dont get me wrong, it is a very pretty sounding language and listening to it truly sounds like an intelectual battle - for one reason or another) - but this book is FULL of french phrases and words without a translation or at least a glossary at the end, which kind of disrupted my flow (If you are ok consulting your dictionary every five seconds, scratch this one).
Second, you think french women love being as natural as possible up until about fifty pages in (which made me feel good, because I like it too! Plus it is not only healthy for me, but also for my bank account). But then, you get introduced to some "esential" minor and major beauty treatments that would not only make you question mother nature, but also your not-so-perky-looking facial and financial future (again, if you dont mind occasional needles and your bank account is looking chic, scratch this one as well.)
Third, when talking about beauty treatments and fashion choices, this book is talking about a very specific group of people, living a very specific type of life (which would be TOTALLY ok, if it was not making us believe, that "any woman can do/learn this"). Renaming it in your head before reading it would be a solution too, so scratch this one either.
Also, out of personal preference based on apparent lack of imagination, I would really like some pictures (read this! you will know what I am talking about).
First, unlike probably the rest of the world (?), I do not speak a WORD french (Dont get me wrong, it is a very pretty sounding language and listening to it truly sounds like an intelectual battle - for one reason or another) - but this book is FULL of french phrases and words without a translation or at least a glossary at the end, which kind of disrupted my flow (If you are ok consulting your dictionary every five seconds, scratch this one).
Second, you think french women love being as natural as possible up until about fifty pages in (which made me feel good, because I like it too! Plus it is not only healthy for me, but also for my bank account). But then, you get introduced to some "esential" minor and major beauty treatments that would not only make you question mother nature, but also your not-so-perky-looking facial and financial future (again, if you dont mind occasional needles and your bank account is looking chic, scratch this one as well.)
Third, when talking about beauty treatments and fashion choices, this book is talking about a very specific group of people, living a very specific type of life (which would be TOTALLY ok, if it was not making us believe, that "any woman can do/learn this"). Renaming it in your head before reading it would be a solution too, so scratch this one either.
Also, out of personal preference based on apparent lack of imagination, I would really like some pictures (read this! you will know what I am talking about).
June 21, 2022
- Radiant self-confidence is a big part of Frenchwomen's success
- Frenchwomen are realistic: they want to be looked at, they want to be lusted over. They understand they will age, they understand diet is important to keep themselves fit (so they can fit into good clothes to look nice). They understand the good and bad part of their bodies and they understand how to play it accordingly to their advantage
- Frenchwomen do not aspire to be anyone other than themselves
- Discipline is the foundation upon which all the rest is built
- Frenchwomen are not overly concerned with being liked. They don't have the need to tell people things to be liked
- Frenchwomen are organized because chaotic life makes it hard for her to live
- Frenchwomen understand from the early age that skin is the most important beauty secrect
- Every women must have their very own dermatologist
- Hydration is very important for skin care
- Smiling is the best facial exercise that exists
- Frenchwomen adore mesotherapy
- Frenchwomen also don't see any point in trying to change who they are: natural is the mantra for them
- French don't obsess over wrinkles because they see it as a part of life
- Frenchwomen over a certain age will deny they've spent time fixing themselves up - it's an inside joke
- A good diet (not dieting) is important for the French (they rarely - if ever - splurge). In addition, Frenchwomen all exercise
- Style without substance is unacceptable for the French because it's boring
- Frenchwomen are realistic: they want to be looked at, they want to be lusted over. They understand they will age, they understand diet is important to keep themselves fit (so they can fit into good clothes to look nice). They understand the good and bad part of their bodies and they understand how to play it accordingly to their advantage
- Frenchwomen do not aspire to be anyone other than themselves
- Discipline is the foundation upon which all the rest is built
- Frenchwomen are not overly concerned with being liked. They don't have the need to tell people things to be liked
- Frenchwomen are organized because chaotic life makes it hard for her to live
- Frenchwomen understand from the early age that skin is the most important beauty secrect
- Every women must have their very own dermatologist
- Hydration is very important for skin care
- Smiling is the best facial exercise that exists
- Frenchwomen adore mesotherapy
- Frenchwomen also don't see any point in trying to change who they are: natural is the mantra for them
- French don't obsess over wrinkles because they see it as a part of life
- Frenchwomen over a certain age will deny they've spent time fixing themselves up - it's an inside joke
- A good diet (not dieting) is important for the French (they rarely - if ever - splurge). In addition, Frenchwomen all exercise
- Style without substance is unacceptable for the French because it's boring
March 15, 2018
“Forever Chic” by Tish Jett is a well-written survey of French culture that highlights the strengths that brings so much admiration while dispelling myths such as “French women don’t go to the gym”. The author is an American journalist who moved to France, married a Frenchman and ended up living in France for the next 25 years. This book is well researched and gives generalization based off of surveys of French friends, advice from French experts, and observations from years of blogging about French fashion. This book is about aging gracefully for “women of a certain age”, but a younger woman like myself can find loads of great advice for one’s style now. Even though there are chapters on hair, makeup, skincare, clothes, and accessories, the general theme of the book is that French elegance is characterized more by the self-confidence, enjoyment of life, engaging manners, and self-expression that all women could possess but often don’t. By the end of this book, I felt proud to be a woman: unique, intelligent, and beautiful. Instead of feeling like a frumpy American, I wanted to go through my closet and see what treasures I own to enhance my own charm. In response to her discussion about the ideal French woman being a charming woman who excels at the art of conversation, I think my next book will be focused on improving my ability in that area. This was such a great book and I highly recommend it!
May 17, 2019
Fate brought me and this book together. I was leaving the library with about 9 books in tow about beauty, skin care, a book called 'The French Beauty Solution' and one called 'Paris Bath & Beauty book' (about to start school for an Esthetician program) when I passed by their usual books on sale display. I always browse on my way out, it's $1 a book, so worth taking a look. I spotted this little red book in the corner (the book cover is missing) and opened it to take a look. Just the first few words that I read had me hooked and not only that but the book is on the exact topic I came to get books at the library from. Tish Jett wrote an excellent book with an amazing and positive message; it stresses putting yourself as a priority & taking time to dote on yourself. In our fast paced, 'go go go' world, we often overlook this important self love step. She draws from her personal experience living in France, surrounded by women who are unapologetically happy being themselves and not trying to fit into an unrealistic, photoshopped box like women here in America are so desperately trying to. The book is elegantly written and has a very engaging flow, it was hard to put down for more than a couple of minutes without wanting to know more. The artwork and fun little sections in between her writing made the book that much more endearing and entertaining. I am ever so lucky to have this book now as part of my personal library. I highly recommend this book!
October 25, 2017
I gave this book 4 stars for the same reason I gave Marie Kondo's book 4 stars - I was glad to be reminded of some things I already knew, and to learn a couple of new practices/ideas.
I will admit that I do have a fondness for France and French-ness - well, not the snobby stuff, but the country and the overall idea. In this book the author talks about what makes French women "of a certain age" still vibrant and stylish. She details how it can of course be helpful to have a lot of money, but most of the book is just talking about the importance of taking care of oneself, having a positive outlook, and an interest in the world around you.
Frenchwomen are known for their seemingly effortless style, and Jett explains to us how they have a different approach to what they buy, what they wear, and how they live. A lot of it is stuff I've heard and read before, but there was a lot of food for thought here.
I was reminded that the most important thing a person in any country of any financial level can have is confidence and self-regard. That's never a bad thing.
I will admit that I do have a fondness for France and French-ness - well, not the snobby stuff, but the country and the overall idea. In this book the author talks about what makes French women "of a certain age" still vibrant and stylish. She details how it can of course be helpful to have a lot of money, but most of the book is just talking about the importance of taking care of oneself, having a positive outlook, and an interest in the world around you.
Frenchwomen are known for their seemingly effortless style, and Jett explains to us how they have a different approach to what they buy, what they wear, and how they live. A lot of it is stuff I've heard and read before, but there was a lot of food for thought here.
I was reminded that the most important thing a person in any country of any financial level can have is confidence and self-regard. That's never a bad thing.
September 6, 2017
Are we American women so insecure that we have to look abroad for style?
That said, Forever Chic offers some good advice about fashion (invest in neutrals, accessorize with statement jewelry and scarves).
As a beauty blogger, I was particularly interested in what Tish Jett had to say about beauty and makeup.
- She doesn't mention eye shadow.
- One MUA said that an older women could benefit from a judicious use of powder on the forehead and nose - I say, use blotting papers before powder.
- Another MUA tip was to test foundation on your palms. The presence of blue or green veins will help determine your foundation shade. I had never found testing for blue or green veins particularly helpful. My best advice is to have someone at a department store or Sephora find a near match for your skin tone, and you can use their advice to get you in the ball park.
That said, Forever Chic offers some good advice about fashion (invest in neutrals, accessorize with statement jewelry and scarves).
As a beauty blogger, I was particularly interested in what Tish Jett had to say about beauty and makeup.
- She doesn't mention eye shadow.
- One MUA said that an older women could benefit from a judicious use of powder on the forehead and nose - I say, use blotting papers before powder.
- Another MUA tip was to test foundation on your palms. The presence of blue or green veins will help determine your foundation shade. I had never found testing for blue or green veins particularly helpful. My best advice is to have someone at a department store or Sephora find a near match for your skin tone, and you can use their advice to get you in the ball park.
February 22, 2019
I'm in my 30s and find this book to be one of the most enlightening in terms of being stylish and fashionable at any age. I'm not certain how far others who rated the book as poorly got along in reading it but I thought the perspective of a "woman of a certain age" is just what every "woman under a certain age"should consider. With Instagram and YouTube and Pinterest telling women they need a bikini body, contouring on the face and the perfect wardrobe stacked with the newest trends, it's refreshing to read what truly defines beauty. Regardless of the cost of an expert or Dermatologist, taking good care of the skin and accepting ones appearance reduces the need for makeup. Well thought out designer purchases can be maintained for years and then made fresh again with good accessories. And that above all regardless of how much one can afford, it's better to be original on a dime than to be identical spending thousands of dollars on brand names.
January 26, 2019
I enjoyed all the tips for taking care of yourself. Provides self-confidence in knowing how to feel better about yourself, especially during the later years. Good tips on hair, face, clothes and remembering how to carry yourself. I think most women want to walk out of the house looking good. I know I do. I'm 65 and I care about my appearance.
With all that said, it really has alot of information that pertains to a richer crowd. Many of the products are higher end, but good suggestions.
I know my budget and I feel good about products I use. It's all about using them on a daily basis. Clothes I purchase at Macy's, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, and all sale racks in all types of stores. Because you just don't know what you might find. And, it gives you an opportunity to try out something.
Thanks for the help. Always appreciate good information on staying in good shape.
With all that said, it really has alot of information that pertains to a richer crowd. Many of the products are higher end, but good suggestions.
I know my budget and I feel good about products I use. It's all about using them on a daily basis. Clothes I purchase at Macy's, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, and all sale racks in all types of stores. Because you just don't know what you might find. And, it gives you an opportunity to try out something.
Thanks for the help. Always appreciate good information on staying in good shape.
April 22, 2019
I think Frenchwomen got It altogether and I want to know their secrets. I didn't learn a while lot more that I didn't already know except perhaps in the area of skincare. Some of the treatments recommended, although they are certainly better alternatives than plastic surgery, do sound costly but also inaccessible where I live. I have long admired everything French and especially their joie de vivre. Their philosophy about life is what I strive for and their attitude about aging and style in general is beautiful - simplistic yet knowing what looks good regardless of trends is their philosophy and it works. If I could pick a place to live it would probably be France. In another life perhaps. The author, Tish Jett, was very lucky to have had the opportunity to live there, adopt their culture and learn the beauty secrets of des femmes francaises d'un certain age.
October 26, 2019
When a book has a good ending, it elevates its whole value. That was my conclusion after reaching the last chapter of 'Forever Chic'. Similar books that I read, usually, the authors might not pay as much attention to their ending as opposed to the beginning, and viewers were left with a lackluster feeling while finishing it. Fortunately, that did not happen with Tish Jett's book. The last 10 pages are the strongest ones to me. She conveys the most empowering message, besides concluding everything that was mentioned all through out the book, further emphasizing on the substance and the inner 'charm' that made Frenchwomen so French and irresistible. Overall, the whole book is a wholesome and sweet experience that every non-French woman should read and learn from. 4*/5*
October 9, 2022
This was an interesting read in which the author tried to explain why French women look younger than they are. She divides the book into nine chapters and concludes with an epilogue. Some of what she writes is interesting, like how a French woman prefers quality over quantity for everything from food to clothes, how she cares about her appearance regardless of having or not having scheduled plans, and she sees herself as an investment. Since this book was written in 2013, I suspect some things may have changed, especially post-pandemic. Still, this was an easy read and her background as a writer and editor who has chosen to live in France for more than twenty-five years gave credibility to her observations.
January 14, 2025
I would have liked the book more if it lived up to its subtitle regarding "Frenchwomen" but the book seemed to focus exclusively on very wealthy Parisian women. I'm sure the chapters may have read differently with input from women living in working class cities and the countryside.
Also, advising Americans to prioritize dermatology appointments falls flat when you consider many citizens struggle to access any sort of routine healthcare, let alone specialist appointments.
The overall message of finding joy in taking time to take care of ourselves mentally and physically is a good one, but gets lost under many layers of fluff.
Also, advising Americans to prioritize dermatology appointments falls flat when you consider many citizens struggle to access any sort of routine healthcare, let alone specialist appointments.
The overall message of finding joy in taking time to take care of ourselves mentally and physically is a good one, but gets lost under many layers of fluff.
June 17, 2019
I picked this up without realizing it was geared toward women of "a certain age" (I'm not one) but I still enjoyed it. I love this type of light, confident, breezy read in the summer, and even if some sections felt slow (the skin section in particular, likely because a lot of it wasn't applicable to me) and much of the advice was simplistic in the extreme, I still picked up a few tips and came away from the read feeling like it was time to pay myself a bit more attention--which is what I think the author would have hoped for.
July 27, 2019
This pleasant little book is full of personal experience, pragmatic advice, and practical strategies for timeless inner and outer beauty; as well as casual yet planned elegance and grace. Tish Jett does not give us a prescriptive recipe; rather, her observances, interviews and experiences do the learning curve for us "women of a certain age". Some of this advice is familiar; the underlying principle is serious self respect and self care, with a compassionate outlook on life and for others.
August 7, 2018
Absolutely loved this book. Agreed with almost everything she said. I think this book should be given to every girl to read in school as French women get it so right when it comes to enjoying being a woman and knowing the importance of taking care of themselves and taking time and enjoyment in how they look.
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