Une Femme Française: The Seductive Style of French Women

by Catherine Malandrino

All American women aspire to have the nonchalant style and grace of French women, that je ne sais quoi that makes all of their habits seem natural and effortless. In Une Femme Francaise, fashion designer Catherine Malandrino, a Frenchwoman who has lived and worked in the US for twenty years, reveals French women's secrets for an American audience.

Grab a cafe creme and learn:

- To be your own creation, not a slave to the latest fashion
- What defines une femme Francaise the little black dress, the boyish look, the rebel touch, and the carefree attitude
- The secrets of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the avatar of American women who admire the French
- Hair- and skin-care tricks from Paris It Girls
- That nonchalance, more than perfume, is sexy
- How to seduce anyone
- Why red is a necessity
- The real reason French women don't get fat: food is family

Genres: Nonfiction, France, Fashion

341 pages, Hardcover

Published November 14, 2017

Reviews

[Lulu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great cover, fun drawings inside, but not a lot of insight or new information here. I tend to approach any of these French-women-are-so-chic-ooh-la-la books with trepidation and sure enough, this one, while charming at first, is riddled with typos in English and French, and is overall just a so-so read.

[Christina Maria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Please, please let this be the end of the French Girl Guide obsession. It’s clear that publishers wanted to keep capitalizing on the massive success of “How to be Parisian Wherever you Are,” which, although at times kitschy, at least had its clever moments. This book, from the perspective of French designer Catherine Malandrino, is supposed to give insight onto both French and American culture from someone who has split her time between Paris and New York for some 20 years. However, her disdain for the American (specifically, New Yorker) lifestyle is so obvious it’s at times scathing, but mostly just blandly stereotypical. Case in point: a series of “American vs. French ______” lists, which are so clearly meant to showcase how superior the French lifestyle is to the American one, rather than trying to parse actual differences in culture. Under the list for "food styles," (?) she writes “American – Order takeout. French – Cook easily at home.” Really? Every single person in America exclusively orders takeout?

There are interesting and thought-provoking ways to actually dissect differences between cultures, and for anyone wanting to know more about French culture, I’d recommend "The Bonjour Effect," which does an excellent job of that. But this is just a waste of time; it lacks the humor and wit of “How to be Parisian,” and doesn’t offer anything beyond cheap stereotypes and mediocre writing.

[Nicolette · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn’t as fun as I wanted it to be. It was a purchase on a whim and I’ll have no problem passing it on to the local secondhand store.

[Annie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not what I expected, it's more of a long magazine article you might read in Elle.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this guide made me feel divinely feminine and elegant. I enjoyed the tips even if I had to disagree with some of them as a New Yorker. I will never regret purchasing a pair of funky Spongebob slippers! Those minor differences of opinion aside, Catherine Malandrino's got style in spades. The quotes interspersed throughout in bold red ink to begin each chapter are treasures to incorporate into one's personal library of mottos. I am also now determined to visit Laduree on Madison for a box of macarons. A sumptuous read with plenty of Parisienne wisdom to mull over for those (particularly those in New York or those with a plane ticket to Paris) exploring their femininity. Some may think that it has little new to offer. It is true that a lot of this book offers the kind of wisdom that is innate, French or not. What got me were the delivery and presentation, the recommendations on what to watch or where to shop, the bits of history, and the glimpses into the fashion designer's childhood and career.

[Christine (Tina) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm guessing the reason I liked this more than other reviewers is because I feel a sense of kindredness towards Malandrino. The biggest compliment I was ever given was that I behave more like a European than an American - this came from my ex-husband when initially it was intriguing to know someone like me (when I failed to live up to his American standards for a housewife, not so much anymore).

Malandrino has more guts than I do; however, I get her. This book makes me want to be a part-time ex-pat in France because I think it would feel equally like home.

[Karah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine Malandrino has an open heart. Her disclosure of the French allure should compel many solemn souls to relish life. (I had neither read or heard of her before this book.) Malandrino includes quotes from 20th century luminaries. I relish this one: "Beware the girls who don't like wine, truffles, cheese, and music"~Colette. Merlot, chocolate truffles, cream cheese, and Brazilian music bring me much joy!!!

Merci beaucoup, Mademoiselle Catherine.

[Shannon Rochester · Rating 4 out of 5]

As books on being French go, this is one of the better ones I have read. it kept me interested the entire way through, which can be kind of hard for this type of book. she gave so many references that had me looking people, places, and things up. I would definitely recommend it to others that are into "being French".

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kept reading thinking there was going to be some merit to this book other than serving as a travel guide to Paris. If you're headed that way, check out the lists she includes. If not, save your reading time for something else.

[Tink · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved most of this book but was sad to see there were no pictures of the author’s fashions (which she discussed) nor of the places she mentions. It would have been a much richer experience reading it with visuals.

[Lilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely, though I did skim thru many parts, such as places to visit in France, since I am not visiting soon.

[Bita · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only learned one thing: Coco Chanel was an anti semite. Now I have a very good reason not to buy a $5000 handbag...!!!!

[Andressa Da Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t get the bad reviews. It’s not groundbreaking but it’s a fun enough book.

[Ann D’Aleandro · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t know that I came away with much about French style for women except that they have an elan I probably will never have as their culture supports their way of life. The author certainly didn’t lack enthusiasm and her drawings were lively, but this little book just didn’t hold my enthusiasm for the topic. The fashion part was reaffirming, though. 2:5 stars

[Caitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read even though it's 300+ pages. Admittedly, I skimmed the sections that shared secret spots in Paris. This is more memoir than a "how to", which is fine, but I never felt connected to the author. Not my glass of champagne.