Living Forever Chic: Frenchwomen's Timeless Secrets for Everyday Elegance, Gracious Entertaining, and Enduring Allure

by Tish Jett

Why French women of a certain age are the consummate hostesses, homemakers, and style icons--and how you can be, too. Frenchwomen--particularly those 40 and over--are role models for stylish and gracious living, what the French call l'art de vivre.

American-born fashion journalist Tish Jett, who has studied these women for years, shared their beauty secrets in her first book, Forever Chic. Now she explores why Frenchwomen of a certain age are master hostesses and homemakers, expert practioners of les bonnes manières as well as everyday elegance, savoir-faire, and as a result, la joie de vivre.
Jett explains how to entertain like a Frenchwoman, including a glimpse into the typical French larder from which a delicious meal can be thrown together with ease, to detailed instruction on laying a beautiful table and crafting a perfect cheese plate (did you know that when cutting from a wedge of cheese, slice from the back to the point, which is the "heart" of the cheese, and as such considered the best part and not to be lopped off so others cannot enjoy it). She explores everyday style and elegance, disclosing how to create that special bien dans sa peau (to feel good about oneself) sensation so coveted by Frenchwomen. Jett also shares the importance of discipline, which goes hand in hand with beauty--a well-ordered closet, be it for clothes or linens, translates to easy everyday elegance.
With tips on adjusting your beauty and style regimes seasonally, charmingly packaged with color illustrations, Living Forever Chic is a delightful gift for the Francophile in your life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Fashion, France, Self Help

256 pages, Hardcover

Published October 2, 2018

Reviews

[Deanna]

One of the better examples in the “how the French do it” genre. Interesting takes from a variety of French experts and icons, mostly from the perspective of the mature woman. Overall I was pleasantly impressed with this light advice read.

[Kathleen Nalley]

Clever book reflecting enormous admiration for French women of a certain age, but my take was simply thinking about what I do or might incorporate into my own life with fashion, entertaining, decorating, without all the aplomb the author describes.

[Trina]

Have you ever met someone who was so extremely confident yet relaxed that you were instantly drawn to this person and wanted to learn their secret? The summer before 10th grade, my best friend's family hosted an exchange student from France. She was the most fascinating person I had ever met. I spent a lot of time with Marie that summer. While all the girls I knew, were constantly worried about their hair and makeup, Marie kept her naturally wavy brown hair cut short in a bob and never wore any makeup. Her unfussy yet adorable look and attitude was enviable. Her favorite new word she learned that summer was marshmallow which we all thought was hilarious. Marie made quite an impression on me and my future self. This book reminds me of Marie. When life becomes too fussy, I recommend you pour yourself a glass of wine, settle into your favorite chair and meet Marie - by reading the book of course. Who knows, you might even start buying marshmallows.

[Juju]

是本實用書，可以找到很多典範，還有一些下次去法國會想去體驗的，例如乳酪、跳蚤市場、花藝課（又助漲了學法語的動力）。

讀Tish的文字有種讓人很舒服的感覺，很像走入有薄霧的陽光中，溫柔明亮。
讀這本書的時候會整個呈現很好的情緒，覺得一切什麼的，都無所謂，都是生活的一部分。

讀Tish的文字時，總是會讓我變得溫柔。
心情浮躁時讀也會立即感受到心情的變化，原來聽自信與平靜的人講話會有這種效果。

有三句我特別喜歡的句子：
➤學習堅定和善地說「不」。無論原因是什麼，不想做的事情就要拒絕，法國女人這個技巧已經練得爐火純青。
➤許下不想遵守的承諾是很糟糕的念頭。
➤如果你的行為忠實反應了定義「你」的原則，那就不用浪費時間擔心其他人怎麼看待你。

第四章討論款待的主題有一段是Tish自己的小研究，有餐巾、桌布、飯廳、餐盤、玻璃杯、餐具、酒水、裝飾
的歷史演進，蠻有趣的。
（不愧是記者，對調查研究很來勁，哈）

第五章「我的最愛」有很多的保養商品筆記，超讚的！
皮膚科醫師薇樂麗．嘉蕾建議要替換使用保養品。
她的意思是，手邊產品用完後，就以另一樣產品代替，然後再用回先前的產品。

[Gigi]

DNF!
The name dropping was beyond obnoxious. I could not get past 30% of this book. I wish I could have returned this kindle book for a refund. There are better books out there on French elegance.

[Heidi C]

Great to know some cultural tips on French living style savoir vivre which is really to appreciate life through little details. The best part is cross-cultural, the reminder of the term elegance: something that is not easy to explain but easy to recognize. Politeness, humbleness with self empathy.

[Marie]

You should read the epilogue first. It really sets the philosophical tone for this readable book. It's not prescriptive, i.e. "do this or that"; let yourself, rather, be caught up in the principle of the thing. If you've read her previous book you will so get it. And for us "women of a certain age", the message of simplicity equating to style is very meaningful.

[Kelly]

This book was consistent with many other Francophile books I’ve read, except much more annoying. The name dropping was obnoxious to a high degree, and such specific recommendations aren’t that helpful. Guidelines and a few examples would have sufficed.

The hardest chapter to get through was entertaining. The level of detail was tedious. Pick another to enjoy instead.

[Natalia M Francisco]

Great book

I love this book. It provides great advice on how to live a good life! It gives many tips on how to surround yourself with beautiful things and really appreciate them. I love that it talks to being elegant, refined, but at the same time simple!!!!
A great book!!!!!

[Rachel]

Like a weekend with your elegant, if old-fashioned, French aunt. This book is practical “live French” advice charmingly presented. One must try to ignore the repetitive name-dropping in order to enjoy the read.

[J Crossley]

Tish Jett describes ways to build the French view of living life well into your daily life. She looks at chores, food, and entertaining. Throughout the book are small guides for specific subjects.

[Lindsey Stromberg]

I've never book marked a book more in my life. Thanks for the fun tips/tricks & inspiration! I'd like to take a trip to Paris right now to shop & sit in a coffee shop and get inspiration!

[Laura]

Ever a sucker for lifestyle and etiquette books, this had great appeal. Overall reality of the book, fine. The parts I loved were great. The rest wasn’t.

[Lauren Forbes]

⭐️3.5

I enjoyed this book. The author did annoy me at times and I felt as though it was a little repetitive. However, it had some good takeaways! I especially loved the sections on French home keeping and entertaining. There are cute little excerpts throughout the book that are engaging and fun. It made for a fun read. If you’re a Francophile like me, it’s worth a read.