French Style!

[Whitelinen]

I don't consider shamelessly trashing whole countries to be very chic. But that's just me.

I could take days to talk about what is wrong with the United States of America, but I do think that this bashing of Americans is getting a little bit out of hand. While I do think it should not be justified that most of these awful beauty ideals - such as looking like you are plastic, or being there just to be a sex toy for men - do come from the US, who are doing nothing to stop them, I also think there are many American women who are not ignorant, greedy, stupid, plastic, sloppy sex toys with no brains. I am sure there are many of those women and men who are not what we think of when we speak of Americans in this forum. Although I think most Americans should think why their nation is so hated, I also think sometimes we go overboard with this, to a state where this bashing is no longer constructive critisism or discussion. Let's give the Americans a break for awhile and let's enjoy what French style has to offer to us. If someone wants to put up a France vs. USA-thread, they are free to do so, but I don't think a thread titled to be about French style should become a place for off-topic discussion such as this.

As for French style, I am not sure if it exists so much anymore, at least not in the same way. I think fifty years ago we could talk about the French being more elegant than us others, but today I think it is the fashion savvy French that are elegant and know the secrets of French style and good way of living - not the general public.

 

[chanelnumber5]

I really want to go to Paris to style watch now! My sister was there a few days ago so I got her to do it for me instead, and she said that alot of the women are wearing lots of light trench coats and well fitted black trousers. I think like has been mentioned alot in this thread they dont dress for trends but more for what suits them

 

[JunyaSchick]

^that´s one of the best advices you can give to someone: dont dress for trends, dress for what it suits you... that would make u look great

 

[cheiby11]

If you have to generalize... what are main eating habits of Frenchwomen?

 

[La bordélique]

I have family from France (various cities including Paris)... and when they came to visit (I live in Montreal), whenever we ate our meals, I noticed my French siblings always finished their meals last. I guess they have a tendency to eat with all the time they have.

 

[satin chic]

imo Paris is the only real fashionable city in France

I disagree. A lot of cities in the south of France are very fashionable, especially Aix-en-Provence. Many young, chic and stylish people there.

 

[Whitelinen]

If you have to generalize... what are main eating habits of Frenchwomen?

I had a French girl to live with me for a week. I noticed that she didn't eat a lot, especially during the daytime. I also asked her about more about her eating habits, and she said they were traditional French habits.

She ate a normal breakfast, but only a sandwich and an apple or some ice cream during the daytime. But in the evening, she ate a big dinner, usually around 8-9 o'clock, and never without salad, usually first. She said that's how they eat at home. I am going to visit her in few weeks, I can try to take notes and then report here.

I also asked her whether she smokes... well, she replied "although I am French doesn't mean I smoke. It's bad for your skin and health."

 

[chanelnumber5]

If you have to generalize... what are main eating habits of Frenchwomen?

I think that more quality of the food is emphasised and more time is taken to cook and eat the meal. Also, I think they tend to eat whatever they like but in small amounts.

Does anyone have any pictures of any French celebrities as I would be interested to see if how they dress is any different to American/British celebrities. Thanks

 

[Bel]

Traditionally the French at their main meal at noon, with a smaller, simple dinner. But its changing nw that businesses are getting Americanized and they can't go home for lunch.

Eating earlier the day is supposedly healthier. You eat less in bright light. But I don't know if it makes any significant difference.

 

[Whitelinen]

I think that more quality of the food is emphasised and more time is taken to cook and eat the meal. Also, I think they tend to eat whatever they like but in small amounts.

Does anyone have any pictures of any French celebrities as I would be interested to see if how they dress is any different to American/British celebrities. Thanks

I think you are right, that's what French cuisine and eating habits are all about.

As for French celebs, take a look at Star Style. Some French celebs of today:

Audrey Tautou
Lou Doillon
Elodie Bouchez
Charlotte Gainsbourg
Vanessa Paradis
Sophie Marceau
Mylène Jampanoï
Julia Restoin-Roitfeld (maybe not a celeb, but an it-girl)
Marion Cotillard
Anna Mouglalis
Laetitia Casta
Eva Green
Clémence Poésy
Mélanie Laurent
Amira Casar
Ludivine Sagnier
Virginie Ledoyen
Emmanuelle Béart
Emmanuelle Seigner

That's what I can think of...

 

[cheiby11]

thank you for your opinions

Now I sum up secret of slim bodies of Frenchwomen:

self-restraint + litres of creams to make your thighs thinner, creams to make your breasts firmer + lover (husband, boyfriend...)

 

[Sylphide]

thank you for your opinions

Now I sum up secret of slim bodies of Frenchwomen:

self-restraint + litres of ] + lover (husband, boyfriend...)

haha yes i believe its quite french to have one of each jk

 

[cheiby11]

 

[mini me]

trying to hard to look chic is somewhat worse than being totally ignored by chic

 

[Bel]

Haha thank you mini me... that is nearly my entire philosophy of fashion and I always get bashed for it.

 

[Ruby_slippers]

French dining style seems to revolve around rich foods in small quantities. Similar to the one glass of red wine a day theory. Luxury in small doses. The same can apply to clothing style, ie buying a few expensive pieces that can be used for years. Something that feels like an indulgence is transformed into something practical (and beautiful).

And, that Haver article (post #471) made be nauseous. The stereotypes are ridiculous. Yes, there might be something to learn from the French, but denigrating an entire country of diverse women is stupid, naive, and negligent on the part of the author. Most women I know are not encapsulated by these singular notions. Classics seem to be resurfacing in modern dress, which is a good turn pulled from various sources. ("French style" being one of these sources.)
"French style" has become a trend, unfortunately. To push the new agenda, old habits are mocked. It is a way to get people to follow along. At least this is a stylish trend.

 

[mini me]

I don't care where are those bad dressing samples coming from, I think we need good samples and advices more than bashing anyone. A good sample or elegant style do as a guide for us sometimes.

Someone in this thread mentioned that a main character of French style is "dressing in a low-key way", and I think that is where those neutral makeup and good quality items are coming out, also it's a good summary of what I've learnt from this thread, dressing properly but not to put too much efforts to look stylish or trendy.

 

[russh_kris_z]

Thank you !!! It's great reading. I wish I can read the book, but it isn't sold here.

I can post pages if anyone wants me to

 

[russh_kris_z]

i would never wear pyjamas or sweats to school. I'm all for classic cut and modernity.

And for the person that asked about glossed hair yu can get that done at the hairdresser, I live in Paris each summer and a tric I've learnt is to always have well groomed hair.

How much would it Approximately cost and what exactly does it do to your hair and how long does it last? Rofl Thanks so much

 

[Sylphide]

I can post pages if anyone wants me to

I would love to read some!