Category Archives: INTERNATIONAL

By: The Cheap Girl, Oliva De Leon – Gan

French Chic. The certain je ne sais quoi. Many books have been written about french style and this is a topic that can never bore me. To name a few,  Frederic Fekkai, Helena Frith Powell and Suzanne Somers have all written books about the essence of french style. Besides the already known aspect that french women are well-groomed, slim and fashionable, I wanted to dig just a tiny bit deeper for myself. I did not want “celebrity” opinions. I wanted the opinion of the everyday french woman.  So I asked my fabulously chica french friend Nicole to answer a few questions about what she thinks french style is all about.

What does chic mean to you?

French style is all about the allure and the charm. It is how one carries themselves. It can be in a woman’s walk or how she wears a certain dress or a bag, the way she glances etc.

Why do you think that people have the perception that the french are chic?

Maybe because we are snobs I think that it’s because of the the long history of fashion. We are pioneers when it comes to fashion (Coco Chanel, Lanvin, Dior etc.). Also, if you look back in France’s history the royal family and the court had the best dressmakers. Beautiful fabric, jewels. Plus, it’s all about seduction! It’s not only physical. It’s about having imagination and the right attitude. We have kept the heritage so maybe that is why we are very chic.

How is the beauty philosophy different from other countries. For example, North America?

French women are natural. We’re comfortable with our bodies and we’re not so keen on surgery. For example, boob jobs at a young age.

What are some of your own secrets?

To have lot’s of style. Lot’s of allure. Be minimal with make up. Have a focus point like the eyes or lips and keep the rest of the face natural.

Other links:

- French Chic Video

Books on French Chic

- A Year of Style  **A must read! This is an amazing book!