Bringing French Style Into Everyday Life
A wonderful guest post by creator, writer and certified Style Coach, Janelle Gould from the popular blog Distant Francophile. Janelle personifies elegance and style and shares her tips with us today…
Hello busy francophiles! My name is Janelle. I believe that women everywhere can bring French style and inspiration into their life, no matter where they happen to live in the world. And I’m very pleased to meet you all.
The francophile bit was a given. Readers of A French Collection are clearly discerning lovers of all things related to France.
And, truth be told, the busy part was even easier. After all, busy is a label that seems to apply to just about everyone these days.
I’m not sure when busy-ness became a badge of honour. What I am sure about is the fact that so many of us now use the word busy to describe who and how we are.
And one of the things I’ve noticed about all this ‘busy-ness’ is that it gives us an excuse when we let go of important things.
Like style.
Let’s face it. When things get busy, it can be easy to throw on whatever comes to hand and say that we don’t care what we look like. But it doesn’t have to be all bad news. We francophiles are actually in a very fortunate position.
When it comes to personal style French women are renowned the world over – and they make excellent style icons. And if you are looking for more good news, their look is easy to emulate – which is perfect if you want to incorporate a little more French style into your busy life.
As a rule, French women don’t do fussy or overdone. No frilly skirts, no heavy makeup. And while you know they’ve made an effort, you never get the impression that they are trying too hard. Seems like a perfect plan!
Here are my top five tips for bringing a touch of French style into everyday life.
Develop A Signature Style
There’s no doubt about it, developing a signature style is a good idea.
Somewhat akin to a uniform – and occasionally described as such – everything you’ll read on the topic confirms that having a signature style is advantageous. Particularly when it comes to the saving of two key commodities – time and money.
French women are known for being effortlessly chic and for having a signature style.
Flat shoes (boots or ballerinas). Skinny jeans or slim pants. A well fitted top. A perfectly cut jacket. And, of course, no French woman’s outfit would be complete without a scarf. Simple, comfortable and classy – and such an easy way to bring French style into the everyday.
Pair Your Signature Style With Fine, Understated Jewellery
When I say fine here, I’m referring to weight rather than recommending a particular price point. Look for pieces that can be worn everyday and that look good with everything.
Perhaps some would say this strategy is a little boring but the word ease springs to my mind. And who wouldn’t like more ease in their life?
Adopt An Easy Care Hairstyle
Shiny, sexy, unfussy hair is a French woman’s trademark.
They seem to have a knack for getting a great cut and avoiding too much product.
They are also kind to their hair in that they don’t overheat it nor do they over-wash it…two things that also save a little more time on busy mornings.
Don’t Underestimate The Power Of A Red Lip – Or Buffed Nails
Years of people watching in France have taught me a lot about the French approach to make-up.
French women truly understand the importance of great skin when it comes to looking their best. And their key make-up looks rely heavily on two things. First up, healthy, glowing skin. And secondly, the perfect red lipstick.
Team the two together and you’ve achieved a chic and polished look.
And let’s not forget our nails. Opting for short, buffed fingernails is another way French women look well groomed with very little effort or cost – and it’s a simple look to try at home.
Finally, Spritz On Some Fragrance
So many French women commit to just a single fragrance, one that becomes their very own signature scent.
However, not all French women are wedded to only one perfume. Some are very happy to build a wardrobe of scents that allows them to match their perfume to their mood.
The common thread of course is the dedication to wearing fragrance every day. With a single spritz you are almost guaranteed to bring a little bit of French mystique into your day.
There you have it. Five easy ways to bring a touch of French style into everyday life.
About Janelle
“I believe that every woman can bring French style and joie de vivre to her life, no matter where she happens to live in the world. She only needs to know a secret or two to be on her way.”
Thanks to Janelle for her wonderful tips on Bringing French Style To Everyday Living and to learn more of Janelle’s style secrets, make sure you head over to the beautiful Distant Francophile website.
