IT'S A FRENCH THING

Coco, Catherine, Carla, and..... me. 

Of course, you all know "Coco" is the one and only................

                                      Coco Chanel

 

you probably suspect that "Catherine" is the beautiful actress 

                               Catherine Deneuve

and by now most are aware that former super model "Carla", is the president of France new wife

                                          Carla Bruni

So, you say: where does "Fifi" fit? What do I have in common with these accomplished women? Well, rest assured: I don't have the audacity to compare myself to them from the perspective of their respective skills and talents (or fame and beauty for that matter) BUT, what I do have in common with them, and millions of other French women, is a sense of self. 

And what prompted this post, you may wonder? 

WELL, 2 THINGS:

First:The many emails I get asking about my style. And, second: an article titled "The French Mystic" by Irene Lacher in the Los Angeles Times back in October 11, in which she often refers to the notions of  "accidental allure" and "seductive disarray" when speaking of French style. "Less is more. That's the essence of French style and the reason the little black dress is so iconic. Because, it's not about the dress, but the wearer. You have a little black dress and one accessory--a scarf, a bracelet."

It made me think about this French style "thing". This is something that little French girls grow up with as naturally as we grow up with croissants and baguettes.

I am often asked how I developed my style an how I define it. The truth is that it's the result of all the wonderful things I was exposed to as a child, as a young woman and, as an adult, and the way we were never asked to "conform" to any trends, may it be about home decor, fashion or beauty. 

I was fortunate to grow up in an era that promoted these traits. But France wasn't always like that. Long before my days growing up in PARIS, French society was all about traditions and public opinion, especially where women were concerned. By the time I came into the world women like Coco Chanel had paved the way for individuality, regardless of  "social standing". If you take a minute to watch the trailer for "COCO BEFORE CHANEL" you will understand what I mean. She defied conventions an paved the way for self-expression. Long after her death she remains a fashion icon and an inspiration for those of us who believe in originality, may it be about fashion or home decor. She had guts, gumption, and believed in herself.

Today, it's perfectly fine for a former super model (and singer) to be the wife of the French president......as you can see from the video below, the First Lady of France, Carla Bruni, is both beautiful and talented. What a refreshing change and beautiful representation of individuality!

The world as long had a love affair with all things French: food, fashion, art....and that uniquely French quality called "Je ne sais quoi", (that hard to define "little something"), which, is nothing more than a way of putting an outfit or a room together with a blithe spirit. 

So, for better or for worse, that's what I do too and what makes my lifestyle and personal style what they are: real, liberating and serene. Pretty yes but without all the trappings of conventional and predictable decorating rules. The only thing that comes to mind, as definitions go, is "SANS CHICHI CHIC" (without ostentation). And the same applies to the way I look and the clothes I wear.

You can do it too. The formula is simple: Make the most of what you have, improvise, take the best of what you like and put your own twist on it, trust your judgement, and DON'T let OTHERS influence your DECISIONS.

In the "immortal" words of Gracie Hart (aka Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality 2) 

"WE DON'T NEED TO CONFORM TO THE "BARBIE-DOLL" IMAGE !"

I HOPE THIS  MAKES SENSE! ALL I REALLY WANTED TO SAY IS : IT'S OK TO BE YOURSELF! 

BISOUS BISOUS.

Comments

[Jackie]

I love this post! It comes to me at a time, when I really need it. With a bit of hard times upon us all, I've been slightly down about the clothes I wear, shoes, etc. Wishing I didnt have to wear the same things over & over again.

It is time to dig in the back of my closet to see what is there & to accessorize!!!!

But, this really helps me to see, I'm free to be ME.....

Thank you so very much Miss Fifi.

Hugs from Tampa to Sarasota!

[Tracie~My Petite Maison]

Exactement! We all need to remember to love ourselves which isn't always easy, but you know I love you, sweet Fifi for all your kindness and inspiration. You are in the same league with Coco, Catherine and Carla to moi. This is definitely a feel good place for the spirit.
xo~Tracie

[Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio & The Comforts of Home]

Well said Fifi!
xo
Penny

[Sissie]

What lovely words to live by. And, it's so true that our sense of style comes from within and radiates from confidence.
I believe that I spent many years searching for my style and finally found it, or should I say stopped long enough to recognize it. I was already 58years old and now 60 before I really accepted completely who I am. But it's all about the metamorphis that occurs as we mature and become more radiant with each new passage. Thanks for reminding me.

[rosa]

It does make sense, although i do not completely agree that less is always more and i do think that french style is not that easy to achieve! When you're born in it it comes natural as you soo well explain, but to learn it is a completely different thing!
Anyway... love your style!
Take care,
Rosa

[Elizabeth Marchus]

Good afternoon Fifi,
I couldn't agree more. To be yourself is to be true to yourself. Lovely, lovley post.
Have a wonderful day being you!,
Elizabeth

[Angela]

Such a lovely post, Fifi. So true. I am reminded of Katherine Hepburn, who also dared to be different in her styling during a time of primarily prim and proper feminine style expectations. Your style is your essence and shows in everything you do ~ one of a kind! ~ Angela

[chris]

I think this may be my favorite fifi post of all! Being comfortable in your own skin is so important to being happy & makes a woman exude self-confidence. Thanks for reminding us all dear fifi! What fabulous women you chose!!!xoxo tutti

[Jo-Anne]

Ahhh, spoken like a true French woman, oui oui!
Women watch and learn from other women. You are unique Fifi, with a chic demeanor other women aspire too. You are the epitome of femininity. A modern day Cinderalla.
Oh would I love to see you write a book on this very topic to help young women find their authic heart and tie it into designing a home of their dreams..
What a read that would be!!
Love to you angel, and Happy Thanksgiving~
Jo
xoxo

[Julie Marie Vicknair]

Hello Fifi, I love this post... and I hope I inherited some of those traits from my French grandmothers... my blog profile reads "C'est Moi", which is just what I am, Me! Love to you... Bisous... Julie Marie

[Janet (Shabbyfufu)]

So true and so you. Love you....xoxo~Janet

[rochambeau]

Hi Fifi,
Beautiful post! The most gorgeous woman in the world, are comfortable being themselves!! It is intriguing to watch people who are at home being who they are. A beauty that shines from within, attracts others!

xox
Constance

[Beach Vintage]

I love your theories. They make sense to me.

[Stacy]

Dear Fifi ~ this is such a wonderful post and oh so true! Dare to be yourself I say and forget about what the "world" says you should be! Too many people out there are living in a "Starbuck Latted, Costco Homogenized, Coach Handbag wearing" world! if you get my drift! LOL! The people that we remember are the ones who are different, classic and sometimes quirky! Thanks for all of your inspiration! You definitely strike me as one of those women who has that certain "je ne sais quoi"! ~Stacy~ (*_*)

[Alison Gibbs]

Fabulous post Fifi.
We all need to be ourselves and be proud of who we are and what we have become
Alison

[hip chick]

Oh my what a wonderful post. It's always in style to make the most of what you have.

[Susan Phillips]

Heartfelt! Thank you for sharing bits of you with us through this blog. Inspirational! Susie

[Peggy]

Hi, Fifi.
This post is why I come here to read and look at the pictures in your blog. I was raised pretty much the opposite of you and had to learn to muster the courage to do what I really like. Thank you so much for sharing aspects of your life with us. I read every word!
Warmest regards,
Peggy

[Mary Beth]

Great post - I am taking my teenage girls to Tea at the Drake in downtown Chicago this weekend, along with a play at the Goodman. Every year, since they were small, we have had "dress up" outings. In today's world where it is acceptable to most (NOT their father!) that they walk out of the house in the morning with their belly buttons exposed, they have learned that dressing for the occasion is important and respectful of others and themselves and they know "never to confuse fad with fashion"!

[Terri Conrad]

"Journey through life being true to who you are"
We shine brightest in our unique light.

Your site and your styling are so, so beautiful.
Thank you.

Terri Conrad

[Inge]

I have a book about the life of Coco Chanel and it is one of my favorites. I agree she was a trail blazer and not afraid to live life on her terms. She is inspiring and so are you Fifi. Thanks for the great post. Inge

[patricia mallory]

Thanks so much Fifi for this post. It means more than you could ever know. I will be closing my sweet little French antique shop at the end of the month. What a journey this has been. While it is heartbreaking, it is also challenging. Hugs, Patricia

[Karen]

I love this post! I try to teach my children to be themselves and not give into following what everyone else does. This isn't always the most popular thing to do but in the end I think it's the most genuine.

[shelly beson]

I'm so glad I read this today. I have a "free" day to be creative and you have encouraged me to be unconventional and true to myself. Thanks!!

[Fabulous Finds Studio/Boutique]

I will have my teenage daughter read this when she returns from New York City! I give her this advice all the time but it will sound so much better coming from you :)
Have a fabulous day!

[rue]

Hi Fifi :)

I love love loved this post. Very well said :)

xoxo,
rue

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It's great to hear from you and see what you've been up to. I've loved everything in your blog, Thank you for sharing !