Some review states there are nothing new, then I almost pass this little book. Glad I clicked anyway. I did find some new ideas. I am not in my twenties, having been working and shopping for office clothings for more than decades. Still found some inspirations from this little book. I am going to go to a fabric store tomorrow. Why didn't I come up with this idea to make my own shawl when I can't find favorite color for many years? French women are indeed very creative and independent.
My personal story about a French woman:
There was an elegant woman which I saw every morning at a bus stop on Park ave and I would look forward to seeing her because just looking at her gave me such a pleasant feeling for all day. She was probably in her early seventies and I had an impression she must have been a French descendant from her apearance, although I can not be sure since I never spoke to her. She was a slim woman, always had a good posture, wore the same black coat, the same scarf on her hair, the same earrings, and the same lipstick which is a little too pink for her age but which made her look very unique and beautiful. I knew she was from working class since she was still working that age, her clothings were otherwise ordinary if not worn by her, and I once saw her getting into an old apartment building where rents are not that expensive. I never saw her accompnied by her family member so that I just assumed she was alone. However, she wore this powerful air of elegance you can't buy with money and she was not afraid of wearing everyday the same clothings which she must have chosen carefully to fit her very well. Sorry, it is not easy to explain by words, but that was when I first understood it is the style you create for your own that makes you look distinctive, not the expensive clothings. She was so powerful that I can't forget her today, more than twenty years later. When I go to sleep at night, I sometimes wonder if she is still alive in NYC, or I should have at least smiled at her and asked her name, and likes, since this old lady gave me so much assurance that whereever I end up, I still can be elegant if I choose to be.....
The above is my personal image of creative, independent French women..... And this little book satisfied me and somehow reminds me of her again. It is concisely written, no repetitions. I like the ending words of this book; if you want to dress like a French woman, you must make fashion a priority in your life. It takes efforts to establish my own style, and so I should not expect to learn something entirely by reading only one book. I hope I can achieve my goal by my early seventies and then encourage young girls. It seems to be something to pass on to the next generations, French culture is very rich and deep to me.
