Over my (now passed) holiday break, I enjoyed reading Debra Ollivier's What French Woman Know: About Love, Sex, and Other Matters of the Heart and Mind. Post reading, I have decided I'm gonna make an effort to mindfully embrace my roots in 2014...
You see, I'm French American. I smile when I say that--as my mother used to constantly remind me, "We're French." My great-grandmother actually was. She immigrated to the U.S. at the turn of the 20th century from France's Alsace-Lorraine region. I barely remember my great-grandmother, but I do have fond memories of my grandmother (her daughter). Fiercely independent, outspoken, artistic and always impeccably groomed and dressed, she embodied her French heritage quite well.
From everything I have read (and, I've begun to devour a lot on this subject matter), the French culture (generally) disavows perfectionism, prizes leisure time, looks for simple joys in daily life, heralds artistic endeavors and values femininity as a power source. I find all of this to be highly appealing. How about you?
I've ordered two more books about French culture. Both are by Jamie Cat Callan: Ooh La La!: French Women's Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Every Day and Bonjour, Happiness! Can't wait to dive in and give them both a read. Perhaps I'll do so (as time permits) in front of my lit fireplace--with a pot of hot tea at hand and my feet propped up...
Fisherman's Sweater: Tommy Hilfiger (consigned)
Silk blouse: Charter Club (thrifted)
Dress Pants: Ralph Lauren
Gloves: Target
Blue Topaz on Silver Chain: Gifted
Booties: Nine West
Sunnies: Firmoo
Joy and peace! T.
