French Lessons | 6 Tips for Living Like a French Woman

French Lessons | 6 Tips for Living Like a French Woman

French women seem to have that je ne sais quoi ~ living chic in an effortless way. They appear self confident, well dressed, and to lead a charmed, elegant life. Here are 6 tips I've learned from the French women in my life. They all seem to have a generous dose of amour propre, self-love and self-respect. French Lessons | 6 Tips for Living Like a French Woman 1. Celebrate YOU. You were created to be unique, there is only one YOU, it sounds cliché, but it's absolutely true. If you love being feminine, and enjoy flirty, girly clothing, it's what you are meant to be, it's who you are, so don't fight it. If you prefer the classics, or menswear, so be it. Figure out what makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. This is the secret French women have, it gives them that "oh, la la!", they give themselves permission to be themselves. Align your inner self with your outer self. It can take a while to figure out your true beauty, but revel in it, pudgy nose and all. Don't worry about looking perfect. Feel “bien dans sa peau” {feel good in your own skin}. 2. Take Care of Yourself. French women don't go out looking like a mess. They might be in a hurry, but they are dressed and groomed, with a little scarf casually thrown on for good measure, even if they are only going to the supermarket. If you look good, you'll feel good, it's a sign of respect for yourself and the world around you! Find what colors look good on you. Dress for yourself, show your personality, express your individuality. Don't wait until you loose 10 lbs., work with what you have. If you wear a radiant smile, and know you look as good as you can, no one will care nor notice. 3. Create and Honor Everyday Habits. There is something lovely about a cup of coffee at 11:00 am every morning, tea time precisely at 3:30 every afternoon. French women {and Europeans in general} have habits that are simple everyday touchstones they rely on during their days. Give yourself little breaks during the day that enable you to refresh and live a more productive life. Revel in luxuries such as a luxurious bubble bath, an afternoon nap when you can on a weekend, an hour sitting in the autumn sun reading a fantastic novel. 4. Bring Artistry to Everyday Life. Beauty is all around us. French women {almost} all have a fresh bouquet of flowers in their home, they have an orderly home. I pick up a little bouquet of flowers most weeks, or cut a few roses from the garden. Even a few green branches with leaves, beautifully arranged in a vase can bring joy to your interior. Ask for lovely soaps for your sink in the kitchen or bathroom as holiday or birthday gifts to enjoy them each time you wash your hands. Anything that you enjoy, simple luxuries, are what make your everyday routines pleasant and a moment you look forward to. 5. Be a Lifelong Learner. Choose to become intellectually wealthy. It's what French women have a true knack for, art, fashion, literature and music, they can and do converse intelligently about them. Acquiring new knowledge of the world at large is a great way to expand your horizons, and make you an interesting woman. Visit an exhibit at a museum, attend a play, read a new book everyone is talking about. Anything and everything that you find fascinating adds value to your life, your conversation and your intimate circle. 6. Select Quality over Quantity. Surround yourself with the best quality you can afford. French women have fewer things than we do. They would rather buy one designer bag, take good care of that, and have it for 5 years than buy 6 lesser quality pieces. Their homes are not cluttered, they do display the best antiques and decorative items they have with great style. They set their tables with their best: silver, porcelain, or country linen and majolica. They use what they have, a chip or a dent here and there is something they cherish. Every day you have the opportunity to make your day and that of your family as pleasant and as beautiful as you possibly can. You get to decide what you have in your home, what you wear, and how you will shine in your realm. What tip can you share with us about how you mindfully make your days or yourself beautiful? Shop for the best in French Antiques, furniture with the patina of age, vintage accessories to delight you and your family & friends, and French Country utilitarian pieces. Treasures that make your home fresh, beautiful, inspirational and uniquely yours. Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com.