The French Glam & Chic ... What is it exactly ?

Definition :

"It is a mix of classy (elegant) manner & charming (sensual) allure, without being a pushover, and without being flashy. It's an element of class."

Being Glam & Chic could also be a Elegant lifestyle..."Keep it simple with art" this wise advice from Boileau in the 17th century is still valid... it sums up perfectly the French elegance.

Elegance

a) Elegance in communication

Indeed elegance is the first expression of the "self". We plan to further reflection of our personality, our experience and our know-how.

Elegance is a very effective communication tool. Intuitively decrypts each other before any presentation or even first word exchanged.

Elegance is a means of communication: nothing in our appearance should not be overlooked. The first impression is the one that counts, that is. Everyone knows that going back is a very difficult journey.

b) Elegance in style

Everyday elegance colors & style:  pants (black, usually, but cargos and other dark colors), a dress, a blazer or wool jacket, walkable heels (no four-inch stumblers), an understated, often cross-body bag (occasionally Chanel, but most of the time, not a designer), and a scarf.

Black predominates but it is often black with brown or black with navy, or other neutral combos such as army green and brown, burgundy and gray. And the occasional red scarf.

Wear makeup : Not a lot of makeup, but grown-up makeup. Either a kohl-rimmed eye and bare lips or a red mouth and mascara. Beyond that, their faces look bare of any heavy foundation or powder. No hot pink lips, or even beigey/nude combos.

NEVER wear anything related to sport or exercise clothes unless you are on your way to Pilates class. No fleece. Ever. Only classy sneakers as in ones you cannot excercise in such as Converse or Isabel Marant.

The Good manners

Kate Middleton effect and combined Mad Men? Today, fashion is "pretty lady", impeccable in appearance and behavior. Savoir-vivre, it is no longer tacky, is sacred.

For many observers, the return values ​​of etiquette and politeness is favored by the new thirties & forties, tired of laxity and provocation of the French 60'S & the 90'S. They are called the "métropuritains" because they watched "un diner presque parfait",  respect the art of entertaining, with evening dress, stand out and also the gallantry. 

Practice basic courtesy. Say "please" and "thank you," when you need to, anytime and anywhere. People notice when you're courteous and respectful toward them, and it can count for a lot.

Speak politely. Keep the volume of your voice as low as possible while still allowing people to hear you, and don't use slang or filler words (such as "like," "uh," "so..." and so on).

1. If possible, try not to drop your g's. For instance, instead of saying "hangin' out," try to enunciate "hanging out."
2. Don't discuss rude topics, such as bodily functions, gossip, dirty jokes, swear words, or anything you wouldn't want your mom (or someone you have a crush on) hearing you say.
3. Don't interrupt or override another person when he or she is speaking. Practice being a good listener, and talk when it's your turn.

Give up your seat on public transportation. If you're on a crowded train or bus and you notice someone struggling to stand up (such as an elderly person, a pregnant woman, or someone with a lot of parcels), offer him or her your seat. Saying something like, "Sir, I'd be delighted if you'd accept my seat" can make the situation less awkward for the other person. If he or she declines, be gracious; say, "Please feel welcome to let me know if you change your mind."

1. Manage introductions with grace. If you're with two people who don't know each other, but you know both of them, it's your responsibility to make the introduction. Follow these steps:The person who is of higher social rank should have the second person introducedto him or her. That is, the person of lower rank is the one who should be presented to the person of higher rank. (For example, "Mrs. Jones, I'd like to introduce you to my good friend, Jessica Smith." Jessica is the person of lower rank in this introduction.) This is relatively easy in some situations, but here are some guidelines for when it's less clear-cut: younger people should be presented to elders, men should be presented to women, and laypeople should be presented to clergy, public servants, members of the military, or other people of higher rank. If you're still confused, just go with your best judgment.
2. Start out an introduction by naming the person of higher rank, then say "I'd like to introduce you to.." or "this is...", and name the person of lower rank.
3. After the two people have greeted each other, offer some information about each person. For instance, you might say, "I've known Jessica since grade school" or "Mrs. Jones is my mother's dear friend." Whatever you say should be able to start or sustain a short conversation, which you're responsible for carrying.
4. When you're being introduced to someone else, look that person in the eyes and remember his or her name. After the introduction, greet the other person and say something like "How do you do?" or "It's a pleasure to meet you," and offer a handshake.

Only use your phone in appropriate settings. For instance, it's impolite to use it in the bathroom, in the middle of a meeting, when a service person is helping you, in church, or (sometimes) on public transportation. If you feel awkward using it or people are giving you dirty looks, you should probably put it away.

1. When talking on the phone in a public space, keep in mind that everything you say is no longer just your news. Keep your voice at "indoor voice" level, or lower. Generally, people with good manners don't talk about potentially embarrassing private issues in public.
2. When on the phone, don't talk with others in the room. What's worse than having a phone conversation with one who chats, perhaps not listening to what you're saying, and you can't tell if they are speaking to you or others. If someone tries to talk to you, simply point to your phone and they will get the message.
3. Avoid using the computer while on the phone unless it's part of customer services. It is extremely rude and unpleasant when someone makes you listen to a clacking keyboard.
4. When with others in a social setting, try to refrain from using your cell phone. It implies you'd rather be somewhere else, with someone else, and that who you are with is less important.
5. Don’t phone before 7:00 am and after 9:00 pm unless in an emergency or an important overseas call. Also avoid calling people during meals, work, and school. People don't expect you to drop in and visit at these times, unless it is arranged. This includes texting, though you would obviously not text for emergencies.

Specific message for my male readers ...what a French glam & chic woman likes ...

The Gallantry

The "French gallantry" is one of national pride. It mainly concerns the relations between men and women. Its origins are ancient, dating back to the Middle Ages courteous usages by which the knights had to honor, serve and protect their lady. Unfortunately, some of them are not anymore !!!

But gallantry reveals also a real paradox: while women generally suffer an inferior status in the society, mostly dominated by men, but they enjoy the worldly sphere and sometimes a home position, it is essentially conventional true.

A gallant man opens the door for a woman to pass before him. However, if it is a public place such as a bar or casino for example, the man usually precede the woman, perhaps to ensure that it is safe or suitable .

In the street, the man provided curbside (the "upper hand") for a woman to protect it from potential risks that may come from the street.

At the station, the airport, this is the man who takes care of the heavy luggage, it will help get the luggage of a woman, to be placed in the compartment of a train.

In a staircase, a man will precede a woman in case she falls. It must also preceded in amount: it will not help her if she stumbles, but for obvious reasons, he will not embarrass a woman in following her.

At the restaurant, a man will pull the seat slightly to invite a woman to sit down. Men should wait for women to be installed before you sit down in turn.

PLEASE forget the time & your mobile when you are with a woman at the restaurant !!!

A man compliments a woman on her elegance: "You are beautiful tonight", "This color suits you perfectly." The woman will thank him with a smile, accepting the compliment.

The man serving drinks to accompany the woman who offered him the dishes first, pays the bill at the restaurant.

A man helps a woman to remove her coat. He taken her back to the door, or better, to her home. If the car ride home, he opened the front door before himself. Upon arrival, he descends the first from the car to open the door.