October 25, 2010

Book Review: French Women Don't Sleep Alone

Let me start by saying that, if you know me at all, you'll know that I have an obsession with the French culture. It's no surprise for anyone that my greatest role model since my early teens it's Brigitte Bardot... and she's French.. off-course.
I had three years of French classes in middle school, and I don't remember anything, that's why I'm starting to learn the language by myself..  I have to buy more books and dictionaries of the French language, and I have to have more time to study it.. It will take sometime, but I'm sure I'll do it.

I love the French culture.. the women are just gorgeous and full of charm...I own a lot of books about France and Brigitte Bardot... But I wanted to go deeper and find some books that would be fun and light to read and at the same time full of secrets and facts about the French.

So I decided to buy this book by Jamie Cat Callan And I loved it!
I wasn't planning on making a post about it, my blog is mainly about beauty and fashion, but this book was so fun and inspired me so much that I wanted to share with you girls how cute this book is! And beauty it's not only about clothes and make-up, it's about brains and feeling great about ourselves, and this book teaches you that!



The whole inspiration behind this book it's the author's French grandmother. She always was a mystery to her and the French women were too. After her grandmother died, Jamie Cat Callan decided to go to France and interview French women and men, to go deeper into French culture and to reveal French women beauty secrets.
This book could be called a "dating book" but for me it's not. I've been in a relationship for almost 4 years so I don't think I need dating advice, I think it's for every women who wants to feel more comfortable in her own skin as well.
I think that when you love yourself and respect yourself for who you are, your boyfriend/Husband or even friends and family begin to love you even more, because our outlook in life change completely. and I think that this book helped me a little bit more with that.
I'm going to try and share with you my favorite parts of the book instead of resuming the whole thing (: And I hope you too get inspired as much as I did... Even though I'll recommend you all to read this book!

She show us how French women always feel beautiful on their own skin, and that's why they are so beautiful and charming: 

- " Here's the truth: French women are no more beautiful than we are. They just think they are. (...) As simples as it sounds, it's the same paradigm when it comes to beauty. If you believe you are beautiful, you take better care of yourself. You become more conscious, you dress better, you spend money on yourself. You feel worthy of all these attentions. You actually wear less make-up, because you can see yourself. It all begins with a small change, Perhaps emphasize those fabulous long lashes with some mascara. Add a little lip-gloss. Skip the blush and the blue eyeshadow. Remember moderation is the key."

Some fashion tips from French women, how they can be sexy yet classy without being trashy:

-" She dresses well, even sexy, but won't overdo it. She chooses one part of her body to show off - Perhaps her legs. So, she'll wear a short skirt with boots, paired with an oversized sweater. Or she'll show a little cleavage, but wear a long skirt. She wants to get attention but the right kind of attention."

The importance of being smart:

-"The French believe that being smart is sexy. They don't hide their brains the way we often do in America. The French just don't fall for the "dumb blonde" thing. Their blondes are both brainy and beautiful. (...) French women see intellectual rigor almost as important as their beauty regime. It's not enough to look seductive; you have to be cultured as well."

The eyeglasses thing which I found really funny because I made a post about it to:

-"In France, there are so many women wearing eyeglasses. You would think there was a terrible shortage on contact lenses. But no. French women like to wear glasses. It makes them look smart, but it also makes them look interesting. And yes, mysterious."

Another fashion tips which I found really helpful: 

-"Basically, you are simply using the power of theater and costume to create a mood. France is a theatrical culture. Subtlety is the key here, because if you allude to a fantasy, character, or era too literally, the game is up. Rather it must be done with great care. The idea is to start with a very basic pallet: good lingerie, simples (mostly solid colored) skirts, jeans, dresses, pants, and tops. Then, add accessories (scarves, jewelery,jackets, belts, boots and shoes) that will create a focal point and reveal your individuality. "


There's a lot more in this book, it has recipes for delicious French foods, how to prepare dinner parties, the importance of lingerie and secret gardens!! It's a really light read as I told you before, I read the whole book in less than two days because I was so excited and I loved it so much.. It even has a list of books and movies to read and watch! It's a really helpful and fun book to read that I recommend to any woman (:




I bought mine from amazon.com because this book isn't available in my country. If you're in the UK or the US I think you can find this book at any book store or you can buy it online as I did just click the picture bellow:

French Women Don't Sleep Alone

 "You may not have a drop of French blood in your body, but you can still be a "French Woman". The truth is, we are all a little French when it comes to love and romance.That's because the French culture is a culture of femininity and beauty, so it rightfully belongs to all women of the world and it's outs to claim as our own."

17 comments:

Steph said...

It sounds like a nice, funny book. I've never really had a thing for France. Maybe it's because I've never been there on holiday. But that's about the change very soon, 'cause I'm going to Paris in November. I've heard so many good things about it and I'm sure I will fall in love with that city ;).

"She wants to get attention but the right kind of attention." If every woman followed this advice, there wouldn't be anymore trashiness in the world. How wonderful would that be...

Ana said...

Claro que me lembro! xD
Que tens feito?? Essa vida?? *

Anonymous said...

agree with everything steph said. so happy n proud of you.keep this way and you'll end up with a blog to be worth mention. Keep joining books, trips, experiences with beauty advice. perfect combination. For me, at least.

Marisa said...

Steph- you're right, maybe I should give a copy of this book to some girls at my uneversity who almost show up naked to classes xD

Rita- Thank you so much ((':

Unknown said...

Great review. Will def buy this book. I love to read posts such as these because as much as I love makeup, I love books even more. xx

All Made Up said...

Great post! I love the french culture (I went to Paris in March because I just really fancied a change of scenery and had a brilliant time)

This books sounds great because it seems like one of those interesting non-preachy self help books and i bet the tips are really interesting. I'll have a look in Waterstones; i'm sure they'll stock it :)

http://mytopbeautybuys.blogspot.com/

Rebecca Maureen said...

I had thought about reading this book last year but wasn't sure because I didn't really want to read just a dating book but I think I'll check it out now Marisa :) !!

Kim Axani said...

I think I'm going to buy this book!
These are my fave type of books - I call them "Girly Handbooks"! and I love reading them in the batch with pink champagne!
French women are definitely so beautiful and mysterious =)
we seem to have the same taste in books .. I noticed you have a pic of 'Style' by Lauren Conrad in the top left .. I'm reading that book right now!

V said...

I adored this review on the book, it makes me want to click away to the amazon website although i am a little bit weary of purchasing things online. I am inlove with the line you quoted from the book, and it is true. French women are very classy, smart ladies, one can only learn to be such a beauty. We all do have a bit of french in us. This was beautiful i am in love, what an inspiring book!

Caitlin said...

this book sounds great, I love light, easy reads that make you feel good about yourself :) i'll pick it up for sure!

Marisa said...

@Caitlin- You should definitely pick it up :D it's a great read.. I think I'll read it again!!!

Jamie Cat Callan said...

Bonjour Marisa-- I love your blog!
I'm Jamie Cat Callan, author of "French Women Don't Sleep Alone." Thank you so much for wonderfully fun and insight review. And thanks to all your readers for their nice comments! I'd love to offer you some free copies of "French Women" for a holiday contest/giveaway. Please let me know if this interests you. My email is on my website.
In the meantime, I send beaucoup merci! Jamie www.JamieCatCallan.com

Jamie Cat Callan said...

P.S. I meant to say "insightful." ;)

Amy said...

Every word you wrote is true, Marisa! I've read Jamie's book many times, and I love it every single time. I've even had the good fortune to study writing with Jamie, she's an outstanding woman.

Marisa said...

Thank you so much for your lovely comment Amy! Her book was really an inspiration to me, and a lot of fun, thank you ((:

Garden Cake Party said...

May I suggest you have a look into Two lipsticks and a love by Helen Frith Powell, also a 'french women' book which I've really enjoyed xx

Catherine said...

This is a nice review. I look forward to reading this book :)

Cathy
Easy French