Must-read book: What French Women Know

Debra Ollivier reveals the secrets to what makes French women so effortlessly stylish and enviably confident.  It is "not giving a damn" attitude instead that runs deep instead of the surface glam that so many American women try to achieve.  They break the rules, and they don't try to be like everyone else.  

"French women don’t need things to fit neatly into a box. Romantic possibilities don’t have to be emotionally tidy or safe. Desire can be of greater import than utility; experience more important than closure."

"French women embrace contradictions. They can simultaneously be feminine and a feminist; sensualist and a traditionalist; classic and libertine; submissive and powerful; compliant and defiant."

"French women do not believe in relationship experts, love gurus, how-to dogma, tools and techniques for finding love.  They are not fond of rules. There is no Doctor Phil in France."

French women love men, but don't bemoan the fact that men do not understand them.   They want to remain a mystery to men.

French women embrace their age and the rich experiences it has brought them.  

This book is on my must-read list.  

http://www.debraollivier.com/whatfrenchwomenknow.html

Isabel Marant for H&M

Source:  http://www.eonline.com/news/463346/first-look-isabel-marant-for-h-m-see-the-full-collection

In June of 2013, H&M announced its latest collaboration with French designer Isabel Marant. H&M, the Swedish multinational retail giant, has collaborated with several internationally recognized designers in the past. These exciting collaborations have included Donatella Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Karl Lagerfeld and Stella McCarty. The collections were so well received that they sold out within a matter of hours in some markets.

Isabel Marant is recognized as the epitome of modern French style. Her designs are considered both timeless and cosmopolitan.  She flawlessly mixes part boho-luxe with  rocker chic. Fashionable celebrities who wear Marant's designs include Kate Walsh, Katie Holmes, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Blake Lively.

http://www.shefinds.com/2013/no-youre-not-still-sleeping-and-dreaming-isabel-marant-for-hm-is-happening/

The Isabel Marant collection for H&M features the elements of modern French effortless chic that she is known for. This collection includes women’s and teenagers clothes and accessories, plus a menswear line.

Isabel Marant quoted in French Vogue about her collection for H&M “I aim at creating something real, that women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carelessness, which I think is very Parisian: you dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy.”

Source:  http://juliessnapshots.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/isabel-marant-for-hm/

The Isabel Marant collection was introduced at H&M's 2,800 stores in 49 different markets.  H&M attributes its success to bringing cutting-edge fashion to the world at reasonable prices. H&M has 3 stores in the Tampa Bay Area, Tyronne Square Mall, WestShore Plaza, and International Plaza.

Sources:
http://en.vogue.fr/fashion/fashion-news/diaporama/isabel-marant-for-h-m/13795#!isabel-marant-for-h-amp-m

http://www.forbes.com/sites/bluecarreon/2013/06/11/hm-announces-next-designer-collaboration-with-isabel-marant/

http://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/2013061112996/isabel-marant-latest-hm-designer/

http://www.hm.com/us/