French women are so chic!
Among the many cultural differences between France and the US, this one in particular is often remarked upon but rarely explained. With their perfect hair, subtle make-up, and great clothes,* les Françaises are both elegant and sexy, and turn men's (and women's) heads wherever they go. Of course that's not to suggest that there are no beautiful American women, but the French just seem to have a certain je ne sais quoi that sets them apart from their American counterparts.
Jamie Cat Callan attempts to pin down and explain that je ne sais quoi in her book "French Women Don't Sleep Alone." This American author was blessed with a French grandmother who instilled in her an everlasting love and admiration for France and its language, culture, and people. With grand-mère's teachings as a foundation, Ms Callan interviews French women living on either side of the Atlantic, asking them to explain everything they do in preparation for meeting - and keeping - men. She shares their motivations, techniques, and even recipes so that American Francophiles can add some magie to their own relationships.
While Ms Callan's observations are obviously generalized and idealized (she acknowledges having a "major crush" on French women), they offer a uniquely detailed investigation into differences in how French and American women dress, date, and dine. This is a fun book for anyone looking for love or just insight into the female French psyche.
Author Jamie Cat Callan is a professional inspirational speaker, not to mention a Francophile and (possibly hopeless) romantic. Her second book, "Bonjour, Happiness! Secrets to finding your joie de vivre," was published in 2011.
*Incidentally, nowhere are the sartorial differences more striking than in politics. When getting dressed up for dinner parties or other fancy events, American women in government usually prefer conservative dresses or even suits, while femmes politiques tend toward sexy, glamorous ballgowns that wouldn't look out of place at the Oscars.
Jamie Cat Callan attempts to pin down and explain that je ne sais quoi in her book "French Women Don't Sleep Alone." This American author was blessed with a French grandmother who instilled in her an everlasting love and admiration for France and its language, culture, and people. With grand-mère's teachings as a foundation, Ms Callan interviews French women living on either side of the Atlantic, asking them to explain everything they do in preparation for meeting - and keeping - men. She shares their motivations, techniques, and even recipes so that American Francophiles can add some magie to their own relationships.
While Ms Callan's observations are obviously generalized and idealized (she acknowledges having a "major crush" on French women), they offer a uniquely detailed investigation into differences in how French and American women dress, date, and dine. This is a fun book for anyone looking for love or just insight into the female French psyche.
Author Jamie Cat Callan is a professional inspirational speaker, not to mention a Francophile and (possibly hopeless) romantic. Her second book, "Bonjour, Happiness! Secrets to finding your joie de vivre," was published in 2011.
*Incidentally, nowhere are the sartorial differences more striking than in politics. When getting dressed up for dinner parties or other fancy events, American women in government usually prefer conservative dresses or even suits, while femmes politiques tend toward sexy, glamorous ballgowns that wouldn't look out of place at the Oscars.
