Frederic Fekkai: A Year of Style

It's clear why Frederic Fekkai is successful: he has a well defined point of view of what he likes, and why he likes it. For instance, daytime watches do not work for evening wear, people who talk incessantly on phones are not very sexy, that before the age of five, children should not be subjected to the barber or hairdresser, and that too much skin or cleavage shown on your wedding day is simply wrong. Before you think of him as just a tyrant, think again.... how many people in this time have completely forgotten their manners, or that simplicity works best, and instead waste hours chasing an elusive and ephemeral ideal? Frederic Fekkai, in fact challenges the whole 'race to be beautiful' in a manner that is calming, wise, and friendly. This is a lavish book. Thick pages, beautifully photographed, and there IS something nice about being reminded to clip flowers for the house, to take time to give yourself a pedicure, and to take time for your children. Once you finish this book, you'll think of him as a cross between Audrey Hepburn, Erma Bombeck and Letitia Baldridge...... and a wise friend.

Don't be fooled by the simplicity of the suggestions! When I first read this book, I thought it was nothing more than a coffee table book full of musings. But then I tried some of the suggestions, and the results were amazing. For example, the french olive oil soap he suggested cleared up a skin problem I've had my entire life (I couldn't even get rid of it with antibiotics), and made my skin very soft.Also, his method of blow drying hair works much better than mine. I do it all the time now, with great results.I've tried the makeup and fashion ideas, and received a lot of compliments. The ideas in this book might be obvious to people who already look great, but for clueless people like me, it's perfect!

I love this book and know it will give me pleasure for years to come.The pictures are exquisite and backed up with a simple, well stated text. Frederic shares his ideas on how you can derive more pleasure from life month by month. Each month he entreats you to embrace the days by taking advantage of what the season has to offer. One month you may make a special refreshing drink. Another month tidy your closet. Yet another month focus on your hair.He encourages simplicity, paring down your wardrobe. Pitching all your lotions and potions and achieve your best look with an easy, daily routine. Inviting the best and forgetting the rest! And he does it well. The book is charming and fun with new ideas to attain a fresh look and punctuated with thoughts on how to enjoy the process! It's well worth the high price tag.

This is a wonderful book full of beauty, fashion and style tips. But what it gives you that other books of this genre don't is confidence. Even though it's full of pictures of models and the famous, which could be at cross purposes with a book for the masses, Fekkai conveys a sincere belief that all women are beautiful. It's not so much about getting/buying products or services, it's more about attitude. With his low-key prose, he suggests how you can put your best self forward and how to pamper yourself. I originally bought this book as a gift and was so impressed, I got a copy for myself.

While some of Fekkai's suggestions for incorporating style, i.e.,(jetting off to the Riviera) are out of reach for most American women, many other tips are perfectly accesible. I enjoyed this book immensely, it offers delightful suggestions for making one's life more stylish and pleasurable. Some people may feel this book is geared only for the ultra rich, but I disagree. What is so out of reach about making hot chocolate the French way (without instant powder),wearing a sun hat, or not being a slave to the fashion magazines each season? If anything, Fekkai encourages women to be confident and to shed a lot of unncessary and expensive trappings that only serve to make them look cheap (excessive gold jewelry, overbleached hair, Lee Press-On Nails, etc.) This book is an excellent tool for any woman wanting to look more effortlessly chic. It can even be inspirational to women who are mothers, after all, millions of French mothers who are not heiresses manage to leave their homes each day looking polished and chic. With this book, you simply have to be selective and incorporate style in accordance with your pocketbook and time. So what if you can't visit a European spa for a facial. Make your own facial with chamomile leaves and steaming water! The book addresses the needs of both elite and working class women. It is a wonderful read and I know I will keep referring to it. This book would make an excellent gift to yourself or a loved one.