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Artists who paints in oil en plein aire. Member of the three member Plein Aire Cottage Artists. Members: Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Chandler and Helen Tilston

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Forever Chic



The door-bell rang and Spice Girl, our dog, charged to the door, wagging her tail.
My recent purchase from Amazon had arrived. A Rizzoli book, Forever Chic by Tish Jett
Spice Girl is grooming too
Spice Girl quickly returned to her warm spot on the couch and knew it was story time.

 "Once upon a time a beautiful stylish American woman, named Tish went on an adventure to France.
She brought with her a resume or CV, if you will,  and it told of her past experiences, such as Editor at The New York, Daily News and Detroit Free Press (Yes, Detroit, this is where you, Spice Girl saw your first snow storm three weeks ago)
Spice Girl sees her first snowfall, near Detroit, three weeks ago
In Paris, Tish's talents were quickly recognized and she became Editor of International Herald Tribune and then the Paris correspondent for the Chicago Tribune as well as the last Editor of American Elle while it was still in Paris.   (Spice Girl, You know I still have those recipes which were easily torn from the magazine and yes I will make you chicken livers for supper tonight.)
Rather than returning to New York to work with Elle Magazine, Tish decided to remain in Paris.
She met her Prince. I think his name is Mr Jett  (Spice Girl I do not know if they are part of the jet set, we must never assume)  This brings me to the best part of the story.   
Every girl and woman has a dream.  It begins early in life and for me, at aged fifteen, it was my love for make up, purchased at Woolworths on my weekend trips to Dublin.  I clearly remember pan stick, orange lipstick and tubes of sparkly blue and green eyeshadow, which I would apply, without a mirror, once I was a mile away from my parents farm. I was going to Dublin and nobody would know me.   Even in a big city somebody always knows you and a miserable old woman told my mother that she saw me walking down Grafton Street and that she mistook me for a clown. 




 Oh Spice Girl if only then  I had  Forever Chic I would have learned from Page 24

 "ENOUGH ALREADY:  Natural is your aesthetic raison d'etre.  Minimal make up, hair that moves, when you do, nothing fussy or fixed....."
 There are conversations with professionals and friends accumulated in the quarter century that Tish has lived in France.  Tish is a keen listener and a sharp observer and I know you will love this book.
I feel every teenager, young adult and "femme d'un certain age" will get so much from this book.
I know this one is a keeper.

 Many are already following
Tish's blog


I purchased my copy of Forever Chic fromhttp://www.amazon.com/Forever-Chic-Frenchwomens-Timeless-Substance/dp/0847841499/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384869137&sr=1-1&keywords=forever+chic+tish+jett


Ok Spice Girl, thank you for listening,  I will now take you for a well deserved walk


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49 comments:

  1. ~Lavender Dreamer~November 19, 2013 at 7:03 AM

    This would be the perfect time for me to read this book. I made the decision to let my hair grow out and not color it again....about 6 months ago. Now I am struggling with what to do now. I'm off to read more about this book. I so feel the need here in Florida to simplify, don't you? Sweet hugs!

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 19, 2013 at 6:49 PM

      Oh Diane I am sure you look fabulous sporting your new hair colour. There are fabulous tips on makeup, style, skin care and recipes in this book. It is rich in content. A definite keeper
      You are right we need to simplify. I think from your blog you have mastered this.
      Helen xx

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  2. JenNovember 19, 2013 at 8:14 AM

    Funny, I was just thinking about these issues yesterday. Bought some makeup for the first time in a very long time. And looking at hair styles...

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 19, 2013 at 6:51 PM

      Hello Jen
      I am thoroughly enjoying this book and already have made resolutions.
      Have a great week
      Helen xx

      Delete
  3. MrsLittleJeansNovember 19, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    I have to get this book too...you are so lucky to have Spice Girl listening...I wonder who I can find.. : )

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 19, 2013 at 6:53 PM

      Hello Mona
      I am sure you will like this book, there is so much in it. Hmmm. let me think, what about those beautiful cats I know they love a good story.
      Helen xxx

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  4. Tish JettNovember 19, 2013 at 9:13 AM

    Oh, dear, dear Helen,

    How I love being linked with Spice Girl. She is so pretty. Thank you so, so much for this charming, fun review (and all the rest). You are a true friend.

    No, Mr. Jett was my first husband and combined at a very young age to make a nice by-line which I never felt the need to change. My-Reason-For-Living-In-France has a much more complicated nom de famille.

    I have my fingers crossed that we will meet next year.

    Merci mille fois.

    Tishx

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 19, 2013 at 7:20 PM

      Hello Tish
      You are so kind. I am thoroughly enjoying your wonderful book. I just found your recipe for vinaigrette and it will dress tomorrow's salad.
      You are very generous with your knowledge and information and there are so many trade secrets revealed in Forever Chic.

      I will look forward to meeting you next year and I know Spice Girl give you a warm welcome. She loves being a girl.

      Wishing you a week of joy

      Helen xx

      Delete
  5. Woodside ParkNovember 19, 2013 at 9:24 AM

    Sounds like a wonderful book with lots of trade secrets, good advices, and fierce fabulosity! Even this guy wants a copy of Forever Chic.
    Hugs to you and Spicy!
    xo
    L

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 19, 2013 at 7:23 PM

      Hello Loi, Yes you will get a lot from Tish's book. It has to do with style and grace, both qualities you possess. Spice sends you a big hug, as do I

      Helenxx

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    2. Woodside ParkNovember 20, 2013 at 4:08 PM

      Thank you, Helen! And to Spice!!

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    3. helen tilstonNovember 20, 2013 at 6:10 PM

      Loi, you are most welcome xx

      Delete
  6. S. EtoleNovember 19, 2013 at 9:32 AM

    Sounds like a very good book.

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 19, 2013 at 7:24 PM

      Thanks for stopping by. It is so full of marvelous information and she is a wonderful writer.
      Helen xx

      Delete
  7. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and AcornsNovember 19, 2013 at 9:36 AM

    I love this book have had mine for a couple of weeks!

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 19, 2013 at 7:25 PM

      Hello Elizabeth

      It is a superb piece of writing. There are so many topics discussed. I wish I had read it years ago. Better late as the saying goes

      Helen xx

      Delete
  8. Pura VidaNovember 19, 2013 at 9:37 AM

    What a great post Helen...loved every word and will get this book for my girls' stockings!!!

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 19, 2013 at 7:26 PM

      Thank you for your kind compliment. I know you will be very pleased with this book, as will your daughters. It is a keeper

      Helen xx

      Delete
  9. PoppyNovember 19, 2013 at 10:13 AM

    Hi Helen,

    I am enjoying your narrative posts lately and being introduced to members of your family, like Spice girl, who, couldn't be prettier, even if an artist had painted her from her imagination!

    Have a lovely week!

    Poppy

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 19, 2013 at 7:30 PM

      Hello Poppy, Thank you for you visiting and for your kindness.
      Spice Girl came from the Humane Society, in Florida and was in a sad state when we got her. She is, like many rescured dogs, very loving and I think they know they have been given a second chance. She has beautiful markings and makes us laugh several times each day.
      Sending you hugs and good wishes
      Helen xxx

      Delete
  10. Jackie and Joel SmithNovember 19, 2013 at 10:26 AM

    Love your Spice Girl and thanks for a great sounding book recommendation! Jackie xo

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 19, 2013 at 7:32 PM

      Hello Jackie

      Spice Girl is easy going and gentle and is a great pet. I love Tish's book. She reveals so many secrets in it.

      Helen xx

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  11. RosemaryNovember 19, 2013 at 10:49 AM

    Spice Girl is such a lovely dog - I love those big endearing eyes - like the eyes one would wish to create from the Woollies makeup counters - my choice was Outdoor Girl in it's shocking pink plastic containers with very pale pink lipstick, and Evening in Paris perfume - what a shame that Woolworths has closed its doors.

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 19, 2013 at 7:37 PM

      Oh Rosemary you are making me smile and giggle at the mention of Woollies - now Evening in Paris was one my mother loved. My perfume was Apple Blossom by Helena Rubenstein, in a pink plastic container with a green blossom. I remember Outdoor Girl too and the pink containers hee hee. I think it was Yardley who made the sparkling eyeshadow I loved. So many fond memories of Woolworths. Their cafeteria was the best.
      Have a great week
      Helen xx

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  12. LoreeNovember 19, 2013 at 1:13 PM

    There is probably a lot I could learn from this book. Sometimes I feel lik I haven't quite found my style yet.

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 19, 2013 at 7:38 PM

      Hello Loree
      It is always great to learn other ways and to be reminded of routines practices by other women and the discipline involved too

      Have a great week

      Helen xx

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  13. Jacqueline @ HOMENovember 20, 2013 at 1:24 AM

    Dear Helen,
    I'm still waiting for my copy ….. the publishers sent me a note to say that there weren't any copies in stock !! I said that I'd do a review for Tish. I'm sure that Amazon have a copy so, I'll get myself one.
    Tish has done so well and is so talented ….. all power to her.
    Much love to you Helen and hope that you and yours are well. XXXX

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  14. helen tilstonNovember 20, 2013 at 3:38 AM

    Hello Jackie

    I will anxiously wait to hear your review of Forever Chic. Tish is a very accomplished writer, as you are too Jackie. I am looking forward to meeting her one day.
    I am implementing one of her suggestions today and I forgot how great the look was/is.
    Hope you are well and sending hugs back to you and your family

    Helen xx

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  15. rjerdeeNovember 20, 2013 at 6:44 AM

    A darling, girl-friendly post!!!

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 20, 2013 at 6:11 PM

      Hi Becky

      Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week
      Helen xx

      Delete
  16. MadeliefNovember 20, 2013 at 11:14 AM

    Sounds like a delightful read Helen! Can't believe you had snow alreaydy...It's still raining in Holland.

    Have a lovely day!

    Madelief x

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 20, 2013 at 6:13 PM

      Hello Madelief

      The snow was up north and I think has melted since our visit. We are in Florida presently and it is hot and balmy. There are so many diverse climates in the USA

      Hugs to you and your family

      Helen xx

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  17. flowers on my tableNovember 20, 2013 at 1:30 PM

    Hello Helen, how are you my friend? Spice girl is gorgeous and is stealing the show. The book sounds really good. You did make me laugh with your story of the 'clown' makeup. My daughter is beginning to experiment with makeup, and is a little heavy handed also! Tee hee! Hoping all is well with you and yours, so sorry for my absence. Much love, Linda x

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 20, 2013 at 6:16 PM

      Hello Linda, It is always lovely to hear from you. You are in my thoughts and I understand it is not always easy to leave comments, life gets in the way. Heavy handed is a good way to put it about make up application with young women. Ha Ha - it is so exciting for Lois to be at the age she is. Hope all is great with your family

      Helenxx

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  18. KukkaiselämääNovember 21, 2013 at 2:09 AM

    Sounds like an interesting book. Thank you for sharing this, Helen. Spice girl is so adorable! Happy week!

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 25, 2013 at 10:41 AM

      Spice girls brings us lots of joy. She is calm and independent but loves girly stuff. She enjoys playing with my skirt and if I am not careful, I could trip.
      Tish's book is full of valuable information. I am still reading new tips.
      Have a glorious week.

      Helen x

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  19. A Super DilettanteNovember 22, 2013 at 1:27 PM

    Dearest Helen, Thank you so much for the recommendation of this book, Forever Chic. It sounds like this is just what I need to read during my holiday. Spice Girl looks adorable. I'd like to take her home and go out for a walk with her. Have a lovely weekend. Best wishes, ASD x

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 25, 2013 at 10:43 AM

      Dearest ASD

      Yes Tish's book covers many topics which certainly apply to men as well as women.

      That is such a delightful thought of you and Spice Girl heading out for a long walk. She would love that. Perhaps one day!!
      Hope your week is very special

      Helen xx

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  20. A Super DilettanteNovember 22, 2013 at 1:29 PM

    Dearest Helen,

    Thank you so much for your recommendation of this delightful book, Forever Chic. It sounds like this is the book I need to read for inspiration during my Christmas and New Year holiday.

    Spice Girl is the most photogenic. I'd like to take her out for a walk!

    Have a wonderful weekend.

    Best wishes, ASD x

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 25, 2013 at 10:44 AM

      My dear ASD, I think Google had a drink too much, it send your message twice.

      Spice Girl loves the camera. She has absolutely no hangups about her looks.

      Helen xx

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  21. GillianNovember 23, 2013 at 10:34 AM

    Spice Girl is such a darling and so pretty!
    Thankyou for keeping in touch. You are the sort of blog contact which makes me realise how wonderful blogs are. I love sharing your life-bits and I'm so glad you enjoy reading mine.
    Looking forward to most of xmas. Hope you are too.
    Cheers Gillian

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 25, 2013 at 10:46 AM

      Hello Gillian
      Yes, indeed, like you, I treasure the friendships made through blogging.
      Your blog is always fascinating.


      Spice Girl brings us so much joy and laughter. She also loves when I sing to her, now that is another post

      Helen xx

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  22. I Dream OfNovember 23, 2013 at 3:14 PM

    What a fun post! Spice Girl is very chic herself, I think. I hope you enjoy your book. Looks like a good read! XO

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 25, 2013 at 10:48 AM

      Hello Jeanne, I think Spice Girl thinks she is Posh but has yet to meet her Beckham!! hee he
      I am very much enjoying Tish's book. Several of my friends have glanced through it and have decided they are going to get their own copy.
      There is one tip I have included daily and I am amazed at the result.

      Heeln xx

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  23. Mr PaulNovember 25, 2013 at 9:18 AM

    *Claps hands* Read it Again, again, again!!
    Xxx

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    1. helen tilstonNovember 25, 2013 at 10:48 AM

      Hello Paul

      Thank you, thank you and thank you for your support and kindness.

      Helen xx

      Delete
  24. Mr PaulNovember 25, 2013 at 9:20 AM

    *Claps hands* Read it again, again, again!
    Xx

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  25. Elizabeth Rose StantonNovember 25, 2013 at 5:25 PM

    Spice Girl looks like a doll. Book sounds like a fun read!

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  26. gillyflowerNovember 26, 2013 at 6:52 AM

    Brilliant post Helen! I bet Spice Girl loved hearing it all!
    It sounds a great book, will have to check it out, and I love your story about the make-up - what a mean old biddy to rat on you though!
    Enjoy reading the rest!
    Gill xx

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