Women, Work & the Art of Savoir Faire: Business Sense & Sensibility

Following in the tradition of her bestselling French Women Don't Get Fat and French Women for All Seasons comes Mireille's insightful guide to navigating the working world, living the good life, and savoring every minute of it

When Mireille Guiliano became a senior executive and spokesperson for Veuve Clicquot, she took the Champagne to the top of the luxury market, using her distinctive French woman’s philosophy and style.  Now she uses those same talents and savior faoir to help readers pop their own corks and get the most out of life.

In Women, Work & the Art of Savoir Faire, Mireille draws on her experiences at the frontlines and high echelons of the business world to give women the practical advice they need to make work part of a well-balanced life.  With lively lessons, stories, and helpful hints, she teaches every reader how to identify her own passions and talents, improve her communication skills, balance work and life, turn herself into a winning brand, and so much more.

From acing a job interview or performance review to hosting a dinner party, Mireille tells it like it is as she shares her secrets for feeling good, facing challenges, getting ahead, and maximizing pleasure at every opportunity.

Sydney Stylists note : I am utterly obsessed with this series of books . A must have - Put it on the Christmas list for any women you may know navigating the world of business.

Most business books will inform women to dress in suits, act like a man , and be ruthless in the office. count numbers and cut costs and do plenty of over time to get ahead. Thank-god this is not one of those books!  It reflects on the importance of happiness, productivity and leisure. Living and loving your work and making the most out of every opportunity. It teaches women not to hide their femininity but to embrace it and use it to your advantages. How to command respect - Not demand it. How style, elegance and good manners are a girls best friend - not diamonds , sorry Marilyn.. Packed with great relevant advice from  the former CEO of LVMH and Veuve Clicquot.

So grab a bottle of Veuve and give a toast to life, love, work, and play ! 

Todays Inspirational Quote

There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you its going to be a butterfly.

Richard Buckmister Fuller

5 french beauty secrets

By Mireille Divulges - Author of the French Woman Series

Many of my friends were astonished that I disclosed the coveted gastronomy and lifestyle secrets of French women in my books. They'd probably be stunned to find out that I'm willing to share our beauty secrets as well! But here they are—the five beauty secrets that French women swear by:

Secret #1: French women know that hydration is the key to good skin and good hair. I strongly recommend drinking a glass of water before going to bed and first thing in the morning. Water is the French women's secret weapon—for skin and beauty, for health (flushing toxins) and for weight control (don't snack when you think you are hungry, your body is really thirsty).

Secret #2: French women appreciate that good circulation makes one glow. French women are not afraid of using cold water in the shower to get one's circulation going. It is certainly part of my routine. The opening then closing of the pores with hot then cold water, the shock to the nervous system and wake-up call to the brain of a cold shower, and the rigorous towel wiping after a cold finish to a shower bring blood and color to one's skin.

Secret #3: French women are taught and know grandma's beauty rituals work. My Mother taught me, for example, to clean my face thoroughly every night before going to bed and to apply a mask periodically (her fifteen minute version included cucumber slices over the eyes and a crushed strawberry-honey mix for the face); and she taught me to rinse my hair with cold water with an added tablespoon or vinegar or lemon juice for added shine before moisturizing.

Secret #4: French women navigate the health benefits and risks of the sun. Apart from a Riviera-bronze fixation in the 1960s and 1970s, French women are not sun-worshipping lizards. Today they are much more likely to apply their tan from a tube or bottle than from a month at St. Tropez. They are careful to wear sunscreens and look for appropriate SPF in their beauty emollients. And while they are likely to sit in the shade to protect their skin, they are equally likely to be out and about in the sun, enjoying its light and benefits, by walking or doing some light sports or movement as part of their weekly routine.

Secret #5: French women know one can go far with a great haircut, a bottle of champagne and a divine perfume. Nothing more needs to be said about this one!

 

Zen Designs

I have some exciting news - I have been made Ambassador for an amazing jewellery company called Zen Designs.  

Zen Designs was created so every woman could afford to wear beautiful jewellery every day. Whether it's a dainty pair of Swarovski pearl earrings, or a stunningly eye catching necklace of quartz crystal and sterling silver, you'll always feel fabulous in Zen Designs.

Having worked in retail for many years, self-taught designer Lisa Lee knew well-made, funky designs were too often way over the budget of most women. After many educational hours of research and sourcing around the world, Zen Designs was born. Because everyone is different, one style is definitely not enough, which is why Zen Designs has everything from adorned sterling silver chains and leather wrap bracelets, to beautiful Czech glass and stunning semi-precious gemstones. From bright rainbow colours to classic monochromatic elegance,  every taste and occasion is catered for.

Not being content with just creating beautiful designs to compliment any outfit, Lisa was inspired to produce the Karma Balance range, by embracing the theory of "putting good energy out there, encourages good energy to return to you". This beautiful collection of  charm necklaces and wrap bracelets, empowers, calms and reinforces all that is positive in the wearer, by acting as a stylish reminder that what goes around, comes around.... so make it as good as you can. The feature of every piece of  the Karma Balance   range is a sterling silver chiming Harmony Ball handmade in Bali. Each ball contains a very small brass xylophone, which when gently moved, makes the magical chiming sound. The soothing sound is said to relax mind, body and spirit, with it's meditative tune.

Following on from Karma Balance, comes Focus Bands and Focus Wraps. Keep your goals and dreams in mind with this groovy wrist wear. Similar in theory to prayer beads or Sanskrit mala, Focus Bands help to remind you of a particular need or want in your life. Each features a focal point, which when meditated on, helps the wearer concentrate on this aspect. Made from every combination of semi-precious, crystal, pearl and wood you could imagine, even when you're being extra positive, you can look extra cool.

Rest assured that any jewellery from Zen Designs is made from the highest quality materials, Austrian Swarovski  pearls, semi-precious gems, mother-of-pearl and freshwater pearls, pewter, Czech glass, Japanese glass  and .925 sterling silver. Each piece comes with a 100% money back guarantee, as quality and customer satisfaction are the main objectives of Zen Designs.

Inspired and motivated by her idyllic surrounds at beautiful Redland Bay in Queensland, Australia, Lisa feels most creative when around water, and can't resist the influence of nature to create lively, stylish and innovative jewellery. When the creative process is a joyful one, the wearer can't help but feel gorgeous in a creation from Zen Designs.

Zen Designs - Jewellery for a positive world

Harmony Heart Bracelet

Dream A Little Bracelet- Silver and Sapphire



Capiz Necklace 

Worn with my Parisian Wrap - This creates a effortless chic look

Wear this with -

- Ripped denim shorts and a tan - Very Bondi Beach
- Fitted pants with sandals/opened heels - For a relaxed summer look
- Tailored shorts and heels for summer office wear

Possibilities are endless - Use your own sense of style to create
 a look you feel comfortable in. 



 Bracelets 

 - Soft colours match any outfit and give you numerous styling options .

-Add bright colours as a statement - Make sure you don't clash colours.

Detailed heart charm and harmony ball hand made in Bali.

 I love the sound this bracelet makes when its moved - The harmony ball softly chimes 

Check out the full range at http://www.zendesigns.com.au/ 

Don't forget to leave me a comment

and share your thoughts on Zen Designs ! 

Ill be showing lots more of Zen Designs soon !

Sydney Stylists

xoxo

Miss Dior Chérie Commercial (French Version)

I just LOVE the imagery in this Dior commercial, girly, fun, feminine, playful .
Beautiful colours and gorgeous scenery. The macaroon tower! The flowers! The couture!
Yes - I want to go to Paris ... And , Yes - I did buy the perfume .... All three ......

Coco Chanel avec Vanessa Paradis

One of my favourite Chanel commercials - Enchanting

Dom Perignon Room Service