The faded painted sign above reads “Cafe de la Mairie”. (photo taken in Visan) I am pairing today’s story–which takes place at fashion school–with window fashion. Enjoy the colorful scenes that decorate this edition and please consider forwarding it to a friend.
un en-cas (or encas, pronounced “on-kah”)
: snack
French definition:
Repas léger en cas de besoin. Light meal in case of need.
Other ways to say snack in French: un goûter, un casse-croûte, une collation, and “quatre-heures” (for the four o’clock snack kids eat, often after school)
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
Jackie and I arrived half an hour early for her second stage of the year, in the town of Six-Fours-les-Plages. Her first internship (in St Cyr, last fall) was at an optical shop, but this second experience is more in line with her career goals: she hopes to work in the fashion industry. Specifically, she dreams of being a styliste personnelle for the stars.
Standing in the hall at the lycée professionnel, I keep my 15-year-old company as we wait for class to begin. To pass the time we study our surroundings. Near the entrance there is a bald mannequin dressed in a red and black flamenco skirt. On the walls pictures of runway shows feature futuristic outfits the students have created. In another frame, outside the secretaries’ office, there is a delicately beaded handkerchief, something my grandmother might have made.
Like fallen beads, a nostalgic instant is dispersed when a teacher in horn-rimmed glasses bustles by us. Her arms are hugging a collection of dummy heads. It is amusing to watch as the collective heads of hair are further dishevelled by the purposeful gait of the hurried teacher, who disappears into a room full of hairdryers and sinks.
Returning my gaze to our immediate surroundings, I wonder if one of those wild-haired wigs is destined for the flamenco dancer? Qui sait? My attention turns now to all the French teenagers huddled in groups, waiting for the class bell to ring. They are wearing tight or flouncy skirts, leggings or baggy pants, inch-thick eyeliner or none at all, leaving me as much in the fashion dust today as I was at their age.
Curious, I look to see what Jackie is wearing. She has on her favorite T-shirt: all white with a large impression of the rapper Eminem. Over this, she’s wearing a classic button-down jean shirt she’s swiped from my closet. Wrapped around her neck there is a thick crocheted scarf in army green. She’s got on her low-riding jeans and red Keds (or the French equivalent of red Keds, whatever that is). Overall, Jackie’s outfit is a study in contrasts and it would take confidence to mix so many different styles.
Speaking of self-assurance, how would my daughter do during lunch hour? I remember how uncomfortable I felt as the new kid at school during lunchtime, when I would buy a sandwich in the cafeteria only to steal outside to hide on the outer limits of the dining hall, opposite the parking lot, where all the freaks hung out (the jocks were congregating with the cheerleaders at the picnic tables, and the artsy types seemed to go home for lunch to restyle themselves).
In case Jackie couldn’t find a friend to eat with, I packed her a trusty en-cas, something she could quickly consume in between classes. By the way, I hoped she would last until lunch… and not get hungry during the long morning session…. I remember suffering humiliation when my stomach cried out during quiz time. At a time when only scratching pencils could be heard, there would be those condemning gargouillements coming from beneath my desk!
In a room full of French language majors this was embarrassing enough, but for my daughter, who would spend the morning in a room full of fashionistas, a squawking stomach could really cramp her style!
***
Comments or corrections welcome here.
French Vocabulary
styliste personnelle = fashion consultant
un stage = internship, training program
lycée professionnel = vocational school, trade school
qui sait? = Who knows
Window in Gigondas
Beaded curtains and a little house on the sill.
In theme with Easter… a beloved window in Gigondas
In window accoutrements we have this stylish “echo window” with a rooster.
A favorite window in Caromb. To comment on any item in this edition, click here.
Has a friend forwarded you this post? Sign up for French Word-A-Day here. It’s free and goes out thrice-weekly.
Discover more from French Word-A-Day
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Hi Honey,
Your comment about Jackie worrying about sewing brought back many happy memories of making little dresses for you and Heidi, plus all of my mini-skirts back in the 70’s. I used to hang out in the fabric store weekly, loving the idea of upholstry fabric for my micro-mini’s…I also used drapery fabric for my designs. At that time I worked for a Dr. so of course I made all of my uniforms…I upgraded the drab two-piece white uniforms into great one-piece jumpsuits with epolets (sp??) and beautiful pearl buttons etc. Anything to add a little flash. I’ve been dying to buy a sewing machine, let’s get one when I get to France. I’ll show Jackie how much fun sewing can be…also I’ve been thinking about making hats. You can be our maniquin — jeez, more mis-spelled words! What ever happened to spellcheck on this D#$! computer.
XOXO
MOM
Hi Honey,
Your comment about Jackie worrying about sewing brought back many happy memories of making little dresses for you and Heidi, plus all of my mini-skirts back in the 70’s. I used to hang out in the fabric store weekly, loving the idea of upholstry fabric for my micro-mini’s…I also used drapery fabric for my designs. At that time I worked for a Dr. so of course I made all of my uniforms…I upgraded the drab two-piece white uniforms into great one-piece jumpsuits with epolets (sp??) and beautiful pearl buttons etc. Anything to add a little flash. I’ve been dying to buy a sewing machine, let’s get one when I get to France. I’ll show Jackie how much fun sewing can be…also I’ve been thinking about making hats. You can be our maniquin — jeez, more mis-spelled words! What ever happened to spellcheck on this D#$! computer.
XOXO
MOM
Claudette, fiesty is just the word!
Mom, great idea about the sewing machine….
Claudette, fiesty is just the word!
Mom, great idea about the sewing machine….
Kristin:
Loved the faded “cafe de Marie” photo. I too love to take photos of windows(also doors!). Hope your daughter’s intership goes well. Keep us posted. Sounds like she’s got a flair for fashion. There’s a big art school here with a fashion design department and it’s fun to see what
les etudiantes are wearing these days. Back in the day when I was a art student it was mainly jeans or all black attire tho’one avant garde girl painter always wore her father’s striped pajama pants to class.
Edie from Savannah
Kristin:
Loved the faded “cafe de Marie” photo. I too love to take photos of windows(also doors!). Hope your daughter’s intership goes well. Keep us posted. Sounds like she’s got a flair for fashion. There’s a big art school here with a fashion design department and it’s fun to see what
les etudiantes are wearing these days. Back in the day when I was a art student it was mainly jeans or all black attire tho’one avant garde girl painter always wore her father’s striped pajama pants to class.
Edie from Savannah
Hi dear Kristi,
Your post today just wrapped my heart in smiles— for the loving bond you and dear Jackie share,for learning more about you at her age(!), and especially,too, the wonderful post from Jules,and the life she shared with you and Heidi.
Three generations of strong women here, supporting each other through the long and short of daily (and beyond) adventures in life.THIS is what it’s all about,real blessings from God.
What an inspiration!
THANK YOU!
LOve, Natalia XO
Hi dear Kristi,
Your post today just wrapped my heart in smiles— for the loving bond you and dear Jackie share,for learning more about you at her age(!), and especially,too, the wonderful post from Jules,and the life she shared with you and Heidi.
Three generations of strong women here, supporting each other through the long and short of daily (and beyond) adventures in life.THIS is what it’s all about,real blessings from God.
What an inspiration!
THANK YOU!
LOve, Natalia XO
Love, love the collection on window photos. I have one also, but not as quaint. A bit harder to find good windows here.
Something has happened to you in the last couple of months. There is a freedom in your writing. A dance in your step. It was always good, but it has taken leaps and bounds. Wonderful descriptions, lightness and reads like prose. The paragraph “Like fallen beads…” gives such a visual one feels like they are in the room with you.
Love, love the collection on window photos. I have one also, but not as quaint. A bit harder to find good windows here.
Something has happened to you in the last couple of months. There is a freedom in your writing. A dance in your step. It was always good, but it has taken leaps and bounds. Wonderful descriptions, lightness and reads like prose. The paragraph “Like fallen beads…” gives such a visual one feels like they are in the room with you.
Love the windows. Best wishes to Jackie as she begins to work toward her desired career. No doubt, she is a determined and creative girl and is destined to be successful.
Love the windows. Best wishes to Jackie as she begins to work toward her desired career. No doubt, she is a determined and creative girl and is destined to be successful.
Best of luck to Jackie… it is an exciting time working out what to be in life! Just starting somewhere is half the battle! 😉
One of my daughter’s friends started off in fashion school thinking she was going to be a worldfamous designer and has instead become a buyer for fashion and loving every minute!
Best of luck to Jackie… it is an exciting time working out what to be in life! Just starting somewhere is half the battle! 😉
One of my daughter’s friends started off in fashion school thinking she was going to be a worldfamous designer and has instead become a buyer for fashion and loving every minute!
Loved the windows. The French make so much beauty with so little materials. While Jules may have trouble with spelling (epaulettes or epaulets), I can’t sew a stitch in spite of many lessons. I made a skirt once from a pattern and sewed the hem together. My mother was a wonderful seamstress and made most of our clothes until I reached the adolescent years and wanted the popular store varieties. You, Jackie and Jules are three very talented ladies, each in her own milieu. Bonne chance, Jackie.
Loved the windows. The French make so much beauty with so little materials. While Jules may have trouble with spelling (epaulettes or epaulets), I can’t sew a stitch in spite of many lessons. I made a skirt once from a pattern and sewed the hem together. My mother was a wonderful seamstress and made most of our clothes until I reached the adolescent years and wanted the popular store varieties. You, Jackie and Jules are three very talented ladies, each in her own milieu. Bonne chance, Jackie.
If Jackie’s stomach “growls” she can simply tell the instructor she is without doubt the “hungriest” in her class for a shot at being a true Fashionista. Lemons to Lemonade 🙂 Aloha!
If Jackie’s stomach “growls” she can simply tell the instructor she is without doubt the “hungriest” in her class for a shot at being a true Fashionista. Lemons to Lemonade 🙂 Aloha!
I took French only until first-year university. My French prof there said that once you have mastered ‘y’, ‘en’ and ‘de’ in French, you have broken the back of the language. Que pensez-vous?
Connaissez-vous les Canadiens de Montreal?
Merci! MH
I took French only until first-year university. My French prof there said that once you have mastered ‘y’, ‘en’ and ‘de’ in French, you have broken the back of the language. Que pensez-vous?
Connaissez-vous les Canadiens de Montreal?
Merci! MH
Good luck, Jackie! You will do well. Work hard and keep your eyes – and heart – on your dream.
Kristi, love the windows, so beautiful, interesting, charming!
Good luck, Jackie! You will do well. Work hard and keep your eyes – and heart – on your dream.
Kristi, love the windows, so beautiful, interesting, charming!
“Bonne chance” to your daughter, there are certainly plenty of stars (and other folks) who need help with that!
“Bonne chance” to your daughter, there are certainly plenty of stars (and other folks) who need help with that!
J’aime beaucoup les photos des fenetres du petit village. Puis-je utiliser quelques modeles pour les peindre?
J’ai transmis votre page web a plusieurs amies americaines qui apprennent le francais et vont coyage a Paris ce printemps et cet ete. Moi aussi, j’apprecie les informations que vous offrez, les expressions, etc.. A bientot de faire votre connaissance a Paris un jour! Christine Broussard
J’aime beaucoup les photos des fenetres du petit village. Puis-je utiliser quelques modeles pour les peindre?
J’ai transmis votre page web a plusieurs amies americaines qui apprennent le francais et vont coyage a Paris ce printemps et cet ete. Moi aussi, j’apprecie les informations que vous offrez, les expressions, etc.. A bientot de faire votre connaissance a Paris un jour! Christine Broussard
Bonne chance dear Jackie! And she is lucky to have a momma like you Kristi! xx
Bonne chance dear Jackie! And she is lucky to have a momma like you Kristi! xx
Ah, but the fashion consultant, at leaast as the stars and other famous folks are setting out for their big moments require people who can sew! Understand the structure of the clothes as well as what is fashionable and suits that person.
Through my relatives I learned a teeny bit about this from the one who now has a business that does serve a few stars, with the great name of House of Execution — because she executes designs drawn by others, and helps fit a gown exactly to the star on the big day. Not sure how long it took to reach this level of success, but she started with fashion design school here in the US. http://www.houseofexecution.com/
I hope your daughter finds what suits her, and persists until she succeeds.
Hope she know how lucky she is to have you supporting her at the crucial moments, the mom who is there. And lets her borrow things from your closet.
Ah, but the fashion consultant, at leaast as the stars and other famous folks are setting out for their big moments require people who can sew! Understand the structure of the clothes as well as what is fashionable and suits that person.
Through my relatives I learned a teeny bit about this from the one who now has a business that does serve a few stars, with the great name of House of Execution — because she executes designs drawn by others, and helps fit a gown exactly to the star on the big day. Not sure how long it took to reach this level of success, but she started with fashion design school here in the US. http://www.houseofexecution.com/
I hope your daughter finds what suits her, and persists until she succeeds.
Hope she know how lucky she is to have you supporting her at the crucial moments, the mom who is there. And lets her borrow things from your closet.
Kristi…just love your photographic “eye”, especially the charming windows!
Kristi…just love your photographic “eye”, especially the charming windows!
I was moved to post a comment by Joie’s keen observation about the new freedom in your writing, Kristen; I think she is absolutely right, but I don’t think I could have articulated it as she did. Thanks, Joie, for your eloquent clarity. Kristen, you are inspiring all of us with your writing as we all witness it going from a very good place to an amazing new level.
I was moved to post a comment by Joie’s keen observation about the new freedom in your writing, Kristen; I think she is absolutely right, but I don’t think I could have articulated it as she did. Thanks, Joie, for your eloquent clarity. Kristen, you are inspiring all of us with your writing as we all witness it going from a very good place to an amazing new level.
Kristi,
Love this story and the rapport you share with Jackie. She definitely is lucky to have you, JM and Jules as her support system. I hope she figures out what she wants to do and sticks with it. It’s not easy. I’m also just learning to sew and looking forward to fun projects. I think it will be great to have Jules show her the ropes!
The windows are so charming. Thanks for sharing these and your wonderful story.
Kristi,
Love this story and the rapport you share with Jackie. She definitely is lucky to have you, JM and Jules as her support system. I hope she figures out what she wants to do and sticks with it. It’s not easy. I’m also just learning to sew and looking forward to fun projects. I think it will be great to have Jules show her the ropes!
The windows are so charming. Thanks for sharing these and your wonderful story.
The windows are SO very French! You just do not see windows like this in The States. That’s why we crave your pictures. XO
The windows are SO very French! You just do not see windows like this in The States. That’s why we crave your pictures. XO