French model Alejandra Welsh reveals the secrets of continental style

Mar 30 2008 By Grace Macaskill

One Stunning French Model Reveals The Secret Of Her First's Lady Drop Dead Gorgeous Style..

WITH her chic sense of style, Carla Bruni was a hit this week when she accompanied husband, French President Nicolas Sarkozy on his UK trip.

Italian-born Carla, 40, has embraced Parisian style with gusto - and her UK counterpart Sarah Brown was even impressed by her style.

It seems UK shoppers still prefer Primark to Prada. French model AlejandraWelsh says the secret to the European look is simple.

CHEAT.

Alejandra, who is studying for Highers in Edinburgh, advised Scots women to ditch the diet in favour of smaller portions, swap the gym for walking and invest in good underwear to make less expensive clothes look a million dollars.

She said: "The French women make elegance look simple but a lot of work goes on behind the scenes.

"Women in France simply cheat at looking good. They suffer the same skin blemishes as Brits, have the same wobbly bits and the same body hang-ups.

"But French women don't tackle their skin by drinking gallons of water and getting fresh air any more than we do. They simply go to the beautician.

"If they have bits of their body they are unhappy with they don't go mad in the gym. They cover up with clothes that suit them or buy underwear to give them shape.

"It's about buying the right undies to give you a silhouette. Whatever weight you are, with the right underwear your clothes look perfect.

"French women never try to squeeze into clothes, they would rather buy a size too big than have something look tarty.

"European women also spend a lot more on beauty products and having facials to get that fresh look. And they don't exercise all the time either.

"French women save time on exercise by walking everywhere and not over-indulging.

"It's a myth that French women could tuck into cheese, wine and red meat and remain stick thin.

"If they have a big lunch, they'll have a small dinner or vice versa. Portion sizes are also smaller and they never snack.

"They also think nothing of spending on products to give them all-over soft skin.

"A good hair cut with regular trims also gives the impression of being totally groomed.

"French women prefer to be polished to piling on the make-up and, while we love designer clothes, if we can't afford them we keep it simple with wellfitting, clean numbers which are tailored and look expensive.

"During the day I like to wear plain tops with little motifs from, say Topshop, teamed with a pair of well-fitting jeans and pumps.

"At night I love dressing up in a nice dress but if I could afford it I would wear Prada."

Grooming starts early in France. At just 17, Alejandra already has a daily cleansing routine.

She said: "It's just so important to maintain a fresh look and that starts with caring for your skin.

"French women don't slap on lots of make-up. They use it to correct blemishes and cover up imperfections.

"If I do wear make-up it's usually for a photoshoot or at night when I put on a bit of foundation, rouge and stain my lips with a light colour.

"We French never go out without sun protection either.You will never see a French girl with a bright red sun-burned face.

"It's about being natural, looking classical and keeping it simple."

It's a different story for the average Scots teenager.

For some, beauty is less about the genes than about the jeans - usually the variety that hang below the waist and flaunt a bright pink thong.

That in itself poses a problem for women over 30.

Some of the most stylish women around the Champs-Elysees fall in this age bracket.

They have the earning potential to invest in classic clothes.

But while Paris is swamped with tiny boutiques, our high street shops are geared towards teenage girls.

Alejandra, whose mum Mayela is from Nice and dad Alastair is from Paisley, said: "There are some basic rules to follow in French dressing.

"If you are going to splash out, buy something classic that will last forever.

"French women are very clever at buying investment items. They look at the price and divide it by how many times they'll wear it."

But Alejandra says it's also about attitude. She said: "It's not the make-up, it's not about expensive clothes.

"Being a French woman is more about being comfortable in your own skin.

"It's more about the attitude they have. That's their biggest weapon. They exude confidence - even if they don't feel it.

"That's the best way to cheat in the art of looking good. If you look confident others think you look great."

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