My favorite look from The Duchess of Cambridge's recent tour to India was this beautiful mint lace dress from Temperley. What an exquisite dress. I can just imagine attending a garden tea party in something so lovely.

I also loved the braided chignon in her hair, and in this week's video, I recreate the chignon for you. This look is easy to achieve for anyone with medium to long hair.

This chignon is perfect for a hot summer's day when you want your hair off of your neck, yet still want to look presentable. Be sure to watch my video to see all of the steps. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

To see the complete collection of looks from the Duke and Duchess's India tour, visit WhatKateWore.com

News
Thank you to Jenny Williams of JenEricGeneration blog for sending me these gifts from her beautiful new art collection, Carrot Top Paper Shop. Jenny draws portraits of literary heroines. Her whimsical sketches and quotes make inspiring decorations for little girl's rooms. Jenny knew how much I love Anne of Green Gables and sent me Anne's portrait along with Elizabeth Bennet and Jane Eyre. I have commissioned Jenny to do portraits of my own daughters for their rooms. She is so talented!



Check out her fun shop on Etsy, Carrot Top Paper Shop. She is offering a discount to the readers of The Daily Connoisseur: 25% off orders of $25 or more with code JENNIFERSENTME. Thank you, Jenny!


Letter of the Week
Tera L. writes:

Hi Jennifer,

I am writing this message to say a big thank you for adding to my life for the better.

I have only been following you for a few short weeks and have already noticed positive outcomes.

I am writing this after just having ended a phone call where I found out that I got a new job that I had recently interviewed for.

I just had to write to you because my new employer told me that one of the reasons he hired me is because he noticed my poise during the interview! He actually used that exact word!

I thought you might be pleased:)

Keep up the good work. And thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Hi Tera, I was thrilled to no end after reading that your interviewer was impressed with your poise. I firmly believe that poise is a marvelous secret tool that we can use to enhance our lives. I am so happy for you. Congratulations on your new job!


Let me know if you try out this chignon for yourself. Send me a picture over social media using the hashtag #MADAMECHIC

See you soon!


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This week we are talking hair and nails. If you follow me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, you've noticed over the recent months that I've been having fun experimenting with braided hairstyles. I've always loved braids (it's the Madame Bohemienne in me!) so I was excited when Ulysses press recently sent me the new book by Abby Smith, The New Braiding Handbook.


Abby Smith is a fellow YouTuber with a wonderful channel called Twist Me Pretty. This book is a valuable resource because while I usually just wing it and create a hit or miss hairstyle, The New Braiding Handbook gives you great step-by-step instruction on creating new and classic braided hairstyles.

A while back on Facebook a reader commented that she liked the braided updo but felt she might be too old to wear braids. I don't think anyone is too old. If you pick the right age-appropriate look, your braided updo can look very elegant. This braided chignon, from the Duchess of Cambridge is a perfect example:



In this week's video I start off in pigtails (which is an age-inappropriate look for me!) but it's for a good reason... I give you a classic milkmaid braid updo tutorial half way through the video.



The milkmaid braid might feel too costume-y for you but I think you should give it a try. You might surprise yourself with how chic you look and I think it makes a great (easy) formal updo as well. There's something very regal about it even though it is meant for the look of a milkmaid.

Here are some of the braided looks I've shared on Instagram over the past few months. Which one is your favorite?



And now let's talk about nails. I've been experimenting with various colors this spring, some of which are out of my comfort zone. I've found some beautiful ones! But I also realize that the neutrals and classics are still my favorite. These two in particular, Dior's Incognito and Rouge, are particularly divine.



Check out this week's video for the milkmaid braid tutorial and an even more in depth discussion of these topics. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

WomenHeart
Last Monday I had the honor of speaking at the West Los Angeles support group for Women Heart: The National Coalition for women with Heart Disease. My talk focused on living a fulfilling life even during life's struggles. I was so moved and inspired by the stories and the bravery of the women in this group. Thank you to Alisa Becket and Amanda Daniels for inviting me to speak. For more information on Women Heart visit www.womenheart.org

Pictured with Amanda Daniels (left) and Alisa Becket (right)

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought

Sometimes, for special events, it "takes a village" to get ready and presentable. We trust our hair, makeup, styling and nails to the professionals. But on a daily basis, empower yourself to be your own beauty team. Don't be afraid to try out new hairdos. Practice wearing them at home if you feel unsure about going out in public with them. You don't need to spend a lot of money at the salon each week to achieve a polished look. Try giving yourself a manicure at home this week. Start with the neutral colors so the mistakes aren't as visible. Have fun with cultivating your own style and beauty routine. #lookpresentablealways

This week I would love to know... what are your thoughts on braided hairstyles? Would you ever wear one? What about nails? Do you like classic shades or do you prefer edgy colors? Do you do your manicures at home? Or do you have them professionally done?

Music in this week's video: Etente Cordiale
Royalty Free Music by
http://audiomicro.com/royalty-free-music
Sound Effects by
http://audiomicro.com/sound-effects

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