5 French Red Lipsticks for Valentine's Day

Joyeux St. Valentin from Moi and my Estée Lauder lips! Head over to the Shop page to claim your own, and live la vie en rouge.

A bold red lip is about as synonymous with timeless French Girl style as baguettes and berets—albeit much less of a cliché and more of a lifestyle.

If parading around with a ruby red pout is less of an everyday look in your world, and more of an occasion, who could think of a better holiday than St. Valentine’s Day to paint the town—and your lévres—red?

Behold five shades to switch up your daily maquillage routine with a pretty pop of rouge, brought to you by the Fab Five French Fashion houses—Chanel, YSL, Dior, Guerlain, and Estée Lauder.

Click the links below, or head over to the TCA Shop Page to add these colors to your cart.

5 French Red Lipsticks for Valentine's Day

#520 Carnal, Pure Color Envy; $32
ESTÉE LAUDER
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Saturates lips with high-intensity color. Lip-sculpting statement shades for all skintones. Super creamy, glides on effortlessly, covers evenly. Sensually soft and smooth, luxuriously comfortable. 8-hour wear. The lipstick bullet is shaped to sculpt the curves of your lips. The case feels like luxury in your hands. And with one click, case closed.

#444 Gabrielle, Rouge Coco; $40
CHANEL
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
An exclusive complex of Jojoba and Mimosa butters, Sunflower wax, and silicone, provides lasting hydration and luminous shine. With a vibrant colour spectrum, featuring shade names inspired by Coco Chanel and the friends, artists and lovers who inspired her.

My shade is #520 Carnal, Pure Color Envy by Estée Lauder.

#453 Adorée Satin Finish, Rouge Dior; $38
DIOR
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Available in 75 beautiful shades, from Dior’s iconic reds, romantic pinks and rosewoods to trendy nudes in satin, matte, metallic or new velvet finishes. More modern and luxurious than ever, the new Rouge Dior lipstick is adorned with a signature band featuring the CD initials, a nod to Dior's runway looks.

#1966 Rouge Libre, Rouge Pur Couture; $38
YSL BEAUTY
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
The iconic gold tube of Rouge Pur Couture is dressed in red to celebrate love and the joy of gifting. Available in 3 gorgeous red shades, this full-coverage satin lipstick offers up to six hours of ultra-rich, stay-true color in just one stroke.

#M331 Chili Red, KissKiss Matte; $39
GUERLAIN BEAUTY
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
The light, delicate scent of a vanilla "floriental" leaves its incomparable mark on KissKiss. Top notes sparkle with a lemon, orange and bergamot accord. The rose and iris heart exudes sweetness. The vanilla and tonka bean dry-down gives KissKiss all of its intensity.

5 French Handbags From the Ann Getty Collection Christie's Auction

As a philanthropist and patron of the arts, Ann Getty was known for her discerning eye and eclectic taste in style, decor, jewels, and of course, fine art. More than just the wife of Gordon Getty (son of J. Paul Getty, and heir to the oil tycoon’s fortune) Ann championed global causes and served on the boards of some of the most illustrious institutions—including the Metropolitan Museum, The New York Public Library, and the San Francisco Opera (among others) throughout her life, until her death in 2020.

This fall, Christie’s will be auctioning off nearly 1500 of the most notable pieces from the Ann and Gordon Getty Collection—including rare gems, global artifacts, decorative objets d’art, and personal elements of style—all available for bidding online or at Christie’s New York auction house. Featuring a veritable treasure trove of masterpieces from one of the most magnificent private collections in the world, each auction focuses on a specific category, from Chinese textiles and iconography to jewels and tableware to 19th and 20th century artwork.

Behold five handbags below from Ann’s personal collection—which includes a whopping 23 Hérmes sacs-a-main (eight Birkins and three Kellys), six Dior clutches and saddle bags, and four from Oscar de la Renta—which you can soon add to your own closet with the wave of your (virtual) paddle.

Browse the full collection and bid HERE.

The Ann & Gordon Getty Collection
New York & Online, October 10-25 2022

LOT #708
VERT FONCÉ POROSUS CROCODILE BIRKIN 35 WITH GOLD HARDWARE
HERMÈS, 2005 (Est. $8,000-10,000 USD)

LOT #707
LIMITED EDITION CALFSKIN LEATHER & EMBROIDERED TOILE DE JOUY TROPICALIA MEDIUM SADDLE BAG WITH BLACK HARDWARE
DIOR, 2019 (Est. $1,000-2,000)

LOT #778
MATTE DUSTY ROSE ALLIGATOR JUMBO DOUBLE FLAP BAG WITH PERMABRASS HARDWARE
CHANEL, 2014 (Est. $8,000-10,000 USD)

LOT #765
OSTRICH CLUTCH WITH GOLD HARDWARE
CELINE, CIRCA 1980 (Est. $500-700 USD)

LOT #798
PAIR OF CLASSIC MONOGRAM CANVAS SUITCASES
LOUIS VUITTON (Est. $1,000-2,000 USD)

Le Gigot Sleeve | Sitting Pretty in Parisian Fashion

Sitting Pretty in Parisian Fashion

Puffed sleeves have been a fixture in French fashion since—well, the Renaissance, actually. And while we no longer style them with bustles and bonnets, this oversized look has gotten many a modern update over the centuries—reinventing itself throughout different chapters in fashion history and cementing its eternal place in the French girl’s style playbook.

One variation that you may recognize from the days of yore, seeing its heyday in the late 1800s, is the Gigot sleeve—which is puffed from the shoulder to the elbow, and slim through the forearm. You may be surprised to learn that this style was literally named for its resemblance to the shape of a sheep’s hind leg. Etymology aside, the moniker seems quite chic, but then again, everything sounds better in the language of love!

We’ve seen the more contemporary Gigot make its way into pret-a-porter collections of recent years, along with its other puffy cousins. One such descendant of the Gigot family tree is this lacy version from the European casual-chic brand, Parisian Fashion. Fierce and fabulous, this sheer chemise is quite a conversation piece, complete with its attached pussy-bow—a name that makes it clear why the French should always be in charge of naming these things.

Head over to the Shop page to browse other favorites from Parisian Fashion.

Les Fleurs d'Automne | How to Wear Autumn Florals

In case you haven’t heard, floral prints are no longer just for spring and summer. Fall florals are definitely their own thing, and the good news is: they’re here to stay.

Meryl Streep’s iconic line as fashion doyenne Miranda Priestley in the 2006 film, ‘The Devil Wears Prada.’

Here to make the case is FRNCH—which if you’ve been here for a while, you know is one of my all-time favorite French girl brands.

Consider this your handy how-to guide to wearing the autumnal wardrobe trend that’s surely becoming a perennial staple.

1. Look for long sleeves.
   Sleeveless and strapless tops pretty much scream “warm weather,” so a long-sleeved top or dress (like this one) will make it clear to everyone around you that you’re aware of what month it is—especially during a year like this one which has made it easy to forget.

2. Choose a pattern with a dark background.
   While I’m an advocate for wearing whites and light tones all year round, a dark background distinguishes the floral pattern apart from spring and summer territory.

3. Try a maxi length style.
   A longer skirt will add extra warmth during those cooler months. Give it a try!

4. Opt for a thick fabric.
   By the same token, a thicker fabric adds texture and warmth to a fall ensemble.

5. Style shorter hems with black tights and boots.
   There are so many ways style cool weather dresses. Black tights create a monochromatic and elongated silhouette in tandem with your dark floral background which will allow les fleurs to shine, and give you a chance to show off those boots and bottines (booties) which are often hidden under pants.

Click HERE to shop the FRNCH US Fall/Winter 2020 Collection.

And click here and here to read about some of my other FRNCH favorites.

La Rentrée | The Season of the Fresh Start

Anyone else getting major First Wives Club vibes from this tenue blanche?

There’s something magical about the transition from summer into fall.

It’s a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. It’s symbolic of a new school year, and for me personally, it’s literally the beginning of a new year on the calendar. As you may know, my birthday falls during the last week of August, which is always the week when something in the wind shifts, ever so slightly. It’s still summertime and the end-of-season pool parties are in full swing, but in my world, it’s always marked an intangible turning of the page. These first few weeks of September set the shift into motion, culminating with the first day of l’automne, which officially begins today. In France, this transitional period is called la rentrée.

As we’ve discussed before, the month of August is synonymous with vacation in France. Restaurants and boutiques temporarily shutter for weeks at a time, city dwellers make a bee-line for the countryside and the beach, public transit slows to a drip, and everyone—from shopkeepers to government officials—essentially closes up shop, leaving each other with the cheerful phrase, “À la rentree!”

Meaning, See you in September!

"Bonnes vacances!”

“À la rentrée!”

As the excitement of summer vacances gives way to the back to school (and back to work) mentality, some feel the post-holiday blues, and some feel invigorated—happy to return to normalcy and ready to begin a new chapter.

Although Europe and America (and most of the world) celebrate the official New Year on January first, I personally never feel a perceptible change when the clock strikes midnight, because the middle of winter never feels like the time for newness—it’s something about the first breeze of coolness in the air, the first few leaves to jump ship from their branches. It’s buying school supplies, shopping for sweaters, and that first whiff of cinnamon and pumpkin spice.

Many cultures and religions, like Judaism, celebrate the New Year during this period—Shanah Tovah to our Jewish amis—and of course, the fashion world celebrates the illustrious release of the September issue—magazine speak for the editorial debut of fall fashion—when beloved designers and couturiers unveil their seasonal Fall/Winter collections and campaigns. It’s the month of Fashion Week—NYFW is underway, and PFW starts today.

As a former fashion editor for NBC, lifestyle writer, and editorial devotee, this period thrills me, and as someone who prefers to look forward, not backwards, I love shifting focus from warm weather holidays to the preparation of the cozy winter ones. I don’t typically mourn seasons, because, as my maman likes to say, there’ll be another one next year. Which is just a more positive way of saying, we’re captive on a carousel of time. Merci, Joni Mitchell.

The concept of the summer holiday is actually rooted in agricultural history, dating back to the year 1231—believe it or not—when Pope Gregory IX closed universities for a month each summer so that students could return home to help their families prepare the crops for the fall harvest. While many Americans tend to think of France and Paris as one and the same, there is a deeply rooted history and tradition in the large rural swaths of the country, known as la campagne, and France is nothing if not deeply devoted to its honoring its people and upholding its traditions.

In celebration of this time of rebirth, if you will, I’ve decided to pay my respects in a symbolic white suit—all Zara, all the time—with a crop for a timely and trendy twist. It’s a perfect transitional ensemble—a sort of “in memoriam” to bid farewell to warmer days, which, at least in Southern California, will still be hanging around for a while—and a first step towards the annual re-introduction of long pants and blazers into the fall wardrobe.

Bienvenue, l’Automne and Happy Pumpkin Spice season to my chic Américanes—which, let’s be honest, is well on its way to becoming an official holiday.

Bardot Beauty: How to Have Les Cheveux Like Brigitte Bardot

Hair is a whole thing for me.

I’m not one to experiment with new cuts and colors. You’ll never catch me trying to bring back The Rachel, or rocking an Ariana phony pony or a pink Kylie Jenner wig. Having long, healthy blonde locks has always been a part of my identity, to the point where I absolutely loathe haircuts and—against the advice of practically any hair expert—find any reason to avoid them.

In fact, my maman somehow talked me into allowing an at-home, quarantine trim a few days ago—I’m still not sure how she convinced me— and I’m not ashamed to say (well, I am a little bit) that I wept openly, watching my savagely severed ends hit the floor.

Determined to find only the best methods and products to care for mes cheveux—my hair, or my hairs, as is the literal translation—I’m pretty selective about what I allow near ma tête, as you may imagine.

Bardot Beauty: How to Have Les Cheveux Like Brigitte Bardot

That’s why my current beauty obsession du jour is Bardot Beauty—an all Vegan and cruelty free haircare line inspired by the silver screen glamour of the legendary French icon, Brigitte Bardot. Like Marilyn Monroe with a Parisian accent, Bardot put a European twist on the Hollywood jet-set glam of the 1960s—complete with a slightly gap-toothed grin, and big textured hair teased into her signature bouffant.

Bardot in the 1959 film, Come Dance With Me. We have a sort of similar vibe, right? (Just go with it, please!)

Explore this luxurious hair collection, designed in Bardot’s honor with pretty packaging paying homage to her name and likeness. The comprehensive line includes classic shampoo and conditioner, texture spray, volumizing spray, dry shampoo, and travel kits (like the one below) with mini versions to keep your tresses ready for their close up—and their next glam getaway.

Click here to shop.

Bardot Beauty
@veganbardothair

Recap: Chanel Spring/Summer 2022 Haute Couture Show

In case you missed the memo, fashion is back, folks. (Although, it never really left, of course).

The Chanel Spring/Summer 2022 Haute Couture show kicked off in high gear at the Grand Palais Éphémère in Paris on January 25th. But never fear if you weren’t able to sit front row—or in this year’s case, lounge irreverently along one of several spectator pods—because the full show is available to stream for your viewing pleasure (see above).

While the spectacle was more intimate than in years past, the minimalist setting (designed by multi-medium French artist, Xavier Veilhan) housed a higher attendee count than last year. For Spring/Summer 2021, a sparse selection of guests (including Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Vanessa Paradis and her daughter, LilyRose Depp) were sporadically distanced in chairs around the circumference of a wide runway bathed in flower petals. And who could forget that Kristen Stewart (Chanel ambassador and Coco’s official Chosen One) was the sole invitee for the Métiers d’Art show at the Loire Valley’s Château de Chenonceau in the midst of the winter-surge lockdown of December 2020?

But welcome back to 2022, a year that saw Lagerfeld successor Virginie Viard’s latest vision commence with another Chanel ambassador, Charlotte Casiraghi—the daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco, and an accomplished equestrian, among many other things—gracefully taking the runway on horseback. A leisurely stroll crescendoed into an elegant gallop, to the binaural opening bars of an eclectic soundtrack that included everything from moments of operatic etherealism to riffs of electronic bass funk.

“Sébastien Tellier, author-composer and friend of the House, performed a series of new tracks specially composed for the occasion on oversized instruments, and the Cristal Baschet, a rare crystal organ from the Studio Venezia of the French Pavilion at the 57th Venice Biennale in 2017,” according to an official statement.

This year’s collection featured updated takes on the evergreen mainstays and “classic eternal good taste"—to quote Sarah Jessica Parker’s character in The First Wives Club—that we’ve come to love and expect from the hallowed House of Chanel. The most current iterations of The Chanel Suit—including signature elements like bejeweled buttons and white piping, as well as accompanying wide leg trousers—were, of course, on full display. Think tailored blazers with varying lapels, and shift dresses with the classic quartet of front pockets—all in tweed of course, as the fabric that’s most ubiquitous (if not fully synonymous) with the brand’s essence.

Next came a series of edgier looks that featured a recurring theme of mesh paneled midriffs. Floor-length hemlines and evening-wear ruled the latter half of the show, with wispy, open-air skirts, and whimsical components like frothy marabou feathers, pussy bows, sequin detailing, and layers of mille-feuille chiffon and tulle. And of course there were subtle nods to the brand’s legacy and its foundational aesthetic from the 1920s, in the form of drop-waist silhouettes, art-deco sequin patterns, and even a callback to early 20th century bridal design, topped with a traditional headpiece streaming with ribbons, to close out the show.

Click here to watch the full Spring/Summer 2022 Haute Couture runway show, and see some favorite looks below.

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Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2022: The Return of Haute Couture

New year, new couture.

The Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2022 Haute Couture show took Paris by storm on January 24th, with the unveiling of a new collection by celebrated creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri.

The illustrious Musée Rodin became a living work of art, as the new 65-piece collection hit the runway, framed by a colorful backdrop depicting works by Indian artists Madhvi and Manu Parekh. The large-scale design was transformed into a 340 square-meter embroidery installation, crafted by 380 students from the ateliers of the Chanakya School in Mumbai—cementing the institution’s third collaboration with the House of Dior.

Falling within the parameters of a neutral grayscale palette, Chiuri’s latest cache of couture revealed a dynamic display of silky silhouettes, dazzling unitards, deconstructed suits, and separates topped with structured capes. The line featured fine fabrics like organza, tulle, and chiffon, with moments of elegant embroidery and embellishment, ranging primarily in tones of ecru, sand, and ivory, as well as shades of black and gray.

Watch the full show (above) or skim the highlights of the collection below.

SALE: Up to 50% off Sandro Essentials

It’s that time of year again.

It’s a new year, and that means we’re officially deep in the thick of “January culture” whether we like it or not. It’s the time of year when we (as in, our societal structure as a whole) emerge on cue from our post-holiday coma and leap headlong into our annual collective obsession with goal setting and creating new unrealistic morning routines.

Maybe this year, let’s forget about our broken New Year’s resolutions—is anyone actually drinking eight glasses of water?—and enjoy what is undeniably the greatest part of our calendar year’s inaugural month: the post-holiday sales.

Until Feb 8th, French fan-favorite brand Sandro is offering up to 50% off selected winter essentials, from les manteaux and des robes to les chaussures and les accessoires. So give your Paypal account fair warning to brace itself, and check out some of our personal picks below.

Trompe l’oeil Dress; $312 (was $520)

Short Dress with Braid Trim; $311.50 (was $445)

Cashmere Sweater with Trucker Collar; $237 (was $395)

Cotton Trench Coat with detachable chain, $347.50 (was $695)

Brushed Pointelle Knit Cardigan; $195 (was $325)

French Gifts For the Chanel Lover | Holiday Gift Guide: Day 1

Today marks the first day of The Chic American first official Holiday gift guide—and to start things off strong, today is all about Coco! Because as well all know, every true Francophile has an inner compass that leads back to the original French Girl couturier and her luxurious wares.

For this year’s shopping guide, think splurge-worthy skincare and fragrance, dreamy “It” bags, and delicate pearl-studded frames. From gotta-have-it Stocking Stuffers (read: $55 and under) like the perfect purse-sized Crème de Main and classic Chanel No. 5 bar soap and deodorant—yes, your underarms can now smell like Marilyn Monroe!—there’s something for every Chanel lover on your list.

Shop all of the items using the link below, or head over to the TCA Like to Know It SHOP page for quick, one-click purchasing.

Holiday Gift Guide: Jour 1 | For the Chanel Lover

Shop NORDSTROM and make merry with makeup, skin care and fragrance presents for every budget, from stocking stuffers to luxury gifts. FREE Shipping, FREE Returns, plus Contactless Curbside Pickup near you.

LE SPLURGE

1. Round Sunglasses; $780
Metal & Imitation Pearls. Pink Gold. Lenses: Beige, Gradient
2. Drawstring Bag; $3,700
Grained Lambskin, Smooth Lambskin & Gold-Tone Metal Beige
3. Coco Brush Bracelet; $4,200
Quilted motif, 18K yellow gold
4. Gabrielle Small Hobo Bag; $4,100
Aged Calfskin, Smooth Calfskin, Gold-Tone, Silver-Tone & Ruthenium-Finish Metal

LE MUST HAVE

1. No. 5 The Hair Mist; $65
2. Hydra Beauty Mask de Nuit; $65
3. Coco Mademoiselle Twist and Spray; $110
4. Exclusif Chanel 1957 Eau de Parfum; $350

LE GIFT SET

1. Sublimage Ultimate Indulgence; $372
2. Coco Mademoiselle Twist & Spray; $172
3. Rouge Allure Ink Fusion; $115

LE STOCKING STUFFER ($55 and Under)

1. La Créme Main; $50
2. Le Vernis Nail Color, Chaine D’or; $28
3. Rouge Coco Lip Balm; $38
4. Le Blanc Rosy Light Drops; $50
5. No. 5 Bath Soap; $26
6. Mademoiselle Body Lotion; $55
7. Retractable Foundation Brush #103; $50
8. No. 5 Deodorant; $50
9. Coco Noir Moisturizing Lotion; $55

*This article may contain affiliate links. TCA only promotes products we love, whether we make a small commission or not, so rest assured that you’re always getting our best. Merci for your support!

OOTD: Camel et Noir

I’m all about perennial fashion that’s classic and timeless, and that includes one of my all-time favorite color combinations for any fall season: camel and black. I’m a forever fan of neutrals, and a monochromatic look that never goes out of style.

I spent the day wandering around Greystone Mansion of Beverly Hills in this all-black, jeans and turtleneck combo with a cozy camel coat as a topper, all brought to you by Zara—who else?—except for the Gucci belt of course!

Shop These Fresh Fall Favorites from ChicMe

Every season has its style perks—fresh florals for spring, flirty dresses for summer—but cool-weather fashion is easily my favorite. Fall and Winter take fashion to a whole other level, and provide a canvas for layering in a way that takes a truly creative eye. From cozy knits and chunky boots, to every kind of fabric—your tweeds, your velvets, your cashmere and wool—the options are practically endless.

ChicMe is a new favorite brand that makes it easy to stay on top of the latest trends of the season. With a regular rotation of new styles to choose from—and prices that are refreshingly affordable—it’s never been easier to stock up on all of your chic seasonal must-haves.

Scroll down to see some of my favorites pieces pour l’automne, and be sure to use my code TheChic10 for an additional discount!

5 Fall Favorites from ChicMe

1. Tweed Notched Collar Double Breasted Plaid Blazer; $38.99 (10% off with code TheChic10)

Nothing says Automne like a traditional tweed blazer, and with gold button accents and a classic frayed hem, this one takes the cake.

2. Solid Wrap Long Sleeve Knit Sweater; $18.99 (10% off with code TheChic10)

Polished and elegant, this wrap sweater is the perfect addition to your fall wardrobe. Dress it up with denim for nighttime, or pair with cozy leggings for a casual daytime look.

3. Plaid Button Design Tweed Irregular Skirt; $23.99 (10% off with code TheChic10)

Mini skirts with tights are an absolute wardrobe essential for French girls everywhere, and I’ve been keeping this one as my new go-to. Nothing says “Fall” quite like plaid, and it’s a personal favorite pattern of mine. With pearl button detailing and its asymmetrical hem, this mini jupe is jus the ticket.

4. Faux Leather Lace Design Skirt; $24.99 (10% off with code TheChic10)

Faux leather is still going strong as an official Autumn staple. From jackets and handbags, leggings and booties, it’s practically impossible to make a faux pas with this versatile material. This mini with its high waist and lace trim trim puts a contemporary stamp on the trend, making it fresh for this season.

Le Chapeau | The Vacation Essential for the Non-Vacation

The first few weeks of August are typically reserved for les vacances in France— and sometimes even the entire month.

As the Parisians and city dwellers form a mass exodus from the bustle of urban living, fleeing to the countryside provinces for long, wine-soaked visits with family or to sun themselves along the Côte d’Azur, it’s not uncommon to walk around big cities and small towns alike, only to find shops and restaurants temporarily shuttered, with a mere hand-written note in the window announcing a reopening date. In fact, once while visiting my maman at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, we took the train to Lyon for a mid-August day trip, only to end up eating in the same American-themed burger place twice in the same day, because all of the culinary destinations on our list were sadly closed.

All that to say, when it comes to dressing for a vacation-less vacation—as is the case this year for most of us homebound Chic Americans—there’s nothing quite like lounging around in a Panama hat to make one feel like the most seasoned of vacationers abroad.

Sturdier than your typical floppy beach hat, but with a wider brim than its cousin the fedora—which was the headwear accessory of choice several years ago—it’s the perfect hybrid, pulling double duty as a sun protectant and summer outfit topper. Would you believe that I got this one from Amazon? (Of course you would, because what can’t you find on Amazon?)

Bonnes vacances—whether you’re jetting somewhere local this weekend, or just taking one of those mind travels we’ve all become accustomed to imagining since Covid arrived. I know I’m ready to hop on an international flight as soon as one will have me!

Le Costume | The Renaissance of The Suit

My feminine spin on le costume—known in English as “the suit.”

There’s a French expression to describe daily life as a modern day Parisian—not the kind from our fantasies that strolls down the boulevards, impeccably dressed, baguette under one arm, with seemingly no place to be; although that way of life does exist and I’m all for perpetuating the stereotype.

Anyway, the expression is: “Métro, Boulot, Do-do” which essentially translates to “Subway, Work, Sleep,” —but in a cute rhyme. Surprisingly (or maybe not, depending on how familiar you are with French social norms) the day-to-day reality of many a Parisian (and Parisienne, of course) is markedly similar to that of a New Yorker, or really any modern urbanite—at times mundane and redundant, and often dominated by career obligations.

Le Costume | The Renaissance of The Suit

Up until recently, dressing for work (in any city) also fell into the category of mundane and redundant, and certainly has also been shaped by decades of long-standing dress codes, peer influence, and office obligations. Take the standard ladies’ suit—known to francophones as le costume. Typically comprised of a blazer and slacks combination, this workwear staple was introduced practically as soon as women began to enter the workforce and climb the corporate ladder, and has barely deviated in terms of office-appropriate styles and colors since then—with perhaps the exception of shoulder pads in the 1980s.

But the suit is experiencing a bit of a renaissance at the moment, and I’m here for it. Deconstructing the ubiquitous tailored suit of decades past, with its fitted jacket and matching mid-rise slacks, has spawned a variety of styles and combinations, proving that these two-piece ensembles can be fun to wear after all. By playing with proportions, the slouchy, oversized, Miami Vice versions can stand alongside the extra-long jacket and matching cropped pant look. And we haven’t even talked about camisoles yet!

This oyster-toned set from BooHoo (above) is a prime example of the way that a suit can actually become—dare I say—sexy?

With its neutral color and large gold accent buttons, it’s is a perfect canvas to showcase a subtle hint of body underneath. While we puritanical Americans tend to frown upon such displays at the office, Parisiennes acknowledge that they’re in fact female, and no one seems to mind when that point is (subtly) illustrated. Therefore, a lacy bodysuit—a true Parisienne considers lacy lingerie to be a wardrobe staple—when worn tastefully—a true Parisienne is always tasteful—can create the perfect juxtaposition to a neutral ensemble.

However, if your chosen profession practically guarantees that a boss or colleague’s head will turn for the wrong reasons (get with the times, people) it’s always an option to hide it under a satin camisole during work hours and save the lacy reveal for friends over Happy Hour.

Click here to shop.

On Polka Dots & Retro Weekend Style

I’m not exactly sure when my love affair with polka dots began. In fact, as most love affairs go, I never really saw it coming. It wasn’t until I began to notice a pattern—literally—in my closet, that my penchant for the polka become apparent.

There’s something about the way polka dots evoke images of debutantes and the essence of Parisian propriety, or the nostalgia—hearkening back to the maximalist styles of indulgent glamour and overstated elegance from the 1950s and 60s. Polka dots feel inherently trés traditionelle, and yet when paired with a contemporary crop and espadrilles, they seem to reincarnate into a kind of modern magic that just works.

Enter this Club Monaco asymmetrical midi skirt that I was pleased to find second-hand (otherwise I’d link it for you). In tandem with a front-tie blouse from local brand The Naughty Girl Shop—the owner of which is a total boss—that feels both sultry yet demure, the look kind of seems to be one head scarf shy of personifying an off-duty Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief.

Throw in a weekend tote from JLux Label, and Hello Weekend! Or rather, Bonjour Week-end, as we say around here.

Tangerine Dreams with Pretty Little Thing

Feeling like a tangerine dream in this dreamy creamsicle jumpsuit from Pretty Little Thing. Some gold accessories and a clutch with matching chain detailing in a bold sherbet shade pull the whole thing together.

Vous aimez?

June Gloom and Summer Style in FRNCH

A sneek peek at the jumpsuit of my dreams, coming soon to the FRNCH Summer 2021 Collection.

Summer style is officially on the horizon. Even though June is considered a downer of a month in Southern California—“June Gloom” as it’s (un)popularly known—I’m not afraid to admit that it’s actually one of my favorite seasons.

Living in a region that sees sunshine on average 284 days of the year can drive one to temporary fits of madness that include yearning for a little precipitation here and there. As someone who lives for the gray skies and general moodiness of Paris, June is often as close as one can get around here. Finding oneself stuck in a spontaneous thunderstorm and ducking into a brasserie for an unexpected verre du vin to sip on as la pluie passes is practically unheard of in these parts. The cloudy days of June, reserved for nothing but cocooning—as the Frenchies say—and just being generally morose, are ones that I personally cherish for my own sanity and self care. Even in sunny California, no one can be “on” constantly, and every once in a while it’s ok to hit the reset button on our moods.

One particular brand that knows plenty about Parisian pouting is FRNCH—one of my favorites, and I hope one of yours. The Summer collection of this French favorite is nothing short of brilliant, and if you’re one of the eager-to-travel bunch who will be on the first flight to Paris as soon as De Gaulle airport will have us, you’ll want to get your wardrobe ready in advance.

Consider this a preview of the most coveted (yet to be released) jumpsuit, that even the most parsimonious Parisian would be hard pressed to pass up. With lettuce bib sleeves, subtle texturing, and on-trend wide leg trousers, this onesie plays so perfectly with proportions, I couldn’t believe it hadn’t been tailored just for me. We all have our magical Cinderella moments when a dream piece fits perfectly right off the rack, and this was mine. Petite as I am, the hem length hits perfectly with a low heel, and I couldn’t be happier.

Click HERE to shop the FRNCH Summer Collection 2021.

Celebrating Spring Style in FRNCH

Lundi mornings are for lounging in the new FRNCH Spring/Summer 2021 collection. This silky floral midi skirt is the perfect spring staple. Florals for Printemps? Groundbreaking.

PS. Scroll down for a closer look at what I’m reading right now. I discovered this petit trésor at an antique store, and since museums have been closed for a while, I’ve been craving culture. Are you an art lover too?

Street Style Vibes & Shooting with Kollectin

Casual street style vibes, shooting today with Kollectin. This blazer is Armani Exchange, sneakers are Guess, and the top is Forever 21.

What do you think of this look?

Easter Style: Blue Pastel for Pâques

All suited up in this blue power costume from the Zara Spring Collection. I’m swooning big time over this robin’s egg pastel hue just in time for Easter. Click HERE to shop.

Joyeuse Pâques mes chickies!