OOTD

Le Gigot Sleeve | Sitting Pretty in Parisian Fashion

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.

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Sitting Pretty in Parisian Fashion - Gigot sleeves
Sitting Pretty in Parisian Fashion - Gigot sleeves
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Les Fleurs d'Automne | How to Wear Autumn Florals

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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.’

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.

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La Rentrée | The Season of the Fresh Start

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

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!”

"Bonnes vacances!”

“À la rentrée!”

“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.

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OOTD: Camel et Noir

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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

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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

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.

5 Fall Favorites from ChicMe

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.

5 Fall Favorites from ChicMe

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.

5 Fall Favorites from ChicMe

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.

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On Polka Dots & Retro Weekend Style

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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.

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June Gloom and Summer Style in FRNCH

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

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.

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Celebrating Spring Style in FRNCH

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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?

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Shop this Zara Spring Sweater Set & TCA x Kollectin Boutique

Printemps is in the air, and I’m loving this new two-piece knit set from Zara Spring Collection 2021. It may look like your garden variety spring sweater, but—quel surprise!—the billowy balloon sleeves are separate from the bodice, giving the illusion of a classic chunky knit.

Btw, I was back in the studio with Kollectin shooting some of their newest pieces, which you can find in The Chic American x Kollectin boutique. Take a closer look at the gems below, and download the Kollectin app to shop.

Click HERE to shop the top, and HERE for the jewels.

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Going Wild for Carbon 38 Athleisure

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Today I’m taking une promenade on the wild side in this stunning leopard print set from Carbon 38. I’m in love with the metallic detailing and flattering silhouette. I’ll admit I don’t always love working out, but I always find that a fabulous outfit is great motivation!

Click HERE to shop.

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Shop These Favorites from the FRNCH Spring 2021 Collection

Moi in the Annissa dress from the FRNCH Spring Collection.

Moi in the Annissa dress from the FRNCH Spring Collection.

The Printemps 2021 collection from FRNCH has arrived, and after a long winter spent locked down indoors, these pretty pastels, feminine florals, and colorful coveralls are sure to put a Spring in your step!

One of my favorite Parisian brands, FRNCH is known for its contemporary chic collections and sleek style, infusing elements of traditional French girl minimalism with pops of color and pretty patterns.

Expect perennial springtime favorites like gingham, polka dots, muted florals, and colorful crocheted knits. Lavender is a major player in the color palette of this season’s wares, likely to conjure technicolor dreams of the signature lush Provençal champs de lavande. Other sherbet hues like matcha greens, berry pinks, and the occasional orange creamsicle give way to classic earth tones in the form of jumpsuits, silky blouses, overalls, prairie dresses, and light cardigans.

See more of my favorites below, and shop the FRNCH Spring Collection HERE.

Shop These Favorites from the FRNCH Spring 2021 Collection

The Edelyne jupe from the FRNCH Spring Collection.

The Edelyne jupe from the FRNCH Spring Collection.

The Assa dress from the FRNCH Spring Collection.

The Assa dress from the FRNCH Spring Collection.

Winter Whites and Wine Tasting in Temecula

Winter Whites and Wine Tasting in Temecula

The bad news: it’s almost time to say goodbye to winter whites. The good news: les blancs can work for any season, so there are no losers here.

For a weekend day-cation spent exploring Temecula and its rich vineyards, I put les blancs d’hiver to work in a monochromatic, head-to-toe neutral look—and yes, I even mixed in an off-white Shein vest for added texture.

In retrospect, dressing in all white for a day of tasting a fleet of Merlots was a bold—if not outright risky—move. But luckily, this faux leather Zara trench and crisp pair of white denim were spared any spillage!

Old Town Temecula is like going back in time to the Wild West.

Old Town Temecula is like going back in time to the Wild West.

Winter Whites and Wine Tasting in Temecula

Established in 1859, the Southern California town of Temecula is known as much for its Wild West aesthetic as for its ample array of wineries. The main street of Old Town Temecula is full of Gold-Rush era charm, lined with “This town ain’t big enough for the both of us” style buildings that could have been plucked from a John Wayne western. (Cont’d. below)

Winter Whites and Wine Tasting in Temecula
Winter Whites and Wine Tasting in Temecula
Winter Whites and Wine Tasting in Temecula
Winter Whites and Wine Tasting in Temecula

After an afternoon spent strolling the strip, Europa Village winery was the perfect destination for the currently landlocked and culture starved—speaking for myself here—to “wine” down. Sipping French reds among the fertile fields and dreamy panorama of vineyard vibes at sunset was just what the travel doctor ordered, and for a mere moment getting out of town felt more like stealing away to the Loire Valley.

Scroll down for more Staycation style.

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Coup de Coeur | How to Wear a Faux French Trench

How to Wear a Faux French Trench | Coup de Coeur

The French phrase coup de coeur literally translates to “a hit to the heart",” which we would think of in English as a crush, if you will.

My latest style crush, so to speak, is the black leather trench—faux, of course. With all the panache of the timeless khaki trench—made popular by fictitious spies like Carmen Sandiego, Inspector Gadget, and the Pink Panther (as well as adventurous role-players the world over), and which will go down in history as probably the most quintessentially “French” item one can have in one’s wardrobe—the most contemporary iteration of this perennial favorite incorporates an added element of femme fatale by way of the recently unearthed and retooled “pleather” craze from the late 90s and early aughts.

How to Wear a Faux French Trench | Coup de Coeur

Equal parts European sophisticate and James Bond villain—especially with a pair of jet black frames—this look can be easily achieved. Add a pair of gold hoops, moto boots, a black fanny pack, and some chain detailing to really nail the trend of the season.

Sadly, my Pretty Little Thing trench is no longer available, but head on over to my SHOP page to find couture versions from the likes of Dior and Versace—to name a few—at quite a steal!

CLICK HERE TO SHOP

How to Wear a Faux French Trench | Coup de Coeur
How to Wear a Faux French Trench | Coup de Coeur

OOTD: Crème et Noire + The Dumpling

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There’s something about keeping une bouteille of Veuve Cliquot in the closet that just says “luxury” to me.

While touring a Hollywood high-end luxury penthouse—although, is there any other kind?—with a dear amie this week, it was necessary to bring my fashion A-game.

With highlights that include sweeping views of the Hollywood hills, a walk-in closet that more closely resembles a boutique on Melrose, and a kitchen worth learning to cook, it was a day to remember.

You can shop this entire look here—including the coveted Dumpling bag and these deceptively luxe looking boucles d’oreille.

The bag may be a splurge, but the $2.50 earrings makes it all worthwhile.

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OOTD: Le Polka Dot Set

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And so, my love affair with the polka dot continues.

These dwindling days of summer—known to our French amis as l’été—have given way to some magical evenings, and nothing quite completes a summer’s eve quite like a breathtaking coucher de soleil—which is what we Anglophones call, a sunset.

This is one of my favorite French phrases, because it literally describes the act of “the sun going to sleep.”

It’s a sweet reminder that the sun never leaves us, it simply takes a refreshing snooze along with us. Figuratively, of course. We all know that, much like New York City, it never sleeps, and it’s actually just partying with our friends on the other side of the world. But it’s a nice image, an innocent way to picture our faithful sun slipping below the ocean for a quick nap, before rising again and offering us a fresh new day.

Every day it does its duty, keeping us warm, giving us light, faithfully and without question. No one brings it coffee, no one reminds it to shine extra brightly, even when it’s feeling tired or burned out. The sun never takes a vacation to another galaxy or visits with its friends Saturn or Pluto. It shows up for us, day in and day out.

We owe it to the sun to celebrate its loving rays each day, and appreciate the beauty of the spectacle that it shares with us every evening.

Other things I’m celebrating? This two-piece polka dot beauty by Capulet that arrived via my beloved Fashion Pass. Try the service for $30 this month using my code Kandace1 and dance in the glow of the sunset with me.

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OOTD: La Vie en Roses

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Summer is still raging on in LA this week, and it’s not showing signs of slowing down any time soon. In fact, as seasons go, the upcoming fall months historically tend to play host to some of the hottest weather of the year. File that one under: Things no one tells you when you move to LA.

I, however, am already dreaming of crunchy fall leaves and the crisp weather of l’automne that we’re usually deprived of around here—at least until the end of the year. I usually make a pilgrimage back to the east coast in October or early November to make up for lost time—or lost weather, rather—and absorb all of the cozy vibes and pre-holiday celebration in my knee high boots and chunky knits.

Paris in the fall is also one of the most magical times—although there’s really no such thing as Paris sans magic—and I’m trying not to think about the fact that European travel is still off the table for the time being.

But alas, I’m getting ahead of myself. Summer is still very much happening, and if one must sweat through 90 degree weather in Septembre, one might as well look cute doing it. On that note, it really doesn’t get cuter than this floral set—yes it’s a two-piece skirt and top set—which has all the countryside charm of a Provençal afternoon and the Cottage Core trend that consumed all of us this summer. It’s from one of my favorite Australian brands, Dissh Boutique— a name which you might remember from a little white number I debuted earlier this summer.

They’ve just announced their Spring/Summer 2020 collection—don’t forget that the seasons are inverted Down Under, and it’s now the beginning of spring for our Aussie friends—which means that you can still shop here for plenty of warm weather staples—since chances are, you might be needing them for a while!

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With formulas at the cutting edge of skin care technology, the Sisleÿa collection is a complete anti-aging ritual for skin that looks visibly younger for longer.
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OOTD: Le Workout en Blanche

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It’s Monday, and I’m starting la semaine off right with some mind and body work in this gorgeous set from Pretty Little Thing.

There’s something about an all-white ensemble that really says “summer” to me, and there’s something about a matching set that just really gets me in the mood to work out.

Gyms are still closed, the closest I can get to my beloved Hot Pilates is through a computer screen, and some days my longest walk is to the mailbox, so any motivation to work out these days is a win in my book!

Bon lundi et bonne journée mes amours.

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