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.

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.

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.

Embed Block

Add an embed URL or code. Learn more

French Gifts for Him | Holiday Gift Guide Day 3: Pour L'Homme

Year after year, the men in our lives notoriously top the list as the toughest to shop for—looking at you, dads! Unlike the typical all American guy, the French homme (much like the French femme) enjoys incorporating some luxury and comfort into his daily life, and isn’t afraid to show it!

From sleek French press coffee makers to subtle French-inspired cufflinks, fancy fountain pens, vacation ideas (that one’s for you, ladies!) and intoxicating aftershave, these splurge and steal gift ideas will have your fellow looking—and smelling—like un vrai francais in no time!

French Gifts for Him | Holiday Gift Guide Jour 3: Pour L'Homme

Le Splurge ($100 and up)

Le Foulonne Pebbled Leather Wallet

Longchamp; $255

Sleek and chic, this compact Longchamp wallet is easily foldable and ready to go.

“In 1948, Jean Cassegrain turned his Paris tobacco shop—where he was known to cover his pipes in an exquisite leather—into an accessories business. Named after the famed horse track on the outskirts of Paris, Longchamp is still family owned and operated, creating superbly crafted handbags and luggage lauded for a decidedly understated, always chic look.”

CLICK LINK BELOW TO SHOP

Men's Longchamp Le Foulonne Leather Bifold Wallet -

---

Engraved Wine Barrel Chess Set

$348; Houzz

Queen’s Gambit fans, rejoice! A beautiful addition to any living room or game room, this hand-crafted chess board uses recycled wine barrel heads from Napa Valley.

---

Cartier Ballpoint Pen

White Lacquer & Gold; $365

This collection honors Cartier's long-standing tradition of creating fine objects. Skillfully and uniquely crafted in precious leathers and metals, lacquer and marquetry, each of these designs manifests the Cartier “art de vivre.”

---

Ring Video Doorbell

With Alexa Voice Control and Improved Motion Detection $139.99

Give the gift of peace of mind with this HD video doorbell (with enhanced features). It monitors your front door, and allows you to see, hear, and speak to anyone from a phone, tablet, or PC.

Receive mobile notifications when anyone presses your doorbell or triggers your built-in motion sensors.

---

Bleu de Chanel Parfum Set

Nordstrom; $198 (Full & Travel Size)

“The most intense of the Bleu fragrances. An aromatic freshness opens, lingering on the warm, addictive fullness of cedar and sandalwood from New Caledonia that sweeps throughout the intense, woody fragrance. Housed in an intensely colored bottle, the parfum comes in a spray for easy application.

---

Moncler Blese Puffer

Nordstrom; $1,450.00

This lacquered-nylon puffer coat reflects Moncler's Alpine heritage with tricolor zip tape and trim inspired by the French flag.

“Moncler was founded in 1952 in the mountain town of Monestier-de-Clermont, France, and today is headquartered in Italy. The brand's mountaineering heritage is still evident in its apparel, and its quintessential jackets have for decades been the choice of athletes, explorers and celebrities. Moncler's designs blend traditional and contemporary, and are at home in both the mountains and the city.”

CLICK LINK BELOW TO SHOP

Men's Moncler Blesle Water Resistant Down Puffer Coat, Size 6 - White

---

Christian Dior Tie

Black Silk; $230

“The black tie was created in collaboration with Shawn Stussy. Crafted in silk jacquard, it is embellished with a gray 'Dior' logo below the knot, reimagined by the artist through a modern lens.”

---

A Romantic Getaway to a French Chateau

Hotels.com (Prices vary)

What better way to get excited for 2021 than by planning your next romantic trip to France? Hotels.com finds you the best hotels at the lowest prices, so you can spend more time in places you love. Giving him a gift that you can enjoy too? Genius.

Le Steal ($35 and Under)

French Flag Cufflinks

$12.99 (One pair)

Keep those sleeves cuffed in style, with a subtle tribute to the French ideals of Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité.

---

Bleu de Chanel Deodorant

Chanel; $25

“With the freshness of citrus, the strength of an aromatic accord is complemented by the rich sensuality of woods and Amber.”

---

L’Occitane After Shave Balm

L’occitane; $34

“This after-shave balm with Shea butter, hydrating vegetable-based glycerin, soothing bisabolol and birch sap extract, leaves skin soft, and comfortable, preventing irritations and feeling of tightness, without leaving a greasy residue.”

---

French Press Coffee Maker

Cafe du Chateau; $25

Serve each other breakfast in bed with a cup of cafe au lait—made the French way.

---

Men’s Suede Moccasin Slippers

Land’s End; $27.48

Luxury and comfort are in a French man’s DNA, which is why moccasin slippers make an ideal gift for the man who would never think to buy them for himself.

---

Customized Vegan Leather Luggage Tag

Mark & Graham; $22.99

The French man travels often, and a personalized luggage tag ensures he’ll never lose his bagage while en route again.

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

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!

5 Emily in Paris Looks You Can Shop Right Now

Emily in Paris was the show we all needed in 2020. Being stuck in a global gridlock with no end in sight meant that Francophiles everywhere tuned in to Netflix to watch a ringarde American girl from Chicago faux-pas her way through Paris at a time when none of us could.

While many questioned the plausibility of a spunky young marketing mind—that’s never retained a single word of French, no less—being given the golden ticket opportunity to represent the “American voice” of her company’s French office—not to mention how her rather basic Instagram account would go viral practically overnight—there’s no denying that this feel-good show fed us like a warm Nutella crêpe for the soul.

Reuniting Sex and the City’s iconic producer/stylist duo, Darren Star and Patricia Field, meant that we were in store for some of the funkiest eclectic fashion this side of Carrie Bradshaw’s Prada period—and the end result certainly lived up to its hype. While we’ll never be quite sure how simple, midwestern gal Emily could manage to get her hands on some of these fresh-off-the-runway, pret-a-porter designer duds—not to mention the major moolah to pay for it—and mix them together like a kid in a magasin du bon bon—we’re here for the fantasy.

Now that Emily has been nominated for a few Golden Globes, and season 2 is a confirmed go, we have some time on our hands while we wait to find out what happens next for the Emily-Gabriel-Camille love triangle. In the meantime, you can recreate some of Emily’s greatest fashion hits—even without her imaginary unlimited salary—by shopping these five curated looks for less below.

5 Emily in Paris Looks You Can Shop Right Now

Behold my personal favorite—and certainly the most Parisian-approved—look of the bunch: this black and white checked Veronica Beard blazer and shorts combo. A classic Chanel lambskin crossbody bag keeps the vibe toned down and traditional, with a bright red beret for a pop of color. Magnifique!

LOOK #1

1. Double Button Gingham Blazer & Shorts; Shein $24.00
2. Rag & Bone Gingham Blazer; Neiman Marcus $237.60
3. Gingham Blazer; Kate Spade $196.80 (reg. $468)
4. Red Beret; Amazon Fashion $9.00
5. Point Toe Ankle Strap Stilletos; Shein $27.00
6. Faux Lizard Chain CrossBody Bag Shein $5.00

---

Bienvenue, Bucket Hat! Clearly not one to shy away from color, Emily wrangles her way into an influencer event wearing a Kelly green Chanel topper from the Cruise 2020 collection—accessorized with hints of plaid accents, a (jarring) chartreuse bucket bag, and yet a nod of respect to French tradition with a demure knotted floral silk scarf.

LOOK #2

1. Classic Day Coat; J Crew $339.50 (Reg. $398)
2. Flower Pattern Scrunchie Scarf; Shein $2.50
3. Tartan Plaid Mini Skirt; Shein $10
4. Plaid on Plaid Bucket Hat; Kangol $45
5. Baby Pleated Bucket Bag; Mansur Gavriel $295

---

Adding some funky American flair to a very un-Parisian getup, Emily experiments with a bold, head-to-toe monochromatic look—from her eye-catching Kenzo manteau, right down to her Pepto-pink Louboutins. Talk about living la vie en rose!

Bright Pink Boucle Trench - Bright Pink

LOOK #3

1. Pink Boucle Trench; TopShop; $150.00 (Shop link above)
2. Plaid Balloon Sleeve Sweater; Forever 21; $22.99
3. Neon Pink Faux Leather Mini Skirt; Shein $8.00
4. Hot Pink Knee High Trouser Socks; Amazon Fashion $16.50 (Set of 3)
5. Glitter Decor Buckle Strap Pumps; Shein $30.00

---

A floral puffer? Pourquoi pas. Emily manages to win her boss’s approval once again, serving up a whole look in this two-piece ensemble by Off White, book-ended by an electric-pink beret and a pair of gladiator stilettos.

LOOK #4

1. Hot Pink Beret; Amazon Fashion; $9.49 + Free Prime Shipping
2. Girls’ Slogan Tape Floral Print Puffer Coat; Shein; $18.49
3. Floral Print Puffer Jacket; Shein; $13
4. Floral Print Puffer; Shein; $16
5. Plus Floral Print Flare Skirt; Shein; $18
6. Lace Up Stiletto Booties; Forever 21; $35

---

Emily steals away to her friend Camille’s family vineyard château for le week-end—adding some schoolgirl charm to this Vivienne Westwood cropped blazer with a ruffled chemise and retro, cat-eye lunettes. J’adore!

LOOK #5

1. Double Breasted Plaid Cropped Jacket; YSL $919

2. Red Plaid Jacket; Hollywood Leather $99

3. Ruffle Trim Button Blouse; Shein $15

4. Kalila Blouse; Revolve $275

5. Beatnik High Rise Slim Fit; Revolve $299

6. Cat Eye Sunglasses; Shein $5.00

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!

Fête des Mères | 5 French Mothers' Day Essentials

Since today is Mothers’ Day in France, behold some maman-approved favorites—including crème pour visage from the grande dame of skincare herself, one Miss Coco Chanel. Also consider this vintage Côte d’Azur fragrance by Louis Féraud from 1988, which is incidentally the year that my own mother became une mère.

Usually this holiday is celebrated on the last Sunday of each Mai, but inexplicably, it was scheduled a week late this year, making it all the more sweet now that French bars, shops, and cafés are finally beginning to reopen.

Bonne fête a tous les mamans, and lots of love to anyone who struggles on this day.