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?
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?
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!
If you’ve been suffering from a serious case of Francophilia, including moderate to severe symptoms of travel withdrawal, French Wink boutique in NYC is just what the doctor ordered. Founded by two fabulous French femmes, the West Side shop is fully stocked with an array of authentic French goods and gifts, speciality items, and exclusive imports by beloved French brands—from luxury skincare to gourmet treats, home decor, kitchen essentials, bijoux, clothing and accessories, and seasonal gifts—that you’d be hard-pressed to find this side of the Atlantic.
The good news: you don’t have to be an NYC local to enjoy the full effects of this shopping prescription. You can shop the entire boutique online and enjoy all of the latest must-haves shipped straight to your door.
Shop these hand-selected favorites from the curated collection below, and take an extra $5 off everything using the code CHIC.
This article may contain affiliate links, which means TCA may make a small commission on purchases at no cost to you. We only promote products that we love and stand by the quality of our selections, so rest assured that you’re always getting the very best.
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.
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.
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.
The Edelyne jupe from the FRNCH Spring Collection.
The Assa dress from the FRNCH Spring Collection.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
Double Breasted Plaid Cropped Jacket; YSL $919
Red Plaid Jacket; Hollywood Leather $99
Ruffle Trim Button Blouse; Shein $15
Kalila Blouse; Revolve $275
Beatnik High Rise Slim Fit; Revolve $299
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!
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.
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)
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.
It’s no secret that les françaises take their undergarments very seriously. Revealing a peek of lace under an otherwise ordinary ensemble is the ultimate secret weapon in any French Girl’s playbook—because when it comes to sudden acts of flirtation, it’s always good to be prepared.
While it’s not always a realistic expectation to prance around in a full corset and fishnets on a daily basis—especially after a year of hanging around in quarantine sweats—keeping a stash of silk and chantilly on standby for those special moments when the mood strikes, certainly seems like a good idea. Although entire books could be written about the subtle art of French seduction, there are certain dates and occasions—read: February 14th—when it’s clear that the time for subtlety has passed.
Whether you’ll be romancing your Valentine this Sunday or you’re planning to be your own Romeo, shop these VDay themed lingerie sets from some French Girl favorite brands like Rouje, Le Petit Trou, Lise Charmel, and—the perennial crowd pleaser—Agent Provocateur. Because to a true Parisienne, investing in a killer lingerie set isn’t considered frivolous, it’s an act of self care—which is the kind of logic we should all get down with.
Whether you’re feeling more cheeky, bold, frisky, or demure, there’s something to fit every mood. Scroll down to shop.
Sugar Bra; $195 | Sugar Bottom; $140
Agent Provocateur
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Frankie Lace Bodysuit; $278
Fleur de Mal
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Bethanie Bra; $180 | Bethanie Thong; $110
Agent Provocateur
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Violet Babydoll Set; $365
Fleur de Mal
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Lindie Sheer Robe; $975
Agent Provocateur
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Felicie Bodysuit; $95
ROUJE
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Rozlyn Balconette Bra; $245 | Brief; $150 | Suspender; $245
Agent Provocateur
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Dressing Floral Bra; $178
Lise Charmel
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Marquee Eye Mask; $110
Agent Provocateur
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Denise Corset; $100
Gianna Brief; $60
Le Petit Trou
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
This is moi dreaming of bundling up in a cozy cream Zara puffer and hitting the slopes of Chamonix. Instead, I’m here on the streets of Los Angeles where the weather is currently 71 degrees.
The things we do in the name of fashion!
Click HERE to shop.
Staying warm in this stunning grey wool manteau from Reiss. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: coats are maybe my biggest weakness when it comes to fashion. I love the extra layer of polish that a great coat adds to an outfit. In my opinion, a great topper is the icing on the street style cake.
Even though I live in Los Angeles, my coats are the pride and joy of my wardrobe, and I love each of them equally!
As a devoted heels lover, I’m still adjusting to life in flats, but this year has forced me to practice wearing casual footwear, since my heels have also fallen victim to the lockdown life! These Zara boots are sadly off the menu, but you can shop similar HERE.
Feeling ready to graciously let go of 2020 and welcome a new year, full of new opportunities, armed with the many lessons in strength, growth, compassion, and faith that this challenging year has given us.
Join me in raising a glass of Moët et Chandon Imperial, so we can wish each other and our loved ones bon santé (good health), de bonheur (happiness), and beaucoup d’amour (lots of love) in 2021. Cheers to better days ahead!
Bonne Année mes béautes!
PS. For those wondering, this holiday blazer is from Banana Republic.
Stepping out for the holidays might lack a little bit of its usual luster this year, but that doesn’t mean your nails can’t shine on!
Take advantage of the glittery hues of the season with a manicure that’s sure to steal the show. If a salon mani isn’t in the cards right now, these five shades of sparkle make for an easy DIY that’s sure to last long after the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.
Holiday Hint: They also make great stocking stuffers!
Halo
$9.50; Shop HERE
Shine
$9.50; Shop HERE
Gilded Glow
$9.50; Shop HERE
Ingenue
$9.50; Shop HERE
Shine on Crazy Diamond
$9.50, Shop HERE
*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!
Just dropping in to check on you and your holiday shopping. In case you’ve run out of ideas, be sure to check out the TCA Holiday Gift Guides, where you can faire le shopping right here and find something for every Francophile on your list. Think the Champagne lover, the Chanel lover, and the tough to shop for, including les hommes in our lives and les enfants.
In the meantime, I’m loving life in this cozy moss-hued teddy coat from Lucky Brand, and these fun pleather paper bag shorts from Forever 21 (under $20). Boots are from Zara and this drool-worthy vintage Dior bag is sourced from one of my favorite small businesses, She’s Parisian. Each piece is one of a kind, but you can find tons of vintage treasures from curator Zoe March’s sharp aesthetic eye.
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.
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!
As we hurtle head-long into the Fall/Winter season—better known as the dry skin months—with likely more time on our hands than usual, the timing has never been better to incorporate new skincare products into our daily—and nightly—routines.
If you spend any time on social media, you may be thinking that you’ve seen every skincare recommendation known to (wo)man kind, but I assure you that if you haven’t yet discovered Vichy—the luxury skincare collection which is crafted in the eponymous resort town of Vichy, France—then it might be time to reconsider everything.
The source of nearly every bottle of mineral water that’s sitting in your fridge right now, the Auvergne region of the Rhône Alpes is home to the Vichy laboratory, nestled within the French Alps. As you may have guessed, the Vichy skincare collection is crafted with the purest French mineral volcanic water—the kind you drink daily—at the heart of every formula, and is infused in every product.
Not sure where to begin? Click the top five TCA-approved picks below to pamper your peau de visage.
Our highest concentration of Retinol, in a daily wrinkle-filler treatment. Clinically-tested double-action with Pure Retinol + LR2412 to visibly fill deep wrinkles and plump skin for younger-looking facial expressions.
An anti-wrinkle and firming moisturizer that helps correct the visible signs of skin aging such as winkles, loss of firmness and tired-looking complexion. This daily hydrating formula with 5% Natural Origin Rhamnose and Vichy Volcanic Water reveals a visibly fresh and radiant complexion.
Daily moisturizer with natural origin hyaluronic acid and 15 Mineral-Rich Vichy Volcanic Water to strengthen & repair the skin barrier. This daily hydrating & plumping booster has been clinically tested by 175 dermatologists on 1600 women worldwide. Safe and effective for all skin types, in a minimalist, fragrance free formula with only 11 ingredients.
For Daily Moisture with Extra Glow
Vichy's new glow energizing cream with antioxidant extract of fermented Black Tea, Adenosine, and antioxidant Blueberry Polyphenols infuse skin with a healthy, new glow. This energizing cream helps even skin tone, refine pores, and smooth fine lines plus deliver 24-hour hydration. Enriched with Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water powered by 15 essential minerals to help strengthen the skin's moisture barrier function and protect skin against aggressors like stress and pollution.
An ultra-comfortable, deeply hydrating night cream and face mask with natural origin hyaluronic acid and Vichy Volcanic Water to lock in moisture and boost hydration. Hydrates dry & dull skin overnight, when skin is most receptive to treatments. Reveals soft, soothed and supple skin by morning.
Still not sure which products are right for you? Submit your selfie to the Vichy site, and a like a skincare matchmaking service, a group of experts will weigh in to determine your ideal routine. How exactly?
Twelve dermatologists assigned skin scores to each selfie used to train our algorithm. The average of all experts’ scores were used as the correct score for each image, ensuring a very accurately trained algorithm. Further tests were done after the algorithm was complete. Twelve dermatologists scored individuals in the lab, and our algorithm outperformed dermatologists in these tests when trying to predict a score closest to average.
Can’t argue with science!
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.
Photo source: Skin Laundry
Aging gracefully is one of the cornerstones of a French woman’s lifestyle.
For those of you who tuned into my TUNDRA talk a few weeks ago, I spoke about this subject in greater detail—as well as other aspects of living a French lifestyle; including the art of dressing like a French girl, American vs French perspectives on fashion and beauty, and other comparisons between my two beloved cultures. Click here for a recap.
As une femme with an appreciation for aging the French way—read: subtly— while supplementing the process with some helpful American conveniences, I’m thrilled to offer FIVE slots for a FREE cosmetic laser facial at your local Skin Laundry.
The first five readers who sign up and book using my invitation code will receive a complimentary and safe* laser facial (worth $200) and will be eligible for other perks when you become a member.
CLICK HERE to sign up.
Code: KandaceE8B1
Just remember, the purpose of this procedure isn’t to drastically alter your appearance, it’s simply to minimize any premature aging by refining wrinkles and fine lines, stimulate collagen production, and repair sun damage that even the most potent skincare products can’t reach.
Be sure to tag @thechicamerican on Instagram from your appointment so we can bask in the glow of your peau de visage!
*Rest assured that all treatments are performed by a registered nurse, and that all Covid-19- related protective measures are in place.
Disclaimer: Results may vary. Please schedule a consultation and discuss with your doctor to determine if this treatment is right for you.
If you know anything about the blogging world, then surely you’re aware that fewer things are more sacred to a blogger than the beloved Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. That being said, I could hardly consider myself a lifestyle blogger worth my stripes if I didn’t dedicate some time to easing the pain of navigating this cherished event.
Shopping the sales—known as les soldes— is as much a French past-time as it is an American one— although traditionally, retail sales in France are advertised twice a year, with most shops and boutiques all participating at the same time, so that everyone knows exactly when it’s time to shop til you drop. Kind of like our own Nordstrom Anniversary Sale—the event is anticipated annually, allowing for plenty of time to prepare and hydrate accordingly.
Although c’est la vie, the official blowout sale may have already come to end—as all good things inevitably and proverbially do—I’ve rounded up some French designer favorites that you can still snag on sale right now—without the need to queue up outside the store at dawn, or throw elbows in the crowd while breaking down the entry doors, as our seasoned sale-shopping forebears once did.
We owe it to them to save 60% the civilized way—and the one that God and the government have both essentially mandated in 2020—online.
Also, you can get $40 towards your purchase when you open a Nordstrom card. Just saying!
TIE DYE PUFF SLEEVE TOP $274.00 (60% OFF)
2020 will go down in the fashion history books as the year we all made tie dye happen. I don’t make the rules.
PRINT SATIN SLEEVELESS MIDI DRESS $780 (60% OFF)
Summer definitely doesn’t seem to be over yet, so it’s quite possible to still get some mileage out of this one this year, or perhaps let it kick off the first official garden party of 2021. This updated take on the toile print isn’t going anywhere.
TIERED PLEAT MIDI DRESS
$238.00 (60% OFF)
For those of us who went deep into Cottage Core this summer—you know who you are—I dare you to say no to this frothy pastoral dream.
MONOGRAMME LOGO ESPADRILLE $345 (8% OFF)
Perfect for transitioning into fall, I can’t decide if these canvas flats make comfort look effortlessly chic, or if they make looking chic seem suspiciously comfortable. Either way, I’m sold.
61 MM AVIATORS
$236.98 (40% OFF)
Aviators have always been my sunglass shape of choice. A fun hybrid of retro-glam, they pair perfectly with 2020’s hottest accessory, the face mask—seriously, I’m seeing them EVERYWHERE this year.
(Just a little Covid humor!)
