10 French Girl Lingerie Ideas for Valentine's Day

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.

10 French Girl Lingerie Ideas for Valentine's Day

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

French Valentine's Day Gift Guide: 10 Ways to Celebrate L'Amour

It’s almost St. Valentin’s Day, and as we all know, the French practically have a cultural monopoly on romance. Whether you’ll be spending a cozy night en couple with your paramour—a furry one counts too!—with family or les gal-pals via Zoom, or just indulging in a little solo celebration of self-love, what better way to celebrate the language of l’amour than by spoiling yourself or a loved one with a little bit of luxury?

From wilt-proof French roses and decadent Parisian macarons, to heart-themed essentials for a home-cooked masterpiece, quarantine kits, and an at-home luxury hotel getaway—yes, that’s a thing now!—this Sunday might just be the best Valentine’s Day yet.

Most items are still available for delivery in time for the Big Day, if ordered before Feb 10th, and can also be picked up at brick and mortar locations by LA locals. Scroll down to shop the V-Day essentials.

French Valentine's Day Gift Guide: 10 Ways to Celebrate L'Amour

Sweetheart Box of Infinity Roses; $225 (Petite size, 7-9 blooms)
Holy Chic Los Angeles
CLICK HERE TO SHOP

With 21 colors to choose from, these delicate but durable roses are sourced from Provence and imported from the South of France. Naturally and and carefully preserved in a heart-shaped suede box, these blooms are guaranteed to last long past V-Day, bringing joy to your space for one entire year with no maintenance required! Based in Los Angeles, Holy Chic is run by a female solo-preneur with a flagship shop on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, and a pop up shop at Palisades Village (through February 2021).

Le Creuset Heart Cocotte; $199.95
Sur La Table
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When cooking a cozy St. Valentin’s dinner for one’s paramour on a chilly February night, it doesn’t get more perfect than a rustic red sweetheart pot for stowing the stew. The perfect vessel for a traditional French winter répas, like a mouth-watering boeuf bourguignon or a hearty ratatouille, this cast iron cooker is just the ticket to bring the appetite (and some romance) to a full boil.

Venus Mon Amour Ladurée Gift Box; $68 (Box of $18)
Maison Ladurée
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The Grande Dame of French pâtisserie, Maison Ladurée—the original salon de thé—hit the Parisian social scene in 1862, and has evolved into a globally beloved brand that’s become synonymous with the traditional French standard of luxury and refinement. This Valentine themed, limited-edition box of 18 delicate heart-shaped macaron flavors takes the [let them eat] cake, including six passion fruit, six classic rose, and six dipped in a coating of chocolate. Pre-order online or pick one up at one of LA’s two full service locations in Beverly Hills or The Grove.

Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss; $32
CHANEL
CLICK HERE TO SHOP

Always light and never sticky, Chanel’s signature moisturizing glossier in Rose Pulpe 728 is the perfect shade for pretty pout. The long lasting formula doesn’t wear off on its own—but be forewarned that it could end up on your Valentine instead!

Tiered Heart Cakelet Pan; $39.95
Sur La Table
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If staying home and baking up a storm is your idea of an ideal Valentine date, then this pan set of six triple-layer mini cakes is sure to hit the sweet spot. Stir up your favorite red velvet recipe, frost and embellish accordingly, then serve and enjoy with your one and only—even if that someone is you!

Ivory Sugared Almond Gift Box; $22
Ladurée
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While best known for its signature French macarons, Maison Ladurée hosts a variety of take-home treats and luxe accessories—including this box of sugared almonds that feels like a trip to Paris for the tastebuds. Long after the sweets are gone, this logo-printed round box (in ivory or the signature Ladurée pastel green) is ideal for storing timeless treasures. Pre-order online, or pick one up at one of LA’s two full service locations in Beverly Hills and The Grove.

Naughty Girl Quarantine Kit; $65
The Naughty Girl Shop
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Perfect for a cozy night in with les amies, this kit is a Galentine one-stop-shop—complete with a mini Champagne split, engraved stemless flute and swizzle stick, Orville Redenbacher’s microwavable popcorn and accompanying snack bag. Presented in a Valentine-red box, with home delivery available in the LA area. Created by one badass business babe, The Naughty Girl Shop is a body-positive, LA-based brand celebrating sexual empowerment and the art of the female form.

Valentine’s Day ‘Mon Cheri’ Macarons; $34 (Box of 12)
Le Macaron
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Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this limited edition cherry-chocolate macaron flavor makes for an irresistible petit goût. At just 80 calories and gluten free, macarons are the ultimate guilt-free, French girl sweet indulgence. Pre-order a box to share, or LA locals can stop by the neighborhood Santa Monica shop for a quick snack on the go.

Heart Appetizer Plates; $35 (Set of 4)
Sur La Table
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Perfect for a Valentine apéro with four fun friends, or an intimate treat for two, these darling heart-shaped appetizer plates feature French phrases—ideal for a fromage course, or to present a pretty pastry. Each plate bears a French expression of endearment: je t’aime, bisous, mon amour, and ma cherie.

‘The Love Bubble’ Ritz Carlton Package; $3500
The Ritz Carlton, Downtown Los Angeles
CLICK HERE TO SHOP

For the ultimate luxury Valentine’s Day experience, look no further than the Ritz Carlton to make your wildest romantique dreams come true. If it still feels too soon to venture away from home this week, the Ritz will deliver the hotel life to you—complete with all of the indulgences of a luxury stay, to recreate in your own home. Order by Feb 10th—locals can also pick up at the Ritz DTLA—to receive your very own at-home hotel getaway kit. The Love Bubble pièce de résistance package includes:

- One bottle of Veuve Clicquot

- Two pairs of luxury slippers

- Two Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles Signature Microfiber Robes

- One Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles Signature Scent Candle

- One ESPA Invigorating Spa Salt Scrub

- Box of one-dozen Assorted Macarons made by The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles’s Executive Chef

- The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles’s Signature King Sateen Bedding Set (400 thread count cotton) including classic white Frette sheets, pillows, pillowcases and duvet (as featured in Ritz hotel guestrooms)

- Two Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles Coffee Mugs

Book Club | 5 French Holiday Reads for December 2020

Bonjour December! The holiday season is officially underway, the chestnuts are roasting on a proverbial open fire, and it’s the first weekend of the month—which means it’s time for a new round of French Book Club favorites.

Few things in the world are more beautiful than Christmas in Paris, and since it’s safe to assume that many of us won’t be seeing La Tour Eiffel under a blanket of niege this year, let’s bring the French spirit of Nöel to us, shall we?

From fictional holiday expat romances, a wartime tale of passion and human resilience, and an anthology of classic winter stories by acclaimed French literary luminaries, to a film critic’s 2008 memoir chronicling the daunting task of preparing a holiday banquet for his new bride’s large extended French family—‘tis the season for some holiday happiness.

Click each of the titles below to shop, and take a look back on last month’s picks here.

Book Club | 5 French Holiday Reads for December 2020

Last Christmas in Paris

By Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Historical Fiction

“An unforgettably romantic novel that spans four Christmases (1914-1918), Last Christmas in Paris explores the ruins of war, the strength of love, and the enduring hope of the Christmas season.

August 1914. England is at war. As Evie Elliott watches her brother, Will, and his best friend, Thomas Harding, depart for the front, she believes—as everyone does—that it will be over by Christmas, when the trio plan to celebrate the holiday among the romantic cafes of Paris. But as history tells us, it all happened so differently…”

A Very French Christmas:

The Greatest French Holiday Stories of All Time

By Various
Anthology

“This collection brings together the best French Christmas stories of all time in an elegant and vibrant volume featuring classics by Guy de Maupassant and Alphonse Daudet, plus stories by the esteemed twentieth century author Irène Némirovsky and contemporary writers Dominique Fabre and Jean-Philippe Blondel.

With a holiday spirit conveyed through sparkling Paris streets, opulent feasts, wandering orphans, kindly monks, homesick soldiers, oysters, ham, bonbons, flickering desire, and more than a little wine, this collection encapsulates Noël and proves that the French have mastered Christmas. This is Christmas à la française―delicious, intense and unexpected―proving that nobody does Christmas like the French.”

Christmas in Paris

By Anita Hughes
Fiction

“Isabel Lawson is standing on the balcony of her suite at the Hôtel de Crillon as she gazes at the twinkling lights of the Champs-Élysées and wonders if she’s made a terrible mistake. She was supposed to be visiting the Christmas tree in the Place de la Concorde, and eating escargots and macarons with her new husband on their honeymoon. But a week before the wedding, she called it off.

When Neil suggested she use their honeymoon tickets, she thought it would give her a chance to clear her head. That is, until she locks herself out on the balcony in the middle of winter. Thankfully, her neighbor, Alec, a French children’s book illustrator, comes to her rescue. He, too, is nursing a broken heart at the Crillon over the holidays. With Alec by her side, she begins to enjoy Paris at Christmas. But after a chance encounter with a fortune-teller and a close call with a taxi, she starts to question everything she thought was important.”

Immoveable Feast: A Paris Christmas

By John Baxter
Memoir

“A witty cultural and culinary education, Immoveable Feast is the charming, funny, and improbable tale of how a man who was raised on white bread—and didn't speak a word of French—unexpectedly ended up with the sacred duty of preparing the annual Christmas dinner for a venerable Parisian family.

Ernest Hemingway called Paris "a moveable feast"—a city ready to embrace you at any time in life. For Los Angeles–based film critic John Baxter, that moment came when he fell in love with a French woman and impulsively moved to Paris to marry her. As a test of his love, his skeptical in-laws charged him with cooking the next Christmas banquet—for eighteen people in their ancestral country home. Baxter's memoir of his yearlong quest takes readers along his misadventures and delicious triumphs as he visits the farthest corners of France in search of the country's best recipes and ingredients. Irresistible and fascinating, Immoveable Feast is a warmhearted tale of good food, romance, family, and the Christmas spirit, Parisian style.”

One Christmas in Paris

By Mandy Baggot
Fiction

“Ava and her best friend Debs arrive in Paris just as the snow starts to fall. The Eiffel Tower glitters gold and the scent of spiced wine is all around, but all Ava can think about is Leo, her no-good, cheating ex.

Debs is on a mission to make Ava smile again, and as they tour the Christmas markets, watch lamplight glittering on the river Seine, and eat their body weight in pain-au-chocolat, Ava remembers there’s more to life than men... until they cross paths with handsome, mysterious photographer Julien with his French accent and hazelnut eyes that seem to see right inside her.

Ava can’t ignore the intense chemistry between them, but her fingers have been burned before and she can’t forget it, especially when her ex, Leo, starts texting again. Can Ava really trust Julien – and what exactly is his secret?”

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Cyber Monday | How to Set a Thanksgiving Table Like Kendall Jenner's with Sur La Table

American Thanksgiving 2020 has officially come and gone—sad, but at this point, I think we’re all a little bit anxious for this year to meet its end. Now that the turkey coma has subsided, it’s time to turn our attention to Cyber Monday—also known as the perfect time to stock up on the essentials for next year’s (hopefully) more festive feast.

If you happened to see supermodel Kendall Jenner’s Instagram over the weekend, you’ll likely have noticed a snap from her family’s idyllic Thanksgiving tablescape—complete with turkey-patterned dishware and jacquard plaid napkins.

A Kardashian Thanksgiving dream.
Photo: Kendall Jenner’s Instagram

How to Set a Thanksgiving Table Like Kendall Jenner's with Sur La Table

Even without a Kardashian sized family, you can recreate this banquet-style Thanksgiving soirée.

Browse the perfect holiday picks below for everything you need to serve your own home-cooked dinde (turkey) in style—on Cyber Monday sale now at Sur La Table.

Click here for more Black Friday essentials that are still on sale now, including some pie-baking necessities.

12 Piece Turkey Dinner Set; $89.96 (Reg. $120)

”Thanksgiving feasts are about more than just the food—they’re about the memories. Set a table that leaves a lasting impression with a beautiful turkey front and center. Our exclusive dinner plate featuring original Thanksgiving-themed artwork made just for us.”
Dinner Plate; $9.95 (Reg. $12)
Soup Plate; $5.96 (Reg. $10)
Salad Plate; $5.96 (Reg. $10)

Jacquard Festive Forest Napkins; $19.96, Set of 4 (Reg. $29.96)

”These classic jacquard and plaid napkins are a lovely addition to your table. Made of soft, durable cotton, each one cleans up quickly in the washing machine. Complete the look with our coordinating tablecloth.”

Italian Hand-Painted Ceramic Turkey; $159.96 (Reg. $200)

”Crafted by skilled artisans in Italy, this beautifully detailed, hand-painted turkey will make a lively addition to your fall tabletop or everyday kitchen.”

Turkey Salt & Pepper Shakers; $8.95 (Reg. $18)

”Add a little spice to your food and fall charm to your Thanksgiving table with this turkey-shaped salt and pepper shaker set.”

La Rochère Perigord Champagne Flutes; $65 (Set of 6)

”Constructed from durable soda-lime glass—in a signature style that was inspired by wine glasses from the 18th century—the Perigord flute is faceted to catch the light and has an easy-to-grip hourglass-shaped stem that lets you enjoy morning mimosas and French 75s without having to worry about breakage or spillage. Set includes six flutes.”

Chilewich Mosaic Placemat; $15, (19” x 14”)

”This sophisticated woven placemat by award-winning textile designer Sandy Chilewich is stylish, modern and easy to clean. The Mosaic pattern evokes a Nordic design sensibility. While based on traditional Dobby constructions, this collection is woven using a more complex Jacquard technique—leading to completely new and unexpected designs.”

Fortessa Gold Dragonfly Flatware Set; $60 (Set of 5) or $210 (Set of 20)

”With a super-slim profile and sleek, polished finish, this contemporary set is a stylish way to dish out salads, pasta, side dishes and more. Delicately sculpted for an elegant look and feel, the modern design delights the eye and adds flair to your table. Heavy-gauge 18/10 stainless steel is dishwasher safe and lends a comfortable balance and weight in hand.”

Jacquard Napkins; $29.50 (Set of 4)

”Made in the Portuguese tradition, these fine cotton napkins have a beautiful, intricate design. The artistic, textural quality sets them apart, but they’re versatile enough to go with a variety of table settings.”

Book Club | 5 French Reads for Novembre 2020

it’s Novembre, and the beginning of a new round of lockdowns for nos amis around the world, specifically in France and the UK.

Whether you’re staying home by choice or by government order, enjoy the cozy weather of the pre-holiday season curled up with this mix of five French memoirs, nonfiction, and lifestyle guides.

Take a look back at October’s picks here, and September’s here.

Top 5 French Reads for November 2020

Why French Women Wear Vintage

By Aloïs Guinut
Style Guide

“Stylish women everywhere are realizing the environmental damage of fast fashion on the planet and looking for new ways to dress that don't involve cramming the wardrobe with clothes that may never get worn…French women have a lot to teach us about how to cherish the planet without sacrificing your style.”

THE SHARPER YOUR KNIFE, THE LESS YOU CRY

Kathleen Flinn
Memoir

“Kathleen Flinn was a thirty-six-year-old middle manager trapped on the corporate ladder - until her boss eliminated her job. Instead of sulking, she took the opportunity to check out of the rat race for good - cashing in her savings, moving to Paris, and landing a spot at the venerable Le Cordon Blue cooking school…Filled with rich, sensual details of her time in the kitchen - the ingredients, cooking techniques, wine, and more than two dozen recipes - and the vibrant sights and sounds of the markets, shops, and avenues of Paris, it is also a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and, ultimately, love.

L’APPART

By David Lebovitz
Memoir

“When David Lebovitz began the project of updating his apartment in his adopted home city, he never imagined he would encounter so much inexplicable red tape while contending with perplexing work ethic and hours. Lebovitz maintains his distinctive sense of humor with the help of his partner Romain, peppering this renovation story with recipes from his Paris kitchen. In the midst of it all, he reveals the adventure that accompanies carving out a place for yourself in a foreign country—under baffling conditions—while never losing sight of the magic that inspired him to move to the City of Light many years ago, and to truly make his home there.”

LUNCH IN PARIS

By Elizabeth Bard
Memoir

“Lunch in Paris is a memoir about a young American woman caught up in two passionate love affairs -- one with her new beau, Gwendal, the other with French cuisine…She learns to gut her first fish (with a little help from Jane Austen), soothe pangs of homesickness (with the rise of a chocolate soufflé), and develops a crush on her local butcher (who bears a striking resemblance to Matt Dillon). Elizabeth finds that the deeper she immerses herself in the world of French cuisine, the more Paris itself begins to translate. French culture, she discovers, is not unlike a well-ripened cheese -- there may be a crusty exterior, until you cut through to the melting, piquant heart.”

THE LIBERATION OF PARIS

By Jean Edward Smith
Nonfiction

“Following their breakout from Normandy in late June 1944, the Allies swept across northern France in pursuit of the German army…Charles de Gaulle, the leading figure of the Free French government, urged General Dwight Eisenhower to divert forces to liberate Paris. Eisenhower’s advisers recommended otherwise, but Ike wanted to help position de Gaulle to lead France after the war…Neither man knew that the German commandant, Dietrich von Choltitz, convinced that the war was lost, schemed to surrender the city to the Allies intact, defying Hitler’s orders to leave it a burning ruin.”

5 Ways to Practice French in Quarantine

Life in quarantine has made things interesting, to say the least.

Whether you’re unemployed, working from home, or an essential worker on the front lines—un grand merci à vous!—you’ve likely found yourself with more time at home than usual. Now that you’ve cleaned out every bathroom cabinet, maybe attempted to write a novel, and watched every Netflix show in existence, there’s never been a better time to work on your foreign language skills.

Whether you’re aiming for fluency or just want to brush up on your high school French, there are a variety of options to help you practice your language skills from home, with plenty of time to prepare for your next big Euro trip—once this is all safely behind us.

Which one makes the most sense for you? Let us know!

5 Ways to Practice French in Quarantine

DuoLingo

Possibly the easiest and most cost effective option, DuoLingo is a free downloadable app that combines interactive language games and verbal exercises in five minute chunks. Whether you choose to dedicate a few minutes or hours each day, you have the flexibility to learn at your own speed.

Babbel

Designed with traveling in mind, this app focuses on dialogue and memory cognition exercises to teach course sections that are relevant to personal interest.

Coucou French Class

With locations in NYC and Los Angeles, Coucou is a language school that typically offers in-person classes and one-on-one lessons. Take advantage of personalized attention with a teacher from anywhere in the world, now available virtually via Zoom.

Iboux

A virtual language school, Iboux creates a custom curriculum for you with a one-on-one instructor via Skype. An array of payment plans are available to offer a variety of financial flexibility.

French is Beautiful

For the true Francophile, this boutique membership-based program is led by American-girl turned-French-ex-pat Carrie Anne James. Each month focuses on absorbing French language through a fully comprehensive cultural approach. Each month focuses on a topic related to French lifestyle and comes with a beautifully correlated lesson plan and immersive meditations to fully embody the beauty and spirit of the French language and its pronunciation.

Book Club | 5 French Reads for Octobre 2020

Escapism is the new travel in 2020, which means we’re turning to our literary friends to take us where we need to go, ces jours.

Since my personal collection of French reads—memoirs, novels, historical fiction and nonfiction—is ever growing, I’ve curated a book club selection to share personal favorites and newer titles that top my never-ending “To Read” list.

I hope you’ll enjoy curling up with one—or all—of these, and taking a journey to France through the eyes of these wonderful writers.

I welcome you to share vos pensées, as well as any suggestions for next month!

Take a look back at September’s picks here.

Top 5 French Reads for October 2020

The Seine: The River that Made Paris

By Elaine Sciolino
Nonfiction

“Elaine Sciolino came to Paris as a young foreign correspondent and was seduced by a river. In The Seine, she tells the story of that river from its source on a remote plateau of Burgundy to the wide estuary where its waters meet the sea, and the cities, tributaries, islands, ports, and bridges in between.”

Provence 1970

By Luke Barr
Memoir

“Provence, 1970 is about a singular historic moment. In the winter of that year, more or less coincidentally, the iconic culinary figures James Beard, M.F.K. Fisher, Julia Child, Richard Olney, Simone Beck, and Judith Jones found themselves together in the South of France. They cooked and ate, talked and argued, about the future of food in America, the meaning of taste, and the limits of snobbery. Without quite realizing it, they were shaping today’s tastes and culture, the way we eat now.”

The Little Paris Bookshop

By Nina George
Fiction

“Monsieur Perdu calls himself a literary apothecary. From his floating bookstore in a barge on the Seine, he prescribes novels for the hardships of life. Using his intuitive feel for the exact book a reader needs, Perdu mends broken hearts and souls. The only person he can't seem to heal through literature is himself; he's still haunted by heartbreak after his great love disappeared. She left him with only a letter, which he has never opened.”

My Good Life in France

By Janine Marsh
Memoir

“One grey dismal day, Janine Marsh was on a trip to northern France to pick up some cheap wine. She returned to England a few hours later having put in an offer on a rundown old barn in the rural Seven Valleys area of Pas de Calais…Janine eventually gave up her job in London to move with her husband to live the good life in France. Or so she hoped.”

Somewhere in France

By Jennifer Robson
Historical Fiction

“Lady Elizabeth Neville-Ashford wants to travel the world, pursue a career, and marry for love. But in 1914, the stifling restrictions of aristocratic British society and her mother’s rigid expectations forbid Lilly from following her heart. When war breaks out, the spirited young woman seizes her chance for independence. Defying her parents, she moves to London and eventually becomes an ambulance driver in the newly formed Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps—an exciting and treacherous job that takes her close to the Western Front.”

Le Dîner + Le Cinéma | A French Twist on Dinner & and a Movie

A snapshot from the new documentary film, A Chef’s Voyage, premiering virtually this Friday, Sept 18.

Fun fact: My own maman is a proud alumna of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she graduated #1 in her class and went on to work in a coveted apprenticeship for the French Ministry.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on—Ratatouille style—behind the scenes of a celebrated, Michelin-rated traditional French restaurant, this weekend you can take an up-close-and-personal glimpse inside the authentic French kitchen experience, and experience a full tasting menu at the same time—all without leaving la maison.

This Friday marks the (virtual) premiere of the highly anticipated documentary, A Chef’s Voyage, which chronicles American Chef David Kinch (of the Bay Area fine dining locale, Manresa) as his team travels to France to work alongside three iconic French chefs in their 3-Star Michelin rated kitchens in Paris, Provence, and Marseille respectively.

For context, three stars is the highest Michelin rating, and there are currently 29 restaurants with this honor in all of France, far more than most countries which only have a few—The US has 14; Italy and Spain have 11; the UK has five; China, Switzerland and the Netherlands have two; while Sweden, Belgium and Taiwan only have one.

To supplement the cinematic experience for those of us who are currently land-locked, Chef Josiah Citrin of the beloved Santa Monica French eatery Citrin + Mélisse (which re-branded last year when the original Mélisse transitioned and divided into a more casual dining experience with a separate tasting menu) has created a five course, pre-fixe culinary collaboration that you can pre-order here and pick up this weekend (Sept 17-20) so that you can feel like you’re along for the ride, and vicariously taste your way through France.

For $75, you can eat your way through the entire menu (see below) and watch the Rémi Anfosso-directed film with a complimentary ticket and link for viewing at home—this weekend only.

To mark the 15th anniversary of Manresa, Kinch decides to close shop for a month so he and his staff can embark on their France voyage. Planning the trip takes months; to represent the refined Californian cuisine of Manresa, the team must bring their own seasonings, sauces that take days to make, and lots of abalone. But the logistics are tricky: how to sneak the food on flights; unfamiliar host kitchens; a language barrier and more.

A Chef's Voyage takes us behind the scenes as the Manresa crew attempts to stage nine major meals over 10 days in the world's most cinematic venues, alongside culinary superstars, with the world watching (and tasting) - all to celebrate 15 years of Manresa excellence by doing what Chef Kinch and his team do best: creating meals and experiences worthy of those three stars.

Preview the film trailer here, and pre-order your French feast here.

Images courtesy of Wagstaff Marketing.

Les Jardins | Monet, Water Lilies & The Huntington Gardens

The Huntington Gardens Lily Pond, doing its best impression (get it, impressionism?) of Monet’s Giverny.

Riddle me this: Is it possible to experience a little piece of France, in the flesh, and without leaving LA county? No need for those heavy Virtual Reality goggles, or an eight hour drive to see the knock-off Tour Eiffel in Las Vegas, because I’ve discovered the ultimate doppelgänger to Giverny— Claude Monet’s charming countryside home and jardin oasis in Normandy.

Just a quick train ride west of Paris, the French impressionist’s preserved residence—and the aesthetic inspiration behind perhaps his most celebrated opus, the Water Lilies series—still inspires guests and art lovers daily with in-person tours.

In fact, if you’re already planning your next trip to France, I found you a 10% discount for a guided Giverny tour with Paris City Vision here.

The real Giverny, as immortalized by Claude Monet, which you can still visit in Normandy.

Monet, Water Lilies & the Huntington Gardens

With my hunger pangs for travel growing stronger each day, I was thrilled to learn than the Huntington Library & Gardens has begun the early phases of reopening. Nestled on more than 120 acres of the Pasadena-adjacent town of San Marino—which is full of suburban charm in its own right, with its picket fences and manicured lawns, quaint downtown, and the stunning early 20th century architecture of its municipal buildings—like Giverny, it’s only a hop, skip, and a jump away from the bustle of the city.

At the moment, the Huntington museum and library—once privately owned by one of Pasadena’s original urban city planners, Henry Edwards Huntington as a personal residence—remain closed due to the health crisis, but the sweeping outdoor botanical gardens are once again receiving (fully masked) guests by reservation.

Opened to public in 1928—in accordance with Huntington’s last will, following his death the previous year—the museum houses an incredible collection of 18th century portraiture, as well as European and American oeuvres by Andy Warhol, Edward Hopper, and Mary Cassat, while the library boasts some of the most cherished pieces of work by heralded historical figures—including presidents Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln, and original drafts and first editions of works by the likes of Henry David Thoreau, Mark Twain, and Chaucer.

(Contd. below)

Bienvenue chez moi! Just kidding, it’s the Huntington Library, bien sûr.

And have we talked about the gardens?

Like living botanical exhibits, the sprawling gardens are arranged into 14 outdoor installations—including the Rose Garden, the Camelia Garden, the Desert Garden, the Japanese Garden, and of course—the Lily Ponds.

It was here that I perched myself near the little footbridge—surrounded by lily pads, daffodils, and weeping willow trees, it’s a dead ringer for Claude’s—and imagined myself at the end of a long day of oil painting, hopping on the train and heading the 50 miles east back to Paris.

Incidentally, that’s also where you can visit the giant Monet mural masterpiece, combining eight of the impressionist paintings in the Water Lilies series. Permanently housed in the stark (yet, also grand) ovular basement of the Museé de L’Orangerie, it’s been in residence since Monet’s death in 1927—which is also the same year that took Henry Edwards Huntington.

Coincidence?

The magnificent Water Lilies permanent exhibit at the Museé de L’Orangerie in Paris.
Photo source: L’Orangerie website.

French Book Club | 5 French Reads for Labor Day Weekend

5 French Reads for Labor Day Weekend

Believe it or not, this isn’t even half of my French book collection.

Whomever once claimed that reading is the best form of escapism, clearly lived through a pandemic.

There’s something decidedly medieval about life in 2020. It’s given us a glimpse backwards, showing us what daily existence must have felt like for William Shakespeare and his contemporaries during the times of pestilence and the Bubonic Plague—with the added comforts of Netflix and Youtube workouts, of course.

International travel is still at a stand-still for the time being, meaning that—for now—we’ll have to travel to France the way that our forefathers did: through our imaginations, and the immortal pages of contemporary scribes.

Check out this fascinating New Yorker article about the history of pandemics, or if you’re looking something a little more uplifting to read on your holiday weekend, behold a list of some of favorite novels, memoirs, and historical perspectives on life in France. I’ve always been a reader, and I love experiencing ma belle ville through different eyes.

So pour thee a glass of thine blackberry wine and buckle up m’lady, because I’m about to share five French favorites from my collection.

5 French Reads for Labor Day Weekend

Paris Dreaming

By Katrina Lawrence
Memoir

“How the City of Light gave her lessons in life: an Australian beauty journalist shares her obsession with Paris - the city that has been her guide through a lifelong journey of self-discovery. Taking us on a journey around Paris's most spectacular sights, hidden secrets and most beguiling nooks and crannies, Katrina tells us the story of why this city has been her constant inspiration through all stages of life.”

How to Make a French Family

By Samantha Verant
Memoir

“Take one French widower, his two young children, and drop a former city girl from Chicago into a small town in southwestern France. Shake vigorously... and voilá: a blended Franco-American family whose lives will all drastically change.”

Dress Like a Parisian

Aloïs Guinut
Style Guide

“Bring a Parisian je ne sais quoi to your style, wherever you live. Dress Like a Parisian is a wise and witty guide to finding your personal style, taking inspiration from how real Parisian women dress. With personal stylist and fashion blogger Aloïs Guinut as your guide, you can explore which colors, shapes and styles work best for you, whatever the occasion.”

A Paris Apartment

By Michelle Gable
Semi Fiction

“Based on the fascinating true story of a treasure-stocked Parisian apartment opened for the first time in seventy years. April Vogt, Sotheby's continental furniture specialist, is speechless when a Paris apartment shuttered for seventy years is discovered in the ninth arrondissement. Beneath the cobwebs and stale perfumed air is a goldmine…”

Seven Ages of Paris

Alistair Horne
Non Fiction

“In this luminous portrait of Paris, the celebrated historian gives us the history, culture, disasters, and triumphs of one of the world’s truly great cities. From the rise of Philippe Auguste through the reigns of Henry IV and Louis XIV…Napoleon’s rise and fall; Baron Haussmann’s rebuilding of Paris…the Belle Epoque and the Great War that brought it to an end; the Nazi Occupation, the Liberation, and the postwar period dominated by de Gaulle--Horne brings the city’s highs and lows, savagery and sophistication, and heroes and villains splendidly to life.”

L'Hôtel | Madeline Memories at the Oceana Hotel

“In an old house in Paris that was covered in vines…”

It may not be old, or in Paris, but I’ve always loved the aesthetic of the Oceana Hotel in Santa Monica. Greenery engulfs the entire façade, reminding me of the Madeline children’s book series I adored so much as a child. The story centers on the adventures of a precocious little girl in a Parisian boarding school with eleven other enfants and their chaperone, Miss Clavel.

Madeline, the book that launched a thousand spin-offs.

The original story was published in 1939 by Ludwig Bemelmans, and has developed into a full media franchise—including sequels, spinoffs, an animated 1990s limited tv series narrated by Christopher Plummer (aka the studly Captain Von Trappe from The Sound of Music), and a 1998 major motion picture— ever since.

On a different note, I’m also loving the romantic elements of this silky Bardot midi dress, which reminds me of a refreshing scoop of glâce de pistache, or the interior of Ladurée.

Le Pique-Nique | Tips for a Birthday Beach Soirée

Celebrating mon anniversaire with a chique pique-nique.

2020 might well go down in the zodiac records under its proper name: the Year of the Picnic.

While this quaint custom of al fresco eating became an unexpected fad this year among Americans—made especially hot in the wake of government mandates that forced us to get creative and repurpose most daily activities with an added outdoor element—it’s been refined and perfected by French romantics over the course of centuries.

In fact our word “picnic” is literally borrowed from the French language. It’s an Americanized pronunciation of the original French word “pique-nique”—which dates all the way back to 1649 with its first print mention in a French burlesque satire, featuring a protagonist with the rhyming name. It officially graced the French dictionnaire in 1694, as a fashionable or extravagant dinner in which everyone contributes a dish, like a pot luck. After the French revolution, the pique-nique made its way to London, as French citizens fled and migrated throughout Europe, eventually giving birth to a society of 200 or so erudite British francophiles known as the Pic-Nic society. Read more about the history of picnics here.

But back to present day, 2020. Thanks to social media—looking at you, Pinterest—gone are the days of the traditional Americana image of a modest wicker basket on a red checkered blanket. While small and impromptu picnics—which can qualify as a bottle of wine and two glasses with a few hunks of bread and cheese for public decency—have their place, more elaborate affairs have taken hold of the public consciousness, made popular by a new kind of Pic-Nic society—more popularly known as social influencers.

Read on to see my conseilles (advice) for keeping your seaside soirée small and—as always—trés chic.

Tips for a Birthday Beach Soirée

Prepare

I’ll admit I’m not the best when it comes to planning—it’s my spontaneous Leo nature—but making a list of everything you need to bring from home, and a separate list of things to buy, makes everything much simpler. This includes food, tableware, seating, decor, lighting, and cleanup supplies. Organize the event just as if it were a normal dinner party at your home, and then pack it all up.

Shop

Cooking and preparing food is a personal choice, but it requires a lot more work. I personally suggest sticking to appetizers and finger foods like fruit and charcuterie that can be taken directly from the store to the site.

Getting There

Be prepared to do some heavy lifting. If you decide to drive to your location, be sure to park nearby—even if that means springing for paid parking. Hey, you’ve come this far—because you’ll have a lot to carry. Scope out a location that’s a safe distance from others.

Setting the Scene

Don’t be afraid to bring the comforts of home with you. Decor can be as simple as some cozy pillows and throw blankets for warmth, or as elaborate as you want to make it, maybe with lanterns, plants or faux books if you’re feeling particularly extra. For a classic, monochromatic look, keep everything in the same color scheme, or for a more bohemian vibe, bring mismatching pillows, a colorful tapestry, and whimsical plates and silverware.

• Start by creating a perimeter for your seating area—a bed sheet or a comforter that you don’t mind washing afterward is perfectly fine.

• Add a table or elevated surface to present the food, and cover with a small tablecloth if your surface is plastic or unsightly.

• Scatter pillows around for comfortable seating

• Fresh flowers add to the outdoor element

• Include candles—and a lighter!—if you’ll be staying past sunset

• Use real china, silverware, and wine glasses like you would at home. Small salad plates save space, and stemless wine glasses prevent spills.

Clean up

Don’t forget to bring trash bags and plastic ziploc bags for dirty plates and used silverware. Don’t leave anything behind—it’s gauche (tacky, or bad form) and hazardous for wildlife.

Bonne fête!

Le Mariage | Notes on a Wedding & How to be a Best Dressed Guest

Fun fact: This Bardot dress reminded everyone of Kate Hudson’s character in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

I spent what is usually my birthday weekend celebrating the wedding of two dear amis, in a beautiful, socially responsible ceremony—ie. trés petite and sans dancing.

With only 25 guests, face masks galore, and a rehearsal dinner picnic on the beach (complete with White Claws and customized takeout from In-and-Out) things turned out quite differently from le mariage we were expecting to attend when their engagement was announced last year. But what the ceremony lacked in population, it made up for in spades with elegance, heartfelt speeches, sweeping sunset views of the Pacific, and of course, plenty of champagne.

The typical American wedding has been turned on its ear—like almost everything else this year—as a result of Covid restrictions, but it was so very inspiring to see one stripped of the usual pomp and circumstance, pared down to the barest and purest essential elements of a successful marriage, including the most important one: love.

As for how to nail the perfect wedding guest style, I’ve gushed many a time about Fashion Pass—my absolute favorite fashion rental service. Unlike any other subscription service (that I know of, anyway) Fashion Pass allows you to choose three to five pieces at a time (depending on your chosen price-point) from the curated collection of well-known designers and labels, wear them for as long as you want, and exchange them as often as you want, with the option to purchase at a discount. Kind of like when Netflix had dvd rentals that you could swap out whenever as part of the subscription plan.

Not only is it the perfect (and most cost effective) way to constantly have new clothes in your closet, it’s a surefire way to find an occasion dress you may only wear once. My only grievance with Fashion Pass is that I always want to keep everything I rent—including this canary-colored Bardot dream, which has already made itself comfortable in my closet.

Try Fashion Pass for $35 off your first month using my code Kandace1.

Don’t mind my quarantine manicure. Move along please folks, nothing to see here—except these glittery and gorgeous Steve Madden sandals.

ICYMI: French Girl Style | The TUNDRA Talk LIVE Recap

Photo for Kollectin

On Wednesday, I had the great pleasure of going live with The TUNDRA as a guest speaker in participation with their marvelous LA to UK digital style event.

In my 30 minute chat, we discussed some of the keys to achieving that coveted—yet mysterious— French Girl style, and what it means to be a Chic American. A big thank you to everyone who tuned in to ask questions and join me on a virtual journey to ma belle France. In case you missed it—we missed you too!—read on for some style takeaways from the event.

1. Simplicity vs. Glam

When it comes to comparing LA style vs. Parisian style, I like think of Paris as the sophisticated older sister—the one who primarily dresses in sleek, minimalist classics and neutrals—and LA as the trendy younger sister who is drawn to the cutting-edge styles of the season and seeks to set the trends. While both cultures have a distinct essence and celebration of glamour, American style—especially LA style—tends to favor more over-the-top glam.

A typical “LA” look is fully styled with head-to-toe accessories, and a face that often includes false eyelashes, heavy contouring, perfect teeth, a dark tan—and the occasional injectable—while French glamour is more about timeless elegance, and aging gracefully—yet stylishly. On that note…

2. Aging With Dignity

This doesn’t mean that French women don’t take measures to look their absolute best. In fact, to the contrary, les françaises are firm believers in a solid skincare routine—in fact, they arguably invented it—and believe that maintaining a sense of style and glamour is not just for la jeunesse (youth) but is meant to last a lifetime. While Les américaines have a reputation for viewing age as a punishment, and either succumb to it or go to great lengths to prevent it, French women celebrate the aging process, and focus on maintaining and preserving their natural beauty, rather than rewinding the clock.

3. Minimalism

This emphasis on subtlety and enhancing natural features is the trademark of French style. As an American woman of French heritage, I’ve established a personal style that is a hybrid of both cultures. If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll notice that I tend not to wear an overly-styled look. I like to emphasize one showpiece at a time with my clothing—like a standout dress or a two-piece suit—and favor beauty that’s generally more toned down and natural in appearance.

I also don’t wear a lot of jewelry or accessories. I prefer a signature look—a pair of classic gold hoops, my diamond solitaire pendant, and the blue topaz ring I wear on my right hand that always reminds me of the Côte d’Azur—so that my features aren’t lost or hidden behind ma tenue—my outfit—or my maquillage—makeup. However, as a California girl, I do enjoy my blonde highlights and beachy waves!

I’d love to know more about your personal style, and how you incorporate French elements into your routine. Please feel free to leave a comment or share with us on Instagram.

Bonne journée mes amours!

LIVE CHAT: How to Dress Like a French Girl

French Living in LA with Kandace Cornell
Wednesday, August 19th
1-1:30 pm PST
www.thetundra.com

It gives me great pleasure to announce that I’m partnering with The Tundra as a guest speaker with their upcoming LA to UK Style digital event. Join me LIVE on August 19th at 1:00 pm PST to chat about all things French Girl fashion and what it means to be a Chic American.

The full event kicks off at 9:00 am and will be chock full of fashion and style advice from a lineup of fabulous style influencers. Click HERE to register for free.

A bientôt!

La Belle Espirit | Spiritual Guidance with Ainslie MacLeod

Me in my early days, circa 1945. (Photo credit: Pretend Pictures)

Have you ever felt an instant connection with a person or a place, but couldn’t explain why?

These feelings aren’t coincidences, they’re profound moments that are directly connected to things we’ve experienced in our past lives.

Spiritual Guidance with Ainslie MacLeod

Since first discovering renowned spiritual advisor Ainslie MacLeod, I’ve been fascinated by his writings, which describe the evolutionary journey that each of our souls are collectively navigating, as described by the spirit guides, with whom he works as a conduit. We design these human experiences ourselves. We create specific missions for each lifetime here on earth, in order to learn unique lessons that will challenge us to expand our spiritual understanding and develop empathy for our fellow souls through firsthand human experiences over the course of hundreds of lifetimes.

The wisdom and insight I’ve acquired from Ainslie and his Soul World community, while perhaps perplexing or even ridiculous sounding to the everyday skeptic, has resonated more with me than any of the religious ideologies I was raised with, although they indeed can go hand-in-hand with the beliefs of most faiths. It adds a contextual layer of passion and purpose to our often mundane seeming lives, that I feel compelled to share with other like-minded old souls.

Don’t believe me? Ask Oprah, who invited Ainslie for a remarkable personal reading on one episode of her Super Soul Sunday sessions.

I had my own private session with Ainslie over the weekend, and as it turns out, I’m a VERY old soul—a level 10.

In fact, I only have a lifetimes left on my spiritual journey! My deep connection to France is based on my soul’s recognition of this familiar place that I’ve called home over the course of many lifetimes. By exploring some of these past lives, Ainslie and I discovered that the root of some of my own personal traumas can be traced back to a heartbreaking lifetime in 1950s Denmark, and a painful one in 19th century Hungary!

More than just your typical “psychic,” Ainslie uses his gifts of connection to the soul world to act as sort of a “spiritual chiropractor”—as I like to call him—to keep our souls on track and aligned with the life it truly intended, outside of the conditioning imposed upon us by society.

I was truly amazed by this deeply personal and profound experience with Ainslie (who asks for no personal information prior to a session), and if you’re an Old Soul like me, I highly encourage you to read his mind-blowing book, The Instruction, to learn more about the level system our souls pass through on this incredible journey towards spiritual enlightenment.

While some might be skeptical when introduced to this abstract way of thinking and seeing the world, I encourage you to keep an open mind and pay attention to your intuition, because it’s always guiding you to be your best self. Anything that you feel called to do has a purpose. As Ainslie says—your destiny is not a secret.

The Instruction by Ainslie MacLeod

The Old Soul’s Guidebook, by Ainslie MacLeod

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links, but this post is not sponsored. As always, my commitment to you is to provide quality, thought provoking content that’s entertaining, informative, and 100% genuine.

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.

OOTD: Crème de la Cream

Since working from home has now become not only de rigueur, but a necessary social responsibility, workwear is taking a major turn for casual. While it’s the perfect time to expand the loungewear section of our wardrobes, there’s something to be said for the formality of officewear that’s now practically becoming an endangered species.

I get it—who wants to dress up for a Zoom call? But, as we like to do here, let’s consider the French for a moment. The French, as a culture, take pride in the ceremony of dressing, and putting effort into one’s appearance is just considered good manners.

There has been a long standing myth—a self-fulfilling prophecy really—that the French dislike Americans. While there are certainly culture clashes between our two nations, this divergence in attitude on dressing in public is one of the most significant. When American tourists wearing sweatpants and Ugg boots wander into Maxim’s—one of the most prestigious Parisian eateries, with a rich historical context that’s practically immortalized the restaurant in the late 1800s belle epoque era, and essentially dubbing it a Parisian landmark, or a living museum—it wouldn’t be surprising to expect a few looks of disdain.

The French appreciate effort. Making an effort to respect their cultural values, which primarily center around politeness or politesse, making an effort to approach them in their native language—they’ll respond in English, don’t worry, but they’ll appreciate the attempt—and acknowledging your role as a guest in their country—like any good host, they’re happy to help—and yes, making an effort to dress with some dignity, goes a long way. Why do we eat with chopsticks in a Chinese restaurant? To show our respect for the norms of the culture. Dressing well is the chopstick of France.

Does that mean it’s imperative to wear a full suit like this one while exploring the Eiffel Tower? Of course not. But it wouldn’t hurt!

Click here to shop this cream suit from Zara.

Santé | To your Health with S'moo

Let’s take a break from all things public health and talk about personal wellness. One of the most important components of our overall physical—and emotional—wellbeing is balanced hormones. I personally have struggled with hormone imbalances, including low thyroid function, which can wreak havoc on the body and be a catalyst to all kinds of metabolism issues.

Meet the S’moo brand, designed specifically to promote women’s health. I’ve been adding a scoop of S’moo Ovary Good powder to my morning protein shake in order to support:

• Reproductive health

• Balanced hormones

• Weight management

• Egg quality and fertility

• Improved skin and mood

Designed by les femmes for les femmes, this added smoothie boost is gluten free, dairy free, soy free, sugar free, and unflavored, with only 30 calories per scoop. Use my code LACHIC for 10% off, and you’ll also support a female-founded, small and local business, which is a win for everyone.

Click here to shop.

Disclaimer 1: This product is a gifted item, but as always, I only promote brands and products that I love, and those that align with my personal standards and beliefs.
Disclaimer 2: This post only reflects my personal opinions, it’s not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Please be sure to address any health concerns with your doctor before using.

Le Re-brand | Ladurée Goes Green

The pièce de résistance of Ladurée is its traditional St. Honoré dessert (front) and signature pastel china.

Did you know that our beloved Ladurée has rebranded as a fully Vegan restaurant, with an entirely reimagined, plant-based menu? In participation with Vegan chef Matthew Kenney, both full-menu Los Angeles locations, including Beverly Hills and The Grove, have made the shift. (Note: A third kiosk location at The Americana at Brand in Glendale offers to-go beverages and pastries only)

While I absolutely respect and understand the need for dietary restrictions and fully support the informed personal decisions that come with choosing a Vegan lifestyle, as a fierce defender of the preservation of French culture, including its historical integrity and the deep-seated roots of French cuisine, I’m sorry to say that I’m not excited about eating a Croque Monsieur made with tofu instead of the traditional jambon and gruyère cheese.

Offering Vegan-friendly options or substitutions (some of which are already available in French locations, and will be rolled out to the nearly 80 worldwide destinations) is a wonderful way to accommodate alternative dietary choices, but a fully meat-less menu overhaul here in the States feels extreme.

The 158 year old pâtisserie, known especially for its gold-standard macarons and dreamy desserts served upon the brand’s signature pastel green, pink, and blue rimmed dishware, is a world renowned French institution and an unofficial cultural landmark.

What do you think of these changes?

Ladurée Beverly Hills
311 N. Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills

Ladurée The Grove
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles