5 Ways to Soothe Dry Skin with Vichy Skincare

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.

Top 5 Picks from Vichy Skincare

20% off any serum and moisturizer when purchased together. Use Code: DERMGRADE. Valid: 10/2-10/8.

LiftActiv Retinol Treatment

For a Concentrated Retinol Boost

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.

LiftActiv Supreme

For Daily Moisture and Anti-Aging

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.

Minéral 89

For Sensitive Skin

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

Idéalia Day Cream

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.

Aqualia Thermal Night Spa

For Nighttime Wrinkle Repair

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.

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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!

OOTD: Crème et Noire + The Dumpling

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.

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.

Giveaway: 5 FREE Laser Facials from Skin Laundry

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.

5 Nordstrom Sale French Favorites You Can Still Score

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!

1. ISABEL MARANT

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.

2. COMME DES GARÇONS

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.

3. MONIQUE LHUILLIER

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.

4. SAINT LAURENT

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.

5. GIVENCHY

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!)

La Canicule | 5 Bikinis for A Holiday Heatwave

Le bikini by Missguided UK (no longer available).

Whomever declared that Autumn begins in September, clearly never lived in Los Angeles!

If you too are experiencing a heatwave—known to Frenchies as une canicule—it might be wise to consider snagging some last-minute swimwear for one last holiday hurrah before Fall content officially takes over.

Goldenrod has turned out to be my unofficial color of the season, and this set from Missguided is no exception. Mine is no longer available, but look out below for five other favorites from the UK brand that you can snag on major mark-down right now, paired to your vacation personality.

1. Riviera Ready

Black Lemon Print Bottoms $9.00

Black Lemon Print Tie Top
$14.00

With its retro 50s style cut and Mediterranean pattern, these briefs are practically begging for a vacation.

2.Cute in Cannes

Blue Stripe Bandeau Top & Scrunchie $11.00

Blue Stripe Boomerang High Leg Bottoms $7.00

Perfectly in sync with the blue striped beach umbrellas that dot the beaches of the Côte d’Azur, this set even comes with a matching scrunchie to keep the breeze away from your face.

3. Poolside in Paris

White Polka Dot Bottoms $4.00

White Polka Dot Ruffle Top (No longer Available)

Nothing says Paris like a signature polka dot. Rooftop ready, this set was made for lounging, Left Bank style.

4. Boissons in Bordeaux

Burgundy Bandeau Top
$5.00

Burgundy Brief Bottoms (No longer available)

Head to wine country and be the only femme whose suit matches her glass of Côte du Rhone.

5. Pique-Nique in Provence

White Paisley Bikini Bottoms
$1.00

White Paisley Underwire Top
$14.00

With its pastoral chic pattern, this set is prime for a jaunt to the provincial countryside. And yes you read that correctly, the bottoms are currently going for $1 US dollar.

J'adore Du Jour: Le Tote by JLux the Label

Someone somewhere once said: no holiday long weekend is complete without the perfect tote. (Actually, it was me. I said it.)

Perfect for stowing beach reads, sunscreen, and skincare essentials—it’s slated to hit 116 degrees F in Los Angeles this weekend, lather it on, people!—you’ll need to find le sac wth just the right qualifications—large enough to fit a full-sized poolside towel, and stylish enough to complement the swimsuit cover-up du jour.

With its sturdy straw texture and minimalist messaging, this JLux the Label tote quite literally says it all.

Hellooooo Weekend!

Belle Vie: Eating French Over Labor Day Weekend

If you’re staying in town for Labor Day—because even staying home counts as a Staycation in 2020—you can still get out and experience the delights of French bistro culture, courtesy of one of my absolute favorite west side spots, Belle Vie Food + Wine.

Just south of Brentwood proper, this little French oasis, with its subtle, modest exterior, tucked away and unassuming amid the American flashiness of the western end of Wilshire Blvd, is the perfect place to end a frustrating summer.

Having made lemonade out of lemons, like so many restaurateurs have been forced to do, owner and sommelier Vincent Samarco has designed a charming outdoor patio, frequented by loyal regulars and Francophiles alike. The ones who come for the soothing ambiance—to sip Provençal rosé to the tunes of mellow cafe background jazz—and stay for the menu, which puts a surprisingly American spin on traditional French cuisine.

Click here for a glimpse of the indoor experience I wrote about last year, which you can look forward to enjoying again once Covid restrictions have eased.

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.”

Les Essentials | Poolside Packing for a Weekend Getaway

It’s been a heck of a year, and after a let-down of a summer, Labor Day Weekend—known to our French counterparts as La Fête du Travail, and celebrated in the motherland on May 1, just FYI—is the perfect excuse to get out of town.

Clocking in at a reasonable two hours on the road, Palm Springs is the perfect holiday weekend destination—if you can stand la chaleur, that is. Temps are known to hit the three digit mark, even in the fall months, but nothing that can’t be fixed with a little AC and a quick dip in la piscine.

Peep the packing list below for all the essentials—all linked to shop via LiketoKnow.it—and get ready for some serious fun in the soleil.

Bonnes vacances mes amies, and if you’re staying home this weekend, click here for a fabulous list of French-themed beach reads.

1. Le Bikini; Shein
   With its ribbed texture and frilly ruching, an ivory two-piece is an instant classic.

2. Sunscreen; Sun Bum
   The award for the best-smelling suntan lotion always goes to SunBum in my opinion. That goes for the entire range of creams, sprays, lotions, and lip balms.

3. Sunless Tanner; Bali Body

   An extra dark tan is the best way to make up for lost time spent indoors. This whipped mousse is quick to develop and easy to apply.

4. SPF Oil; Super Goop
   For extra sun protection plus the sheen of a tanning oil, SuperGoop makes the perfect spray to keep skin glistening while protecting it from those harmful rays.

5. Hand Cream; Victoria’s Secret Beauty
   Regular hand washing can leave hands super dry. Keep them moisturized with this palm-print crème pour les mains from Victoria’s Secret Beauty.

6. Bijoux; Shein
   A cool-girl chain, like this one from Shein adds instant glam to any look—even poolside.

7. Fragrance; Giorgio Beverly Hills
   A little spritz of this eau de luxury scent will make you feel like you’re posted up Cabana style at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

8. Hair Curling Wand; Foxy Bae
   I love the tropical print on this Foxy Bae hair wand that creates perfect beach waves every time.

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.

OOTD: Le Polka Dot Set

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OOTD: La Vie en Roses

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

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

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

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

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

L'Anniversaire | Birthday Wishes for 2020

L’ensemble & accessories by JLux the Label.

Birthdays are looking a little bit different this year.

Small gatherings may be la mode these days—out of necessity—but they also allow us the space and intimacy to focus on what’s most important.

I’ll be hosting a small pique-nique—yes, the French word for picnic is literally the same as the American word, but with a Pepe LePew French accent—on the beach tonight with some close friends. Making wishes, counting blessings, visualizing dreams, and setting goals for a year ahead that’s overflowing with amour, bonheur, prosperity, good health, compassion, personal fulfillment, partnership, travel, and abundance. Not just for me, but for all of us.

Bon lundi à vous, et joyeux anniversaire a moi!

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!

J'adore du Jour | Le Masque by FRNCH

Peek-a-boo! C’est moi in the Irene mask from FRNCH (US)—did you recognize me?

By now, my love for the Parisian brand FRNCH, and its attention to simple yet feminine detail, is quite evident.

Since the need to wear face masks in public has become an inevitability, so have the excuses to do more shopping—although, to be fair, it’s never taken anything as drastic as a pandemic to convince me to shop.

If you’re all about matching un masque to your ensemble—is creating a whole separate wardrobe pour le visage going to become a thing?—then look no further than FRNCH (US) for all of your face accessory needs.

Without compromising on safety or style, this collection embodies the brand’s undeniably French aesthetic—think chic solids like classic chambray, and pretty prints like muted florals and polka dots. All 100% cotton and machine washable, the entire selection is $15 or less, and best of all—they’re a guaranteed fit.

Click here to shop.

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!