Les Vitamines | My Wellness Journey with Persona Nutrition

Deux months down, a lifetime of healthy living to go.

*Sponsored Post*

I’ve spoken many times before about hormone balance, and how it’s such a huge component of our overall wellness. So many of us aren’t aware of this, because it’s often overlooked in traditional western medicine, or considered more “alternative” to the basic advice of eating well and exercising moderately. But many essential nutrients are missing from a typical, even “healthy” diet, and other factors like stress (hello 2020!) and poor sleep can cause our hormones to fall out of whack. Additional supplements are crucial to keeping our bodies functioning optimally, which is why I always feel compelled to share this knowledge with mes femmes.

I was so relieved when I discovered Persona Nutrition, because it’s a subscription based service that delivers a supply of individual, customized packs of vitamin supplements to your door every month, based on your own particular nutritional needs. All you have to do is fill out a questionnaire about your general health, biology, lifestyle, and habits, and Persona’s team of nutritionists will customize a regimen specifically for you.

The individual packs are SO convenient—they even have your name printed on them—and you can throw them in a purse or a suitcase and easily stay on track with your daily dose while on trips, or just on the go. Personally, I find this part so exciting, because it’s so time consuming to keep up with buying each supplement individually. Before discovering Persona, I felt like i was constantly running low on one bottle or another, constantly re-ordering, keeping 10 bottles on my nightstand at a time, always adding a new one into the rotation, and always throwing one bottle away.

Persona eliminates all of the guess work and makes it as easy as possible to stay on your wellness path. I’ve been taking my supplements for two months, and I've already noticed improvement in my sleep and stress levels.

As a reminder, I only partner with brands and recommend products that I truly love, and this one has made ma vie so much easier!

Right now, you can save 30% on your first two month supply when you order here.

*Disclaimer: These are just my personal opinions and recommendations. Before starting any new health regime, it’s always helpful to talk to your doctor and discuss any concerns.

Le Chapeau | The Vacation Essential for the Non-Vacation

The first few weeks of August are typically reserved for les vacances in France— and sometimes even the entire month.

As the Parisians and city dwellers form a mass exodus from the bustle of urban living, fleeing to the countryside provinces for long, wine-soaked visits with family or to sun themselves along the Côte d’Azur, it’s not uncommon to walk around big cities and small towns alike, only to find shops and restaurants temporarily shuttered, with a mere hand-written note in the window announcing a reopening date. In fact, once while visiting my maman at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, we took the train to Lyon for a mid-August day trip, only to end up eating in the same American-themed burger place twice in the same day, because all of the culinary destinations on our list were sadly closed.

All that to say, when it comes to dressing for a vacation-less vacation—as is the case this year for most of us homebound Chic Americans—there’s nothing quite like lounging around in a Panama hat to make one feel like the most seasoned of vacationers abroad.

Sturdier than your typical floppy beach hat, but with a wider brim than its cousin the fedora—which was the headwear accessory of choice several years ago—it’s the perfect hybrid, pulling double duty as a sun protectant and summer outfit topper. Would you believe that I got this one from Amazon? (Of course you would, because what can’t you find on Amazon?)

Bonnes vacances—whether you’re jetting somewhere local this weekend, or just taking one of those mind travels we’ve all become accustomed to imagining since Covid arrived. I know I’m ready to hop on an international flight as soon as one will have me!

Experience Mozart Magic in the Moonlight at the JW Marriott Anaheim

The Metropolis Chamber Musicians performing some of Mozart’s most memorable selections on the roof of the new JW Marriott hotel in Anaheim. Photo courtesy of Fast Forward Events.

With travel plans on hold and local mandates and restrictions ever changing, it hasn’t quite felt like a normal summer in Southern California. But celebrate we will, because it’s safe to say that outdoor events are officially back—and not a moment too soon!

I recently had the distinct pleasure of attending an open air tribute to the musical genius better known as Mozart, in a dazzling outdoor candlelight concert atop the majestic roof of the newly minted JW Marriott in Anaheim. Presented by Fever, the Candlelight Open Air: Mozart’s Best series includes four evenings dedicated to the joy of classical music (two taking place in July and two more on August 11 and 12, which you can book HERE).

As someone who has suffered from a serious case of culture withdrawal over the past year, the promise of an al fresco moonlight serenade was (literally) music to my ears.

Just steps away from Disneyland, the ethereal experience features sweeping panoramic views of Orange County, and a magical fireworks display kicks off a sublime soirée that includes selections of some of the legendary composer’s greatest hits of the 18th century, as performed by the Metropolis Chamber Musicians string quartet. With the audience framed around the stage as a performance in the round, every angle boasts an intimate view of the instrumentalists, who are bathed in the warm glow of one thousand flickering candles.

Photo courtesy of JW Marriott Anaheim.

The JW Marriott itself opened its doors in 2020, and has flourished even in a year when tourism took a major hit at the neighboring Disney theme park. The perfect spot for an impromptu staycation (or a mini getaway) the property boasts a stunning lobby featuring a sleek contemporary design that’s adorned with bold artistic features, a luxurious resort style pool studded with private cabanas, and an expansive roof that plays host to Parkestry, one of the hotel’s signature eateries. The relaxed open-air setting is the perfect primer for an evening of symphonic pleasures, with open patio seating and a full service bar to enjoy pre-concert cocktails, before moving into the garden.

Photo courtesy of JW Marriott Anaheim.

“What’s unique about our garden is that it’s surrounded by citrus and bamboo that will eventually mature and grow, so you’ll feel like you’re walking into a secret garden,” says Director of Marketing Maribel Denner.

The whimsical botanical area features four quadrants, including a succulent section, a floral section, a butterfly wall comprised of 600 titanium butterflies crafted by local artisans, and a vegetation section that bears the ingredients for the seed-to-table concept dishes prepared and served by the hotel’s chefs.

Photo courtesy of JW Marriott Anaheim.

“We’re also the first hotel that’s ever launched an augmented reality component,” Denner explains, referring to a revolutionary digital concept that launched roughly two months ago.

Throughout the garden you’ll see three Japanese art sculptures that are downloadable, where you’ll plant the seed of your imagination, and a butterfly will guide you to the next installation where you’ll choose and record a mantra.

“Eventually it will take you to a portal where you’ll see your tree grow,” she says. “The more you come, the more your tree will mature, and eventually you’ll live in a digital forest. Really what we want our guests to do is plant their digital roots at the hotel.”

Book your stay at the JW Marriott Anaheim and be sure to catch one of the two August performances of Candlelight Open Air: Mozart’s Best. Because nothing compares to a magical evening of music in the moonlight.

Candlelight Open Air: Mozart’s Best
JW Marriott Anaheim
August 11th and 12th
7:40 and 9:40 pm

CLICK HERE to reserve your tickets.

Le Costume | The Renaissance of The Suit

My feminine spin on le costume—known in English as “the suit.”

There’s a French expression to describe daily life as a modern day Parisian—not the kind from our fantasies that strolls down the boulevards, impeccably dressed, baguette under one arm, with seemingly no place to be; although that way of life does exist and I’m all for perpetuating the stereotype.

Anyway, the expression is: “Métro, Boulot, Do-do” which essentially translates to “Subway, Work, Sleep,” —but in a cute rhyme. Surprisingly (or maybe not, depending on how familiar you are with French social norms) the day-to-day reality of many a Parisian (and Parisienne, of course) is markedly similar to that of a New Yorker, or really any modern urbanite—at times mundane and redundant, and often dominated by career obligations.

Le Costume | The Renaissance of The Suit

Up until recently, dressing for work (in any city) also fell into the category of mundane and redundant, and certainly has also been shaped by decades of long-standing dress codes, peer influence, and office obligations. Take the standard ladies’ suit—known to francophones as le costume. Typically comprised of a blazer and slacks combination, this workwear staple was introduced practically as soon as women began to enter the workforce and climb the corporate ladder, and has barely deviated in terms of office-appropriate styles and colors since then—with perhaps the exception of shoulder pads in the 1980s.

But the suit is experiencing a bit of a renaissance at the moment, and I’m here for it. Deconstructing the ubiquitous tailored suit of decades past, with its fitted jacket and matching mid-rise slacks, has spawned a variety of styles and combinations, proving that these two-piece ensembles can be fun to wear after all. By playing with proportions, the slouchy, oversized, Miami Vice versions can stand alongside the extra-long jacket and matching cropped pant look. And we haven’t even talked about camisoles yet!

This oyster-toned set from BooHoo (above) is a prime example of the way that a suit can actually become—dare I say—sexy?

With its neutral color and large gold accent buttons, it’s is a perfect canvas to showcase a subtle hint of body underneath. While we puritanical Americans tend to frown upon such displays at the office, Parisiennes acknowledge that they’re in fact female, and no one seems to mind when that point is (subtly) illustrated. Therefore, a lacy bodysuit—a true Parisienne considers lacy lingerie to be a wardrobe staple—when worn tastefully—a true Parisienne is always tasteful—can create the perfect juxtaposition to a neutral ensemble.

However, if your chosen profession practically guarantees that a boss or colleague’s head will turn for the wrong reasons (get with the times, people) it’s always an option to hide it under a satin camisole during work hours and save the lacy reveal for friends over Happy Hour.

Click here to shop.

On Polka Dots & Retro Weekend Style

I’m not exactly sure when my love affair with polka dots began. In fact, as most love affairs go, I never really saw it coming. It wasn’t until I began to notice a pattern—literally—in my closet, that my penchant for the polka become apparent.

There’s something about the way polka dots evoke images of debutantes and the essence of Parisian propriety, or the nostalgia—hearkening back to the maximalist styles of indulgent glamour and overstated elegance from the 1950s and 60s. Polka dots feel inherently trés traditionelle, and yet when paired with a contemporary crop and espadrilles, they seem to reincarnate into a kind of modern magic that just works.

Enter this Club Monaco asymmetrical midi skirt that I was pleased to find second-hand (otherwise I’d link it for you). In tandem with a front-tie blouse from local brand The Naughty Girl Shop—the owner of which is a total boss—that feels both sultry yet demure, the look kind of seems to be one head scarf shy of personifying an off-duty Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief.

Throw in a weekend tote from JLux Label, and Hello Weekend! Or rather, Bonjour Week-end, as we say around here.

The June Issue of Locale Magazine & My Life as a Fashion Editor

The June issue of Locale Magazine, on shelves now.

As you may or not know, I’m a frequent contributor to Locale Magazine—a Southern California lifestyle editorial that highlights the best in local retail, dining, and nightlife. One of the reasons why I love writing for this beloved publication is its devotion to promoting small businesses and supporting the local culture.

I’m a journalist at heart—I have a Masters degree, in fact, and once considered a career as a broadcast news reporter. Instead, I became a fashion editor for NBC and ran the entire Boston market of its popular lifestyle site, The Feast, covering all things related to shopping and style. I was invited to sit at fashion shows, interviewed designers like Badgley Mischka, did guest spots discussing style tips for local brands, and curated a roster of contacts from scratch. I was there for the birth of the publication and loved being a part of its growth, until its ultimate and untimely demise. At the time, the platform was very innovative and ahead of its time, seeking to incorporate video clips and interactive social media elements—which were only in their infancy at the time. Twitter reigned supreme as the hottest outlet on the market, already eclipsing Facebook in its bold communication style, and FourSquare was hot to trot. I risk dating myself in admitting that Instagram would not even exist for another year or two. Unfortunately audiences weren’t yet fully comfortable and familiar with social media and our forward-thinking vision, and ultimately didn’t interact with the content in the way that we’d hoped, and the site sadly shuttered.

As much fun as I had in my former fashion life, the death of The Feast is what finally prompted my move to Los Angeles, and sent me in completely new directions professionally. Now, here we are with millions of businesses and countless job titles that revolve around social media. I’m sure if The Feast existed today, it would be dominating on Tik Tok and discovering all the hottest new labels and upcoming designers you’d never find on your own.

That said, one of my favorite parts of the job was interviewing and connecting with creative minds and untapped talent. I’ve loved working with Locale and getting the opportunity to do that again, here in Southern California. I’ve written cover stories and interviewed models, designers, Youtube stars, hoteliers, restauranteurs, and entrepreneurs. I’ve previewed the latest from brands like Serena and Lily, and rated some of the best hotel pools around. I’ve learned about people who do incredible things for the community and work tirelessly o create change—spearheading initiatives to feed the homeless and furnish forever homes for the unhoused, to raise awareness for important causes and fight for social justice.

This month’s cover star is Nicky Hilton—sister of Paris, wife of a Rothschild, mother of two. Usually we have a photoshoot and a Making the Issue segment detailing it, but Covid brought change to the magazine, along with everything else in 2020. It’s so great to be back in print, and for this issue I’ve written two features, one highlighting CURE Wellness—a luxury resort-style med spa offering boutique medical services and luxe spa treatments in the heart of Malibu (see below, contd.)

Click HERE to read the web version.

The other piece centers on Our Spare Change—a fabulous female-founded jewelry brand (and local small business) that has built its purpose and mission around telling personal stories and creating employment for those who have struggled with hardship and job security.

Be sure to check out the latest issue of Locale, and read about all the latest comings and goings in Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and Palm Springs.

Tangerine Dreams with Pretty Little Thing

Feeling like a tangerine dream in this dreamy creamsicle jumpsuit from Pretty Little Thing. Some gold accessories and a clutch with matching chain detailing in a bold sherbet shade pull the whole thing together.

Vous aimez?

June Gloom and Summer Style in FRNCH

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

Summer style is officially on the horizon. Even though June is considered a downer of a month in Southern California—“June Gloom” as it’s (un)popularly known—I’m not afraid to admit that it’s actually one of my favorite seasons.

Living in a region that sees sunshine on average 284 days of the year can drive one to temporary fits of madness that include yearning for a little precipitation here and there. As someone who lives for the gray skies and general moodiness of Paris, June is often as close as one can get around here. Finding oneself stuck in a spontaneous thunderstorm and ducking into a brasserie for an unexpected verre du vin to sip on as la pluie passes is practically unheard of in these parts. The cloudy days of June, reserved for nothing but cocooning—as the Frenchies say—and just being generally morose, are ones that I personally cherish for my own sanity and self care. Even in sunny California, no one can be “on” constantly, and every once in a while it’s ok to hit the reset button on our moods.

One particular brand that knows plenty about Parisian pouting is FRNCH—one of my favorites, and I hope one of yours. The Summer collection of this French favorite is nothing short of brilliant, and if you’re one of the eager-to-travel bunch who will be on the first flight to Paris as soon as De Gaulle airport will have us, you’ll want to get your wardrobe ready in advance.

Consider this a preview of the most coveted (yet to be released) jumpsuit, that even the most parsimonious Parisian would be hard pressed to pass up. With lettuce bib sleeves, subtle texturing, and on-trend wide leg trousers, this onesie plays so perfectly with proportions, I couldn’t believe it hadn’t been tailored just for me. We all have our magical Cinderella moments when a dream piece fits perfectly right off the rack, and this was mine. Petite as I am, the hem length hits perfectly with a low heel, and I couldn’t be happier.

Click HERE to shop the FRNCH Summer Collection 2021.

Book Club: 5 French Reads for May 2021

Life is beginning to return to the streets of Paris, en fin.

It’s safe to say that the Covid crisis cast an eerie pall over many a major metropolis over the past year, turning tourist targets and pedestrian-heavy piazzas, from Times Square to Piccadilly Circus, into veritable ghost towns unlike anything ever seen before in this lifetime. One of the most disturbing sights, and a blow to francophiles everywhere, were the images of empty and abandoned cafés that once populated Parisian neighborhoods and have come to define the French lifestyle—at least through the American lens. After a dismal year of tight lockdowns, city-wide curfews, and distance limiting—at the height of the shutdown, residents weren’t allowed to travel beyond one kilometer of their homes without permission—the promise of a return to (semi) normal Parisian life is finally becoming a reality. Cafes are slowly beginning to reopen, and to celebrate, this month’s book club is dedicated to the history, art, and inspiration of Parisian Café Culture.

Scroll down to browse this month’s selections and start dreaming of people-watching over a warm croissant and a cafe au lait.

A Table in Paris (NEW RELEASE)
By John Donohue
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
”Paris is a city like no other, beloved by travelers the world over for its incomparable architecture, atmosphere, arts, and, of course, food. The restaurants of Paris are rich with history, culture, and flavor. Whether you're a frequent visitor to the City of Light with memories of your favorite meals or an armchair traveler dreaming of the cuisine you could discover there, A Table in Paris will take you on a delicious visual journey through the arrondissements that you'll never forget. In his signature loose and evocative style, artist John Donohue has rendered an incredible sampling of the iconic institutions, hidden gems, and everything in between that make the Paris dining scene one of a kind.”

Hemingway’s Paris
By Robert Wheeler
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”In gorgeous black-and-white images, Hemingway’s Paris depicts a story of remarkable passion—for a city, a woman, and a time. No other city in any of his travels was as significant, professionally or emotionally, as Paris. And it remains there, all of the complexity, beauty, and intrigue that Hemingway describes in the pages of so much of his work. It is all still there for the reader and traveler to experience—the history, the streets, and the city.”

The Historic Restaurants of Paris
By Ellen Williams
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”The vanished world of nineteenth-century Paris still awaits behind the doors of select restaurants and gourmet shops that have delighted customers for more than a hundred years. Crossing these thresholds, the discriminating diner and shopper can step into a gilded Belle Epoque setting favored by Manet and Degas, a vintage confectioner that supplied bonbons to Monet, or a shaded café terrace frequented by Zola. From tiny pâtisseries, cozy bistros, and rustic wine bars barely known outside the quarter to bustling brasseries, elegant tea salons, and world-famous cafés, The Historic Restaurants of Paris is an indispensible guide to classic cuisine served in settings of startling beauty. Charming anecdotes relating to a restaurant’s history and celebrated former patrons, among them Proust, Balzac, George Sand, and the Impressionists.”

Cafe French
By L. John Harris
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”The iconic, strolling Paris flâneur of the 19th century often expressed his ironic observations of the spectacular city he loved in paint, prose and poetry. Celebrated artist-flâneurs like Honoré de Balzac, Charles Baudelaire and their 20th-century successors—from André Breton’s surrealists to Jean-Paul Sartre’s existentialists—have served up brilliant, if sometimes dark, images of the City of Light. Now, following in their august footsteps, Berkeley writer and artist L. John Harris channels the historic flâneur with his witty café French “lessons” and whimsical illustrations taken from his Paris café journals. While Café French proposes to guide fellow Francophiles on a journey into the cultural and linguistic codes and canons of Paris café culture, the author—with a dash of Dada—chronicles his own discoveries: the cafés he inhabits, the language he struggles to learn, the food he eats and the dreams he pursues in the city he loves.”

Paris Cafe: The Select Crowd
By Noel Riley Fitch
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”Acclaimed author Noël Riley Fitch, abetted by noted artist Rick Tulka, serves the dish on Select, the famous Montparnasse café that for nearly nine decades has been so vital to Paris and its intellectual denizens: from Hemingway, Beauvoir, Picasso, James Baldwin, and George Plimpton to the writers and artists who continue to work quietly there in the back room or heatedly debate every topic imaginable into the night. The artists have their work on the walls; the novelists include the café setting in their fiction. The quiet and drama of the Sélect world illustrates the centrality of cafés — particularly this one — to Parisian social, cultural, and intellectual life. Blending pithy profiles and witty drawings of clientele and staff, the book is organized around a history of the café, its daily and seasonal rhythms, particular colorful patrons, and even its typical café/brasserie food.”

Celebrating Spring Style in FRNCH

Lundi mornings are for lounging in the new FRNCH Spring/Summer 2021 collection. This silky floral midi skirt is the perfect spring staple. Florals for Printemps? Groundbreaking.

PS. Scroll down for a closer look at what I’m reading right now. I discovered this petit trésor at an antique store, and since museums have been closed for a while, I’ve been craving culture. Are you an art lover too?

Street Style Vibes & Shooting with Kollectin

Casual street style vibes, shooting today with Kollectin. This blazer is Armani Exchange, sneakers are Guess, and the top is Forever 21.

What do you think of this look?

Easter Style: Blue Pastel for Pâques

All suited up in this blue power costume from the Zara Spring Collection. I’m swooning big time over this robin’s egg pastel hue just in time for Easter. Click HERE to shop.

Joyeuse Pâques mes chickies!

Shop The Chic American Collection x French Wink Boutique

If you’ve been suffering from a serious case of Francophilia, including moderate to severe symptoms of travel withdrawal, French Wink boutique in NYC is just what the doctor ordered. Founded by two fabulous French femmes, the West Side shop is fully stocked with an array of authentic French goods and gifts, speciality items, and exclusive imports by beloved French brands—from luxury skincare to gourmet treats, home decor, kitchen essentials, bijoux, clothing and accessories, and seasonal gifts—that you’d be hard-pressed to find this side of the Atlantic.

The good news: you don’t have to be an NYC local to enjoy the full effects of this shopping prescription. You can shop the entire boutique online and enjoy all of the latest must-haves shipped straight to your door.

Shop these hand-selected favorites from the curated collection below, and take an extra $5 off everything using the code CHIC.

THE CHIC AMERICAN x FRENCH WINK COLLECTION

This article may contain affiliate links, which means TCA may make a small commission on purchases at no cost to you. We only promote products that we love and stand by the quality of our selections, so rest assured that you’re always getting the very best.

Shop this Zara Spring Sweater Set & TCA x Kollectin Boutique

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

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

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

Going Wild for Carbon 38 Athleisure

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

Click HERE to shop.

Book Club: 5 French Reads for March 2021

It’s un nouveau month, and that means we have a new round of book club picks for le mois of March.

From a cerebral autobiography that touches on texts and theories of renowned French thinkers in Alice Kaplan’s French Lessons, to Josephine: A Life of the Empress, which examines the extraordinary life of Napoleon Bonaparte’s first wife, there are plenty of ways to get lost in your own thoughts and romantic notions during dreamy Pisces season.

On the other hand, if you’ve ever fantasized about adopting a minimalist, Marie Kondo-approved “less is more” lifestyle and downsizing abroad for a fresh start, then French Dive: Living More with Less in the South of France is the memoir for you.

Historical fiction buffs will love The Paris Library, a sweeping novel based on the true story of the brave librarians of the American Library in Paris who participated in the Resistance during World War II, while romance fans will devour Kirsten Lobe’s tale of seduction, French Trysts: Secrets of a Courtesan.

Scroll down to read more about these five selections for the month of Mars, and click the links in the images to shop.

French Book Club: 5 French Reads for March 2021

French Lessons

By Alice Kaplan
Memoir

“Brilliantly uniting the personal and the critical, French Lessons is a powerful autobiographical experiment. It tells the story of an American woman escaping into the French language and of a scholar and teacher coming to grips with her history of learning. Kaplan begins with a distinctly American quest for an imaginary France of the intelligence. But soon her infatuation with all things French comes up against the dark, unimagined recesses of French political and cultural life.

When, as a graduate student, her passion for French culture turned to the elegance and sophistication of its intellectual life, she found herself drawn to the language and style of the novelist Louis-Ferdinand Celine. At the same time she was repulsed by his anti-Semitism. At Yale in the late 70s, during the heyday of deconstruction she chose to transgress its apolitical purity and work on a subject "that made history impossible to ignore:" French fascist intellectuals. Kaplan's discussion of the "de Man affair" — the discovery that her brilliant and charismatic Yale professor had written compromising articles for the pro-Nazi Belgian press—and her personal account of the paradoxes of deconstruction are among the most compelling available on this subject.”

French Dive: Living More With Less in the South of France

By Eric Freeze
Memoir

“In the fall of 2014, educators Eric and Rixa Freeze moved with their young family to Old Nice, a medieval town-within-a-city on the famed Côte d’Azur. They’d bought a 700-square-foot dive, an apartment in need of renovation just a couple blocks from the Mediterranean.
They were a family with a plan: to live differently. No home in the suburbs with a two-car garage, no bedroom for every child, no 24-hour Walmart.

Carefully researched and vividly written, French Dive chronicles the Freeze family’s integration into a culture where large families aren’t all treated alike. What they find—spearfishing for food, renting their car to strangers, fixing and selling old furniture from the garbage depot—is that a city gives back the more you give to it.
Morally complex and unflinching in its analysis of contemporary life and the things that keep human beings apart, Freeze tackles racism, homelessness, art, reality TV, social media, and parenting with wit and humor. Along the way he and his family learn what it means to be a neighbor, a member of a community, and a global citizen, how to treat others with empathy and understanding as they try to carve out a place in this world.”

Josephine: A Life of the Empress

By Carolly Erickson
Biographical Nonfiction

“As the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, conqueror of Europe and the wonder of his age, Josephine was assumed to be a worthy consort for her astounding husband, a woman as beautiful, wise and altogether remarkable as he was charismatic, brilliant, and invincible in battle. When in 1804 she knelt before Napoleon in Notre Dame and he placed the imperial crown on her head, making her Empress of France, her extraordinary destiny seemed to be fulfilled. The unknown woman from Martinique became the highest ranking woman in the land, as far above the average Frenchwoman as Napoleon himself was above the humblest soldier in his armies.

Yet the truth behind the glorious symbolism in Notre Dame was much darker. For the eight-year marriage between Josephine and Napoleon had long been corroded by infidelity and abuse, and for years Josephine had dreaded that her husband would divorce her. Far from the love match previous biographers have described, Erickson's Napoleon and Josephine were the ultimate pragmatists, drawn together by political necessity while their emotions were engaged elsewhere.”

The Paris Library

By Janet Skeslien Charles
Novel

“Based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris, this is an unforgettable story of romance, friendship, family, and the power of literature to bring us together, perfect for fans of The Lilac Girls and The Paris Wife.

Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal.

A powerful novel that explores the consequences of our choices and the relationships that make us who we are—family, friends, and favorite authors—The Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places.”

French Trysts: Secrets of a Courtesan

By Kirsten Lobe
Novel

“Somewhere between dating and eternal bliss lies a secret world of glamour, opulence, decadence and the real amorous adventures of the haut monde.

Paris is a sexy, sinful romantic playground—and what could be more thrilling than to be an American girl let loose in the City of Lights? Alexandra Ward is a Sorbonne student with a fabulous French boyfriend who's just gone AWOL and a growing love affair with all things Parisian. She realizes her new life a la Francais feels entirely like play-acting—in a good way. But what happens when a playful flirtation with the CEO of an international luxury conglomerate turns into not just a "dejeuner"—lunch— at the Ritz, but diving for canary diamonds in the famous swimming pool of the Hotel Ritz? And when that same Master of the Monde (who just happens to be married, bien sur) asks Alexandra to be something more than a date but something, well, different than a girlfriend?

French Trysts is about slipping into a new life like it's a couture suit, about the thrill of seeing what really goes on behind the gated Hotel Particuliers of the rich and famous Bon Ton de Paris, about the power of sex and the redemption of true romance.”

Shop These Favorites from the FRNCH Spring 2021 Collection

Moi in the Annissa dress from the FRNCH Spring Collection.

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

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

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

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

Shop These Favorites from the FRNCH Spring 2021 Collection

The Edelyne jupe from the FRNCH Spring Collection.

The Assa dress from the FRNCH Spring Collection.

6 French Language Films to Watch Online in March

The Belgium film Nos Batailles (Our Struggles) opens A Week of French Language Cinema, an annual Francophone film festival held online this year by Theatre Raymond Kabbaz in Los Angeles. All films in French with English subtitles.

Of all the things I’ve missed most over the past year, going to the cinema is at the top of the list. As a screenwriter and film director myself—as well as a confirmed Old Soul—sitting in a theater and sharing the collective experience of watching art come to life is one of my greatest joys.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of our first official lockdown—not exactly a milestone worthy of cake and champagne, mais non?—there is reasonable hope that the ban on movie-going will soon become a distant memory.

In the meantime, the Raymond Kabbaz Theatre in West Los Angeles, known for its association with French culture and cinema, has brought its annual celebration of French independent film online. I always attend this week-long mini film festival in person every year, and as someone who has become overloaded with online-versions of everything this year—from business meetings and Happy Hour to Pilates classes and medical appointments—this is one online event I can guarantee I will not be skipping.

6 French Language Films to Watch Online in March

From March 20-25, each evening highlights an independent film from a different Francophone region—including Québec, Belgium, Algeria, Switzerland, and of course, France. These art-house films are all shown in French with English subtitles, and have been celebrated in various prestigious festivals, some including Cannes—and many have won or been nominated for some of the industry’s highest awards, including Cesars, Golden Globes, and Oscars.

Join me on opening night as we virtually travel to Belgium to screen Nos Batailles on Saturday, March 20. To read about the films and purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.

See you au cinema!

5 Emily in Paris Looks You Can Shop Right Now

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

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

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

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

5 Emily in Paris Looks You Can Shop Right Now

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

LOOK #1

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

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

LOOK #2

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

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

Bright Pink Boucle Trench - Bright Pink

LOOK #3

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

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

LOOK #4

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

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

LOOK #5

1. Double Breasted Plaid Cropped Jacket; YSL $919

2. Red Plaid Jacket; Hollywood Leather $99

3. Ruffle Trim Button Blouse; Shein $15

4. Kalila Blouse; Revolve $275

5. Beatnik High Rise Slim Fit; Revolve $299

6. Cat Eye Sunglasses; Shein $5.00

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

Winter Whites and Wine Tasting in Temecula

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

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

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

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

Winter Whites and Wine Tasting in Temecula

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

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

Scroll down for more Staycation style.