French Gifts For the Chanel Lover | Holiday Gift Guide: Day 1

Today marks the first day of The Chic American first official Holiday gift guide—and to start things off strong, today is all about Coco! Because as well all know, every true Francophile has an inner compass that leads back to the original French Girl couturier and her luxurious wares.

For this year’s shopping guide, think splurge-worthy skincare and fragrance, dreamy “It” bags, and delicate pearl-studded frames. From gotta-have-it Stocking Stuffers (read: $55 and under) like the perfect purse-sized Crème de Main and classic Chanel No. 5 bar soap and deodorant—yes, your underarms can now smell like Marilyn Monroe!—there’s something for every Chanel lover on your list.

Shop all of the items using the link below, or head over to the TCA Like to Know It SHOP page for quick, one-click purchasing.

Holiday Gift Guide: Jour 1 | For the Chanel Lover

Shop NORDSTROM and make merry with makeup, skin care and fragrance presents for every budget, from stocking stuffers to luxury gifts. FREE Shipping, FREE Returns, plus Contactless Curbside Pickup near you.

LE SPLURGE

1. Round Sunglasses; $780
Metal & Imitation Pearls. Pink Gold. Lenses: Beige, Gradient
2. Drawstring Bag; $3,700
Grained Lambskin, Smooth Lambskin & Gold-Tone Metal Beige
3. Coco Brush Bracelet; $4,200
Quilted motif, 18K yellow gold
4. Gabrielle Small Hobo Bag; $4,100
Aged Calfskin, Smooth Calfskin, Gold-Tone, Silver-Tone & Ruthenium-Finish Metal

LE MUST HAVE

1. No. 5 The Hair Mist; $65
2. Hydra Beauty Mask de Nuit; $65
3. Coco Mademoiselle Twist and Spray; $110
4. Exclusif Chanel 1957 Eau de Parfum; $350

LE GIFT SET

1. Sublimage Ultimate Indulgence; $372
2. Coco Mademoiselle Twist & Spray; $172
3. Rouge Allure Ink Fusion; $115

LE STOCKING STUFFER ($55 and Under)

1. La Créme Main; $50
2. Le Vernis Nail Color, Chaine D’or; $28
3. Rouge Coco Lip Balm; $38
4. Le Blanc Rosy Light Drops; $50
5. No. 5 Bath Soap; $26
6. Mademoiselle Body Lotion; $55
7. Retractable Foundation Brush #103; $50
8. No. 5 Deodorant; $50
9. Coco Noir Moisturizing Lotion; $55

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

Nöel | 5 French Holiday Ornaments for Your Christmas Tree

Christmas is just around the corner, and chances are you’ve already started decorating your Sapin de Nöel. Whether you like to go traditional with white lights and silver bells, old school with tinsel and glitter, or whimsical with funky mementos that tell your own story, now is the perfect time to add a little French flavor to your Christmas tree—and spruce up that Spruce!

From mini Eiffel Towers to delicate croissants, macarons, and baguette figurines, shop these handmade, French-inspired ornaments—all under $30—and many with free shipping for Amazon Prime members, and a discount for Met Museum members.

5 French Holiday Ornaments for Your Christmas Tree

Tower of Macarons Ornament; $16.95

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“Fun and festive novelty tower of macarons ornament. Made of hollow glass decorated with sparkling glitter and sequin accents, this whimsical accent piece perfect for foodies and sweets lovers!”

Kurt Adler French Glass Ornaments; $35.50 (Set of 3)

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“This Noble Gems ornament from Kurt Adler is a beautiful, intricate way to add to holiday decor to any foodie's Christmas tree. Comes in a Kurt Adler box with a golden S-Hook included, this gift set is ready to be wrapped! Hanging from a string, also comes with gold S-Hook for hanging. Ornaments are all hand-painted and glittered in a series of labor-intensive steps to achieve the beautiful creations.”

Glass Blown French Baguette Ornament; $17.50

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“Old World Christmas offers the most extensive and best-loved collection with over 1,400 proprietary designs in styles ranging from traditional to whimsical. Each figurative glass ornament is hand crafted in age-old tradition using the same techniques from the 1800s. Molten glass is mouth blown into finely carved molds, before a hot solution of liquid silver is poured inside. The ornaments are then hand-painted and glittered in a series of labor intensive steps to achieve the beautiful creations.”

French Floral Shoe Ornament; $28

The Met Store
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Floral Pump Shoe Ornament

“The original shoes recalled by our sassy ornament were made in 1954 by Roger Vivier for the House of Dior. Richly embellished with beads and teardrop-shaped pendants, the stunning silk shoes illustrate Vivier's extraordinary talent for designing bejeweled, elegantly sculptural shoes—first for Dior and then under his own label. A Met holiday tradition since 1997, this limited-edition ornament celebrates the spirited style of fashionable shoes in The Costume Institute.”

White Tea Set Ornaments; $30 (Set of 5)

The Met Store
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Tea Set White Ornaments

“It's tea time this season, with four white floral teacups and saucers— and a matching teapot—to hang on your tree. Evoking the charm and romance of 19th-century France, our miniature tea-service ornaments celebrate details in an album of porcelain designs in The Met collection. The album, by an unknown artist, features 20 pages of watercolor drawings of teacups, teapots, sugar bowls, and creamers.”

Glass Blown Eiffel Tower Ornament; $21.24

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“Old World Christmas offers the most extensive and best-loved collection with over 1,400 proprietary designs in styles ranging from traditional to whimsical. Each figurative glass ornament is hand crafted in age-old tradition using the same techniques from the 1800s. Molten glass is mouth blown into finely carved molds, before a hot solution of liquid silver is poured inside. The ornaments are then hand-painted and glittered in a series of labor intensive steps to achieve the beautiful creations.”

Degas Little Dancer Ornament; $28

The Met Store
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Degas Dancer Felt Ornament

“This miniature ornament celebrates The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer, the beloved figure by Edgar Degas (French, 1834–1917). Hang her on your tree—or display her all year long. When the original sculpture was first shown in 1881 at the 6th Impressionist exhibition, the striking portrait of Marie van Goethen was dressed in a fabric tutu, ballet slippers, and a wig of human hair tied in a satin bow. The 1922 cast-bronze edition in The Met collection re-creates the young dancer's jaunty pose.”

Kurt Adler Croissant Ornament; $22.99

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“This Noble Gems ornament from Kurt Adler is a beautiful, intricate way to add to holiday decor to any foodie's Christmas tree. Comes in a Kurt Adler box with a golden S-Hook included, this gift set is ready to be wrapped! Hanging from a string, also comes with gold S-Hook for hanging. Ornaments are all hand-painted and glittered in a series of labor-intensive steps to achieve the beautiful creations.”

Kurt Adler Bon Voyage Suitcase Ornament; $12.35

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“This Noble Gems ornament from Kurt Adler is a beautiful, intricate way to add to holiday decor to any Christmas tree. Comes in a Kurt Adler box with a golden S-Hook included, this gift set is ready to be wrapped! Hanging from a string, also comes with gold S-Hook for hanging. Ornaments are all hand-painted and glittered in a series of labor-intensive steps to achieve the beautiful creations.”

*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!

NYC Guide | Best French Dining and Takeout

C’est moi, raising une coupe at Petite Boucherie in the West Village.

Now that outdoor dining in Los Angeles has been shut down for the second time this year, I couldn’t help but reminisce all the way back to the post-lockdown (yet now also pre-lockdown) peak fall days of October, when I took a very quick (and cautious) trip to New York City just to feel an ounce of normalcy again.

While it was certainly unnerving to see the lights of Broadway dimmed, and a bummer to be unable to partake in the colorful bar scene for an old-school night on the town, I was pleasantly surprised to find that La Grande Pomme (the Big Apple) is actually quite peaceful without throngs of tourists and out-of-towners. That riding a nearly empty and virtually spotless (and no longer malodorous) subway is almost a luxurious experience that I never thought I’d witness in this lifetime, and that the restaurant scene, which is the lifeblood of the city, was just as vibrant as ever.

The government-mandated al fresco order had music and bustle spilling into the streets and sidewalks, giving the city a same-but-different, spirited vibe that was almost—I said almost—reminiscent of Parisian café culture.

And speaking of Paris, there is an abundance of French bistros and brasseries scattered across Manhattan. Even if it isn’t possible to enjoy the full indoor dining experience—mosaic floors and Edith Piaf background tunes and all—at the time you’re reading this, ordering takeout is the perfect way to keep our friends and their businesses afloat, while enjoying fantastic French fare chez vous.

Best French Dining and Takeout in NYC

1. PETITE BOUCHERIE
14 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
(646) 756-4145

Make a reservation
Order takeout

Nestled cozily in the West Village, on the iconic corner of Gay St. and Christopher, Petite Boucherie is the petite soeur (little sister) of its namesake, the original Boucherie. Expect all of the traditional favorites. Think escargot and a la carte charcuterie boards to start, then fill up on steak frites or share the Chateaubriand pour deux, and save room for a teacup full of authentic mousse au chocolat—which I’m here to tell you is surprisingly difficult to find in the United States!

BOUCHERIE
99 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
(212) 837-1616

Make a reservation
Order takeout

The original West Village destination, Boucherie takes its decorative cues and its ambiance from the heart of the elegant Belle Epoque era. Picture traditional white marble bistro tables, burgundy booths, and framed replicas of vintage posters from the Toulouse Lautrec, Moulin Rouge can-can era. But lest you be intimidated by the appearance of grandeur and formality, I assure you that the experience is pure warmth and comfort. Additional locations include Union Square and La Grande Boucherie on West 53rd, all boasting the same menu of cuisine traditionelle.

2. LITTLE PRINCE
199 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
(212) 335-0566

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Cleverly named to incorporate its Prince Street location and the childhood literary classic, The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince), the floral facade of this reinvented French favorite is about as magnifique as it gets, this side of the Seine. Known as much for its cocktail boisson homages to the likes of American icons like Tina Turner, Ru Paul, Cyndi Lauper (and even Betty White) as it is for its French comfort foods like Ratatouille, Duck á l’Orange, and Black Truffle Steak Haché (a fancy word for hamburger), this SoHo “Bistro non Classique” has something for everyone.

3. PASTIS
52 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014
212-929-4844

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Order Takeout

As soon as Carrie Bradshaw famously quipped to Samantha, “I’m not going to lose my table at Pastis so you can cruise a Holy Man,” in season 4 of Sex and the City, it became the line that launched a thousand reservations. All walks of life, from celebrities to eager tourists, flocked to the then up-and-coming Meatpacking district to see what the fuss was about. Note: just like when Sam spotted the first neighborhood Pottery Barn on the block, the mammoth Restoration Hardware that now sits across the street officially confirms the neighborhood’s full transition from dockside warehouse territory into full gentrification.

Outfitted in the familiar design tenets of a classic bistro (subway tile, oxidized mirrors, and hand-written specials on chalkboard signs), come for the brunch-time Croque Monsieur and stay for the Chicken Paillard and Boeuf Bourguignon—and the quick two minute walk to the Whitney.

4. MARSEILLE
630 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
(212) 333-2323

Make a Reservation
Order Takeout

Just around the corner from the bright lights of Times Square, lies a little French oasis amid the hustle and bustle of Hell’s Kitchen. One day soon, when our musical friends return to the Broadway stage, it will once again be the place to quell a post-theater craving for the Marseillaise seaside fare of oysters and moules frites, or a nightcap toast with a coupe de Champagne. For now, enjoy the brasserie life with classic hits like creamy Bouillabaisse, pâté a la maison or Duck leg confit to-go—or in the warmth of a cozy corner booth if you can.

5. CAFÉ d’ALSACE
1695 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128
(212) 722-5133

Make a Reservation
Order Takeout

Whether you’re having a nostalgic yen for the bustling days of long, sidewalk Sunday brunches and brioche French toast, or just want to go to town on a bloody steak tartare, this cozy Alsatian spot, with its classically Germanic influences of sausage and sauerkraut, proves that good French eating isn’t just for the West Side. An afternoon spent wandering through midtown, window shopping your way through Saks, and meandering over to this Upper East neighborhood is the perfect justification for picking up a warm bowl of Choucroute Garnie and chocolate-drizzled profiteroles for the road.

Le Mervetty | French Tea in Beverly Hills

Tea for two, but make it for one.

There’s no better way to start the day—that I can think of, anyway—than with une tasse de thé.

known as much for its larger-than-life milkshakes and Pinterest-worthy floral installation as for its colorful array of macarons, decadent merveilleux cakes, and petite canalés, the folks at Le Mervetty know a thing or two about aesthetics.

With made-to-order cakes and signature merengue garnish on everything from bite-sized treats to individual teapots (see below), this Beverly Hills gem is a must-visit for any Chic Française looking for some comforts of home—with the LA treatment.

Deux macarons and a merengue garnish, s’il vous plait.

OOTD: Camel et Noir

I’m all about perennial fashion that’s classic and timeless, and that includes one of my all-time favorite color combinations for any fall season: camel and black. I’m a forever fan of neutrals, and a monochromatic look that never goes out of style.

I spent the day wandering around Greystone Mansion of Beverly Hills in this all-black, jeans and turtleneck combo with a cozy camel coat as a topper, all brought to you by Zara—who else?—except for the Gucci belt of course!

Shop These Fresh Fall Favorites from ChicMe

Every season has its style perks—fresh florals for spring, flirty dresses for summer—but cool-weather fashion is easily my favorite. Fall and Winter take fashion to a whole other level, and provide a canvas for layering in a way that takes a truly creative eye. From cozy knits and chunky boots, to every kind of fabric—your tweeds, your velvets, your cashmere and wool—the options are practically endless.

ChicMe is a new favorite brand that makes it easy to stay on top of the latest trends of the season. With a regular rotation of new styles to choose from—and prices that are refreshingly affordable—it’s never been easier to stock up on all of your chic seasonal must-haves.

Scroll down to see some of my favorites pieces pour l’automne, and be sure to use my code TheChic10 for an additional discount!

5 Fall Favorites from ChicMe

1. Tweed Notched Collar Double Breasted Plaid Blazer; $38.99 (10% off with code TheChic10)

Nothing says Automne like a traditional tweed blazer, and with gold button accents and a classic frayed hem, this one takes the cake.

2. Solid Wrap Long Sleeve Knit Sweater; $18.99 (10% off with code TheChic10)

Polished and elegant, this wrap sweater is the perfect addition to your fall wardrobe. Dress it up with denim for nighttime, or pair with cozy leggings for a casual daytime look.

3. Plaid Button Design Tweed Irregular Skirt; $23.99 (10% off with code TheChic10)

Mini skirts with tights are an absolute wardrobe essential for French girls everywhere, and I’ve been keeping this one as my new go-to. Nothing says “Fall” quite like plaid, and it’s a personal favorite pattern of mine. With pearl button detailing and its asymmetrical hem, this mini jupe is jus the ticket.

4. Faux Leather Lace Design Skirt; $24.99 (10% off with code TheChic10)

Faux leather is still going strong as an official Autumn staple. From jackets and handbags, leggings and booties, it’s practically impossible to make a faux pas with this versatile material. This mini with its high waist and lace trim trim puts a contemporary stamp on the trend, making it fresh for this season.

Les Vitamines | My Wellness Journey with Persona Nutrition

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

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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.