5 French Handbags From the Ann Getty Collection Christie's Auction

As a philanthropist and patron of the arts, Ann Getty was known for her discerning eye and eclectic taste in style, decor, jewels, and of course, fine art. More than just the wife of Gordon Getty (son of J. Paul Getty, and heir to the oil tycoon’s fortune) Ann championed global causes and served on the boards of some of the most illustrious institutions—including the Metropolitan Museum, The New York Public Library, and the San Francisco Opera (among others) throughout her life, until her death in 2020.

This fall, Christie’s will be auctioning off nearly 1500 of the most notable pieces from the Ann and Gordon Getty Collection—including rare gems, global artifacts, decorative objets d’art, and personal elements of style—all available for bidding online or at Christie’s New York auction house. Featuring a veritable treasure trove of masterpieces from one of the most magnificent private collections in the world, each auction focuses on a specific category, from Chinese textiles and iconography to jewels and tableware to 19th and 20th century artwork.

Behold five handbags below from Ann’s personal collection—which includes a whopping 23 Hérmes sacs-a-main (eight Birkins and three Kellys), six Dior clutches and saddle bags, and four from Oscar de la Renta—which you can soon add to your own closet with the wave of your (virtual) paddle.

Browse the full collection and bid HERE.

The Ann & Gordon Getty Collection
New York & Online, October 10-25 2022

LOT #708
VERT FONCÉ POROSUS CROCODILE BIRKIN 35 WITH GOLD HARDWARE
HERMÈS, 2005 (Est. $8,000-10,000 USD)

LOT #707
LIMITED EDITION CALFSKIN LEATHER & EMBROIDERED TOILE DE JOUY TROPICALIA MEDIUM SADDLE BAG WITH BLACK HARDWARE
DIOR, 2019 (Est. $1,000-2,000)

LOT #778
MATTE DUSTY ROSE ALLIGATOR JUMBO DOUBLE FLAP BAG WITH PERMABRASS HARDWARE
CHANEL, 2014 (Est. $8,000-10,000 USD)

LOT #765
OSTRICH CLUTCH WITH GOLD HARDWARE
CELINE, CIRCA 1980 (Est. $500-700 USD)

LOT #798
PAIR OF CLASSIC MONOGRAM CANVAS SUITCASES
LOUIS VUITTON (Est. $1,000-2,000 USD)

Le Gigot Sleeve | Sitting Pretty in Parisian Fashion

Sitting Pretty in Parisian Fashion

Puffed sleeves have been a fixture in French fashion since—well, the Renaissance, actually. And while we no longer style them with bustles and bonnets, this oversized look has gotten many a modern update over the centuries—reinventing itself throughout different chapters in fashion history and cementing its eternal place in the French girl’s style playbook.

One variation that you may recognize from the days of yore, seeing its heyday in the late 1800s, is the Gigot sleeve—which is puffed from the shoulder to the elbow, and slim through the forearm. You may be surprised to learn that this style was literally named for its resemblance to the shape of a sheep’s hind leg. Etymology aside, the moniker seems quite chic, but then again, everything sounds better in the language of love!

We’ve seen the more contemporary Gigot make its way into pret-a-porter collections of recent years, along with its other puffy cousins. One such descendant of the Gigot family tree is this lacy version from the European casual-chic brand, Parisian Fashion. Fierce and fabulous, this sheer chemise is quite a conversation piece, complete with its attached pussy-bow—a name that makes it clear why the French should always be in charge of naming these things.

Head over to the Shop page to browse other favorites from Parisian Fashion.

La Rentrée | The Season of the Fresh Start

Anyone else getting major First Wives Club vibes from this tenue blanche?

There’s something magical about the transition from summer into fall.

It’s a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. It’s symbolic of a new school year, and for me personally, it’s literally the beginning of a new year on the calendar. As you may know, my birthday falls during the last week of August, which is always the week when something in the wind shifts, ever so slightly. It’s still summertime and the end-of-season pool parties are in full swing, but in my world, it’s always marked an intangible turning of the page. These first few weeks of September set the shift into motion, culminating with the first day of l’automne, which officially begins today. In France, this transitional period is called la rentrée.

As we’ve discussed before, the month of August is synonymous with vacation in France. Restaurants and boutiques temporarily shutter for weeks at a time, city dwellers make a bee-line for the countryside and the beach, public transit slows to a drip, and everyone—from shopkeepers to government officials—essentially closes up shop, leaving each other with the cheerful phrase, “À la rentree!”

Meaning, See you in September!

"Bonnes vacances!”

“À la rentrée!”

As the excitement of summer vacances gives way to the back to school (and back to work) mentality, some feel the post-holiday blues, and some feel invigorated—happy to return to normalcy and ready to begin a new chapter.

Although Europe and America (and most of the world) celebrate the official New Year on January first, I personally never feel a perceptible change when the clock strikes midnight, because the middle of winter never feels like the time for newness—it’s something about the first breeze of coolness in the air, the first few leaves to jump ship from their branches. It’s buying school supplies, shopping for sweaters, and that first whiff of cinnamon and pumpkin spice.

Many cultures and religions, like Judaism, celebrate the New Year during this period—Shanah Tovah to our Jewish amis—and of course, the fashion world celebrates the illustrious release of the September issue—magazine speak for the editorial debut of fall fashion—when beloved designers and couturiers unveil their seasonal Fall/Winter collections and campaigns. It’s the month of Fashion Week—NYFW is underway, and PFW starts today.

As a former fashion editor for NBC, lifestyle writer, and editorial devotee, this period thrills me, and as someone who prefers to look forward, not backwards, I love shifting focus from warm weather holidays to the preparation of the cozy winter ones. I don’t typically mourn seasons, because, as my maman likes to say, there’ll be another one next year. Which is just a more positive way of saying, we’re captive on a carousel of time. Merci, Joni Mitchell.

The concept of the summer holiday is actually rooted in agricultural history, dating back to the year 1231—believe it or not—when Pope Gregory IX closed universities for a month each summer so that students could return home to help their families prepare the crops for the fall harvest. While many Americans tend to think of France and Paris as one and the same, there is a deeply rooted history and tradition in the large rural swaths of the country, known as la campagne, and France is nothing if not deeply devoted to its honoring its people and upholding its traditions.

In celebration of this time of rebirth, if you will, I’ve decided to pay my respects in a symbolic white suit—all Zara, all the time—with a crop for a timely and trendy twist. It’s a perfect transitional ensemble—a sort of “in memoriam” to bid farewell to warmer days, which, at least in Southern California, will still be hanging around for a while—and a first step towards the annual re-introduction of long pants and blazers into the fall wardrobe.

Bienvenue, l’Automne and Happy Pumpkin Spice season to my chic Américanes—which, let’s be honest, is well on its way to becoming an official holiday.

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!

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.

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?

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.

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!

Coup de Coeur | How to Wear a Faux French Trench

The French phrase coup de coeur literally translates to “a hit to the heart",” which we would think of in English as a crush, if you will.

My latest style crush, so to speak, is the black leather trench—faux, of course. With all the panache of the timeless khaki trench—made popular by fictitious spies like Carmen Sandiego, Inspector Gadget, and the Pink Panther (as well as adventurous role-players the world over), and which will go down in history as probably the most quintessentially “French” item one can have in one’s wardrobe—the most contemporary iteration of this perennial favorite incorporates an added element of femme fatale by way of the recently unearthed and retooled “pleather” craze from the late 90s and early aughts.

How to Wear a Faux French Trench | Coup de Coeur

Equal parts European sophisticate and James Bond villain—especially with a pair of jet black frames—this look can be easily achieved. Add a pair of gold hoops, moto boots, a black fanny pack, and some chain detailing to really nail the trend of the season.

Sadly, my Pretty Little Thing trench is no longer available, but head on over to my SHOP page to find couture versions from the likes of Dior and Versace—to name a few—at quite a steal!

CLICK HERE TO SHOP

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!)

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!

ICYMI: French Girl Style | The TUNDRA Talk LIVE Recap

Photo for Kollectin

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

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

1. Simplicity vs. Glam

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

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

2. Aging With Dignity

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

3. Minimalism

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

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

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

Bonne journée mes amours!

LIVE CHAT: How to Dress Like a French Girl

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

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

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

A bientôt!

Heure d'or | Golden Hour in FRNCH

It’s no secret that I love working with French brands, and one of my absolute favorites right now is the US outpost of the aptly titled Parisian brand FRNCH— pronounced like, well, “French.” You may remember ce marque from the pretty little polka-dot number I debuted earlier this summer.

Parisian Brand FRNCH

Based in the third arrondissement of Paris, this dreamy collection of ready-to-wear feminine frocks perfectly captures the unpretentious simplicity and minimalist sophistication that defines French Girl style.

Exhibit A: Meet the Alika dress (above).

This golden-hued maxi moves with the fluidity of melted Provençal butter, and somehow manages to be simultaneously both subtle and a standout—the very paradox that makes a French Girl so intoxicating.

This stunner evoked reactions ranging from elegant “Beauty and the Beast vibes” to comparisons with Beyonce’s iconic Lemonade video—also known as the height of Sasha Fierce boldness. With adjustable straps and a hidden snap to create a more modest décolletage, every detail of this classic wrap style is designed to perfectly flatter any female form and evoke the authenticity of une vrai française.

Shop the Spring/Summer 2020 collection here.

FRNCH US
@frnch_us

Le Marque | Like a FRNCH Girl

What is it about a polka-dot pattern that can render any dress, blouse, or otherwise, so instantly chic? It’s just one of those iconic looks, like a monogrammed logo or pearl detailing, that can turn anything it graces into a classic.

Enter the Adonie dress (above) from my new favorite Parisian brand, FRNCH. No, that’s not a typo. This insta-chic collection is so inherently and authentically French that it doesn’t even need the E to prove it.

“Dedicated to a city that embraces elegance and simplicity, FRNCH's ready-to-wear concept also boldly merges the feminine look with the masculine,” the brand’s mission statement explains. “The result is an audacious expression of Parisian style, culture and way of being.”

With a flagship location in the third arrondissement of Paris, the whole luxurious collection is now available to les américaines via FRNCH US.

Shop the Spring/Summer 2020 collection here.

FRNCH
@frnch_us

OOTD: Crème de la Cream

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to shop this cream suit from Zara.

OOTD: The Bejeweled Blazer

Photo by @minjucita; Jewelry by Kollectin.

I’ve always loved putting a unique twist on a classic, and this bejeweled blazer from Naked Wardrobe does just that.

A basic blazer is an absolute wardrobe necessity for la Parisienne, since a city girl must be able to transition from day to night, le bureau to apéro (the office to happy hour) at a moment’s notice. It can be thrown effortlessly—everything must always look effortless—over jeans and a tee to dress up a casual weekend outfit, or it can be a standout on its own when reimagined with a little bit of fanfare—a la this example.

Skipping the traditional lapel, pockets, and even your everyday buttons, this fitted, is it navy or black? statement piece will keep everyone guessing—and “they” must always be guessing.

The pièce de résistance of course is the jewel-encrusted double closure, bringing the eye to the elegant décolletage. The key, of course, is not revealing too much. A French Girl never reveals her secrets—or a nip slip.

Click here to shop.