French-Secret of the week:

Staying connected to the earth is vital to the French

One way they do that is by going to the marché.  The farmers’ markets are everywhere in France including large cities such as Paris. Since the French love to tell stories, so buying vegetables, cheese or anything else they are selling comes with a tale.  These anecdotes are a joy to hear, not only do they inform, but they also reveal the excitement and pride behind what they are selling.  Their enthusiasm is infectious; I walk away feeling energized and happy to be a part of the process.

This past weekend I went to several plant sales put on by the local garden clubs in town. It was hard to not be taken up by the excitement.

I found myself grabbing plants that I was assured would be perfect for that one spot where nothing else grows, or discovering that lemon balm is delicious on fish.  Oh and I almost forgot, I found out that deer do not eat Lily of the Valley because it’s poisonous.

I found myself smiling and my heart beating faster, as it does whenever I do something fun. I was connecting with people who were knowledgeable, passionate, and the joy they exuded was intoxicating.

It is nice to remember that it doesn’t matter where we are, plants still grow and we eat the bounty that someone has taken the time to produce and it’s fun to talk to them about what they grow or make.

Don’t forget to check out your farmers’ market. Mine opens Memorial Day weekend, and I can’t wait!

When I took the picture I didn’t even notice the Blue Jay—what can I say . . .

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An American Robin made her nest under my deck and next to the stairs. When I spotted her, we were at eye level about 2 feet apart and not knowing what else to do I said hi.  Boy was that a mistake!  She took off squawking and flew from spot to spot sounding the alarm. Apparently, what I should have done was look, but not speak to her.

She flew around the garden landing on posts and chairs and in her fiercest stance let me know I was intruding on her domain.

Later. . .

She was back on her nest and this time I didn’t speak and neither did she. She let me take pictures!
I guess it’s important to know the rules.

Happy Mother’s day!

               French-Secret of the week:

                     Living well is not optional

Stopping to savor the moment is essential for the French lifestyle. It can be a walk in the garden or sitting at a café enjoying lunch. Whatever it is, it takes priority over other things.

This is hardest for me to remember. When it comes to work, I don’t know how to stop. Knowing that, I decided to slow down and enjoy the day. Spring is my favorite time of the year and watching things come to life isn’t going to wait until I’m ready.

I am a sucker for skirts and dresses, wearing them makes me feel feminine. They are not for everyday, but neither are pants. These images make me want to run to my closet and put one on and then find someplace to go.

Who knew that a flowing pink skirt, a plain black top, simple hat and clutch could look so good! Let’s not forget the shoes, heals make your legs look so great!

What I love about this look is that when she is standing still she almost looks conservative.  Yet, when she starts to walk and you see the transparency of her skirt and the ankle boots with those heals the outfit comes to life. It’s even a little risqué. The contrast is great!

I love this dress, but I think it’s the bright belt that makes it pop. It’s time to rethink the belts I wear. I’ve seen inexpensive belts in great colors at stores like Forever21 and H&M (to name just a few) so it’s not a big expense to create such a dramatic effect.

As I’ve mentioned, I’m searching for a lace top. I love the look of this one. Does anyone know the designer or where I might find it?

The contrast in these two looks is great! Not many people could pull off those glasses with that lace top, but she sure does. It’s all about attitude!

There is just something about dresses. What can I say?

Yellow Dress    Blue Dress

French-Secret of the week  (If you forgot here is the link to previous post)

This is where I get my inspiration . . .

Simply inspired! I love the necklace, red lipstick and the clutch, not to mention the shirt with the polka dot lined cuffs! The accessories are worn with a beautifully fitting beige jacket, the sleeves pulled up and the shirt cuffs turned over to make their statement. The result is a classic look that is made modern and elegant.

Layers are what makes this combination look so great. Jeans, beige shirt, beige jacket, a bold necklace, bracelets, a bold handbag, and great sunglasses! Thank goodness she didn’t stop before she added the last detail or it may not have been so spectacular.

So casual it almost looks thrown together, but that just doesn’t happen.

It is the attention to detail and the layers that I like.

Elegance is what comes to mind with this look. A black tee shirt, a pair of white pants, a classic beige trench coat and those great sunglasses are perfect. These are your basics and no place to skimp.

Are you like me, do you love looking at great style for inspiration?

Links to all images

Beige Blazer with polka dots  Fashion by Yeba
Layered Look with bold Necklace Saucy Glossie
Sweater over White Shirt with Black piping J Crew
Blue Blazer with Jeans J Crew
Off white Blazer M. Sherman’s photostream
Green Blazer  Sunshine Daydream
Salmon color Blazer Indulgy
Beige Trench Coat J Crew

French-Secret of the week:

French women do not copy style, they find inspiration from runways, magazines and from what other women are wearing. However, how they interpret the look is their unique style.

These images are my runway inspirations I love the colors, the mix of patterns and the accessories!

Deciding what I am going to wear each day does not happen in my closet. It happens first with an inspiration, with seeing a look that excites me, a look that I know I can reinterpret and make my own. Then I go to my closet to see how I am going to make it happen.

If you like these looks you have to see the video of the MILLY runway show. Don’t forget these looks are for inspiration . . . enjoy, I did!

I love these blocks of color

 
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I thought I’d share a great look using the bold colors of Spring. Instead of using tee shirts use layers of sweaters topped with a scarf to keep you warm until Spring comes back.

Don’t forget the bracelets and sunglasses to complete the look!

The combination of colors are so inspiring, don’t you think?

You don’t need to be French to have French Style you just need to know the their secrets . . .

French-Secret of the week:

French women do not change their wardrobes with the seasons—they change their accessories.

As the seasons change I find I am slightly discombobulated until I go through a familiar ritual and assess what the fashion trends for the coming season are. If I were sitting at a café in Paris I would just observe the trends on passersby, but sitting in Westchester makes it a bit harder to people watch. Magazines are useful, but not nearly as fun as being in a city and seeing the looks as they stroll by.

One of the most important facts about French style is that it is all in the accessories!  If you do nothing else each season, load up on the trendy accessories and find ways to add them to your look. I promise you that is the most important ingredient to creating that je ne c’est quoi or indescribable quality that makes French women stand out for their style.

This Spring you need to focus on bright color blocks whether it is in the clothes you choose, such as bright skinny jeans paired with a contrasting tee or simply adding the contrasting color with the accessories.  You pick—either way—it is the burst of color that you want to make your look stand out.

Here are the items I’m adding to my spring and summer wardrobe:

A bright clutch bag

Lots of bangles

Dangly earrings

Ballerina slippers in lots of bright colors

Bright skinny jeans

The unexpected addition I’m looking for is a lace tee shirt. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to wear it yet, but it is the contrast that I like so it probably will be with something casual. And, the lace can be carried forward and worn this fall and winter as a great accessory with your more bulky fall and winter fabrics.

Fashionologie.com
Harpersbazaar.com
jcrew.com
glamour.com
inspired-design.tumblr.com
doublehappinessjewelry.com
gioiellinb.com
bananarepublic.gap.com
tommy.com
victoriasecret.com
ebay.com

 French Sailor’s shirts from L.L.Bean

$29.95

 100% cotton and there are no shipping charges!

If you love stripe tees like I do . . . this is a great deal!