All Things French & Fabulous

(Via Inslee Designs)

Yes, I know, I am a day late for Bastille Day. What was a girl to do? I wanted you all to be primed and ready for Amazon's Prime Day today, so I have reversed the occasions. But really, now, do we need a special day to love anything French? 

Vintage Chanel Black & Gold Logo Earrings
In my book, there is only one thing better than Chanel - Vintage Chanel! These earrings are from Vintage Lux and were part of the Chanel Autumn 1995 Collection.
One Kings Lane

Vintage French Champagne Bucket
Pop that bubbly and celebrate everything with this vintage and aluminum champagne accessory from France. Each one is unique, since they are antique.
Food52

Christian Louboutin Nicobar Sandals
Louboutin, perhaps the most iconic contemporary French name in fashion. Known for his red soled and high styled shoes, the designer does not disappoint with these.
Barney's New York

Tartine Et Chocolat
Quintessentially traditional French style from newborn accessories to infant clothing.  See the collection at
Childrensalon

Vindil Seabreeze Silk Blouse
With a vibe of the French Riviera or St. Barth, this pretty print blouse plays with patterns in a luxe and lovely way. 
Calypso St. Barth

France Luxe French Twist Comb
Ever wonder how French women usually look so polished and put together? It's all about the details. These beautiful accessories are handmade in France, and make a great girlfriend gift.
Nordstrom

Laguiole 6-Piece Ivory Steak Knife Set
Designed by Jean Dubost from Thiers, France. This is what I am missing in my tablescape...dressed up steak knives. Very nice for a more formal dinner.
AHAlife

Seda France Pagoda Candles
The inspiration for Seda France's Classic Toile Collection came from the centuries-old French "toile de jouy" design elements.  I think they are one of the best and aromatic candles made. They make a beautiful gift, and now are on sale for 41% - 59% off retail at
One Kings Lane

House Of Guerlain
I became aware of this luxury fragrance and cosmetic line during a stay in the grand dame Ritz Hotel in Paris. If you can believe, our suite was gifted with 2 full size beautiful bottles of Guerlain parfum. One was for me and the other for Mr. Shop This. I wore that fragrance for years until they discontinued it.  I still am a devotee of their cosmetics. Nordstrom's offers some exclusive scents that are really fab!
Nordstrom

Marcel Rochas: Designing French Glamour
Sophie Rochas shares an intimate story about her Father, renowned fashion designer, Marcel Rochas. A new book published in May 2015. What a fab gift for a Francophile or fave fashionista friend.
Amazon

Le Creuset Cookware
Whether you are cooking lapin al a moutarde, or chicken noodle soup, anything tastes better when cooked, then served, in these cast iron pans coated with a porcelain enamel glaze. The cast iron is still made in the same French foundry as it was in 1925. 
Le Creuset

If you like facial powder to set your makeup, you simply must try this brand. It is truly the finest literally, and as in "best" powder I have ever tried. 
Beauty Habit

Christian Lacroix
I just love the extravagant spirit of the House of Lacroix. See the oh so French collection of fabrics, pillows and wallpapers at 
Designer's Guild

Authentic Gourmet Croissants
If you have been to France, surely you had one of these buttery flaky croissants. These promise to be the real thing, having been pre-buttered, frozen and shipped from France. I have not had the pleasure to try them yet, but a friend raves about them!
QVC

A Kitchen in France, Signed Copy
Do you fantasize about picnics in the French countryside or bountiful tables of tarts and cassoulets? Mimi Thorisson, editor of the highly acclaimed blog, Manger, has a book for you. If you are going to buy one aspirational cookbook this year, let it be this one.
Food52

With Love From Provence
A gourmet voyage to Southern France. "The collection unites three aspects of France: its luxury, as seen in the mahogany wood ‘Provence Jade 6‘ box; the naturally rustic side, represented in the basswood ‘Provence Zenith‘ box; and the simplicity of taking a moment of pleasure, highlighted in our ‘Provence 15-pc’, ‘Orange Duo’ and ‘Provence 30-pc’.
Z Chocolat

Eiffel Tower Opener & Corkscrew Set
Add a Parisian flair to your next affair! This set makes a haute hostess gift, too.
Zhush

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Three French Hens!

I have a bird phobia and it all began with chickens.  So we won't be talking about French Hens today. Instead, here are some fabulous French finds.

Fa la la la!

Le Creuset Cookware

Kiss the cook in your life with anything from what

is considered the ultimate in fine cookware. Pick a color that will thrill any chic chef!

Le Crueset

French Cafe By Little Spaces

Ooh la la! How fun is this?  This of all the

creativity and pretend goodies the kids will cook up in this easy to assemble playhouse.

Little Circus

A compendium to celebrate the savior faire 
and joie de vivre that is French style. A perfect gift for the fashionista in your life.
Barney's New York

Tuck one of these in her stocking and she will certainly say OUI! Handcrafted in France, these powder puffs are the ultimate indulgence. This is one of my fave  finds of the season.

Beauty Habit

Sweet Parisian Sweater

No one says it better than the French!

Forever 21

Two's Company French Macaron 

Trinket Box

If you gifting someone with a ring or a small piece of jewelry,go the extra mile and pick up one of these oh so sweet boxes!

Zhush

Glam Glow

Everyone wants better skin. I would love to find

this in my stocking.  Of course, Santa know that this product has been praised by editors around the world.

He also knows that its' mud base is from the southern France's Mediterranean Sea, home to glamorous Cannes, Saint Tropez and Monaco.

Nordstrom's

Thierry Lasry Staminy Sunglasses

To match his baby blues! These made in France glasses are contemporary and cool.

East Dane

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All Things French And Fabulous

Happy Bastille Day to France!

In honor of this special day, I

present a few of my favorite

French things.

Mademoiselle Coco Chanel
I have a small collection of her jewelry,
and they are some of my favorite things.

You can pick up your own vintage
WGACA pieces at Shop Bop

Coco Chanel's Apartment
31 Rue Cambon
Notice the ultra chic Coromandel screens.
More at Habitually Chic

Designer Olivier Gagnère mixes exotic textiles and bold colors in his Left Bank flat.  The French
have a special way of combining colors and
objects nonchalantly, but perfectly.

Elle Decor

Orange Crush: Hermes Birkin Bag

"The bag is a symbol of wealth due to its high price and elusiveness to the public. It was named after actress and singer Jane Birkin, its prices range from $9.000 to $150.000. It is highly coveted and, for several years, was reputed for having a waiting list of up to 6 years; the longest wait for any bag in history."

Even better than a Birkin Bag, the enamel
Hermes Bracelet is always exciting to me.
i have a tiny collection of these, as well.
See the current choices at Hermes

Poires Belle Hélène

This classic French recipe was invented Paris in the 19th century and named after an 

opera by Offenbach.

Recipe Here

I so love French architecture.  Above,
a Rococo folly that  was perfection to
Carolyne Roehm

I remember the first time I saw the Louvre
It took my breath away.  Learn more here

Lemon Tart With Toasted Meringue
by Pierre Hermé.
Paris Loves Pastry





Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin not only creates the famous
red soled shoes for men and women, he fancies red for himself.

Louboutin's on The Seine.

You can have your own pair from stores
like Barney's New York

Parisian Chic
A book by former super model, Ines de la Fressange.  It's her personal guide to style and the city of lights.  Find it at Amazon

A trip to Paris must include a visit to Laudree.

The Laudree Macaroon, the prettiest
cookie ever made!

It is like being a kid in a very grown up
Candy store!

Guerlain

The House of Guerlain has created more than 700 fragrances to date, several of which are considered to be among the masterpieces of perfumery. Guerlain was founded in 1828, when Pierre~Francois-Pascal Guerlain opened his first boutique in Paris. 

The boutique on the Champs-Elysées.
I had the pleasure of visiting, after
being gifted with a full bottle of one of their
scents in my suite at the Ritz. 
Both, very special!  You can read more
and purchase their fine fragrances and
cosmetics at Nordstrom's

The Ritz

15 place Vendôme (1e), Paris, 75001 France

Like Princess Diana and heads of states,
I've had the fabulous experience of
staying at The Ritz.  It is now closed
for a two year complete renovation. 
I cannot wait to go back.  Read about
this legendary hotel

 here

I cannot be exactly sure, but after
a lovely upgrade, I think this was our suite.
It came complete with two balconies
and 11 closets!

Our bathroom was similar and also 
included a separate steam room with
steam benches for three and a bucket 
of chilled Evian water!

L’Espadon, The grand and ornate dining room.

And the Bellboys really did wear hats
like this.....without the Louboutins

Don't miss todays sales, including 
the Art of French Cooking at
One Kings Lane

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I could go on for days!
Instead I'll leave you with
one of my favorite quotes.