Category Archives: francophilia

you’re invited!

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November is off to an exciting start – I finally launched @thefrancophiles newsletter after many months of planning! Subscribe here to receive a monthly French fix delivered to your inbox, complete with: events, interviews, favorite reads and products, a playlist and more. In addition, I am thrilled to announce that I’m hosting a shopping event in NYC with one of my absolute favorite brands, Clare V. – an independent French-inspired line designed by Clare Vivier. It’s a big brand now that somehow still feels small, in the best of ways. Get a jumpstart on holiday shopping, buy that bag you’ve been coveting (at 20% off), and enjoy wine + treats from Maman. I hope you’ll join me if you’re in (or around) NYC!

packing for london + paris

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I can’t believe we leave for London + Paris in a few days! The suitcases are out and I’m deep into the process of packing for myself and the kids. We’re using only carry-ons, so I’m doing my best to figure out our outfits ahead of time and limit extras. Both of our Airbnb’s have a washer/dryer which makes things so much easier – I highly recommend renting if you’re traveling with children. I’ve actually never traveled to Europe in the summer, so I’m having to approach this a little differently. Since London is much farther north, the temperatures are still quite mild and even chilly at times, which I’m thankful for! Of course, rain is inevitable – finding the perfect packable raincoat (that is also chic) has been a challenge. Since I feel like rain boots are essential for this trip I’m going to wear them on the plane, but you could also opt for packable boots. As far as clothes go, I always stick to the classics and mix in one or two more trendy items – I don’t have the Veja sneakers yet but plan on buying them there at a much better price! I always pack my foldable/expandable Longchamp tote for any extras that we pick up along the way and might need to check on the return trip. All the items shown are linked below, as well as my other packing posts which I hope can be helpful to you when travel planning!

my other packing for paris posts: one | two | three (kids version) | four

striped shirt | graphic tee | button-down shirt | trench coat | tulle dot dress | linen dress | distressed skinny jeans | boyfriend jeans | rain boots | sneakers | nude flats | camera travel tote | crossbody bag | sunglasses | leopard clutch purse

francophile gift guide – mother’s day edition

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As a devout Francophile and mother, I can honestly say that I would be thrilled to receive any of the items on this list! I always enjoy curating French-inspired gift guides, and this one is dedicated to les mamans, but of course can serve as inspiration for any special female or friend in your life. If you’re not already, be sure to join @thefrancophiles community for all things French. Mother’s Day is around the corner on both continents…happy shopping mes amis!

1.  this luxe new Cire Trudon beeswax candle was created in honor of bees and is dedicated to saving the species.

2.  100% of net proceeds from this chic “I love you Mom” tee by Clare V. benefits Every Mother Counts.

3.   inspired by French body care + handcrafted in Seattle, French Girl Organics fleur de rose facial polish is a luxe treat.

4.  treat Mom to hashtag rosé all day with this 3 pc. bento box of rosé-infused gummies from Sugarfina!

5.   Paris in Bloom by Georgianna Lane is longer-lasting than a bouquet and is an elegant tour of the city in the spring.

6.  this porcelain “maman adorée” mug by émoi émoi is sure to make her smile every time she picks it up.

7.  a clever take on the French national motto, this sturdy + chic Clare V. tote also benefits Every Mother Counts.

8.  the famous nutty chocolate chip cookies from Maman bakery are now available for shipping nationwide!

9.  made in France, this L’Occitane shea butter kit is a lovely collaboration with Rifle Paper Co.

10. the illustrations of Garance Doré are perfect for any Francophile femme…this “XO” poster would be a thoughtful gift.

bon weekend

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image c/o The Hive Studio (a letter she beautifully calligraphed for me)

I blinked and it’s February, yikes! January was all about holiday recovery and personal health (both physical and mental). I did a deep dive into some of my favorite podcasts, newsletters and Instagram accounts, and found quite a bit of inspiration. Narrowing your focus is imperative, as there is so much goodness to be found these days – it’s overwhelming! I’m sharing a of them few here in the hopes you might also enjoy them…each of these people have impacted me with their words. In addition, I stumbled upon this truth bomb the other day, and it was just what I needed to hear. I would love to know what you’re reading/listening to/inspired by these days…please enlighten me in the comments!

BON WEEKEND

(instagram) cleo wade + jamie varon + mindfulmft

(podcast) jen gotch is ok…sometimes

(newsletter) friday letters by jamie varon

(book) first we make the beast beautiful by sarah wilson

francophile gift guide – book edition

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Since my Francophile gift guide was such a big hit last year, I’m bringing it back but with a twist – books! With so many amazing French-inspired book releases this year, it was quite hard to narrow it down to eleven, but these are some of my personal favorites. Full disclosure: a few of these authors are friends, and a few of these books were gifted, but this post is not sponsored. For more gifting inspiration for the Francophiles in your life, check out the Francophiles Pinterest boards, and please do follow along over @thefrancophiles…more to come in 2019! Happy shopping mes amis!

1.   this Parisian Chic journal by French icon Ines de la Fressange is ideal for the writer or traveler in your life.

2.   the debut cookbook by The Cook’s Atelier is so stunning – I’ve gifted it twice already this year!

3.   a set of two chic passport pocket notebooks by Rifle Paper Co., for your next French adventure.

4.   Women of Singular Beauty is a richly personal book of photographs that capture the essence of CHANEL.

5.   for the Francophile mamas and kids, In the French Kitchen with Kids by Mardi Michels brings everyone to the table.

6.   Tasting Paris is the latest from Clotilde Dusoulier and will surely transport you (and your taste buds) to Paris.

7.   for the serious Francophile wishing to understand modern Paris, The New Paris by Lindsey Tramuta is a must-read.

8.   Paris in Bloom by Georgianna Lane is an elegant photographic tour of the city during its most beautiful season.

9.   for design lovers, Maison: Parisian Chic at Home features fifteen homes infused with French style.

10. perfectly pocket-sized, Paris in Stride: An Insider’s Walking Guide is cleverly illustrated by Jessie Kanelos Weiner.

11. just released, Apéritif: Cocktail Hour the French Way by Rebekah Peppler is a celebration of cocktails and culture.