Recently, I’ve been delving deep into all things style related here on Distant Francophile. These pieces have been inspired by the emails I receive each and every day from readers keen share their style triumphs and challenges. Naturally – me being me – I’ve tried to include a touch of French flavour to the posts […]
French Style
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Do you have a style icon? Someone whose way of dressing informs and inspires your own style? Someone you wish you could be when you (finally) grow up? Identifying style icons can really help you to develop your own style. Taking inspiration from looks you admire can assist you to build a wardrobe you love. […]
I guess it’s no surprise how much women love handbags (or purses as our friends in the U.S. sometimes call them). We tend to carry one almost everywhere. And they often contain not only our daily essentials but our precious memories too. It is not lost on me that France has produced some of the […]
One thing French women appear to have the ability to do time and time again is create a wardrobe that makes chic dressing look effortless. From skinny jeans, via perfect little black dresses to nonchalantly tied trench coats, their wardrobes seem filled with items that communicate two of my very favourite ‘E” words – elegance […]
One of the many things I love about Paris is her colour scheme. Wherever you look, whether from street level or above, you’ll see consistent colours. Beautiful hues. The neutral sort. There is no doubt about it – charcoals, mid-greys, slate blues, russets, taupes and sands dominate your view. These colours are everywhere […]
Happy December to you! Yep, that’s right. It is December already. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll be super excited. Dressing up for parties, fun with family and friends, twinkling lights, presents and all that yummy food. Seriously, what’s not to love about December? With the festive season firmly in the front […]
There are days when I feel like I’m a bit of a stalker. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not following people home or setting myself up outside their workplaces, binoculars in hand. But I do engage in an awful lot of people watching. On our most recent trip to France, I set myself the assignment […]
When it comes to looking stylish, there’s a lot to be said for a good coat. We’ve just spent most of October in France. And while the weather was quite warm when we first landed and during our time in the South, it has cooled down markedly now that we are heading for home. As […]
The other day, one of my closest friends and I got to talking about the importance of grooming. We both agreed that while there are a few blessed souls out there who can look spectacular with assistance only from a hair tie and a little lip gloss, the rest of us have to work somewhat […]
I’ve been travelling for work a lot recently. Which means I’ve had a stack of time to think – the only upside of delayed flights is that they provide valuable thinking time! Top on my list of ‘thinking topics’ has been how the French dedication to style forms the foundation of all that that they […]
Previously on Distant Francophile….we’ve discussed the Parisian adoration of wearing black. People watch for any length of time and you will definitely see a lot of black. When you are in Paris black is favoured shade for coats, tops, boots, jeans and just about every other item of clothing you can name! But watch for […]
Last week’s post about my complete lack of anything that even resembles a capsule wardrobe certainly got the conversation flowing. Thank you so much to all of you who contributed your thoughts and tips – they really were amazing and very much appreciated. We’ve completed our wardrobe makeover now and while I (still) have many […]
It’s a long weekend here in Melbourne and yesterday, completely on a whim, Scott and I decided to rip out and replace the insides of our built-in-robes. This decision prompted me to think about three things: Renovations – no matter how minor – always take longer than you think they will. Yep, we’ll be lucky […]
On the back of last week’s investment dressing post, a girlfriend and I got talking about shoes, and whether or not they qualify as an investment piece. For me, the answer is simple. While I certainly consider an excellent pair of shoes an investment worth making, I can’t consider them an investment piece. Let me […]
I’m always impressed when I hear the younger crowd at work talking about saving up for an investment piece. When I was their age and in my mid twenties I didn’t even know what an investment piece was! (In my defence, I was somewhat occupied by a toddler and the mortgage at the time.) I […]
Baby pink blossom, with an Eiffel Tower backdrop. Parisian café terraces bathed in ever brightening sunlight. Yes, the photos that have been popping up in my Instagram feed lately have been sending a clear message. Spring is on the way – at least in Paris. And while the ever appropriate Parisians won’t be looking to […]
Do you have a signature style? Something that articulates your brand in the world? A look that everyone immediately associates as being ‘so you’? There’s no doubt about it, developing a signature style is a good idea. Somewhat akin to a uniform – and occasionally described as such – everything you’ll read on the topic […]
It probably goes without saying that French women are known for their seemingly effortless, somewhat understated style. Over the years, I’ve noticed that there are a few key elements to this style – skinny jeans, a quality t-shirt, a great jacket, a scarf (bien sûr) and flat shoes. Predominantly ballet flats. Yes, ballet flats – […]
I love finding unique gifts for family and friends. And I love it even more when the entire shopping experience is just plain fun!