French Chic.

What does that even mean?

 

I’ll be the first to admit to not quite grasping the entire concept of, “French Chic“.  And since I’m on that confessional train, let me also admit to neither being a fan thereof nor even believing the vibe actually exists.

As you all well know, I subscribe to the maxim of more is more.  Always have.  And from what I’ve gleaned of how the French dress today, the look is (often) clean and spare.  Minimal fuss.  Pared down with the occasional statement clutch or heel.  Chignons (or, at the very least, sleek hair).  Delicate jewellery.  Lipsticks are either very nude or very bold red.  And the colour black.  A lot of black.

French style is all about the nuances.  Subtlety.  Details.

Embellished Leather Jacket  (Pinko, purchased in Italy) | Striped Top & Beret (Forever21) | Black Capris with Attached Miniskirt (Herban Devi @ Etsy) | Striped Heels (Shoe Ocean) | Red Cuff (Kate Spade, thrifted) | Sunnies (Poshmark) | Lipstick (22 @ Kylie Cosmetics)

MY PERSONAL STYLE IS MAXIMALIST

One might even say it veers towards that of the Italians.

Unapologetically flamboyant.  And opulent.  I make no attempts to be even remotely minimalistic in my approach to dressing.

I say it loud, and I say it proud.

#sorrynotsorry

Which brings us to the matter post at hand.

What was I thinking?  French chic?  I knew I really didn’t have all that many options save to leverage upon that classic French Riviera combination of B&W Stripes with a touch of red.  I did, however, try to add some whimsy to certain elements, just to be a little unexpected.

For instance, the stripes aren’t just on my knit cropped top but reappear on my feet in those lovely (but horribly uncomfortable) heels.  Yes, they’re gorgeous to look at but I wish you could see some of the outtakes (I am SO not sharing those here, I look so comically silly).  How my face is all scrunched up as I winced with each step.  Damn you heels.  You’re going to end up costing me a Botox shot or three GRIN

As for the beret, I had every intention of pinning a shiny brooch onto it.  For added visual interest but, of course, completely forgot.  Which is to be expected given that this outfit was pulled together just minutes before my photographer arrived.  What can I say, I love living on the edge (says Sheela with the merest hint of flippancy).

Then there’s that jacket.  My friends, this is the ultimate jacket.  Each and every single embellishment you see from embroidered flower to beaded applique was applied by hand.  Yes, by hand.  Painstakingly and ever so arduously.  True, it cost me a pretty penny Euro but it was worth it.  Completely worth it.  The lambskin is buttery soft and cradles my body in a snug hug.  The colours are beyond striking.  And the craftsmanship nothing short of outstanding.  And, I agree, it is rather ironic to be wearing an Italian leather jacket for a French-inspired outfit.

C’est la vie, I say.

Now we come to the star of this show, my Black Knit Jersey Capris with the attached miniskirt.  Isn’t it the coolest?  It’s pants but with an interesting sartorial twist (which has a double bonus of flattening the belly).  A third disclosure:  I have this in an entire array of colours and prints.  I like them that much.

Pssst.  Does the rose tattoo on my wrist count as an accessory?  I mean, La Vie En Rose et al.

And on that note, my friends, here before you are five interpretations of French Chic utilising Capris featuring Jodie and her ladies, Eve, and myself.  On Monday, we showcased our capris a la Athleisure, and today, it’s all about French Chic.  But you knew that already.  Friday is when we really kick things up a notch with Red Carpet Glam (yes, it can be done with Capris!!).

But for now, how do you think we pulled off French Chic?

Eve, Teens (the world according to eve)

There is no doubt in my mind that Eve would look absolutely at home on the streets of Paris with this outfit.  From those pearl encrusted sunnies to that delightful scarf (Edelweiss, I believe) adorning her tresses to her simple statement of a tee shirt.  Bien fait, baby girl.

Sheela, 40s (sheela writes)

Here’s me, doing French Chic in my trademark OTT fashion.  Stripes.  Black with White.  And a generous helping of fire engine red, topped off with a jaunty beret and oversized sunnies.

Jodie, 50s (jodie’s touch of style)

For today’s post, Jodie’s look is my absolute fave.  There’s such a charming Audrey Hepburn and the French Riviera vibe here.  Those ballet flats and denim capris just stole my heart.  They really did.  And I adore that she straightened her hair for this outfit, sleek and pared down.

Nancy, 60s (jodie’s touch of style)

Nancy looks like a welcoming breath of fresh air in this smoggy Houston weather (where are you, Fall?) in her crisp popover with oversized cuffs.  It’s interesting to note that she and I are wearing identical colours and yet our outfits couldn’t be more different.

Charlotte, 70s (jodie’s touch of style)

Charlotte’s breton top is a simple but classic nod to French Chic and works wonderfully with her capris to create a timeless silhouette that works for practically any occasion.  We’re twinning again with the stripes!!!

Don’t forget to swing by again on Friday when we glam things up with Capris red carpet style.  I do hope you’ll also join in the discussion and leave me a comment too, because many most of my posts are inspired by what you say, how you feel, your thoughts.

Merci beaucoup, ma cherie!!!

Love, Sheela

p/s my photos are by Sofia Touassa

I link up here.

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