Boyfriend meets Mademoiselle

Armand Thierry jacket (similar here), Levi's Curve ID straight jeans, Gate t-shirt, Deichmann shoes (similar here), Dorothy Perkins clutch (similar here), Marks&Spencer sunglasses (similar here), Forever 21 bangle

This Chanel-inspired jacket is definitely one of the most versatile pieces in my closet. It looks equally fabulous with a pair of jeans, as it does with a pencil skirt or thrown over an LBD. I remember that when I was working for the European Commission in Brussels, I wore it almost every week. That's why I'm a little bit ashamed to admit that I completely forgot that I had it! I only rediscovered it last week, when I started to edit my wardrobe. My excuse is that ever since I started to work from home, a huge part of my "corporate" wardrobe has been sleeping in my closet, waiting for its next chance to make its appearance. But not anymore: I'm planning to add more classy and chic elements (jackets, shirts, blazers and pearls) to my day-to-day outfits. This chic jacket paired with my DIY boyfriend jeans (I simply rolled up the hems on my favorite straigh jeans), floral heels and beachy waves, made just for the perfect outfit for a Sunday walk in town.

On a different note, for the past few weeks I've been working on a bunch of new exciting projects and I can't wait to share them with you over the next couple of weeks. We're starting tomorrow, so stay tuned!

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Shop French chic: French in Trench

1. Burberry London cotton-twill trench coat

2. Burberry London ribbed cotton and wool blend trench coat

3. Burberry London short double-breasted twill trench coat

I'm here with another French-inspired shopping spree.We'll be talking about another French closet staple: a trench coat. No French wardrobe is complete without a classic beige or black well-cut trench. This comes as no surprise: after all, the French style is all about the simplicity, quality and easy glamour, and no other garment epitomizes effortless glamour as a trench! It is one of the most versatile pieces there is: you can wear with a classic jean and a soft blouse, or with a feminine tuxedo jacket and black pants à la Yves Saint Laurent; even with your cocktail dress on a chilly summer night. Fastening its belt nonchalantly on your waist will add a touch of effortless chic to any outfit. Take time choosing your perfect trench and don't hurry up: a French-style trench always fits like a glove. It should look like you've had it forever an it has almost become your second skin.

Of course, a classic Burberry is still the first choice, but let's be honest: how many of us can spend $1400+ on a trench right now? I know I certaintly can't. Luckily, there are many classy, beautiful and good quality choices out there, and until I can max my credit card out chez Burberry, I'll be more than happy with a more affordable option. And I'm seriously tempted by n°3 by Lacoste. Isn't it just perfection? Which one is your favorite? And don't forget that you can find many many more options in my shopping section. Good luck finding you perfect one!

1. Aubin & Wills Colson cotton trench coat, $560.00

2. Vince Camuto Double breasted trench, $121.00

3. Lacoste Trench gabardine coat with snap closure, $495.00

4. Kate Spade Topliner trench, $698.00

5. Topshop Collarless Panel Trench, $250.00

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Banana tarte tatin with chocolate

Printable recipe here

I've been thinking about making a tarte tatin for quite some time, but I must confess, I was a little bit intimidated by the caramel. I've never made it before, and it turned out to be pretty difficult (or I just wasn't using the best technique - all the tips are more than welcome!). Nevertheless, even if the caramel was far from being perfect, the tarte turned out really delicious. Since I'm not very fond of end-of-season apples (I prefer the delicious autumn ones), I used a bunch of not too ripe bananas (my fiancé is a big fan), added a little chocolate twist and we enjoyed the results with a touch of whipped cream. One last piece of advice: the tatin is always best warm so make sure you put it in the preheated oven for 5 minutes before serving.

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At home with Cath Kidston

Images via Cath Kidston

Ever since I started to explore my inner French girl, I've been drawn to home decor in romantic and shabby chic style. I have a few DIY projects in mind for our home, drawing inspiration form many wonderful and creative blogs (like Sandra's Maison de Plaisance, Karolina's Rosa Rot and Debbie's Confessions of a Plate Addict). And it's precisely thanks to lovely Sandra that I've discovered one fabulous English brand: Cath Kidston. If you, like me, love classic English country style with a witty twist, this is just the right thing for you (you can order Cath Kidston magazine / catalog here). 

Cath opened her very first shop in 1993 in London, selling vintage fabrics and furniture. Gradually, she started to design her own collections, reworking classic English themes: roses, tea parties, royal family. Today, her designs encompass homeware, tea sets, home decor, cosmetics and even apparel and accessories. I immediately fell in love with this unique and creative lifestyle brand: the designs are quirky, romantic and cheerful, classic with a little edge and downright delightful. That's exactly what I love and I've been dreaming about adding a few of her wonderful pieces to my own kitchen and bathroom. These are definitely on top of my "Need Now" list:

1. Set of 4 Provence Rose Cups and Saucers, £26.00

2. Set of 3 Bleached flowers padded hangers, £10.00

3. Set of 4 Bleached flowers napkins, £15.00

4. Spray flowers butter dish, £12.00

5. Set of 3 Provence rose tin canisters, £16.00

6. Spray flowers cake stand, £25.00

7. Set of 4 Provence rose cereal bowls, £22.00

1. Rose Hand Wash, £10.00

2. Wild flowers bath melts collection, £8.00

3. Wild rose soap and enamel tray, £8.00

4. Rose heart soap, £3.50

5. Cherry lip balm, £6.00

6. Wild rose hand balm, £5.00

7. Blossom bath salts, £2.50

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The Art of accessorizing

Image via Madame Figaro

Every time I think of French women and their extraordinary sense of style, I have to think about accessories. Bags, shoes, bracelets, earrings, scarves: they love them all and know exactly how to incorporate them into their daily outfits to add a little pop of color here, a little touch of glamour there. French woman is never afraid to match her bag to her shoes, after all, what's wrong with looking perfectly pulled together?

These stylish photos have left me dreaming about quilted Dior clutch, coral pointed pumps, classic black ladylike bag and large gold bracelets. What are your accessories obsessions du jour?

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Friday's Fancies #44: Picnic Primped

Ok, so this week's Friday's Fancies theme was Picnic primped, and I know that you probably don't wear a Valentino dress and Jimmy Choo pumps to a picnic in the parc, but who cares? Friday's Fancies have always been about dreaming, and lately I've decided to dream big and really enjoy it! And who knows? Even the craziest dreams may come true one day! So if I happen to attend a picnic hosted by Blair Waldorf, I'd better be prepared, right? 

1. RED Valentino Embroidered cotton dress

2. Jimmy Choo Quiet patent leather pumps

3. Nancy Gonzales Crocodile box clutch

4. Alex Monroe 22-karat rose gold-plated flower earrings

5. Zadig & Voltaire coated stainless steel butterfly motif watch

6. Picnic Time Picnic Basket for 2 with blanket

7. Assouline Books scented candle

Be sure to check out all the picnic ensembles over at Long distance loving!

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DIY Eiffel Tower

Lately I've been missing France and Paris more than I care to admit and I've been constantly obsessing over the possibilities to spend at least a weekend back there. And of course, I got incredibly jealous when my fiancé told me that he was going there from work next week. Oh, how I wish I could go with him! Anyhow, instead of getting all depressed and miserable, I've been working on the list of things I want him to bring me from Paris (like the foie gras and the latest Guillaume Musso's books): he better takes the biggest suitcase with him! 

This week I've been also reconnecting with French culture in Graz: I've became member of French Institute, I've tracked down the bookstore selling French magazines, and I finally managed to bake a batch of macarons that resemble the real deal (and of course, on the day that I made just the perfect macarons, my camera's battery died - you can call that bad luck!)

And until I figure out my next trip to my favorite city in the world, I made this cute paper Eiffel Tower to keep me company in my office. I've stumbled upon these templates (photo 1 and 2) while browsing Flickr for inspiration, and I couldn't resist trying my hands on it. It turned out really well, even if it took me some time to clean my desk from all that glue. Have your ever a similar project before? How did it turn out?

Don't forget to follow Macarons and Pearls for more chic and glamorous updates:

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