All Your Questions Answered!

A few weeks ago, in one of my weekly newsletters, I invited you to send me all your questions for a Q&A session. And as promised, here it is! I’ve gathered all your questions in this article and answered them. But first, I want to say a huge MERCI for all your thoughtful questions and the lovely messages that accompanied them—they truly warmed my heart. These moments remind me why I’ve been working hard on this blog for so many years. Every kind word, email, message, comment, or DM from you brings me so much joy. So again, thank you!

I really love this format because it allows us to connect on a more personal level. If you enjoy it too (feel free to let me know in the comments!), I’ve left this form open here so you can continue to ask new questions if you have any. Every 10 questions or so, I’ll create a new post to answer them. Looking forward to hearing from you!

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This post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own. I only feature products I truly love and personally select. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!

Question: “As a Parisian, do you have any tips to adjust to the Parisian lifestyle for international students who will be coming to France to study?”

Oh là là, I have so many tips for you :)! It really depends on where you’re from, but France—and especially Paris—can be a big culture shock if it’s your first time here. Having lived in Paris, I’ve noticed there’s a significant difference between visiting as a tourist for a few days or weeks and actually living in the city.

First, like in any major capital, you’ll need to adapt to the fast-paced Parisian lifestyle. Parisians are often in a rush, impatient, and sometimes very direct. Don’t take it personally if they come across as a bit arrogant or snobbish—it’s just the way things are here! Also, avoid talking to strangers on the street, as it’s often a scam. Always keep an eye on your belongings, even when sitting at a café or bistro terrace.

Paris is an absolutely stunning city, and I highly recommend walking or biking to explore it. Don’t forget to look up and admire the Haussmannian architecture—you’ll discover so many beautiful surprises ;). At night, prioritize taking official taxis (with a lighted sign), Ubers, or G7, especially if you’re alone. Avoid taking the metro late at night by yourself, and steer clear of certain areas, particularly the northern and northeastern parts of the 18th arrondissement (Barbès, Gare du Nord, Château Rouge, etc.), as well as the 19th and 20th arrondissements.

For authentic and affordable French cuisine, I recommend the traditional “bouillons” like Chartier, Pigalle, Pharamond, Racine, and Julien. The dining rooms are stunning, the service is quick, and the food is delicious yet unpretentious. They don’t take reservations, so you might have to queue, but the wait is usually short. I also highly recommend the brasseries in the 4th arrondissement run by Xavier Denamur, where everything is homemade: Les Philosophes, La Chaise au Plafond, Le Petit Fer à Cheval, and L’Étoile Manquante. When I lived on Île-Saint-Louis, my partner and I loved having the daily special for lunch at Les Philosophes. One tip: before choosing a restaurant, always check the menu. If there are too many options, it’s often a sign the food isn’t homemade.

Finally, I suggest learning some basic French or at least a few key phrases. The French aren’t exactly known for their English skills :)! I hope this helps! Feel free to leave a comment if you have more questions or contact me directly.

“Bonjour, Léonce Chenal, how do French women brush and style their hair without pulling at it? I would love a brush recommendation and a clue as to how to keep my hair out of my eyes and give it a ‘lift’ without gel that has to be brushed out and, therefore, pulls at my hair every time I do so. Thank you for your kind offer to ask you anything.”

Of course! For hairbrushes, I highly recommend the one I’ve been using for years—the Mason Pearson brush with boar bristles, often referred to as the “Rolls-Royce of hairbrushes” by my hairstylist :). It’s truly an investment I’ve never regretted! It significantly reduces breakage when detangling or brushing, and the boar bristles provide a gentle scalp massage that feels amazing. Depending on your hair length, I suggest the nylon and boar bristle version if your hair is longer. I’ve also recently discovered a French brand of boar bristle brushes with a beautiful design (and a slightly more affordable price): La Bonne Brosse.

For volume, thickness, and hold, I recommend using volumizing sprays or mousses, such as Leonor Greyl’s Condition Naturelle (a favorite of mine) or the Au Lotus Volumizing Mousse, applied to damp hair. After drying, you can set and maintain your style with the Voluforme Styling Spray. I hope these tips help you achieve that perfect balance of lift and effortless style!

“Would love to hear tips on making very casual at-home looks more chic, plus suggestions for an equally casual work environment. I want to avoid looking sloppy on both fronts but still be comfortable and a little undone.”

As someone who works from home, I completely understand—I’m in the same situation! Here are a few tips I use to keep my style casual yet chic: First, I recommend investing in high-quality basics (you can check out my latest article on effortless-chic wardrobe staples here). Look for cozy sweaters in soft, natural materials (I’m planning a post soon featuring my favorite winter knits), comfortable shirts (I adore those from the Parisian brand Marie Marot, known for their effortlessly elegant designs), and straight-leg or wide-leg jeans with a touch of stretch to stay comfortable yet stylish.

When transitioning from at-home to heading out, I keep it simple: throw on a tailored coat or blazer, add a chic pair of shoes, and grab a polished handbag. Having these staples ready by the door makes it easy to elevate your look in seconds without sacrificing comfort.

“I’m short and feminine! How do I style this season’s chunky, above-the-ankle boots without looking ridiculous? I mean the boots that look a bit like walking boots.”

I absolutely love this style of boots! I bought a pair from Bobbies Paris a few years ago, and I still wear them all the time. For the past few seasons, I’ve been eyeing these chunky-soled ankle boots from Sandro—I’ll probably pick them up this year! They’re perfect for winter, especially paired with cozy knit socks for those colder days.

To style them, I’d recommend pairing them with straight-leg cropped jeans, like this pair from Agolde, to really show off the boots. Add a chunky knit sweater with a turtleneck neck, such as this beautiful one from Ba&sh or this one from Everlane, to keep the look cozy and feminine. Finish off the outfit with a long, straight coat with masculine-inspired tailoring, like this gorgeous one from Ralph Lauren. I hope these tips help you create a chic and balanced look with your boots!

“What do you think of the clothing lines Jenni Kayne and Quince?”

I have to admit, I wasn’t familiar with these brands until you asked :)! Are they very popular in the US? I’d love to hear more about them in the comments, especially if any of you know these brands and recommend them—I’m very curious to learn more!

“Just a note to let you know how much I enjoy your posts. Each is so easy on the eyes, succinct, and brimming with information and inspiration. Thank you for your work on these and for sharing. By the way, thanks to you, I managed to find a vintage black Celine ‘boxyish’ bag with the caleche clip. It didn’t come with the red interior as yours did, but I love the purse nonetheless. It’s beautifully thought out and constructed.”

Thank you! ❤️ I’m so thrilled you were able to find one! For those wondering which bag this is, it’s a vintage Céline Box bag—very structured, made of black leather, and worn crossbody, featuring the iconic clasp with the brand’s old horse-and-carriage logo. I believe it was designed in the 1970s. I purchased mine a few years ago, and I absolutely love it—it goes effortlessly with all my outfits! I had always dreamed of owning a small handbag from a major Maison, but I didn’t like the idea of having a luxury bag that was overly recognizable or that everyone seemed to own. What I love most about this bag is that I’ve never run into anyone else carrying the same one, and it always sparks questions—people often ask where it’s from or what brand it is. I think that’s so fun!

“I would love some insider knowledge on what French women use on their short hair or bob. They look so undone yet put together. What’s in their bathroom cabinet?”

Having worn a chin-length bob for nearly 10 years (as I mentioned in my latest blog post, I’m now growing my hair out), I have plenty of tips for you! First, ask your hairstylist for a short bob with layers to add volume, movement, and that effortless “undone” look. Next, I recommend avoiding haircare products that contain silicones—they not only prevent treatments from penetrating the hair fiber and nourishing it but also weigh your hair down.

There are a few haircare brands and products I love and highly recommend. For shampoos, I swear by Leonor Greyl’s Volumizing Honey Shampoo or Bain Volumateur aux Algues (a gentle shampoo that doesn’t lather much but works wonderfully without needing a conditioner or mask afterward) and Lazartigue’s Volumize Shampoo (a French pharmacy brand that a friend recently introduced me to).

To hydrate your hair without weighing it down, I suggest Leonor Greyl’s Masque Fleurs de Jasmin (it smells divine) or Lazartigue’s Nourish-Light Mask. To add texture and volume, I use Lazartigue’s Volumize Spray or Leonor Greyl’s Condition Naturelle styling spray before blow-drying. Finally, for that perfect lift, blow-dry your hair upside down to lift the roots and create volume. This combination of layering, lightweight products, and styling techniques will help you achieve that effortless, put-together French bob look!

“Hello, is there a suede blazer you would recommend for petite ladies? Preferably made of goatskin and not in a light beige color? I could allocate up to 350 euros for the purchase. Thank you.”

As you’re petite, I’d recommend a jacket that’s not too long and has a well-fitted silhouette. This season, I’ve fallen in love with the Terry jacket from Sézane (100% goatskin, €340/$410) in a beautiful camel color with elegant gold buttons—it’s absolutely stunning! I featured it in a previous post, but it sold out quickly. Luckily, it’s back in stock on their website, so if you’re interested, I’d suggest grabbing it before it’s gone again ;)!

“Are leopard bags or hobo bags in Parisian style?”

I know leopard print is making a comeback, but it’s not really my cup of tea :)! That said, it can work as a bold accent if kept subtle—like on a small accessory. As for hobo bags, I absolutely love this style. They’re having a big moment right now—I’m thinking of the ones seen in the latest Chloé collection or the Chanel 22 bag, which has inspired many French brands. For example, Ba&sh has a stunning oversized tote in camel suede leather, and Balzac Paris offers the elegant Amaïa bag.

“Hi Léonce, are clothes worn as they fit off the rack upon purchase, or are alterations typically done? I’ve been told to look for ‘retoucheries,’ as even taking in an item slightly will make a world of difference. Kind regards.”

Yes, generally, clothes are well-cut these days and can often be worn straight off the rack without alterations. However, adjustments are sometimes necessary depending on your body shape. For example, I’ve had pants tailored in the past because I have a very small waist and wider hips, which caused high-waisted trousers to gape at the back. Another common alteration is shortening pants, which I do frequently when they’re too long. A tip: If you find a piece you absolutely love but your size isn’t available, you can size it up and have it tailored to fit perfectly (it’s called “semi-mesure”). I hope this answers your question :)!

“Hi Léonce, I LOVE your red lipstick look. Can you please share how you achieve that fabulous matte red lip that stays on and which brand(s) you choose? Many thanks.”

Thank you! ❤️ This is one of my favorite looks, and it’s incredibly easy to recreate! Here’s how: First, after completing your usual skincare routine, apply a bit of concealer (I use Le Correcteur de Chanel) only where needed—under the eyes, on blemishes, redness, or dark spots. Even out your complexion with a light-to-medium coverage powder or foundation. I personally use Aime’s powder or Sisley’s Phyto-Teint nude foundation. I’m also planning to try complexion products and blushes from Westman Atelier, which look amazing—I’ll report back after testing them!

Add a touch of blush (I love Sisley’s L’Orchidée blush) to the apples of your cheeks for a healthy glow. Then, apply a coat of mascara to open up your eyes—I adore Aime’s tubing mascara, which removes easily with warm water. Finally, for the red lip, I use MAC’s Retro matte liquid lipcolour in the shade Feels So Grand or Violette_FR’s Petal Bouche in Amour Fou. For reference, Feels So Grand is the exact lipstick I’m wearing in my profile picture. Both are bold, matte, and long-lasting, perfect for creating that iconic red lip look!

“My favorite time in Paris to shop is when everything is ‘en solde.’ Any tips for incredible finds at incredible prices? Any off-the-radar brands to look for, especially for us in America?”

The sales season in France is quite regulated: the winter sales typically begin on the second Wednesday of January, and the summer sales start on the last Wednesday of June. Some brands also offer private sales beforehand, so I’d recommend signing up for the newsletters of your favorite brands to get early access ;).

As for off-the-radar French brands, I have a few favorites I think you’ll love—and that I believe will become even more popular in the coming years: Soeur, AMI Paris, Sessùn, Nour Hammour, Antik Batik, Loulou Studio, Martin Martin, CQFD Paris, Rivecour, and Léo et Violette (I’m especially obsessed with their latest bag, the Le Duo Shopper in camel suede calf leather). I hope you’ll discover some amazing finds!

“Dear Léonce, I love your newsletter! It is like a treat when it arrives in my mailbox! Thank you so much for all your wonderful styling, skincare, and decorating tips. I would love to know if you are in the fashion industry or have some other career. What got you interested in style and fashion? Who are your fashion/beauty icons? Merci!”

Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means a lot that you’d think I work in the fashion industry :). Actually, my background is in tech. Before working on this blog full-time (which I’ve been doing since the end of 2020), I was a senior data analyst in the tech industry, working for companies in healthcare, travel (Hotels.com/Expedia), dating, and video. However, my love for fashion and beauty has been with me since I was a little girl—I used to make scrapbooks from the magazines my mom bought, cutting out my favorite images and creating my own mood boards.

At one point, I even came close to working as a web analyst for Galeries Lafayette in Paris—they offered me a position, but I chose a different path. Interestingly, my tech background has been incredibly helpful in shaping my approach to blogging—whether it’s optimizing performance, analyzing data, or developing content strategies. Blogging has become the perfect way to combine my technical skills with my creative passions.

As for my fashion and beauty icons, here are some of the women whose style inspires me the most: Katie Holmes, Kate Middleton, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Victoria Beckham, Olympia Gayot, Kelly Rutherford, Sarah Harris, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Jenna Lyons, Louise de Chevigny, and Loulou de Saison. Thank you again for your question—it’s always a pleasure to share my story and inspirations!

“My husband and I love Bordeaux. I would love to know your top 3 favorite bistros or restaurants.”

We’ve only been in Bordeaux for about seven months, and we haven’t had the chance to explore many restaurants yet—we love cooking at home, so we eat in quite often. That said, we did have a wonderful meal with friends at a restaurant called Mina Restaurant.

In general, from living abroad and traveling, I’ve found that in France, you can usually eat quite well at most bistros or restaurants you choose. This summer, we went a few times to La Guinguette Chez Alriq, located on the other side of the Garonne. The setting is lovely during the summer, and the tapas-style dishes are simple, good, and unpretentious. I also highly recommend the open-air market on the Chartrons quays, which takes place every Sunday. It’s a fantastic place to savor and enjoy Bordeaux’s specialties. Another great spot is the Marché des Capucins, the largest market in Bordeaux. It’s lively, charming, and a lot of fun!

For dining neighborhoods, I suggest wandering around the Saint-Pierre district, where you’ll find plenty of wonderful little restaurants. The Place du Marché des Chartrons is another fantastic area with lots of options—it has a vibe that reminds me of the Marais in Paris. Lastly, if you want to mark the occasion with something special, consider trying a Michelin-starred restaurant. I recommend Le Quatrième Mur, located at Place de la Comédie and run by the renowned chef Philippe Etchebest.

“Hello! What do you recommend in terms of style for an English countryside wedding?”

Deciding what to wear as a wedding guest can be so tricky! I actually wrote an article last spring about my search for the perfect wedding guest dress for a wedding in Seville, Spain—if you’re interested, you can find the link here. For an English countryside wedding, I’d recommend a long maxi dress or one that falls just below the knee, as these lengths feel more elegant for weddings than shorter dresses. Pair it with a tweed jacket, blazer, or shawl, depending on the weather and season. Pastel, floral, or toile de jouy patterns work beautifully for a countryside setting.

If dresses aren’t your thing, a tailored suit with a blazer and trousers in a pastel or soft neutral shade can be a chic alternative. Don’t forget to choose comfortable shoes, like block heels which are practical for outdoor venues. Finish the look with a small clutch and delicate jewelry to complete your outfit. I hope this helps!

“Hi, I am a designer retail shop looking for clean products for home accessories that are beautiful—ceramics, candles, bath and body products, etc., as well as bedding and throws.”

There are so many beautiful French home decor and accessory brands to discover! I recommend checking out my blog post on the 15 exquisite French home decor brands. A few of my personal favorites include Alix D. Reynis, Carron Paris, Astier de Villatte, and Les Composantes (Sézane’s home decor line). I find their designs incredibly poetic and charming. For bedding and throws, I highly recommend La Serviette Paris, Bonsoir Paris, Yves Delorme, and Greige—all offer gorgeous options. Happy exploring!

“Everything is either J.Crew or Mango!!! What happened? Neither are remotely authentically French. :/”

I understand it might feel like I’ve been focusing a lot on J.Crew and Mango lately, and I’m sorry if it’s not what you were expecting! These are two brands I genuinely love (I even placed a recent order from Mango) because their collections have pieces that fit perfectly into the French and Parisian aesthetic I adore. Everything I share here is unsponsored, so if I talk about certain brands more, it’s simply because I’ve been drawn to them. That said, I always try to highlight a mix of brands, including both French labels and international ones, as there are so many beautiful options out there. Finally, I aim to create content that’s accessible for a range of budgets, which was a key request in the survey I ran this summer. I’m working to strike a balance, and I hope you’ll see more variety in upcoming posts :)!

“Recommendations on warm, casual winter jackets (waterproof as I’m in the UK)?”

This autumn, I purchased this Barbour Liddesdale water-resistant jacket, and I haven’t stopped wearing it since! It’s a slightly less classic version with an oversized fit (it runs large, so I recommend sizing down), but it’s still incredibly chic. I style it with loafers or Chelsea boots, straight-leg or wide-leg jeans, and a chunky knit turtleneck sweater to stay warm and cozy. If you’re looking for alternatives, you might consider this shorter, more fitted version of this jacket or this one in waxed cotton for a casual-chic look. Another great option I spotted this season is this Barn jacket from J.Crew, which is equally stylish and practical for the colder months in the UK.

“How to style leather pants?”

Leather pants are already a statement piece, so for an effortless chic look, I’d pair them with a simple white sweater, like this one from Ba&sh that I absolutely love, and a pair of suede ankle boots with a heel. I’m particularly smitten with these beautiful burgundy suede boots from Rivecour. To complete the outfit, add a long wool coat, like this one on sale from Sandro (very similar to the one I bought last year) or this popular style from Mango that so many of you have loved. I hope this gives you some inspiration!

“Hi, could you please suggest some straight-leg, mid-rise (or not too high-rise) jeans in dark indigo? Also, may I ask which jeans you wear? How tall are you in comparison to the sizing? Thank you.”

Of course! If you’d like more details, I wrote a previous blog post about my favorite jeans of the moment—you can find it here. I mainly wear two styles of jeans: mid-rise straight-leg jeans, which pair beautifully with ankle boots, Chelsea boots, and chunky loafers, and mid-rise wide-leg jeans, which I style with chunky loafers or sneakers for a more casual and comfortable look.

For reference, I’m 172cm (about 5’8″) and weigh around 60kg (132lbs). I generally wear a size FR 38 (US 6/UK 10) in most clothing, as I prefer a slightly looser fit over anything too tight. When it comes to jeans, I love Massimo Dutti’s styles—they’re reasonably priced, well-cut, and very comfortable. I recently bought this pair, which I’ve been wearing constantly with my Carel ankle boots and Tod’s loafers. If you’re looking for something more premium, I highly recommend Agolde jeans, particularly this style, which is currently on my wishlist. I hope this helps you find the perfect pair of jeans!

“Are there any trends (fashion and makeup) French women would never follow?”

That’s a great question! I wouldn’t dare speak for all French women, but personally, I try to follow as few trends as possible. There are just so many, and they change constantly, which can feel overwhelming :). When it comes to makeup, I prefer a natural look—just enough to enhance my complexion—so I don’t think I follow any trends there, either. I focus more on taking good care of my hair and skin with a simple, minimal routine using high-quality products. As for my style, it’s very simple and minimalist. The more time I spend observing runway shows and street style looks, the more I gravitate towards effortless, ultra-simple outfits with great cuts and beautiful fabrics. I find these are the kinds of looks that truly stand the test of time.

“Hello Léonce, I really appreciate all the things that you share. I live in San Francisco, CA, and I’m trying to learn French and all things French. I especially love French chic style and lifestyle. I also like watching Emily in Paris. I know her clothes are not French, but I like the style of her boss, Sylvie. Just wondering what your thoughts are about the show, especially Emily’s clothes. I’m currently watching La Maison on Apple TV, and I wonder what you think about it as well. Thank you again.”

Thank you so much! Oh là là, I absolutely love Sylvie’s style in Emily in Paris! I really need to catch up on the series—I stopped at season 1. In a future blog post, I could analyze her wardrobe and break down her chic, polished looks, sharing tips on how to recreate or draw inspiration from her style. If that’s something you’d love, let me know in the comments!

I actually wrote a blog post when the show first came out—you can find the link here if you’d like to read my thoughts. As for Emily’s wardrobe, you’re absolutely right: it’s not French or Parisian at all! Her outfits are overly colorful, heavy on prints, and often combine too many statement pieces at once, making them feel more like costumes. I imagine this was intentional to highlight the contrast between Sylvie and Emily as characters. Maybe we’ll see Emily’s style evolve in later seasons? I also get why they’ve styled her this way—it adds flair to the show, which might feel less exciting if she dressed in a more authentic Parisian way.

As for La Maison, I hadn’t heard about it, but I just watched the trailer, and it looks fantastic! I love Lambert Wilson and Carole Bouquet, so I’m definitely intrigued. Let me know in the comments if you’d recommend it—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

“Please, what puffer coat would you suggest for dog walking in the UK? Mid-length, as I’m not five feet tall. Something elegant if possible, as I’m trying hard to look put-together and elegant, though it’s difficult in the wet English winter. From my heart…”

As I mentioned in a previous response, I recently purchased the Barbour Liddesdale water-resistant jacket, and I’ve been wearing it non-stop. I’d recommend this shorter version—it’s just as chic and comfortable while being perfect for someone petite. Its water-resistant fabric also makes it ideal for those drizzly English winters. Layer it with chunky knit sweaters for added warmth, and you’ll stay cozy while looking effortlessly chic. Pair it with riding-style boots and a scarf for a fully polished, practical look :)!