I’m so delighted to see you again for a new edition of Ask Léonce, and to welcome you to this brand-new website! As I mentioned in today’s newsletter, I spent the entire week and all last weekend switching the blog’s theme, customizing it in CSS, fixing display bugs, and making sure everything works perfectly on every device. I’ll spare you the technical details (believe me, it was quite an adventure!), but I’m truly happy to have taken on this challenge. It’s something I’d been wanting to do for a long time, and I hope this “Léonce Chenal 2.0” version delights you as much as it does me.
Practically speaking, the new site should load faster, with smoother, more intuitive navigation, and a fully responsive interface so you can enjoy reading wherever you are, on any screen. You’ll also find it easier to access your favorite sections, and perhaps even stumble across a few hidden surprises along the way :). Please don’t hesitate to share your feedback or report any bugs, it will help me keep improving this platform and ensure the best possible experience for you.
I thought: what better way to celebrate this new chapter than to answer all your questions that have piled up over the past few months in a new edition of Ask Léonce? By the way, if you have any questions about fashion, beauty, or lifestyle, please feel free to submit them using this form, I’ll be happy to answer them in a future post. As always, all questions are anonymized, so ask away ;)! I absolutely love this format, and I hope you do too! You can also find all previous Ask Léonce posts in the “Les Exclusifs” category. It’s a special space where we can explore all sorts of topics, reflect together, and answer questions that many of you might have but never dared to ask. I hope you enjoy reading, and above all, thank you for being here.
Independent and unsponsored, this article is written with curiosity and discernment. Some links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, always at no cost to you.
Question: “Bonjour, I enjoy your work. I am traveling to Amsterdam and Paris and Eperney in April. I would like new skincare. I have your skin (porcelain). […] I also need a serum for my upper lips after I exfoliate (to take away the lines above my lips). Could you suggest something? I have used quality French products my entire life…..Many thanks for the guidance you have shared.”
Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope you had a wonderful trip to Amsterdam and Paris! I recently discovered Korean skincare, and I must say, I’m truly impressed. I’m actually planning to write a detailed post soon about my new skincare routine and all the little gems I’ve found. For smoothing the fine lines around the mouth (and this also applies to those around the eyes), I recommend what I like to call a “hydrating mille-feuille”, a layering of hydrating products (toner, essence, and cream). At the moment, I’m using a combination of:
- Pro Balance Biotics Toner from Dr.Ceuracle
- Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence from Haruharu Wonder
- SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream from Etude House
This combination of products has completely eliminated my dehydration lines around the nasolabial fold! I recommend applying the toner and essence by gently pressing them into the skin to help them absorb fully, and waiting a moment before applying the cream. I also suggest adding a good retinol serum to your routine, it accelerates cell turnover and boosts collagen and elastin production. I use the Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum, applying a small amount in the evening twice a week. My skin feels so much smoother! Lastly, don’t forget a good sunscreen every day as the final step in your routine. I really like The Daily SPF from Aime Skincare and Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh from Beauty of Joseon. I hope all these tips help :)!
“I love your newsletter! You’ve helped me level-up my wardrobe and appearance in so many beautiful ways, and I very much appreciate your warmth and caring that come through so clearly in your writing. Thank you! I spend several months each year in Amsterdam. I believe you lived there for a time. Do you have some favorite clothing shops there you could recommend? Thanks so much!”
Thank you so much for your lovely message! You’re absolutely right, I did live in Amsterdam for four years, and I loved it so much that I recently moved back, I’ve been living here again for just over a month now :)! I don’t have one specific store I’d recommend, but rather a few streets and areas where I love to shop (or simply window-shop!).
First, there’s de Bijenkorf, you probably already know it. It’s a wonderful department store that always reminds me a bit of BHV or Galeries Lafayette in Paris. On the upper floors, you’ll find plenty of fashion brands all in one place, it’s perfect for discovering new labels. Then, I’d recommend Huidenstraat and the surrounding De 9 Straatjes. It’s full of small boutiques and independent clothing brands, and it really reminds me of Le Marais in Paris. If you have time, be sure to stop by Skins Cosmetics, it’s a bit like Jovoy in Paris, where you can browse and discover fragrances and beauty products at your leisure, and also check out Diptyque. Finally, I’d recommend Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat, near Vondelpark (one of my favorite parks in Amsterdam!). This street is lined with premium and luxury clothing stores, it’s perfect for a more upscale shopping experience.
“I’m really enjoying the recipes you have been posting! As a Francophile who lived in France as part of my Erasmus year at University, I have always had an affinity with all things French, including food and fashion/style! Merci!”
Thank you so much! I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying the recipes I’ve been sharing. There are plenty more on the way, so stay tuned ;)! Thank you for taking the time to write to me, and for being here. ❤️
“Not a question- just many many thanks for your suggestions on cooking from your Q&A newsletter. They were so helpful in terms of thinking of cooking as not a chore. […] Cooking has become so arduous. Your gentle approach will help immeasurably. I look forward to a newsletter dedicated to this topic. And I’ve loved your recipes as well. Thank you again.”
Thank you so much for your kind feedback and for taking the time to write to me! I’m so glad to hear that my response resonated with you. I have so much more to share on this topic, stay tuned! I have plenty of tips and tricks to make cooking a bit simpler, more fun, and tastier, and I can’t wait to share them with you very soon :).
“Hello Léonce, what a delightful community you have created for us. I especially enjoy your posts on French holiday traditions and food, and absolutely devour your fashion insights. I’ve long been interested in building a classic and “lifelong” wardrobe; as such I appreciate your emphasis on investing in pieces that will endure trends and fads. I am also invested in sustainable fashion and think carefully about the origin of the pieces I buy. Can you recommend any French makers that are known to be ethical in thier production, materials and business practices?”
Thank you so much for your lovely message and thank you for being here and for being part of this community. I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy my posts, and I hope the upcoming content will delight you just as much, if not more! Regarding French brands with a strong commitment to ethical production and business practices, a few come to mind, though I recommend checking their latest certifications and commitments to be sure. Some of my favorites include Balzac Paris, Ysé Paris and Faguo (which has some wonderful menswear). Perhaps even Le Tanneur and Polène, though I’d double-check that one. If you have other brands in mind, or if you’re more knowledgeable than I am on this topic, please feel free to share them in the comments, I’d be happy to update my recommendations accordingly.
“Bonjour Léonce, Thank you for all your superb posts over the years! I am very much a Francophile so I always gravitate towards articles on French fashion, French food and everyday French style. You may have already covered this in a previous post but can you recommend a simple white T shirt that French women would wear, or where do they buy them? Merci!”
Thank you so much for your lovely message, I’m so happy to hear you’ve been enjoying my posts over the years! Your question couldn’t have come at a better time, as I was just looking for some new T-shirts for my wardrobe this week. In the end, I decided to go for some from COS. T-shirts really are the foundation of my wardrobe, I wear them so often that I need to refresh them regularly, so I usually don’t spend too much on them. I often pick them up from Mango, COS or Massimo Dutti, but you can also find great options at Banana Republic, Madewell, J.Crew, and even Everlane. I have a little rule in my wardrobe: I don’t invest heavily in everyday basics that need regular replacing, so I can save a bit more for special pieces like coats, blazers, bags, and shoes. I hope that helps, and thank you again for your kind words and support! ❤️
“I will be visiting Paris in May. This is my 2nd visit. Can you recommend the best arrondissement to stay at for 2nd timers and 4 star or boutique hotels? Thank you so much.”
First of all, apologies for the late reply! I hope you had a wonderful stay in Paris! Since it’s your second visit, I imagine you’ve already explored the main tourist attractions and might be looking for a different side of the city this time. For a second visit, I’d recommend several of my favorite neighborhoods:
- The 9th arrondissement, just below Pigalle and around Notre-Dame-de-Lorette and Saint-Georges. It’s a lively, local area with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bistros, and it’s not too far from the Seine either.
- Île Saint-Louis (if you have a slightly higher budget), which is ultra-central and incredibly quiet, it feels like a hidden gem in the heart of Paris.
- Le Marais, with its charming boutiques, bars, and restaurants, perfect for a vibrant Parisian experience.
- On the Left Bank, the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain are also lovely, though they’re a bit quieter and have a more relaxed vibe.
It really depends on what you’re looking for during this second trip, whether you want something bustling and lively or a bit more serene. As for hotels, I actually wrote an article on this topic, which you’ll find right here. Personally, I adore The Hoxton and Hotel Pulitzer, I stayed at the latter during one of my visits and absolutely loved my experience there!
“Where do plus-size […] fashion conscious, French women shop for classic, casual chic, budget friendly, clothing in France? […] Are there any specific stores for plus-size woman’s clothing in France? I’ve noticed that all of the clothing items that you feature in your blog only go up to a size 10 or 12. What do plus-sized French women do? Thank you in advance for any help you can give!”
Thank you so much for your thoughtful question. I know it can sometimes feel challenging to find stylish, budget-friendly, and size-inclusive clothing. On my blog, I often share pieces based on my own experience, but it’s so important to me that everyone here feels welcome and supported. In France, one brand that comes to mind is Almé Paris, a French label that celebrates all body types, with sizes ranging from 36 to 54. They create classic, casual-chic pieces that I think you might love!
“Hi Leonce. Can I ask you very nicely how you do your manicure? Do you have a procedure? And do you use gel polishes in an LED lamp? If not, what brand of polishes do you use? Thank you very much for the advice and help. I was desperate, nothing is holding up. Greetings.”
Thank you so much for your lovely question. I’m actually planning to write a detailed article on this very topic soon :)! But in the meantime, let me give you a quick answer: I haven’t done gel manicures in a few years now, as I find they can be quite damaging to the nails. I also use regular nail polish less often. Instead, I’ve switched to using the Active range from Manucurist. I particularly love Active Bright and Active Smooth 00, which give my nails a beautiful pinkish color, and when I remove them with the Nail Polish Removing Oil Green, my nails stay healthy and strong. Once a week, I gently shape my short nails with a nail file, apply three coats of Active, let them dry, and that’s it! I also stopped cutting my cuticles and instead care for them with a bit of oil or cream. This routine lasts about a week, and my nails look fresh and neat. I hope this helps!
“Hi Léonce, Whenever I’m in Paris, I’m always amazed at how well behaved the dogs are when out in public. I’ve seen dogs wait for their owner in front of a store—no barking, no running away, etc. Is there some special training they go thru, or a school, to learn suck exemplary behavior? Kind regards”
That’s such an interesting observation! It’s actually something I’d never really noticed before! I don’t have a dog myself (just a cat), so I’m probably not the best person to answer this question. That said, in France, and especially in Paris, I imagine there’s a bit of social pressure that makes it frowned upon to have a noisy or badly behaved dog in public. That might naturally encourage owners to train their dogs or enroll them in obedience classes. But honestly, that’s just my guess, I really don’t know for sure :)! If any dog owners here have insights to share, please feel free to jump in!
“Hello! I love your informative newsletters. I a coming to Paris in a couple of weeks. Our tour group is having dinner at the Eiffel Tower! How dressy should we be? Merci!”
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so sorry for my late reply, I hope you had a wonderful evening at the Eiffel Tower and that you enjoyed your time in Paris! As for how dressy to be: Parisians generally love a polished, understated look, even for a special dinner. I would recommend opting for something elegant but not overly formal, think “smart chic.” A minimalist dress, a white blouse, or a lavaliere shirt paired with tailored trousers would be perfect.
For shoes, choose something comfortable yet dressy enough for a nice dinner, chic flats or low-heeled pumps are ideal, especially since you might be walking a bit. As for accessories, a statement belt, necklace, earrings, or a silk scarf can add that little touch of chic! Overall, aim for refined and elegant without being overly extravagant. Parisians rarely overdo it, but they always look put together :).
“Bonjour! I hope you are doing well. As you know, my daughters and I love your posts. […] She wants to dress well (understated French chic), but she is very petite and is having a hard time finding fashionable clothes in her size that don’t overwhelm her or look babysish. […] Do you have any suggestions for flattering a petite, hourglass figure? Thanks as always and happy spring.”
Thank you so much for your kind message! It truly means so much to me to hear that you and your daughters enjoy my posts. For petite women seeking that effortless French chic, the key is to focus on clean, well-proportioned pieces that flatter the figure without overwhelming it. Since your daughter has an hourglass shape, she’s lucky to have natural waist definition to highlight! Here are a few ideas that might help:
- Cropped jackets and blazers: These hit right at the waist, naturally emphasize her figure, and elongate the legs.
- Shorter hemlines: Skirts that hit just above the knee or mid-thigh (without going too short) create balance.
- Soft but defined tailoring: Look for subtle darts or ties at the waist in blouses and dresses.
- High-waisted trousers and skirts: These naturally emphasize the waist and elongate the legs.
- Monochrome looks: Dressing in one color family creates a long, lean line that’s especially flattering for petite frames.
- V-necks or scoop necks: These elongate the neck and draw the eye vertically, enhancing her natural proportions.
- Avoid heavy embellishments
I hope these suggestions help her build a wardrobe she truly loves. Wishing you a beautiful (and hopefully warmer!) summer!
“I am a woman of “a certain age” and want to continue gracefully…what are the “secrets” of the mature French women who always look chic WITHOUT face lifts, Botox, fillers, killer diets, too young/too old clothes and the rest…”
I absolutely love this question. While I can’t really speak for all French women of a certain age (I’m only 34, after all) I can share my own perspective on the matter. Personally, I focus much more on health than on looking younger. For me, aging gracefully means aging healthily rather than chasing eternal youth. I try to exercise at least once a week (Pilates, barre, core, sculpt), and I stay active in my daily life by walking and cycling. I eat a balanced diet, prioritizing vegetables, fruits, and proteins, but I also enjoy homemade pastries at least once a week. I don’t smoke, I drink little alcohol, and I protect my skin from the sun (I wear sunscreen religiously). I also try to maintain good sleep hygiene.
I regularly drink herbal infusions (peppermint, mint, roiboos, chamomilla, etc.) and marine collagen drinks (I love Aime’s Moccha Glow and I’m about to reordered Matcha Glow), and I occasionally take dietary supplements (like Hair Scalp Boost) and probiotics when I feel I need them. I have a solid skincare routine that I’m always refining as I discover new products (I’ve found so many great ones recently that I can’t wait to share!). I don’t do and have never done Botox, fillers, or any other aesthetic procedures or surgeries. I’m not saying “never,” but for now, I feel good just the way I am. I’m also never sick, knock on wood that it stays that way for a long time!
My priority is to have healthy, glowing skin (wrinkles or not), beautiful hair (grey or not), strong nails, white teeth, and a chic sense of style that feels refined but never overdone. I don’t really worry about whether I’m “allowed” to wear something or not, if I love it and it fits my style, I wear it! As for fitting into current beauty standards, I honestly don’t really worry too much about them, they’re always changing anyway :). I hope that helps, and thank you again for this interesting question!
“Hi Leonce, Thank you for your fantastic blog, which I’ve been following for years now. I’m writing to ask about kids’ fashion. […] I am a new mom of two […] Whenever we used to visit Paris, I was struck by how well-dressed the children are without being too ‘dressed up’ or uncomfortable. We own a lot of stuff from Petit Bateau that we bought for our son there though sadly they don’t ship to the U.S. so I’m trying to shop here in the U.S. but do it ‘the French way.’ […] I think that the way the French dress their kids really sets them up for life: fewer quality pieces, practical but beautiful and especially for girls, it doesn’t establish this false dichotomy between comfort and femininity. Would you […] do a post on this topic, with some French brands that ship more internationally than Petit Bateau, and international / U.S. brands that have the French chic? Related question: how do you wear pink the French way (for big and small :)) Thanks a million”
Thank you so much for your kind words! It means the world to me to know you’ve been following my blog for so long. I absolutely love your question, it fits perfectly with the spirit of what I’m trying to do here :). I completely agree with you about the importance of finding that balance between comfort and femininity, especially for girls. That’s exactly what I aim to highlight in my fashion recommendations on the blog: pieces that are stylish and refined, yet always prioritize comfort. I truly believe this is something we learn from a very young age, it’s about cultivating a sense of style without sacrificing freedom of movement or well-being.
Although I don’t have children myself, I’ve often observed, especially in France and in Paris, how well-dressed children are, yet always in a way that’s practical and allows them to move freely and comfortably. For shopping Petit Bateau from the U.S., you can actually find lovely pieces for both boys and girls on Luisaviaroma, which ships to the U.S. Here are a few other French brands known for that timeless, practical-yet-chic children’s style:
- Bonpoint — a bit on the higher end, but absolutely beautiful and classic.
- Tartine et Chocolat — another heritage French brand, with feminine yet practical pieces.
- Bonton — playful, casual, and always charming.
- Jacadi — lovely pieces for both everyday and special occasions.
- Louise Misha — a more bohemian take on French chic, with lots of blouses and dresses that remain comfortable and easy to move in.
For U.S.-based or international brands with a similar spirit, I’d recommend taking a look at Danrie or Maisonette, they both have a beautiful selection that includes some of the French brands I mentioned above. I absolutely love your idea of doing a full blog post on this topic and I’ve added it to my editorial calendar!
Now, let’s talk about pink :)! I’d suggest two main approaches, depending on whether you’d like to keep it subtle or make a statement. Pastel pinks are always a classic choice and pair beautifully with colors like light blue, lavender, white, and beige. Fuchsia, on the other hand, is bolder but very in style this season (I saw this color featured in Hermès’s Spring/Summer 2025 show!), and it looks fantastic with shades like terracotta, camel, brown, bronze, white, and even bordeaux.
Personally, I’d wear a pastel pink polo with light blue jeans and lavender sneakers or pastel pink suede loafers. Alternatively, you could pair a fuchsia polo with beige or camel linen trousers and a matching blazer or layer it under a white jacket. The key is to avoid going head-to-toe pink, instead, choose one statement piece and balance it with softer, more neutral colors. Et voilà! Thank you again for your thoughtful question and for being such a wonderful part of this community. ❤️
