Today, I wanted to share a new (and rather generous) Q&A with you, gathering many of the thoughtful questions you’ve sent me since the last edition on May 31, already so long ago. I truly love writing these pieces; your questions are always considered, curious, and deeply inspiring, and it is a pleasure to answer them. I hope my responses will satisfy yours.
December always seems to pass in a blur. I will no doubt write to you again before the holidays, but in case some of you are already preparing to leave, allow me to wish you, a little early, a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and a beautiful festive season.
If you enjoy this question-and-answer format, you can find previous editions in the Les Conversations category, and you can send me your questions at any time through the Dear Léonce form. Some questions call for a more intimate reply; in those cases, I answer directly by email. As always, all questions are anonymized and lightly rephrased to preserve your privacy. And now, without further delay, here is our newest conversation together.
This article is unsponsored. If you choose to buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission, always at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love and use myself. Merci beaucoup.
Question: “Are skinny jeans still worn in Paris, or should I focus more on relaxed and wide-leg silhouettes?”
In Paris, skinny jeans have very much receded into the background. The silhouettes that feel the most current now (and the ones you see most often) are straight-leg cuts, soft bootcuts, and the wide-leg styles. Personally, I don’t mind this shift at all. I’ve always found skinny jeans a little restrictive, and even if they return one day (fashion always circles back), I don’t think I would rush to wear them again. I tend to wait for certain trends to pass rather than follow them too closely. That said, style is always personal. If you love skinny jeans, you should absolutely keep wearing them. But if you’re looking for a silhouette that feels very now in Paris, relaxed and wide-leg shapes are the direction most women are moving toward.
“How can women over 60 stay stylish and modern? Could you share chic outfit ideas or silhouettes that flatter this age beautifully?”
I’ve always felt that the pieces and silhouettes I recommend can suit women of every age. Style, at its best, is not about following rules but about finding the right balance: not too much, not too little, just a thoughtful harmony between what feels timeless and what feels modern. What matters most is choosing shapes that make you feel comfortable and confident, and adapting your wardrobe to the trends you genuinely enjoy, never all of them, and never too literally. A beautifully cut trouser, a fluid blouse, a structured jacket, soft knits, or a well-chosen accessory can feel elegant on anyone, and can be styled in countless ways to reflect your own personality.
If you’re looking for inspiration, you’ll find many outfit ideas in the Silhouettes & Inspiration section of Le Style on my website. I also explore this theme each week in Les Édits Privés, where I curate nine pieces and propose several ways to wear them. You may find combinations there that feel both modern and perfectly suited to your own style.
“I love belts but find them difficult to style. Do you have any tips for wearing belts more effectively?”
I must say that I don’t own many belts myself, I tend to choose only the most versatile ones, the kind that work with a wide range of outfits. A few simple guidelines make them much easier to style. Timeless colours in beautiful leather are always a good place to start: black, brown, camel, or even a deep burgundy. When it comes to width, I often reach for slimmer belts because they blend effortlessly into an outfit and add definition in a subtle, refined way. And since a belt is something you may keep for many years, choosing a good-quality leather is always worth it.
As for styling, I usually wear belts in two ways: with jeans or tailored trousers, or cinched over a blazer or a coat to give the silhouette structure. With just these two approaches, you can create many combinations that feel polished, modern, and easy to wear.
“I noticed incredible eyewear in Paris and would love chic sunglasses like the ones Parisians wear. Do you have any recommendations for finding stylish frames?”
Paris has many wonderful independent eyewear boutiques, and several offer beautifully made frames at gentler prices than the traditional luxury houses. One brand I particularly like is Rendel Paris, they have a few boutiques in the city, and their designs capture that modern Parisian spirit without feeling overdone. Their coloured lenses, for example, are everywhere in Paris at the moment. For something slightly more affordable, Jimmy Fairly is an excellent option with a wide range of chic, easy silhouettes. And elsewhere in Europe, Ace & Tate (the Dutch equivalent) offers clean, minimalist designs at a similar price point.
“I’m hoping to find a vintage Céline Box Bag in Paris. Could you recommend trusted boutiques that might carry one?”
I found mine on Vestiaire Collective, using their authentication service, which I always recommend for vintage designer pieces. It’s often the most reliable way to find a specific model, especially if you’re looking for a particular size or colour.
In Paris, many vintage boutiques have beautifully curated selections, but their stock varies from week to week, and the Céline Box Bag is one of those designs that tends to disappear quickly. You might not find the exact model you’re hoping for, but you may come across other beautiful surprises along the way. Part of the pleasure of vintage shopping in Paris is precisely this: wandering through neighbourhoods like the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or the Left Bank, discovering small boutiques with unique pieces and a sense of history.
If your heart is set on a very specific version, online platforms with authentication remain the safest route. But if you enjoy the spontaneity of the hunt, Paris has countless lovely addresses waiting to be explored.
“I’m searching for the perfect everyday lip color; something natural, matte, smooth, flattering for fair skin with green eyes, and ideally in a beautiful tube. Do you have French favorites?”
For the kind of finish you’re describing (natural, matte, smooth, and very easy to wear) I immediately think of Bisou Balm by Violette_FR. It’s one of my favourite everyday lip products: effortless to apply, softly blurring, and beautifully understated, with colours that suit a wide range of skin tones. For fair skin with green eyes, a few shades stand out in particular: Calisson (a soft, warm beige with a touch of peach), Rose Latte (a muted rose-nude), and Bêtise (a warm, sheer berry).
“I’m 70 with mild rosacea and would love a foundation that covers without looking heavy or crepey. Do you have recommendations for mature skin?”
Recommending complexion products is always a little delicate, because every skin (and especially mature skin) has its own specific needs. Although I’m younger and my experience with makeup comes from testing many formulas, I try to pay attention to textures and finishes that tend to flatter a wide range of ages. One product I love and reach for constantly is The Minimalist by Merit. It’s a buildable complexion stick with a very natural, almost invisible finish, and it can be used both as a foundation and as a concealer. The texture blends seamlessly into the skin and avoids that heavy, “sitting on top of the face” feeling, which is often what makes it suitable for many different skin types.
For the under-eye area, I prefer a formula with more nourishment. The UnCoverup Concealer by RMS Beauty has a creamy, hydrating texture that melts beautifully into the skin and avoids the crepey finish that some concealers can create later in the day.
“Could you recommend a Parisian hairdresser for long hair? I’d love a fresh cut during my visit.”
Finding the right hairdresser in Paris can feel like a delicate decision, we all want to be in good hands, especially before a new cut :). To make it easier, I’ve curated a list of some of the most reputable and trusted salons in the city, each with its own style and approach. You’ll find it here. It’s a good place to start, whether you prefer something very classic and polished or a more modern, effortless French look.
“Which facials do you recommend in Paris, especially those that treat blackheads? And in Nice or its surroundings, what small local shops or boutiques do you love?”
For deep cleansing and treating blackheads, I really like the Hydrafacial. I’ve had it a few times in Amsterdam, and the results have always been excellent; the skin feels fresh, clear, and very clean. Of course, it’s important to speak with the aesthetician beforehand so they can adjust the treatment to your skin, especially if you tend to be sensitive. In Paris, a beautiful place to experience this treatment is the Spa Le Bristol. Even though I haven’t stayed at the hotel, I know the property well, and their spa has a reputation for offering a very refined, calming experience. It’s a lovely option if you’re looking for something special during your visit.
As for Nice, the Old Town is full of small, local boutiques that are charming to explore, the pleasure there really comes from wandering through the narrow streets. I especially loved Cours Saleya, with its colourful market and Provençal atmosphere. And if you’d like to bring home a scent that captures the South of France, the Fragonard boutique is a delightful stop for fragrance and small gifts.
“Do mature French women rely more on skincare or makeup to enhance their features as they age?”
In general, French women (at every age) tend to lean more toward skincare than makeup. The idea is simply to care for the skin first, so that anything applied afterward feels lighter, easier, and more natural. This is the approach I follow myself. I invest more in my skincare routine than in makeup because when the skin is well cared for, everything else becomes simpler, and often, you need very little :). A touch of concealer, a sheer base, a hint of blush… and the face already looks fresh and refined. Many mature French women appreciate this balance too: letting good skincare do most of the work, and using makeup more as a soft enhancement than full coverage. But of course, it always comes down to personal preference, the most beautiful routine is the one that feels right for you.
“What are your essential French pantry staples for preparing an impromptu meal?”
I wrote an article on this exact topic (What I Always Keep in My French Pantry) back in April, and I hope it will offer a more detailed look at how I stock my kitchen. But to give you a very simple overview, my core staples are flour, butter, eggs, olive oil, a few herbs and spices, sugar, and chocolate. For me, these are the ingredients that make everyday cooking feel easy and intuitive.
With just these basics, you can prepare all sorts of simple meals (vegetables, meat, or fish cooked with herbs and olive oil) as well as savoury tarts, sweet tarts, or a quick chocolate dessert. Recently, for instance, I used some frozen spinach to make a very uncomplicated spinach tart with homemade pastry, and later a few chocolate cookies using the last bar I had on hand. These ingredients create a kind of gentle framework that lets you improvise, depending on what you have at home and what you feel like cooking that day.
“Could you share simple kitchen basics you always keep on hand, like persillade, flaky sea salt, or other everyday French staples?”
Of course, I’m delighted you asked. I do enjoy herbs and spices, and over time I’ve collected quite a few, simply because I like exploring different flavours. But to keep things simple, there are a handful of staples I reach for most often. I always have Dijon mustard (the strong one), Herbes de Provence, quatre-épices, cinnamon, ginger, coarse sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, vegetable bouillon cubes, nutmeg, olive oil and butter, piment d’Espelette, honey (I’m very fond of darker chestnut or forest honeys), cloves, a bouquet garni, garlic, onions, shallots, tarragon (one of my favourites), persillade, paprika, and curry powder.
You absolutely don’t need all of them to cook French food, even just a few can transform simple ingredients. These are simply the ones I find myself reaching for most in everyday cooking or baking, and they make it easy to add depth and warmth to even very uncomplicated dishes.
“What kinds of wisdom do French mothers typically pass on to their daughters, about style, skincare, or growing up?”
This is such a beautiful question, and also a difficult one, because I could never speak for all French mothers. What I can share is what I learned from the women in my own family, especially my mother and my grandmother, Léonce Chenal, who shaped me deeply. The first lesson was about autonomy, being able to stand confidently on your own, both financially and emotionally. When I was a teenager, my grandmother often repeated a phrase I didn’t fully understand at the time: “La situation d’abord.” She meant that having a sense of direction in life, through studies or a profession, provides a foundation on which everything else can unfold naturally. I see now what she meant: maintaining a form of independence as a woman creates balance and freedom.
There was also an emphasis on taking care of oneself, in every sense. Style and skincare were part of that, not as something decorative, but as an act of self-respect and well-being. If you take care of yourself first, you’ll be better able to care for others. It’s a philosophy that has stayed with me. Education, curiosity, and resourcefulness were equally important. I was encouraged to learn, to stay curious, and to know how to manage things on my own without waiting for someone else to solve them.
And then there were the values that feel woven into many families: the importance of kindness and respect, greeting and thanking the people you encounter, gathering with family for meaningful moments, and eating well as a way of caring for yourself and for others. These lessons aren’t tied only to style or skincare (though those were present too) but rather to a way of moving through life with intention, gentleness, and inner structure. It’s a form of elegance that begins far beneath the surface.
“I often hear that “French women never get fat.” Is there any truth in this cliché?”
This is such an interesting question, and one I’m actually planning to explore in a longer article in early January 2026, there’s so much to say about it. As for whether the statement is still true… I’m not entirely sure. Eating habits evolve everywhere, including in France, especially as more processed and ultra-processed foods have become part of daily life. These products often blur the sense of what is “healthy” or “unhealthy,” and collectively I think many of us feel a little lost: one decade, fat is the villain; today, sugar seems to be the ingredient everyone fears. Food messaging changes constantly, and with it, our intuition gets a bit shaken.
What I can say is that traditional French cooking (the kind many of us grew up with) is still very present: simple ingredients, balanced meals, seasonal produce, dishes made at home. That rhythm continues to shape how many French people eat. As for me personally, I’ve always cooked daily and gravitate toward ingredients I recognise and enjoy. It’s not a “diet,” and I don’t follow any specific rules; it’s simply the way I grew up eating. I bake everything I want to eat, I don’t restrict myself, and this approach has always felt natural to me. But I would never make my own experience a rule, or assume it applies to everyone, our relationships with food are deeply personal and shaped by many factors.
So is there truth in the cliché? Sometimes yes, sometimes not at all. The reality, like most things, is more nuanced, and far more interesting than the expression suggests :).
“How do you stay connected to French culture and remain relevant in your work now that you’ve moved to Amsterdam?”
Thank you for this thoughtful question, I’m glad you asked. For me, staying connected to French culture isn’t something I have to seek out intentionally; it’s simply part of who I am. I’m French, my fiancé is French, my family is in France, and I grew up, studied, and worked there before living abroad as an adult. I follow French news, culture, and conversations wherever I happen to be. It’s my identity, the way I was raised, and the atmosphere I return to each time I go home to see family and friends.
And in a way, this already answers the second part of your question. I don’t really think in terms of “remaining relevant”; instead, I focus on sharing what feels true to my experience and my cultural background. Authenticity means more to me than chasing trends or trying to match a particular moment. In fact, being French while living abroad has become a real strength in my work, distance often sharpens your understanding of a culture’s nuances and singularities.
There is a French line I love: “Être dans le vent est une ambition de feuille morte.” A gentle way to express that wanting to be fully “in the wind”, meaning perfectly aligned with every trend, is ultimately the ambition of a drifting leaf. It’s a reminder that relevance, in the meaningful sense, comes from being rooted rather than carried. That’s the spirit in which I try to write and create.
“I love the paintings and visuals on your site. Are you the artist behind them?”
Thank you! It means so much to know the imagery resonates with you. I always make sure to credit the creator of each painting or photograph I use; you’ll find the credits placed discreetly at the bottom right of the images throughout my site. Some of the visuals, though, are indeed my own creations. I work with a blend of techniques and digital tools to shape them (part illustration, part composition) and I enjoy allowing a little mystery to remain around the process :). It’s a part of the work I love, and I’m always delighted to hear that these images bring you pleasure.
“I’ve noticed you often link to American retailers. Is your audience mostly in the US? Would it be possible to include more European links as well?”
Yes, a significant part of my audience is based in the United States, which is why you’ll often see links pointing to American retailers. That said, most of the brands and shops I feature do ship internationally, including throughout Europe. In many cases, adjusting the country or region on the website will show the options available where you live. I truly appreciate your question, it’s always helpful to be reminded of the different places you’re reading from. I’ll continue to keep this in mind and include more European links whenever possible, so the suggestions feel relevant for everyone.
“If you were to walk away from everything and everyone you know, where would you go, and why?”
Thank you for this beautiful and almost philosophical question. It’s difficult for me to imagine leaving without the person I share my daily life with (my fiancé) so any imagined escape would naturally include him :). If I could step into a completely different rhythm of life, free from practical constraints, I think I would choose a life spent travelling slowly around the world. I love the idea of discovering new places with time, care, and curiosity, staying in beautiful hotels, observing how people live, and letting each destination shape the next. A kind of modern explorer’s life, but lived comfortably.
I would be drawn to places that still feel a little hidden, far from overcrowded routes, where one can listen, learn, and take notes. I imagine keeping travel journals, sketching impressions, recording small details, collecting atmospheres. And perhaps living more anonymously, with fewer digital traces, simply moving through the world and writing about what I encounter. It’s a fantasy, but one that I think my fiancé would enjoy just as much as I would.
