What is that invisible yet permeable essence that we find so infectious in the French culture? The markers of effortless style and a timeless chic leave this American girl longing for that je ne sais quoi. Here are a few fun things for the Francophile in all of us.
The aptly named, Cachette, which translates as "hiding place," brings the best of small European market finds to your door step. Imagine having a really stylish, well traveled friend with a great eye and connections to boot.
Everything from hand soaps
to decorative items for your home
they even have something in store for les enfants
And if somehow you don't fall in love with all the great loot, the story of how Anglo-French couple Stephen and Delphine gave up their lives in London to move to the South of France to start up this little operation will certainly appeal to your inner romantic.
Another fabulous French find are these beautiful books by Vicki Archer. Not just pretty on the coffee table (although they are), she manages to convey that elusive spark that draws you in.
and
"I like to think that in France there is a sixth sense - a French sense...
French sense is simple - it is chemistry, a magical mix of the sights, sounds,
smells, tastes and textures... As a nation France has chemistry, as individuals
the French have spark."
-Vicki Archer, FRENCH ESSENCE
Which leads me to me next book collection with deep roots in France
I first discovered Assouline's book collections when I saw this box set, or as they call it the Lifestyle "survival kit," and mistook it for wall art. Little did I know how wonderful the books inside would be. I loved it so much I gave one to a friend as a house warming gift when she bought a place in the French Quarter. How can you go wrong with Italian art, cocktails, Veuve Cliquot and chocolate ?
Now this has opened up an entirely new spending habit with a few of the following to blame
"We have always heeded the French expression savoir vivre, which translates roughly as knowing how to live. This means being guided by a clear value set that privilege our passions. It means we put our resources and our time into things that matter: knowledge, relationships, and experiences; into history, culture, and travel. It means we favor things that are rare and precious not for their price tag, but because they enrich our lives." - Pierre Assouline
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