5 Ways to Feel More Confident In A Bathing Suit

Summer is all about loving life, reveling in sun-kissed days and carefree moments among friends. But somehow all that can come to a halt at the thought of stepping into a skin-baring bathing suit. So every year as summer approaches, I make a point to shift my perspective and step into the season with confidence.

Here are my tried-and-true tips for owning your bathing suit body this season.

1. Customize Your Suit for Your Curves. One size doesn’t fit all in bras and panties—and this rule applies to swimsuits as well. Take the time to find a swimsuit that flatters your unique shape with bra sizing and different top and bottom sizes. Consider the colors that are most becoming on your skin tone. Need a second opinion? Bring a trusted friend who can help guide you.

2. Love the Skin You’re In. Glowing, sun-kissed skin has a way of forgiving our petites imperfections. Begin by exfoliating your whole body using an at-home scrub—or better yet, visit the spa for a luxurious exfoliating treatment. Then, use a gradual self-tanner for a lightly bronzed look. Finally, hydrate your skin with a creamy body moisturizer. Looking for an extra hydrating boost? Apply a body oil (such as coconut oil) all over while you’re in the shower. The steam will help the oil penetrate into your skin for a radiant ooh-la-la glow.

3. Get Summer-Ready Feet. Before slipping into your swimsuit, take a few steps to pamper and polish your feet. Opt for a regular pedicure throughout the summer. In between visits, refresh your feet with a mini at-home pedicure and new polish—and if you’d like to see quick improvement (and sleep better), give your feet a mini massage just before bedtime.

4. Be Posture Perfect. Perfecting your posture has an instant slimming effect on your silhouette; and it’s a natural confidence booster. That’s right—standing in a posture of confidence, whether you’re actually feeling your best with or not, has an effect on the brain that shapes the way you feel and affects how others see you. This age old trick, now backed by scientific research, is useful for everything from business interviews to beaches!

5. Accessorize Your Look. Just because you’re in a bathing suit, doesn’t mean you have to stop there. There are 3 accessories that finish your look and exude that oh-so-french elegance and confidence: a chic wide-brimmed sunhat, effortless-cool sunglasses, and a fabulous beach bag.

Now put on your favorite swim suit, sunglasses, a swipe of lipstick, and own the beach!

5 Things to Do this Weekend to Live Like the French

Plotting your weekend plans? Infuse some French joie-de-vivre (joy of living) into your activities. Here are 6 French-approved ways to spend your weekend.

1. Go Unplugged. Put away your cell phone and embrace a mostly tech-free weekend. It’s amazing how much time we gain, and how much richer the day can be when our personal antennas are tuned to the world around us. Need a little extra motivation? Go cell-free for a good cause.

2. Have an Apéritif. After a hectic week, my favorite way to shed stress and start the weekend is with an apéritif. This brilliant French ritual involves a glass of wine or other drink with a small snack (think olives or nuts) before dinner. It’s about sitting down and taking une petite pause between the day’s activities and dinner. Enjoy an aperitif solo, with your chéri, or with friends. Santé! (Cheers)

3. Be a Lady of Leisure. Toss your checklist, ditch your morning gym class, turn off your phone and let your day unfold naturally, à la française. Take inspiration from Parisians, who spend much of their weekends in cafés chatting with a friend or lover, reading a book in the park, or enjoying a long, stress-free lunch. (The French wear watches, but only as accessories). Whatever you decide to do, do it unrushed, unfussed, and for the sheer pleasure of it.

4. Get a Hair Cut. Few things are as refreshing as a hair cut. Whereas many American women often go six months or longer before trimming their tresses (you know who you are), French women make a point of going at least every two to three months to keep their hair healthy, shiny and en vogue (in fashion). Plus, a great hair cut reduces blow-drying and maintenance, so you can spend a few more moments enjoying your morning café and croissant…

5. Cook Like a French Woman. Make a date with your kitchen and lose yourself in a passionate encounter with a new (or favorite) recipe. Choose rich, mouth-watering ingredients (preferably picked up from your local market) and taste as you go. The recipe doesn’t need to be complicated—just delectable. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with an amoureux (lover) or friend over a bottle of wine.

6. Go for a Stroll. Put on your favorite flats, a swipe of lipstick, classic trench and go for a stroll. It’s not about the exercise (though I’ll take the calorie deficit, thank you), but about taking in the world around you in a new light, clearing your mind and rebalancing your energy. A walk is also about seeing—and being seen—so I don’t want to hear a single word about sweatpants!

Bon week-end!

The One Item Every French Woman Owns: The Trench

From ‘60s beauty Francoise Hardy to modern muse Marion Cotillard, every French style-setter and icon has worn the trench coat, and given it her own unique touche.  Here’s why you need it and how to wear this ageless, wear-with-anything wardrobe essential.

WHY YOU NEED IT

Eternally chic, the trench’s tailored silhouette is flattering on every shape, and every age, from 18 to 80. Its neutral shade matches with everything, and is as wearable on casual weekends as it is at the office or for a mysterious date night.  Plus, as we edge towards spring, it’s the perfect layer for transitional seasons (both spring and fall).

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Look for a simple, timeless trench in classic beige/toffee tones. It should be cropped a little above the knee (and even a bit shorter for petite women) and fitted at the shoulders.

HOW TO WEAR IT

1. Over a navy and white Breton-striped top, skinny jeans and pumps (this look oozes French chic). A classic trench over jeans and a sweater is effortlessly cool.

2. Wear it like a cape, draped over your shoulders, for a sophisticated feel.

3. Roll up or scrunch the sleeves and wear it open for a casual vibe, or to show off stylish bangles.

4. Layer it over a LBD or evening dress for an alluring date night ensemble that ups your cool factor.

5. Belt the trench but leave it unbuttoned to reveal a hint of your outfit underneath

6. Pair it with neutral tones and classic cuts, such as whites, heather grays and shades of beige for an elegant look that makes a quiet statement.

7. Go sleek and sexy in a black trench over black jeans and black or red pumps or ankle boots.

8. Opt for a classic cut in a spring color, such as blush pink or baby blue to add some zest to your look.

No matter how you wear it, the classically cool trench is the ultimate spring wardrobe companion… so invest in one you love!

Secrets of the French Cool

To many French women, one of the biggest style sins you can commit is that of looking “overdone.” Any effort one puts into looking chic must be altogether discret. French cool is all about having a sophistication that seems as if it simply happened; as if you just had a natural knack for being supremely stunning.

Ironically, achieving this kind of unfussed elegance does require some work. The good news is that it’s more about a shift in perspective than anything else. There are tacit rules to the art of cultivating this kind of unapologetic confidence and enviable style.

Here are a few of the rules many French women live by:

Rule 1: Embrace Your “Imperfections.” Focus on your favorite features and let the rest add character to your natural cool. We often don’t realize how much time and energy it takes to cover up, maximize, minimize, erase and negotiate “les petites imperfections.” Despite your fears, be yourself and own your look, turning “flaws” into true elements du charme. (Jane Birkin’s gap-toothed smile was considered très sexy!)

Rule 2: Mix New and Old. Create your own look by mixing new with vintage, casual with tailored, or classic with trendy. The same goes for mixing brands and designers in one outfit. This is the key to creating your own style—a signature of French cool.

Rule 3: Simplify Your Makeup. It’s not that French women don’t wear makeup… it’s just that they pretend not to. Makeup is used to highlight one or two features, not all at once. A seductive red pout is almost always offset with a natural eye. A sweep of eye liner looks ravishing on bare skin. Achieving this kind of understated balance makes a statement that you are bien dans ta peau (comfortable in your own skin), and unafraid of owning your sensuality as a woman.

Rule 4: Tousle Your Tresses. Not only is laissez-faire hair acceptable, it’s stylish and downright sexy—especially when paired with an effortlessly chic outfit, lace underpinnings, and a pop of your best color lipstick. Not sure how to capture the look without looking completely disheveled? Start with the Undone-Chic Chignon.

Rule 5: Balance Your Accessories. Accessories are the signature of an outfit and should reflect your unique style and personality. A cardinal rule is that accessories should never compete for attention. Showcase a scarf or a statement necklace—not both. Stylize a classic look with a few select pieces that hold their own: a fabulous purse, gold cuff, silk scarf or chic sunglasses. Lastly, bring in personal, unique pieces wherever you can; your grandmother’s ring, your favorite vintage scarf, or an edgy leather jacket you bought years ago.

Rule 6: Seduction by Selection. The game of seduction is more about what you choose to hide than what you show. The taquinage (tease) is far more sexy than the reveal. Shake up the classic look of jeans and white button down shirt with a pretty black, navy or even rich purple lace bra. It’s seemingly effortless, slightly rebellious, and totally intriguing.

Rule 7: Dress for Yourself. Trying too hard to please others is the ultimate trap of a contrived look. When you dress for yourself, you feel good in your skin, exuding a natural confidence and effortless cool. Just ask yourself: What will make me feel really good?

Of course, whatever your style, your inner chic is your most effortless and stunning asset of all.

Read 10 French Icons to Watch to learn about today’s reigning queens of French cool.