5 French-Inspired Pleasures While We Wait for Spring

Spring is impossibly late. And though I can attest to dreaming of warm breezes and vibrant sunny days, I’ve decided it’s time to exercise a bit of restraint. The truth is, impatience, and complaining about the weather, are not becoming. Time to channel our inner French joie de vivre (love of life) with a few simple pleasures.

Here are 5 ways to distract ourselves while we wait for spring to arrive:

1. Throw a Party. Invite friends over for an impromptu gathering. Host a casual aperitif (before-dinner drinks) with hors d’oeuvres, or a repas (meal) à la française. Make it as simple or as extravagant as you like, being sure to have a few (very French) essential components: delicious food, wine, a few good friends (new and old) and, of course, a chic outfit.

2. Embrace Your Inner Chef. Yes, French women are known for their ways in the kitchen; the results of which do not go unnoticed. Be an artiste de la cuisine and conjure up a little passion in the kitchen with a bold new recipe—or classic favorite. Bon appétit!

3. Lingerie! It may be too soon to wear your spring dresses, but a new wardrobe of springtime lingerie refreshes the soul. Make your lingerie drawer something you delight in opening each day with feel-beautiful spring colors like bold Azalea, sun-kissed Coral, fresh Azure and soft, feminine Blush.

4. Walk Like a French Woman. Yes, walking will feel good—even in still-crisp air. So put on stylish boots or ballet flats and walk with unapologetic confidence. Not only will it boost your mood, you’ll be the first to know when spring does appear. More here on walking comme une femme française (like a French woman).

5. Plan a Weekend Getaway. There are few things as fun (or more French) than a spontaneous weekend getaway at the end of a busy week. Pack your favorite chic essentials and escape to where you can experience the warmth and energy of spring with your cheri. Bon voyage!

“Le Weekend” Getaway Lingerie

The first signs of spring come with a renewed desire for travel, spontaneity and vibrant color. Enter: le weekend getaway!  There are few things more fun than a weekend excursion at the end of a busy week—the charming towns, beaches, cozy dinners—all of which of course require an effortlessly stylish wardrobe.  So what’s the secret to the perfectly packed getaway?

The first element to travelling in style is a chic weekender bag.  You’ll need a tote that’s as stylish as the clothes in it.  Then, any French woman will tell you that the most important parts of your weekend wardrobe include a pair of perfectly tailored jeans, stylish ballet flats and of course, flawless lingerie.  It is simply unimaginable to end a fabulous day in a tattered bra and panty!  Instead, set the tone with practical and pretty bra and panty sets that make you feel confident, sexy, and of course, comfortable.

With the help of some of my close friends in Paris, and drawing from countless weekend getaways, I’ve assembled this essential “bon voyage” lingerie checklist:

• The Strapless.  Weekend getaways almost always call for a flirty summer dress, so it’s essential to have a fail-safe strapless bra.  I love Simone Pérèle’s Celeste Smooth Cup Strapless Bra and Velia Strapless Bra (which has a very loyal following), for their plunging necklines and seamless look and fit that stays in place without sliding.
• The Lace Demi.  Exude confidence with a stunning lace bra.  Look for a bra with pretty straps that can peak through a sleeveless top, and a pop of color.
• The Chic T-Shirt Bra.  A woman must always be comfortable when she travels.  Be a seamless traveler with a curve-hugging and breathable flawless French t-shirt bra.
• The Convertible Bra.  Don’t get caught with your straps in a twist.  Be prepared for all of your favorite warm-weather tops with a fabulous convertible bra.  Simone Perele’s Trocadero Push-Up or Amour Push-Up with Racerback gives a beautiful shape.
• The Silk Nightdress.  Weekends are all about indulging in a little luxury.  End the day in a silky nightdress and you’ll instantly look and feel sexy and glamorous.

“Voila!” Now you’re set to jet set.