Friday Favorites – Weekly Inspiration

Welcome to Friday Favorites, a series where we share our favorite decor, design inspiration, fashion finds, TV shows, recipes and more!

 It’s been a busy week here as we are sponsoring a Golden Retriever! The opportunity came up through my pet sitter who knew someone and we decided to go for it. It may only be for a few weeks, or he may go back to his home. The owner suddenly developed a severe allergy to him so she’s hoping to take some time to get that handled.

Either way, we were happy to help and to have a fluffy friend here again!

And today is a little bit of a special Friday Favorites! Special, you say? Yes. Because today I’m talking French-inspired everything!

Though I’m always sharing French-inspired finds, at least once a year I like to dedicate the entire post to just those. New things I’ve found that have that European flavor, as well as old favorites full of French charm that I own. It’s what I love and gravitate to, and I’m guessing that’s what a lot of you gravitate to too (probably why you’re here, right?)

So let’s talk (French-ish) Friday Favorites!

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THINGS I’M LOVING IN DESIGN/DECOR

This charming French-inspired home is one of my favorites!

 

FOR THE HOME:  I often get asked where to find urns – they can be very hard to find (or pricey!) This gorgeous cast iron urn looks like an antique and is a great price, and I also love the fluting on this smaller one (perfect for a table!)

I love things that are practical yet beautiful, like this gorgeous (and large) rattan basket or this adorable hanging wall basket.

Pottery Barn just released these French-glazed vases that look like French confit pots – so cute!

FURNITURE: this solid wood dining table is stunning and so unique. Love! Also love this gorgeous wood nightstand that looks like an antique. And this bench! I’m completely smitten and looking for somewhere to make it work!

FOR THE KITCHEN/TABLE: my brass pepper mill is not French per-se, but it does give a European vibe to the kitchen. I love the look and, win/win, it’s very high quality and works so well! I will own it the rest of my life. 

These adorable cruets also give a great European look and are priced really well! 

I just bought these adorable scalloped pinch pots for salt and pepper in the kitchen and I love them! 

If you saw the tour I shared yesterday, you may have noticed the antique mortar and pestle sets in the kitchen (I was drooling!) But this Williams Sonoma version looks like the real thing for hundreds less! Both practical and beautiful. 

And of course, you have to have French wine glasses! I love ours and feel chic every time I use them! 😉

Last week’s best sellers: these scalloped wood cutting boards and this arched bookcase.

 

A few of my favorite home stores for French or European-inspired finds (bookmark for later):

Anthropologie and their sister garden site, Terrain: carry an eclectic mix of earthy, European style home and garden finds.
Etú Home: French finds for the kitchen and table.
Kathy Kuo Home: beautiful French-inspired furniture.
Roan Iris: Though not necessarily French, they sell hand-crafted kitchen essentials and decor. The entire site has beautiful styling and feels very European farmhouse.
The White Company: British owned company with a European vibe selling high quality items.

 

THINGS I’M WEARING/WANTING

Is there anything chicer than a French woman? They have a simple and understated style that I just love.

A few things that capture that French essence:

If you haven’t already invested in a quality white shirt, do it! I own and love this J.Crew shirt and theirs are very reasonable. While you’re at it, get a pale blue. They look chic and go with everything!

You know the French girls love a good trench (as do I) and the short trenches that I’m seeing lately are such a cute version of that! Love this one (above), this one is priced well and this one is charming (and a major steal!)

Both this ruffled long-sleeve blouse (over 70% off!) and this lace-trimmed short-sleeve blouse are giving Sézane vibes for sure.

I love silk scarves! They’re so cute tied to a handbag, super chic when worn around the neck, and great in the hair, too. This one is perfect and comes in 3 patterns. Nothing will make you feel more like you’re on the Cote d’Azur than wearing a cute little scarf around your neck!

This long-sleeve collared sweater is the epitome of chic.

Good straight or wide leg jeans are a French-girl essential! This flattering pair is between a straight and a skinny, the pockets make this slim wide-leg jean (30% off) extra cute, and this slim-leg jean is on sale for almost 40% off!

And of course, minimal jewelry is a must. Simple gold hoops (great price!) and a lovely chain to layer are a good start!

Last week’s best sellers: this classic blazer and this gorgeous bracelet (2nd week in a row!)

 

A few of my favorite clothing/beauty stores for French-inspired finds (bookmark for later):

Caudalie: French beauty line (love their creams!) 
Nuxe: I’m hooked on their dry body oil!
Dôen: new-to-me California store with gorgeous and very feminine pieces. Pricey but beautifully made.
Sézane: high-quality pieces with that cool-girl French vibe and a cult following. 
I also like Maje and Cinq à Sept. Both offer French style that’s on the pricier side, but look for sales on sites like Nordstrom or Bloomingdales.
And of course, I frequently find pieces on J.Crew, Anthropologie, and Banana Republic that evoke French style. You can also scout the more expensive sites and then look elsewhere for dupes that are selling for less! 

 

THINGS I’M WATCHING/READING

I wasn’t sure if I should share French movies since I feel like I’ve shared them all, haha! But then I decided to see which ones I haven’t seen and there are more than I would have expected!

French Kiss with Meg Ryan (above) looks light and fluffy, but with gorgeous scenery, La Vie en Rose tells the story of singer Édith Piaf’s life, Paris When It Sizzles stars Audrey Hepburn, and Marie Antoinette directed by Francis Ford Coppola. I’ve never seen any of these and plan on trying one this weekend!

 

THINGS I’M EATING/DRINKING

I’m sure you know I’m a huge fan of Ina Garten, but did you know she has a French cookbook, Barefoot in Paris? We love the Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic, Chicken with Morels, and of course, the Chocolate Mousse (above). 

Another favorite cookbook with easy French recipes is Dorie Greenspan’s Around My French Table: From My Home to Yours. And David Lebovitz’s My Sweet Life in Paris mixes funny stories with French recipes. 

 

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Do you know French Larkspur? They’re an online shop that also sponsors French trips.

6 French-girl Makeup Tips

The French Paradox: How to Live Like a French Girl for Better Health

34 Dreamy Quotes about Paris That Will Make You Want to Book a Flight ASAP

 

And if you missed it, this week we shared the most stunning European-inspired home tour! This is a must-see!

 

Shop the Post 

 

Happy Friday!

Sheila
xo

P.S.

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Oh and if you’ve missed any of the previous Friday Favorites, you can find them all here!