French Girl style. We've all seen the Instagram posts, watched the YouTube "How To's", and LUSTED over their just-so jeans, block-heeled sandals and oversized blazers. Who HASN'T marvelled at their tousled hair and effortless chic? How the world collectively wishes to be a French Girl, or at least nab their STYLE.
Leia Sfez
Model and French Girl
But...as the UMPTEENTH video/post/image loads, another French Girl MUST-HAVE becomes blindingly apparent—a next-level-cool apartment. Small in size, but BIG on style. Starting with an original ornate mirror, pride of place, over-looking herringbone timber floors.
The living room of Leia Sfez. Image Vogue Paris.
While our homes may generally cover a little more ground (those Paris apartments are petit!), we can still look to our très chic sisters for interior guidance.
Let's break it down. Because as with the French Girls' fashion choices, her home's interior styling follows the same well-versed rules.
Nadia Dhouib
Fashion Buyer
WORK OUT WHAT SUITS YOU
Those dreamy little appartement Parisien are precisely that. Little. Getting your proportions right is the first lesson. Even if you have more space than our FG's, your furniture, artwork, accessories and style all need to fit the space exactly- (while still looking nonchalantly thrown together. Bien sûr!)
VINTAGE
VINTAGE features heavily in an FG's abode. As with clothing, Vintage = Unique. You won't be sitting in the same armchair at your besties, or at your salon de coiffure. The joy of vintage is also about the finding. Visit beautiful, curated boutiques, rummage through flea markets, or even a roadside find—all treasures ripe for the taking.
MADAME MIX-A-LOT
Like almost every other person in the Western world, FG's love themselves a little bit of Ikea too. They appreciate the simple design, easy logistics and lack of pretension. The key is in The Mix- the high and low of things. SOMETHING LIKE a white tulip style table with four exquisite VILDA dining chairs. Idéal.
QUALITY NOT QUANTITY Swedish superstore buys aside; an FG is about quality. She wants her major wardrobe pieces to last her a lifetime; re-styling items as inspiration strikes. Can you imagine a Saint Laurent tuxedo jacket ever being undesirable? Non. As for her home purchases, ditto. With space at a premium- clothing items included- every item needs to earn its place at the table (including the table!). Adopting the same attitude is invaluable to every area of our lives; philosophy guys- très français. Images (above) Vogue.
ACCESSOIRES
Think of your home "accessories" (cushions, small decor items) as being the handbag and shoes of your interiors outfit. Styling often to create different looks. Your lamps and artwork are the jewels- literally providing light, ambience and glimmer in a room. Choose well. Have fun!
OH, THIS OLD THING?
As Australians, we generally seem to have trouble incorporating antiques into our homes. Perhaps it's the lack of great attainable antiques or familiarity with how to do it? What may be typical in France- here, not so much. Unless you live in an older home, it can be tough to make antiquities work for today. The FG's are experts at incorporating family heirlooms, celebrating their beauty. Re-upholstering this chair (right) in a neutral fabric give it more versatility, while maintaining it’s heritage.
The living room of honorary Parisian, Jackie Kai Ellis.
BE COMFORTABLE. What does a French Girl do when faced with kilometres of cobblestone streets and endless flights of stairs? They don a pair of those aforementioned block-heeled shoes because nothing is less chic than hobbling around in 12-inch heels. As with your home, live in it, enjoy it! Create a personal haven filled with items that bring you joy. You can't go wrong...!