casual vendredi – Paris-inspired

YSL universite

Paris is never far from my thoughts. 🙂

We’ve had a few mild days in LA, and I wore a version of the outfit above earlier in the week.

My version included this striped top from J.Crew, which is one of the best I’ve found. The fabric has some nice weight and texture yet is light enough to go comfortably under a jacket; and cut is easy but not too oversized. The grey denim jeans in my outfit were these NYDJ skinnies in the “fall rock” wash, a very nice medium grey. And my jacket is an earlier season’s version of this Steven Alan boyfriend blazer purchased last year on sale (as is the current version). It’s a really outstanding piece, great quality and fit and I’ve been wearing it multiple times per week. Boots I wore were a pair of Stuart Weitzman’s that are now over a decade old, but the ones shown here are from Paul Green. If I were in the market for another pair of black ankle boots, they’d definitely be contenders. I love those wingtip details, and have found this brand to be extremely comfortable, even for all-day walking.

Included in the collage above are a couple of pieces from the new French Kande Spring/Summer collection just introduced this week, and from what I’ve seen online there are some gorgeous options. Above are a hematite necklace with a Bles d’Or medallion, and a double chain bracelet with an onyx cabuchon. I have my eye on this sea mist jade necklace with a silver medallion. But there are dozens of new pieces, including some medallions I haven’t seen before, so do go take a look. If you aren’t familiar with the backstory, the jewelry line was inspired by some vintage medallions that Kande found at a Paris flea market in 2009.

Tomorrow we have something on the agenda that promises to be a good time: Paris Cocktails at Little Door! Doni Belau of Girl’s Guide To Paris has written a book featuring 100 cocktail recipes from 100 different Paris bars, and will be teaching a mini-mixology class. I’m taking le Monsieur along, and we’re really looking forward to it! I’ll be taking pictures and will share on Facebook and Instagram.

Bon weekend! Anything fun planned for you?

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15 Comments

  1. I have that same shirt. And I wear it paired with skinnies, my black Repetto ballet flats and a J. Crew Schoolboy blazer. My bag of choice: Nat & Nin-I love their cushy buttery soft bags and always pick one up whenever I’m in Paris–my collecting is becoming quite large!
    This weekend we are preparing for snow so I’ll be making a nice hearty boeuf bourguignon, a nice boule loaf and clafouits for dessert for my Frenchman. I’m doing no carbs, no dairy, no sugar–my choices will be limited!

  2. Ah Paris… I remember Paris. I must dig out my pictures from our France trip in May to get me through the dead of winter. Stuart Weitzman boots have real staying power don’t they? I buy his shoes and boots a lot because they fit my narrow foot. I always say that Stuart is my man for shoes, and Stuart (my husband) is my man for everything else. Ha. You’ve inspired me, Sue, to look at grey jeans for spring.
    P.S. One good thing about our delayed winter this year, I’m so busy being thankful that we finally have snow for skiing I’m forgetting to moan about winter.

  3. I just purchased my first piece of French Kande jewelry after considering several pieces for months.(I’ve never seen a piece in person. Just on Une Femme) I finally ordered the 34″ black jasper with croix medallion and I’m so glad I did. I love it! I’m already trying to decide which shorter piece I need.

        1. Hi Joanna, I think it depends on the fabric and cut. These don’t seem to stretch out nearly as much as some of my NYDJ’s from a few years ago.

  4. Thanks! I also have the J Crew shirt. So versatile! Any photos of you wearing the blazer? Their website doesn’t show it on a model. Just trying to get an idea of the fit.
    Many thanks!

    1. Hi Nancy, I haven’t yet taken photos of the jacket, but will try to do soon. It seems to run true-to-size, and is a straighter cut, not a lot of shaping but it’s also not as boxy-looking as you’d imagine, probably because the fabric has a nice bit of drape.

  5. It’s because of you, Susan, that I have fallen in love with French Kande jewelry! I bought two beautiful pieces recently and am on the lookout for my next addition. I’m excited to checkout the new collection. I have a pair of Paul Green boots and YES, extremely comfy!

  6. Just found your lovely website after reading your book. I’m currently living in LA and miss European (especially Paris) style every day. Thank you for bringing a little bit of home to me.

  7. I’m curious about the JCrew tee shirt: did anyone size down? I’ve discovered that some petite tops in Eileen Fisher fit me better because I’m short waisted. Susan, do you buy petite tops in J Crew??

    1. Sally, I do sometimes buy Petite tops from J.Crew, but find I cannot size down in the Petite range. For this particular striped tee in the regular sizes, I did size down.

  8. Love this! Need to copy it this Friday, my very own casual Friday rule, that I started while working in the Midwest for three months in 2014.