Home Run

Bensimon tennis shoes are the most quintessential French casual shoe (besides espadrilles). As a little girl I loved them with a strap and now I love 'La Tennis Elastique" aka classic slip ons. My dad was nice enough to bring me back 3 (yes 3!) pairs from Paris the last time he went. Here are all my pairs lined up (already had 2 dark blue pairs) and happy to see me when I say hello each morning. I like pairing them with summer dresses and shorts.



This guy, off sartorialist, likes them in pink and I think he definitely does them justice.

Buy them here.

Creature Comforts

The French have this expression to be 'bien dans sa peau' which means literally to be good in your skin, or comfortable in one's own skin. This idea goes merrily down the road, hand in hand, with being at home at home. These are my goals in life. To be anywhere and to be comfortable.

This quality of being comfortable is also why, I believe, French women are so damn confident and chic. The focus is on your own comfort, not on looking right. In this spirit I share with you my favorite French designer, Isabel Marant. To me, her clothes epitomize both French chic and the idea of comfort inside and out. From her Fall '07 collection:

For Leaving the House

Urban Outfitters has a pretty nice selection of shoes on sale for summer.

I love these Quarter Strap Espadrille Wedges in green and pink (only $14.99!):



And these Jeffrey Campbel t-strap heels (Just the right amount of heel and $49.99). This is also one of my favorite shades of blue. I call is French Blue: