Created in paid partnership with Etsy

Hello friends, I hope you are all doing well. I’m talking about a few of my favourite subjects in today’s newsletter - vintage items and Parisian interior style.

But before I get started, a little note - thanks to Etsy, this newsletter is free for everyone to read. I would usually place edits like this behind the paywall, as they take me a long time to research and create - and because I’m sharing quite a few of my sourcing secrets here! But Etsy is kindly sponsoring this edition, which means you can enjoy the full edit for free.

It’s also a very natural partnership for me. Etsy is an incredible marketplace to discover vintage pieces from independent sellers, and is the place I turn to most when sourcing items, both for my own home and for my clients’ interiors. It was also one of the sites I relied on when searching for unique finds for our Airbnb in Rouen, so I’m really excited to partner with them on this edit.

Buying vintage, second hand or antique is firstly - good for the environment. I personally love giving a new life to a pre-loved piece. Vintage pieces also possess something rare that new furniture simply cannot replicate: a beautiful patina earned through decades of use. The worn edges, faded finishes and subtle imperfections are what give them their character. They have a story to tell.

It’s one of the reasons I almost always encourage clients to buy a vintage dining table and chairs rather than purchasing new ones. And they only become more beautiful and interesting with age!

Parisian interior style is known for incorporating vintage items into a space. As I wrote in my book, Practising Parisienne: Lifestyle Secrets from the City of Lights, Parisian homes look like they’ve been collected rather than decorated and either lean towards the minimal, with a few thoughtfully-chosen pieces that take centre stage, or are richly layered with objects collected over time.

If you’re trying to replicate the sought after French style, buying vintage is best. Of course you don’t need to go to Paris to find beautiful unique pieces - Etsy makes that treasure hunt much easier. You can browse thousands of one-of-a-kind vintage pieces without losing the thrill of finding something special.

So here’s my selection of the 20 best vintage lights, furniture, mirrors and accessories that I’ve found on Etsy - the kind of interior items that instantly add character, personality and soul to a space. All of which I would love to purchase for my own home - in fact snap them up quickly otherwise I will!

Let me know if you’d like to see more of these edits and do tell me which piece you love the most in the comments. And one final thing: pro tip for shopping on Etsy - filter by ‘Vintage’ and don’t forget you can shop local by filtering ‘sent from’ too.

LIGHTING

Kalmar ‘Tulipan’ Sconces

I treat lighting much like artworks or jewellery to adorn walls with and one of my favourite lighting styles are vintage glass scones. They are also the pieces I would splurge on - if your budget allows. These below are magnificent. Hang either side of a large art piece over a fireplace or in the same manner on the wall behind a sofa, on opposite walls in your dining room, flanking your bed, or split them up and add to the stairwell to create continuity as you climb your stairs.

Swirl glass ceiling lamp

I bought an almost identical light for our Airbnb in Rouen and installed it in the hallway, but this would also work beautifully in a bathroom or kitchen - giving each space a soft glow overhead (harsh white lighting isn’t welcome here.)

Rattan table lamp

Lamps like these make such a sweet and unique addition to any space. I have one at home in Leopold’s room sitting on contemporary sky blue Kartell drawers that I use as his bedside table. It creates a lovely contrast between old and new, and the light is perfect for a nursery as the shade diffuses the light. This particular light would also look great on a marble kitchen counter.

Art deco glass ceiling light

Art Deco has been enjoying a comeback in the last few years, especially in Paris. This is a softer take on the 1920s style - the rounded marbled glass in a pretty feminine pink would add subtle colour, fluidity and soft lighting to a bedroom.

Carved Alabaster Table Lamps

I have a similar pair of lamps on the bedside tables either side of our bed at home. I love their elegant carved twists, which give them a timeless, yet unfussy charm.

FURNITURE

The Corner Chair

Historically these characterful bobbin-legged corner chairs resided in parlours and drawing rooms in the 17th and 18th century France. Today, I think they are one of the most charming pieces that you can add to your home to give it a little more personality.

This chair would look perfect in an empty corner in your living space, bedroom or even hallway if it’s big enough - you could sit on it to put your shoes on. You can also find them at very reasonable prices, like this one! Throw a cute pillow on top for extra comfort.

Brass Bar Cart

A furniture piece that you’ll often find in a Parisian home is a bar cart and I love the style, wheels and patina on this brass example. Style as pictured with a couple of books and a beautiful glass decanter and glasses.

Travertine and brass table coffee table

Travertine stone comes from Tivoli in Italy, but I always think of it as a very French material - used either for flooring, kitchen countertops or for furniture. This beautiful piece stopped my scrolling - it would add elegance, texture and certain daintiness sat in a lounge, in front of a big comfy sofa. Just look at the patina on those legs!

Lucite Bar Cart

This bar cart might look a little out of place against the other pieces in this edit, but that’s the point. I love adding an item of furniture, light or accessory that jars the eye a little and offers a contrast in colour or material - so I’m particularly enamoured with this lucite piece. Style with a few magazines, books and a bottle of your favourite drink.

TABLEWARE & DINING

Christofle Gallia silver-plated serving dish

A beautiful serving platter is an essential in a Parisian home and you’ll usually find one tucked away in their kitchen cupboard. A silver tray in particular will instantly make even the simplest spread feel special.

Shell butter dish

Another beautiful silver piece that will immediately elevate your table (and your breakfast). How gorgeous is this shell butter dish?!

Dinner plates

I collect vintage dinner plates and would happily snap these up. I particularly like the scalloped edges and they would look incredibly elegant on a striped or brightly colourful tablecloth.

BOOKS & ACCESSORIES

Vintage Van Gogh and Degas books

One thing you’ll often find in Parisian apartments are a lot of books. Whether they’re carefully strewn on the floor, stacked on shelves, piled up on bedside tables or styled nicely on a rattan bench, (as we have at home), books are a staple in Parisian homes.

Henri de Toulouse Lautrec Vintage Coffee Table Book

This is a beautifully-bound hardback book about the French post-impressionist painter and caricaturist, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec who is probably best known for the posters he created for the Moulin Rouge. It would look great styled on a coffee table with a candle on top.

Marble Bookends

These would look just as good on their own on a shelf as beautiful objects, as they would holding books up.

MIRRORS

Venetian Mirror

A vintage mirror is another piece I treat much like a work of art to adorn my walls with and I’m particularly drawn to Venetian mirrors for their craftsmanship and timeless appeal. Their faceted edges and often gilded detailing catch and reflect the light beautifully, adding a bit of glamour to a room, just like this one!

Carved wooden mirror

This is another of my favourite vintage mirror styles - we have a beautifully-carved mirror on the wall in our hallway at home and another in the hallway in between the living space and bathroom in our Rouen Airbnb. I particularly like the curved corners on this style - hang in a hallway or above a chest of drawers in a bedroom will add personality and softness to a bedroom for example.

Gilded Mirror

When I talk about adding jewellery to a wall this is exactly what I mean. This mirror will as a touch of understated glamour to your space, without feeling too over the top.

TAPESTRIES

Tapestries have been experiencing a revival in recent years - popping up in more and more beautifully-curated interiors in France and around the world. Although they’re currently considered of the moment, they have never gone out of style in France. They have been adding texture, warmth and colour to the walls of Parisian apartments, chateaux and French country homes for centuries.

Many of the most recognisable tapestries come from Aubusson, a small town in the centre of France that has been renowned for its sheep-farming and weaving since the 15th century. I recommend hanging one behind a sofa, above a bed or in a dining room to add history and personality to a space. Here are two of my favourite finds:

French Vintage Aubusson Tapestry: deer hunting scene

French Vintage Aubusson Tapestry: Verdure Scene, Le Cavalier

If you need help sourcing items for your home sign up for my sourcing service by upgrading to a founding member or get in touch!

In case you missed it…

Hello friends, I hope you are all doing well! When I started writing this newsletter (well over a week and a half ago), I was sitting in 35 degree heat at home with a fan blowing on my legs and a freezer pack on my thighs (a new technique thanks to Victor, who I found the other evening with one in each short pocket) desperately trying to cool down. To no avail.

Paris, like most of France isn’t prepared for the kind of heat we’ve been having this summer and I feel like it knocked me sideways (I know I’m not alone). I’ve been feeling tired and sluggish (even more than usual as a sleep-deprived new-ish mum of a little boy, who has not been sleeping well either), hence I’m sending out this round-up a little later than usual, so please forgive me.

But enough about our favourite subject - the weather - and more about what I loved last month.

I’m lucky that I get sent quite a few products during the month to try and I really enjoy sharing my favourites with you, along with what I’ve been watching, listening to and reading (usually, although last month I just didn’t have time to pick up a book, sniff).

So welcome to my monthly round-up - think of it as a chat between us over coffee.

Folie Douce - in conversation with I adored Eat Pray Love, didn’t everyone? It’s a book that has stayed with me since and I have watched the film numerous times. I also devoured Big Magic (another book I would love to read again - perhaps this summer). Needless to say Liz Gilbert is someone I admire greatly for her writing, honesty and ability to so easily put into words our hopes and fears.

In this episode Liz chats to Lauren - a French journalist, author, podcaster and friend of mine about grief, identity, co-dependence, the dark side of love and her newest book All the Way to the River that recounts her relationship with and ultimate death of her lover Rayya. Their conversation is honest, raw and incredibly insightful, rather like eavesdropping on a therapy session. A must listen!

Aroma Zone Ginkgo Bilbao powder As a sleep-deprived mum of a nearly one year old, who is waking up at least once during the night at the moment, I need all the cognitive help I can get. Ginkgo Bilbao is known for supporting memory and mental clarity. I’ve been adding this salads and into drinks.

By Malene Birger athethic bra & shorts Three years of IVF and pregnancy took a huge toll on my body and I have been desperately trying to get back into shape lifting weights at home and attending pilates lagree classes when I have the time - a stylish set like this one certainly helps me stay motivated!

Ingrid brown patent mules I wore these last week for a beautiful dinner in the company of inspiring women - Power Ladies - organsied by my brilliant friend, Juliette Longuete. I felt very chic and they are comfy!

Aime Collagen Sticks Another collagen product that I’ve been consuming every morning. I went for the neutral taste so I can add a sachet to my coffee. These are particularly great as I can travel with them easily. I’ll be taking them on holiday this summer.

Sleepers tapered flip flops I love the shade; slightly off-white to cream, they’re comfortable to wear and incredibly reasonable as flip flops should be! I’ll be taking them on holiday in august to wear between the pool and houe we’ve rented.

Arket cream denim shorts I have worn these non-stop since I ordered them - both with flipflops and dressed up with heels for an event.

Sanditon I studied Mansfield Park by Jane Austen in school and it sparked a lifelong obsession with costume dramas. And anything Austen. Sanditon is based on her final book, which she started writing (and never finished) before she died.

It follows the lives of a farmer’s daugher, Charlotte Heywood and the Parker brothers as they attempt to turn Sanditon, a sleepy seaside village into a destination for the upper echelons of society. Also the first season stars Theo James - need I say more? Highly addictive!

Juliette Celeste Necklace I keep my wardrobe quite minimal, so a statement piece of jewellery helps to elevate it for the evening. I was kindly gifted this piece after attending a cocktail during mens’ fashion week and have worn it countless times since.

Thank you, as always for reading, Marissa xx

In case you missed it…

The personalities I’ll be interviewing are friends and people who inspire me. I’ll be picking their brains about their home life, most-used skincare items, their must-have wardrobe pieces, discovering their favorite French films and music, who they’d love to have dinner with and revealing their little black book of Parisian addresses (available exclusively for paid subscribers).

Just before the month comes to a close, I’m thrilled to talk to , Founder of Musier, who has also recently launched her own Substack, The Envy.

Anne-Laure was born on Réunion Island, where she lived until she was three years old, before growing up in the French Basque Country. After studying Economics and completing a Master’s in International Management, she built a loyal following of hundreds of thousands on Instagram, before founding Musier in 2018 - a French fashion brand known for its effortless feminity. Following a brief pause, she relaunched the brand with a new direction and logo earlier this year.

Today, Anne-Laure divides her time between Paris and the south-west of France, balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship and her unmistakably French sense of style.

Juste avant la fin du mois, je suis ravie de recevoir , fondatrice de Musier, qui vient tout juste de lancer sa newsletter sur Substack, The Envy.

Anne-Laure est née sur l’île de La Réunion, où elle a vécu jusqu’à l’âge de trois ans, avant de grandir au Pays basque. Après une licence d’économie et un Master en management international, elle a su fédérer une communauté de plusieurs centaines de milliers de personnes sur Instagram avant de fonder Musier en 2018, une marque de mode française reconnue pour sa féminité naturelle et son élégance intemporelle.

Après une brève pause, elle a relancé la marque plus tôt cette année avec une nouvelle identité et un nouveau logo.

Aujourd’hui, Anne-Laure partage son temps entre Paris et le Sud-Ouest de la France, où elle conjugue maternité, entrepreneuriat et cet art de vivre à la française qui la caractérise si bien.

You divide your time between Paris and the South-West. What does each place bring to your life, and what do you particularly love about them?

I love Paris for its energy, architectural beauty and cultural richness. In the South-West, I find calm and the ocean I grew up beside. It’s my balance: I need both. One allows me to live life to the fullest, the other helps me reconnect with what truly matters.

Tu vis entre Paris et le Sud-Ouest. Qu’est-ce que chacune de ces villes t’apporte, et qu’aimes-tu particulièrement dans chacune d’elles ?

J’aime Paris pour l’effervescence, sa beauté architecturale, sa richesse culturelle ! Dans le Sud, je retrouve le calme, et l’océan auprès duquel j’ai grandi. C’est mon équilibre : j’ai besoin des deux, l’une pour vivre tout à 100 %, l’autre pour me recentrer sur l’essentiel.

What does being Parisian mean to you?

Authenticity with a touch of nonchalance.

Que signifie pour toi d’être Parisienne ?

L’authenticité avec un peu de nonchalance.

You recently relaunched Musier, the brand you founded in 2018. What inspired you to create your own brand in the first place?

For me, it was the natural next step. I wanted to build something lasting, and above all, something less centred around myself.

Tu viens tout juste de relancer Musier, la marque que tu as fondée en 2018. Qu’est-ce qui t’a inspirée à créer ta propre marque à l’époque ?

C’était pour moi la suite logique des choses. Je voulais construire quelque chose de pérenne, et surtout quelque chose de moins tourné vers moi.

Since launching Musier in 2018, and now relaunching it, what have you learnt about life, business and yourself?

The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Always.

Depuis le lancement de Musier en 2018, puis sa récente relance, qu’as-tu appris sur la vie, sur l’entrepreneuriat et sur toi-même ?

Bien s’entourer ! Toujours !

Looking back, what were the most difficult challenges or lessons?

Before Musier took its pause of more than a year, there were poor decisions, doubts and a difficult period overall. But the break allowed me to gain perspective - it was necessary. We always learn a great deal from our mistakes.

Avec le recul, quelles ont été les épreuves ou les leçons les plus difficiles à traverser ?

Avant que Musier marque cette pause de plus d’un an, il y a eu des mauvaises décisions, des doutes, c’était une période assez difficile, mais la pause a permis de prendre du recul, c’était nécessaire. On apprend toujours beaucoup des erreurs.

You have a young daughter. How do you find balance between work, your projects and family life?

It hasn’t been easy. Our parents don’t live nearby, so they can’t help us day-to-day. I slowed down a little, and eventually we found our rhythm.

Tu as une jeune fille. Comment trouves-tu l’équilibre entre ton travail, tes projets et ta vie de famille ?

Ça n’a pas été simple. Nos parents ne vivent pas dans la même ville pour nous aider quotidiennement. J’ai ralenti un peu et puis on a fini par trouver nos marques.

Who is the Musier woman today?

She is feminine, values comfort and pays attention to detail. She embraces discretion, while appreciating being noticed for her style.

Qui est la femme Musier aujourd’hui ?

Elle est féminine, elle aime le confort et elle prête attention aux détails. Elle cultive la discrétion, tout en appréciant d’être remarquée pour son allure.

What was the inspiration behind this new collection?

My life as a mother, above all. The desire to live comfortably while remaining distinctive. But mostly, the desire to slow down in a world that moves too fast. A fresh start after a period of reflection.

Quelle a été l’inspiration derrière cette nouvelle collection ?

Mon quotidien de maman sûrement, avant tout ! L’envie de vivre confortablement tout en étant singulière. Mais surtout l’envie de ralentir, dans ce monde où tout va trop vite. Le renouveau après réflexion.

Among the pieces in the new collection, which three are your favourites and why?

The Avola dress, with its fringed scarf tied at the waist. The cut is perfect, but the scarf detail makes all the difference. The Capri trousers - I wear them constantly and love the comfort of the stretchy fabric. And the ballet flats. They’re my signature. I wear them every day for their comfort and the pleated detail that I adore.

Parmi les pièces de cette nouvelle collection, quelles sont tes trois préférées et pourquoi ?

La robe Avola, avec son foulard frangé noué à la taille, la coupe est parfaite mais le détail du foulard fait toute la différence. Le Capri pants, je le porte à toutes les sauces, j’aime le confort de sa matière élastique ! Les ballerines ! C’est ma signature, je les porte tous les jours ! Pour leur confort et le détail plissé que j’adore.

Who are the women whose style has always inspired you?

Carolyn Bessette, of course (long before the series), and Gwyneth Paltrow in the 1990s.

Qui sont les femmes dont le style t’a toujours inspirée ?

Carolyn Bessette bien sûr (avant la série) et Gwyneth Paltrow dans les années 90.

How would you describe your own approach to getting dressed?

Casual and feminine.

Comment décrirais-tu ta façon de t’habiller ?

Casual et féminin.

What are the pieces you find yourself reaching for again and again?

Our Yuki jeans, inspired by my vintage denim - the wash is incredible. My ballet flats and a white vest or T-shirt.

Quelles sont les pièces vers lesquelles tu reviens toujours ?

Notre jean Yuki, inspiré de mes jeans vintage, le délavage est canon ! Mes ballerines et un débardeur ou un T-shirt blanc.

What never leaves your handbag?

Lip liner and lipstick. My Olympus film camera, hand sanitiser, chewing gum, my Ray-Ban sunglasses and a hair tie.

Que trouve-t-on toujours dans ton sac à main ?

Crayon et rouge à lèvres ! Mon appareil photo argentique Olympus, un gel pour les mains, des chewing-gums, mes Ray-Ban et un élastique pour les cheveux.

Walk us through your beauty routine. Which products do you rely on most?

A moisturiser (I change regularly, but at the moment Sisley Black Rose), and a dry oil from Alaena that I mix into my foundation.

Parle-nous de ta routine beauté. Quels sont les produits dont tu ne te passes jamais ?

Une crème hydratante (je change régulièrement mais en ce moment Sisley Rose Noire), une huile sèche de Alaena que je mélange à mon fond de teint.

And what is currently in your make-up bag?

Armani Luminous Silk foundation, a Dior blush stick, a Dries Van Noten lipstick, a Dior lip liner and a brown Sisley mascara.

Et que contient actuellement ta trousse de maquillage ?

Luminous Silk d’Armani, un blush stick Dior, un rouge à lèvres Dries Van Noten, un crayon à lèvres Dior, un mascara marron Sisley.

If you could share a dinner table with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

My friends!

Si tu pouvais partager un dîner avec n’importe qui, vivant ou disparu, qui choisirais-tu ?

Mes amis !

What is the dish that instantly feels like home?

My mother’s couscous.

Quel est le plat qui te ramène instantanément à la maison ?

Le couscous de ma mère.

What fragrance are you wearing most at the moment?

Orange blossom - Diptyque L’Eau des Sens, Courrèges La Fille de l’Air, or Prada Infusion Fleur d’Oranger.

Quel parfum portes-tu le plus en ce moment ?

Fleur d’oranger (L’Eau des Sens de Diptyque, La Fille de l’Air de Courrèges, Prada Infusion Fleur d’Oranger).

How do you switch off?

I walk.

Comment déconnectes-tu ?

Je marche.

What has been on repeat recently?

Sur la piste by Ecva.

Quelle chanson écoutes-tu en boucle en ce moment ?

Ecva – Sur la piste.

What is the last book you couldn’t put down?

Tata by Valérie Perrin.

Quel est le dernier livre que tu n’as pas réussi à lâcher ?

Tata de Valérie Perrin.

And finally, your all-time favourite French film?

The one that left the biggest impression on me: Amélie.

Et pour finir, ton film français de tous les temps ?

Celui qui m’a le plus marquée : Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain.

ANNE-LAURE’S PARIS ADDRESS BOOK

Her top addresses ranging from her favourite restaurant, where she goes to relax, her top spot for a glass of wine and an address that you’re unlikely to find in guide books.

Read more

I’ve had this article languishing in my drafts for months and it still feels vulnerable to share. But now that we’re coming up to Leopold’s first birthday, I thought it was time. When I was making this decision myself, I struggled to find honest, nuanced accounts from women who had chosen not to breastfeed - not out of inability, but out of choice - because they didn’t want to.

So here’s mine.

Whether or not to breastfeed consumed my thoughts in the months leading up to Leopold’s birth - it also sparked numerous conversations and I would love to unpack them here.

From the moment I found out that I was pregnant, it felt like there was only one right choice and pressure started to come from all angles. When asked if I was going to breastfeed, I was bombarded with opinions (so many opinions! Everyone had an opinion about my body and how I should use it). When I mentioned I was still on the fence, friends, acquaintances and even friend’s husbands told me I should absolutely do it. That I must. Go on, just try it, one friend kept saying - like it was a drug to experiment with. My stress levels began to rise.

I started searching for articles written by women who had chosen not to and were happy with their decision, but I couldn’t find anything. Everything I read told me the same thing - that breastfeeding is the best option for your baby. In the UK especially (where I grew up), the message is still very clear - breast is best. Health and medical advisers will still try to persuade you to do it. Surprisingly, as I always thought France was less pushy on the subject, my French midwife did too.

I did speak to a few French friends who chose not to (I have only one English friend who didn’t breastfeed her children, not because she didn’t want to, but because she couldn’t - she’d had a breast reduction when she was younger). One French friend had a particularly strong opinion: it’s just another form of slavery, she told me. Another, who had suffered a traumatic birth, lost a lot of blood and almost died, simply said: my body had been through enough.

At first, I thought I would try it - just for a month. See how I felt. But of course breastfeeding isn’t really something you can do half-heartedly - unfortunately your breasts don’t switch on and off like lights - either you’re all in and commit, or you don’t do it at all. At least that’s what I was led to believe.

After weeks of indecision and a lot of anxiety, I finally made the choice not to, here’s why…

Read more

I started writing this last week, from a very hot and stuffy Paris - the highest temperature ever recorded at this time of year. I usually like the heat, but I wasn’t prepared - our fan had been put into storage at the end of last summer and I was at home alone with a sweaty, grizzly little boy whilst trying, somehow to work.

Thankfully this week is a little easier and I’ve now found him a lovely nanny share with another family - a garde partagé, as we say in French - which I already know is going to be life-changing! So too, is the current drop in temperature.

Today it’s raining on and off, with the occasional rumble of thunder (and hail storm!) and a cool breeze is blowing through the apartment. Leopold is happily playing in the other room with his nanny and new copine and I can finally sit down to finish this newsletter.

Midway through the month, I travelled back to the UK to visit my dad. For those of you who have recently joined (welcome et bienvenue !), my father underwent major surgery in January to remove a tumour from his jaw.

The timing of my visit coincided with his final day of radiotherapy and it was very difficult to see him so depleted of energy and in so much pain. The treatment had severely burned his face and throat, leaving him unable to eat - he was feeding himself through a tube. It was, without doubt, the hardest stage of his treatment so far, and he is finding it - understandably, as I keep reassuring him - difficult to stay positive.

If you’ve watched (or are watching) a parent, partner or loved one go through something similar, you’ll know how helpless it can feel. I’d love to hear from you in the comments below if this resonates.

On a lighter note, May is also my birthday month. We escaped to Venice on the 1st (my birthday is on the 2nd) and spent three wonderful days exploring the city. It was every bit as magical as I’d hoped - aside from lugging Leopold and his pram over the city’s endless number of bridges. That part wasn’t quite so magical. Venice, it turns out is not designed for pushchairs - but at least the experience gave us a good story to tell. I’ve shared all my recommendations - from where we stayed to the museums I’d visit again, the restaurants worth booking and the best gelato in town - in my Venice guide.

On Sunday, the last day of May, I celebrated my very first Mother’s Day - the French one - a day I wasn’t always sure I would ever get to celebrate. Leopold presented me with a bouquet of peonies and a sweet handmade card (with a little help from Victor), and we marked the occasion with lunch at Le Square Trousseau, a traditional Parisian brasserie that I highly recommend adding to your list for your next visit to Paris.

What made the day feel extra special was the realisation that I was finally holding in my arms the baby I fought so hard to have - a little boy who will soon call me Mummy. After years of uncertainty, IVF (you can read about my story here and here), countless hospital appointments and more tears than I care to remember, there he was, smiling up at me.

As always, I’ve also been testing a number of products this month. I’m lucky to receive some lovely things to try, so below you’ll find everything I genuinely enjoyed throughout May, along with the book I’ve been reading that is changing the way I think about saving, spending and building wealth - subjects that are on my mind even more so now that I have a child.

Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream This is exactly the kind of skincare product I appreciate: easy to use, no mess, and genuinely pleasant to apply. The tube dispenses just the right amount, the texture is rich and creamy, and the cooling roller feels particularly good first thing in the morning.

The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness by Morgan House I’d seen this book recommended countless times before finally picking up a copy at the station in London on my way to visit my dad. It’s an accessible, practical guide packed with real-life case studies and actionable advice. Whether you’re just starting to take an interest in personal finance or looking to deepen your knowledge, it’s an excellent place to begin. And who knew a book about personal finance could be such a good read?

Vichy baby hat from Sèzane I’ve been popping this on Leopold’s head every time we leave the house and he looks adorable in it! And the same pattern comes in matching trousers and a shirt, so he naturally he the whole outfit.

Collagène Glow Collagen Supplement by Aime If you’re not taking a daily collagen supplement - particularly if you’re in your late thirties or beyond - I highly recommend you start! This one is a great option as it has no flavour, so I’ve been adding a spoonful to my coffee every morning and my tastebuds are none the wiser.

White cotton skirt from Arket I took this skirt to Venice with me and ended up wearing it constantly - during the day with a simple t-shirt and sandals, and again in the evening dressed up with heels and my favourite canvcas clutch. It’s quickly become a staple I know I’ll be reaching for all summer. I’m aware that Arket isn’t available in the US, so for my American subscribers - and for anyone else based somewhere somewhere where Arket isn’t available in your country, here are similar styles from Uniqlo, Sèzane and Reformation.

Orphéon, Eau de Parfum by Diptyque I’ll happily try just about anything the French fragrance brand creates, and Orphéon is no exception. Inspired by a legendary Parisian jazz bar frequented by the brand’s founders, it somehow manages to feel both timeless and modern. It’s warm, elegant and slightly powdery, with notes of juniper berry, cedar and tonka bean that linger beautifully on the skin. A perfume that will have strangers asking you what you’re wearing.

Sun-kissed Healthy Glow Powder Face and Cheeks, Limited edition by Hermés It’s always a treat to receive a package from Hermès, and this month I was sent a signature orange box containing a beautifully curated selection of summer-inspired beauty products: this bronzing powder, a lipstick, a lip balm and a nail polish, all in warm, sun-drenched shades.

Spray solaire invisible SPF50 by Bonpoint I’ve been lathering Leopold’s face, arms and legs with this cream every day over the past week, and I’m pleased to report that it ticks all the boxes: lightweight, non-greasy and quickly absorbed. It also has a soft, subtly sweet scent that feels perfectly suited to babies and children.

Sulphate 4% cleanser for hair and body by The Ordinary I was sent this a little while ago, but it had been sitting untouched in our bathroom cabinet until recently. I finally decided to give it a try after becoming increasingly frustrated with my usual shampoo, which has started to leaving a residue on my hair. The formula is incredibly lightweight, so it takes a little longer to work up a lather than some shampoos, but the results are worth it. My hair feels genuinely clean afterwards - fresh, light and completely free of any build-up.

Gommes ongles & cheveux by Holidermie I grew up taking supplements - my American mum swears by them and is convinced they’re the reason I was rarely ill as a child. As an adult, I’ve continued the ritual and currently take a small concoction of pills each day (let me know if you’d ever like me to write a newsletter about my routine). This month, I’ve been trying these, which are packed with biotin (vitamin B8 that strengthens hair structure and improves nail strength), zinc (helps protect cells from oxidative stress), horsetail (rich in silica, it’s an essential mineral that helps strengthen the hair fibre and improve elasticity) and stinging nettle (stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, helping to encourage hair growth). They also happen to taste good and I have to remind myself not to treat them like sweets.

Have you tried any of the above? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

A bientôt, Marissa xx

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This was my third time in Venice and no two visits have been alike.

The first was when I was 18, during a month of inter-railing and backpacking around Europe with my stepsister on our gap year, before heading off to university. We were on a very tight budget and arrived grimy and sweaty off the train from Vienna (the second city on our trip after Prague). Venice was our first stop in Italy, where we would continue on to Verona, Pisa, Rome and finally Naples, before heading north again to the south of France and then our final destination: Barcelona. We chose to stay in a hostel inside a convent - for the equivalent of 10€ - sleeping in a 40-bed dormitory, with a 10pm curfew. As you might imagine, it was an experience that will forever remain one of the more surreal of my life!

I don’t remember much about our stay beyond trying to fall asleep surrounded by so many bodies, the city heat (we went in early summer), the chaos of navigating the vaporetti, and the two of us failing to make head or tail of a map. (During our recent trip, Victor and I kept saying: how on earth did people find their way around Venice before GPS? We even got lost a few times with it.)

The second visit (some 14 years later) was the polar opposite - a press trip to discover the Gritti Palace - one of the city’s most luxurious five star hotels. We were collected from the airport by the hotel’s Riva boat and sped across the lagoon like we were starring in a James Bond film.

On arrival we were treated to peach bellinis on the hotel’s terrace, which has one of the best views in Venice over the grand canal towards the majestic basilica Santa Maria della Salute, slept in rooms that can only be described as and lavish and fit for royalty, and were shown the very best of the city has to offer - the best pasta in town (if only I could remember the name of the restaurant), a visit to a glassmaking workshop in Murano and exploring the canals by the Bond boat. It was an unforgettable experience.

This time, with Leopold in tow, we opted for an Airbnb - a far cry from the plush interiors of the Gritti Palace (and the monastic convent), in favour of a kitchen for storing baby food and washing bottles. Motherhood has a wonderful way of reordering one’s priorities doesn’t it? But we were treated to the most amazing weather - blue skies every day (the city was half under water during the Gritti press trip) - we visited galleries & museums (one that has just opened), found a brilliant wine bar in the quieter, cooler part of the city, ate the best mint choc chip ice-cream that I’ve had in a long time and wandered through a vine-yard. Here’s everything we did during our time, where we stayed and where we dined…

STAY

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A quick, no pressure reminder…If you’d like to gain FULL ACCESS to my archive of wardrobe, homeware and travel edits, including my Little Black Book of Paris addresses, a subscription works out at just €5 a month (instead of 6€) if you sign up to the yearly membership (that’s only 1.16€ a week - less than a baguette!)

Spring in Paris is notoriously unpredictable - one day it’s mild and sunny, the next all grey skies, torrential rain and gusts of wind blowing down the boulevards. Last week was a perfect example. Still, this article will lean on the side of optimism.

Whatever brings you to Paris, one thing is certain: you will walk. A lot. So make comfort a priority. There is nothing less chic (in my opinion) than hobbling across Parisian (or any city) streets in shoes that rub, or stopping every ten minutes to apply plasters to your heels (I have done it and don’t recommend). ‘Dad’ sandals, trainers, or a good pair of flats - loafers or ballerinas - will safely see you through a few days in the French capital, feet unharmed.

Now, a classic trench is undeniably Parisian, and I’m not telling you to leave yours at home - it’s the perfect cover-up when the rain arrives (if it’s scheduled to, do pack one), and this one is my current favourite because the funnel neck keeps you far warmer than a standard trench silhouette. But rather than going over old ground and telling you what you’ve probably read a hundred times in Paris packing articles, I want to highlight a few other jacket styles and clothing items that will keep your outfit fresh and give it that elusive touch of je ne sais quoi.

*Everything in the collage is linked underneath each outfit when you scroll down

PARIS PACKING LIST

The building blocks - everything mentioned in this article, in one place.

These are the pieces that will be mixed and remixed across the six outfits below:

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It’s been another whirlwind of a month, which began in the best possible way - spending Easter weekend in Bretagne (Brittany). It was just the tonic we needed - fresh coastal air, long walks along the beach and lots and lots of seafood. You can read about our trip here, where we stayed (the cutest little white cottage with blue shutters) everywhere we ate and what we'd do differently next time.

I’ll keep my intro short for April, as I just landed back in Paris after a long weekend in Venice, where we went to celebrate my birthday and I have a mountain of emails and washing to catch up on. A Venice guide is coming if you want one? Just say the word in the comments. In the meantime, here's everything I loved last month:

When God Was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman - I adored Winman’s debut, Still Life so picked this up when I was in Charleston in March (you can read my city guide here). It was on my reading list, but the cover art also caught my eye. I always buy a book when I’m in the US as I really love American book covers. French books are cream and minimalist, and very chic (quelle surprise), but I love book cover art - it’s part of what draws me to them and I can spend hours browsing in a bookshop enjoying the covers, just as much as reading the synopsis.

When God Was a Rabbit is a coming-of-age tale that follows Elly from childhood into adulthood - her loss of innocence, her relationships with her brother, her parents, and her fierce best friend Jenny Penny. It's quirky, funny, sweet and dark all at once - capturing the messiness of real life. I look forward to picking it up every night.

Vince Brown cardigan - A very easy and comfy addition to my wardrobe that I’m currently wearing today with a pair of dark blue denim jeans.

Polène Numéro Neuf East West bag - if you haven't discovered Polène yet, consider this your introduction. The Parisian brand - founded in 2016 by three siblings - has quietly become one of the best French mid-range leather goods houses, with bags sitting around the €400 mark. This is one of their new season styles in a lovely textured grain leather that’s a great size for everyday wear.

Tim Ferris in conversation with Jim Collins - Ferris is still my go-to when I need to either switch off my over-thinking brain or want to feel inspired and motivated. In this episode he chats to Collins, author of Good to Great and most recently, What to make of. life: Cliffs, Fog, Fire, and the Self-Knowledge Imperative about encodings - the things that we are intrinsicly good at and how to find them, plus luck and the different types of luck and opportunities. Tim mentions this quote by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks that really stuck with me:

“The single most important distinction in life… is to distinguish between an opportunity to be seized and a temptation to be resisted.”

How do you know which opportunity to follow? I could write a very long article on all the different opportinities taken and those I regret missing, along with my meandering career path, but I’ll leave that for another time.

Agolde x Maria Macnamus pink denim skirt - I was kindly gifted this piece in March and whipped it out during the Easter weekend in Brittany. I haven’t worn pink for a long time, but I felt really good wearing it - it has a great silhouette and is easy to style.

Hermès Luminous Matt Skincare Foundation - Hermès has been building a strong beauty range over the last few years (I’ve waxed lyrical about their lipsticks for a while now), helmed by Creative Director, Gregoris Pyrpylis and this foundation is their latest in the collection.

L’Elixir Drainant, Atelier Nubio - I’ll try anything if it’s good for my health. This product is a is made from organic Cactinéa™ and organic blackcurrant leaves & juice that together help to reduce water retention.

Self-sabotage starts as self-protection by - Shaikley’s quote popped up in my Notes feed and it hit a nerve:

“Confidence doesn’t come from believing in yourself. It comes from having done the uncomfortable thing enough times that your nervous system stops flagging it as an emergency.”

Something I know oh so well and am in the trenches with whilst working on a very challenging client interiors project. It’s a brilliant article helping clarify why we often lack confidence and self-belief when trying something new - it’s because the unfamiliar triggers the same neural circuits as danger. Years of therapy in one article.

Thanks for reading and have a great rest of your week, Marissa xx

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Brittany - Bretagne in French - is a land of crêpes, oysters, and rugged coastlines, and somewhere I used to visit as a child, usually around Easter, when family friends would invite us to stay at their house near La Turballe and La Baule.

I remember wide, windswept beaches, small port towns, white boats bobbing calmly in the harbour, and long lunches of crêpes and moules marinières. I remember that during one of those trips, my mum ate an oyster that made her so sick she never touched one again - and for years I was convinced the same would happen to me.

I didn’t try one until I was 23 and I remember it vividly - it was a defining moment in my culinary education. Now I love them - so much so that I’ve been known to eat thirty in one sitting. (Think twice before sharing a plate with me!)

Strangely, I hadn’t been back to Brittany since I was about ten years old, which feels very much like a missed opportunity, considering I’ve now lived in Paris for over thirteen years. It was time to do something about it!

When I started thinking about going away for the long Easter weekend, Brittany felt like the obvious choice. Plus Victor had also expressed interest in going, so I quickly booked a three night stay without really doing much research.

Thankfully it exceeded all of my expectations.

So I thought I’d share our itinerary with you, with notes - for example if I were to plan this weekend again, what I’d repeat - what was genuinely worth it, and what I’d do differently. We loved where we stayed and would happily return, but I’m also sharing a few other places that caught my eye, as not everyone has the same criteria (a baby & a dog).

WHERE TO STAY

When I look for somewhere to stay, of course the location is important, but it’s almost always the interior (or the exterior in this case) that convinces me…

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And it more than lived up to my expectations. The streets, as advertised are indeed lined with Greek Revival and Palladian architecture, alongside Colonial and Georgian homes, all bearing the influence of European styles from the time they were built. The oldest dating back 300 years. There are echoes of France in the French Quarter, cobbled streets that feel European, and a sense of history at every turn. It felt particularly pertinent to me (being British), learning that Charleston was founded by the English in 1670 as Charles Town, named in honour of King Charles II. It is distinctively charming, unlike any other city I’ve visited in America.

I wanted to visit as much for the vibe, historical architecture, as for the food. I was only there for five days (with three of those spent working), but crammed in a lot, managing to eat my way around the city and explore its most famous streets. One of the hotels I stayed in ticked all the boxes of the kind of traditional interiors I wanted to experience. In such a short space of time, I got a real feel for the place. So I’m sharing where I stayed (two different hotels), where I dined and everything I did and visited, along with everything I wore - a key aspect of all my trips - I always plan out outfits whenever I travel, so I don’t have to spend too much time deliberating over what to wear.

EAT & DRINK

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He’s doing really well - he’s a good eater and loves his different purees and apple compot that Victor’s been making him each week, he now has seven teeth (his teething seems to have slowed a little - no new ones for the past two months), is a real giggler (still the most magical sound to my ears) and is always smiling. He has also started to jiggle back and forth when he hears music (his little toy radio has been a big hit) and, most importantly for us, he’s finally sleeping through the night again! Thank goodness, as I was starting to feel and look rather ragged.

We are off to Bretagne today for a much-needed few days by the sea. I found the cutest little cottage and I can’t wait to take long walks (Indy is coming too), eat seafood, breath in the fresh coastal air and just generally relax. These last few months have been stressful and frantic, so it will be such a treat to get away for a few days.

March brought some warmer weather, Paris fashion week, a trip to Deal, UK to look after my dad (who recently had a big operation), Saut Hermès (the maison’s yearly show-jumping event), travel to Charleston, South Carolina and of course spring! I introduced some great pieces to my wardrobe, thanks to a few of my favourite brands, tried some new skincare, watched a good film and added a new book to my reading list. Here are a few of the things I’ve loved this month. I’d love to know, what are you wearing, reading and watching at the moment?

Jamie Haller mod loafer. These are the most comfortable loafers I’ve ever worn and that’s also counting a pair of brown suede Gucci loafers that I bought second hand and were already broken in. The leather is incredibly soft and they were comfortable to wear from the first time I tried them on.

TWP ‘tiny dancer’ jeans. I generally wear straight-leg denim, but these have me re-thinking my go-to jean choice. Plus they’ll look great with sandals or flipflops in warmer weather.

Sézane gingham shirt & trousers set. I ordered these a couple of weeks ago for Leopold and am waiting for warmer weather to try them on him - I’m taking them to Bretagne as the weather is forecast to be mild and sunny on Monday.

Agolde x Maria Macmanus denim jacket. Field jackets had a real moment last year - every brand from Prada and Toteme to Arket had their version. This is a great denim option with a grey leather collar, also it slightly flairs at the back giving it a more femenine twist.

Arket trench. Funnel necks are very of the moment, but they’re also very practical too as it helps to keep my neck protected from colder weather & wind, so I can actually wear this coat, when it’s not quite yet trench weather.

Aime SPF 50. I started using this last week as it was 28 degrees in Charleston last Friday. It’s just the right amount of thickness; it feels light, but moisterising, non-greesy and sits well under make-up. During dinner with Aime this week, many of the other women invited mentioned that they loved it too.

Sézane basket bag. possibly one of the most beautiful rafia bags I’ve ever owned and I own quite a few now! I received a lot of complements, when I wore it during my trip to Charleston last week. It’s also larger than it looks and fit all my daily essentials including a bottle of water. Get it before it sells out!

Miu Miu sunglasses. The best style of sunglasses that I’ve tried in a while, plus they’re lightweight. I have a pair from Bottega Veneta and while they look good on, they are just a bit too heavy for my face, and pince a bit when I put them on my head to hold my hair back. (I often use sunglasses as headbands.)

Heavyweight boxy grey t shirt. T shirts are a staple of my wardrobe, and I especially love one that is heavyweight and that keeps it’s shape. This one ticks both boxes.

Merlette ‘Garance’ dress. I love a dress with a dropped waist and this one has a particularly good silhouette. I wore it in Charleston on the hottest day and can’t wait to wear it again this summer.

The Materialists. I watched this film on the flight over to Charleston and really enjoyed it. It taps into dating culture and all the problems that come with it when trying to find the perfect match. There’s also a beautiful love scene that had me in tears, quietly sobbing to myself.

The Invention of Nature: The Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt, the Lost Hero of Science by Andrea Wulf. I saw this in a bookshop in Charleston and added it to my wishlist after reading the blurb: it tells the story of German naturalist and traveller, Alexander von Humboldt, who lived in the 1800s. Humboldt revolutionalised the way we see nature and his ideas helped shape science, conservation, nature writing, politics, art and the theory of evolution. My curiosity was very piqued. I also bought it for one of my best friends back in the UK as a belated birthday present as I know she’ll appreciate it too.

Thanks as always for reading and happy Easter if you celebrate! Marissa xx

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The personalities I’ll be interviewing are friends and people who inspire me. I’ll be picking their brains about their career, home life, most-used skincare items, their must-have wardrobe pieces, discovering their favorite French films and music, who they’d love to have dinner with and revealing their little black book of Parisian addresses (available exclusively for paid subscribers).

This month, I’m excited to chat to wine critic, journalist & author , who has also recently launched her own Substack. Alicia grew up in the suburbs of Lyon “with a large garden”, but always knew she was “more of a city rat than a country rat” and dreamed of escaping her bucolic upbringing at an early age.

At 15 she left France to study in the United States before returning to complete her baccalauréat at an international high school, then a literary preparatory class at Sciences Po Lyon alongside a Master’s in Editorial Policies at Paris 13. She returned to the US for a postgraduate degree at New York University, where she almost stayed.

Ce mois-ci, je suis ravie d’échanger avec une critique de vin, journaliste et autrice, qui a également récemment lancé sa propre newsletter sur Substack. a grandi dans la banlieue de Lyon, « avec un grand jardin », mais a toujours su qu’elle était « un rat des villes qu’un rat des champs », et rêvait dès son plus jeune âge d’échapper à son environnement bucolique.

À 15 ans, elle a parti la France pour étudier aux États-Unis avant de revenir y terminer son baccalauréat dans un lycée international, puis une prépa littéraire à Sciences Po Lyon, en parallèle d’un master en politiques éditoriales à Paris 13, et enfin de repartir aux États-Unis pour un postgraduate à l’Université de New York, où elle a failli rester.

How long have you been living in Paris and what do you love most about living here?

I moved to Paris when I was 20 (I’m 37 now), and I have always lived on the Right Bank. What I love about this city is how compact it is, like a pocket handkerchief, which allows you to cross it from end to end in less than an hour by metro.

Depuis combien de temps vis-tu à Paris et qu’est-ce que tu aimes le plus dans la vie ici ?

Je me suis installée à Paris lorsque j’avais 20 ans (j’en ai 37 aujourd’hui), et j’ai toujours habité Rive Droite. Ce que j’aime avec cette ville, c’est son format mouchoir de poche, qui permet de pouvoir la traverser en long et en large en moins d’une heure de métro.

What does it mean to you to be Parisienne?

Spending entire days in cafés.

Que signifie pour toi d’être Parisienne ?

Passer des journées entières dans des cafés.

You’re a wine critic and won Bettane & Desseauve’s Voix du Vin 2026, how did you arrive to where you are today, was there something or someone who inspired you?

I discovered wine quite late, after working as a culture and lifestyle journalist, through a bottle of Saint-Joseph that deeply moved me.

For months, I traveled across French and European vineyards to meet winemakers, taste as much as possible, and began writing a few articles about wine, until a position as wine editor-in-chief opened at Le Figaro (where I was already working as a freelancer for the travel section).

I got the job, and the beginning was quite overwhelming because I didn’t necessarily have the vocabulary or the codes. But I think it was precisely my ‘ignorance’ that allowed me to write about the subject with a certain sensitivity. Many readers intimidated by wine probably recognized themselves in me.

Tu es critique de vin et tu as remporté le prix Voix du Vin 2026 de Bettane & Desseauve : comment es-tu arrivée là où tu en es aujourd’hui ? Y a-t-il eu quelque chose ou quelqu’un qui t’a inspirée ?

J’ai découvert le vin assez tard, après avoir été journaliste culture et art de vivre, au détour d’une bouteille de Saint-Joseph qui m’a bouleversée. Durant des mois, j’ai sillonné le vignoble français et européen pour rencontrer des vignerons, goûté le plus de choses possibles, commencé à écrire quelques papiers sur le vin, jusqu’à ce qu’un poste de rédactrice en chef vin s’ouvre au Figaro (où je travaillais déjà en indépendante pour le service voyage). J’ai obtenu le poste, et les débuts ont été assez vertigineux, car je n’avais pas forcément le vocabulaire, ni les codes, mais je pense que c’est justement mon “ignorance” qui m’a permis d’écrire sur le sujet avec une certaine sensibilité. Beaucoup de lecteurs intimidés par le vin se sont sans doute reconnus en moi.

What bottle of wine do you bring the most to dinner parties?

I have a whole range of ‘safe bets’ that I adjust depending on how adventurous the guests are.

Most often, I bring a Chenin from the Loire Valley, unique and elegant, which usually never disappoints: Les Grandes Rogeries, from the Terra Vita Vinum estate.

Quelle bouteille de vin apportes-tu le plus souvent à des dîners ?

J’ai toute une panoplie de “valeurs sûres”, que je décline en fonction du degré de folie des invités. Le plus souvent, je rapporte un chenin de la vallée de la Loire, singulier et élégant, qui en général ne déçoit jamais : les Grandes Rogeries, du domaine Terra Vita Vinum.

What are your top three wine regions?

Hard to say because I change often, but I would say the northern Rhône Valley (by heritage), Andalusia (for sherries), and finally Piedmont, for its extraordinary red wines.

Quelles sont tes trois régions viticoles préférées ?

Difficile à dire, car j’en change souvent, mais je dirais la vallée du Rhône nord (par atavisme), l’Andalousie (pour les xérès) et enfin le Piémont, pour ses rouges extraordinaires.

What’s the most expensive wine you’ve ever tasted? And was it worth it?

I think it was a Domaine de la Romanée-Conti from the 1980s, and it was very beautiful, but I would never spend that much on a bottle (probably close to €10,000).

However, I had the chance to taste what I consider an invaluable wine: an old Port from the early 19th century. Just thinking that the air trapped between the liquid and the cork dated back to the time of Napoleon moved me deeply, even if I can’t really explain why.

Quel est le vin le plus cher que tu aies jamais dégusté ? Et en valait-il la peine ?

Je pense qu’il s’agissait d’un Domaine de la Romanée Conti des années 1980, et c’était très beau, mais je ne dépenserais jamais autant pour une bouteille (sans doute près de 10 000 euros). En revanche, j’ai eu la chance de goûter à un vin à mon sens inestimable, qui était un vieux Porto du début du XIXè siècle. Le simple fait de penser que l’air contenu entre le liquide et le bouchon datait de l’époque de Napoléon m’a beaucoup émue, même si je ne saurais pas vraiment expliquer pourquoi.

What is your go-to supermarket wine (for under 10€) that you buy for home?

I never buy wine at the supermarket, but my €10 bottle would be Pineau d’Aunis from Domaine des Grandes Vignes in the Loire Valley. A delight.

Quel est ton vin de supermarché préféré (moins de 10€) celui que tu achètes pour la maison ?

Je n’achète jamais de vin au supermarché, mais ma bouteille à 10 euros serait le Pineau d’Aunis du Domaine des Grandes Vignes, dans la vallée de la Loire. Un délice.

What’s your favorite dish?

Chicken with morel mushrooms, which is really just a simple excuse to open a bottle of Savagnin or Vin Jaune from the Jura.

Ton plat préféré ?

Le poulet aux morilles, qui n’est qu’une simple excuse pour ouvrir une bouteille de savagnin ou de vin jaune du Jura.

What’s your favourite food and wine pairing?

Oysters and manzanilla (a lightly oxidized Andalusian wine with notes of fresh nuts and a very saline taste).

Quel est ton accord mets et vin préféré ?

Huîtres et manzanilla (un vin de voile d’Andalousie légèrement oxydatif, au goût de noix fraîches et très iodé)

Which Parisian, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner with?

Marguerite Duras, in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés of her time.

Quel est le Parisien, mort ou vivant, avec lequel tu aimerais le plus dîner ?

Marguerite Duras, dans le Saint-Germain-des-Prés de l’époque.

The best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice is the one I never received. No one ever told me, “you can do it.” That’s exactly why I did, through a series of encounters and coincidences, and because there was no one to tell me it wouldn’t be possible.

Le meilleur conseil professionnel que tu n’as jamais reçu ?

Le meilleur conseil, c’est celui que je n’ai jamais reçu. Personne ne m’a jamais dit : tu peux y arriver. C’est justement pour ça que j’y suis arrivée, par une succession de rencontres, de hasards, et il n’y avait personne pour me dire que ça n’allait pas être possible.

Your favorite fragrance?

I love the entire Frédéric Malle range, and especially L’Eau d’Hiver by Jean-Claude Ellena, inspired by a cologne with notes of sweet almond, bergamot, hedione, hawthorn, honey, and hay.

Ton parfum préféré ?

J’aime toute la gamme de Frédéric Malle, et particulièrement L’Eau d’Hiver, de Jean-Claude Ellena, qui s’inspire d’une eau de cologne avec des touches d’amande douce, de bergamote, d’hédione, d’aubépine, de miel et de foin.

What do you do to relax?

I swim during the day and read at night.

Qu’est-ce que tu fais pour te détendre ?

Je nage le jour, et je lis la nuit.

Who’s your style icon? Or a Parisian girl whose style you admire, and why?

Charlotte Gainsbourg, for her androgynous and very sensual side.

Qui est ton icône de style ? Ou une Parisienne dont tu admires le style et pourquoi ?

Charlotte Gainsbourg, pour son côté androgyne et très sensuel.

How would you describe your style?

I try to align it with the way I write, with a certain classicism and a few touches of fantasy (which usually come down to a floral print or large earrings, so nothing very eccentric).

I always wear bodysuits in every season, black or navy jeans, a shirt, loafers, ankle boots, or leather sandals, and I have a passion for coats.

Et ton style?

J’essaie d’être alignée avec ma façon d’écrire, avec un certain classicisme, et quelques touches de fantaisie (qui se limitent généralement à un imprimé floral ou de grosses boucles d’oreilles, donc rien de très excentrique !).

Je porte toujours des bodys, en toute saison, un jean noir ou bleu marine, une chemise, des mocassins, des bottines ou des sandales de cuir, et j’ai une passion pour les manteaux.

What are your three most worn wardrobe items?

A black bodysuit from Ysé, Levi’s jeans, and a navy cashmere sweater that I’ve had for years.

Quelles sont les trois pièces de ta garde-robe que tu portes le plus souvent ?

Un body noir de la marque Ysé, un jean Levi’s, et un pull en cachemire bleu marine que j’ai depuis des années.

What are your handbag essentials?

I always carry a lipstick, a multi-use balm, a compact powder, and a toothbrush and toothpaste in case I have to go from a red wine tasting to another meeting without arriving with a purple mouth.

Unfortunately, I don’t keep a corkscrew in my bag because it’s impossible to get through airport security with one.

Quels sont les indispensables de ton sac à main ?

J’ai toujours un rouge à lèvres, un baume multi-usages, une poudre compacte, et une brosse à dents/dentifrice au cas où je dois enchaîner une dégustation de vins rouges avec un autre rendez-vous sans arriver avec la bouche violette.

A mon grand regret je ne garde pas de tire-bouchon dans mon sac, car impossible de passer la sécurité avec à l’aéroport !

What are your top 3 skincare products that you use on repeat?

The baobab oil gel from Typology (which has a delicious frangipane scent), the caffeine serum from Typology, and a day cream from Susanne Kaufmann.

Quels sont les trois produits de soin que tu utilises en permanence ?

Le gel-en-huile à l’huile de baobab de Typology (qui a une délicieuse odeur de frangipane), le sérum à la caféine de Typology, et une crème de jour Susanne Kaufmann.

And in your make-up bag?

The Bisou Balm lipstick from Violette, a compact powder from Aime, the black peptide mascara from Cénée, and a brown eyeshadow from Victoria Beckham.

Et dans ta trousse de maquillage ?

Le rouge à lèvres Bisou Balm de la marque Violette, une poudre compacte de chez Aime, le mascara noir-peptides de chez Cénée, et une ombre à paupières marron Victoria Beckham.

What song are you listening to at the moment?

“Je ne t’aime plus” by Sam Sauvage.

Une chanson que tu écoutes en ce moment ?

En ce moment j’écoute en boucle « Je ne t’aime plus » de Sam Sauvage

What album should everyone who loves Paris and French culture have on their playlist?

All the albums by Serge Gainsbourg.

Un album que tous ceux qui aiment Paris et la culture française devraient avoir dans leur playlist ?

Tous les albums de Serge Gainsbourg

The last good book you read?

Ta Promesse by Camille Laurens.

Le dernier bon livre que tu as lu ?

Ta Promesse, de Camille Laurens

Your favorite French film?

A nos amours by Maurice Pialat, or more recently Les Olympiades by Jacques Audiard, which made me want to discover the 13th arrondissement.

Ton film français préféré ?

A nos amours de Maurice Pialat, ou plus récemment Les Olympiades, de Jacques Audiard, qui m’a donné envie de découvrir le 13ème arrondissement

ALICIA’S PARIS ADDRESS BOOK

Her top addresses ranging from her favourite restaurant, where she goes to relax, her top spot for a glass of wine and an address that you’re unlikely to find in guide books.

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I usually love the start of a new year; the promise it brings of a fresh clean slate and reset following a frenetic festive season, but this year began a little bit differently. 2026 got off to a bumpy start as my dad underwent a critical 12 hour operation to remove a tumour from his jaw, which involved reconstructive surgery and a team of 20. Everyone was on tender hooks in the run up, not least because it was cancelled three times before finally going ahead.

I went to visit him towards the end of January and it was quite a shock to see him post-operation. After three weeks in hospital he’s now home, but it’s going to be a long road to recovery. I’m finishing this newsletter whilst sat on his sofa in Deal, Kent - we’re here for the week to help him out and boost his morale - Leopold’s teethy grin has certainly been helping.

One of the things I find hard about living outside the UK is the distance from my parents, and as they get older, I know it’s only going to get harder. But chaque chose en son temps, as Victor likes to tell me when I start spiralling.

We also received some news at the beginning of the year that literally pulled the rug out from underneath us. The owners are going to sell the apartments in our building, so we will have to move. Although the timing hasn’t been ideal, what with everything else going on (I’ve felt very overwhelmed these last couple of months to say the least), we have been thinking about moving for a while. This is perhaps the push we needed.

Luckily our contract doesn’t finish until next April, but as we would like to buy (and of course renovate) a new home, we have already started looking. I’ll keep you posted on this new adventure - here’s hoping the fire horse will start sending all its good energy our way.

In brighter news, despite a big sleep regression that looks like it might finally be coming to an end, Leopold is thriving - a little too much in fact, as he is now nearly 9kilos, at the highest end of the spectrum for his age (we both have bad backs from carrying him, but on the plus it’s working my arms!) and wearing 1 year old clothes at only 7.5 months old. Some of them are already too small.

Our Rouen pied a terre and Airbnb, Madame Capitaine was featured on the website of ELLE Decoration France in January and at the end of the year we became a Super Host. It has now also now been featured on Domino in the US and The Sunday Times in the UK. I’m so honoured that our little one bedroom duplex has been received so well, and we’ve had wonderful reviews from guests. It’s booking up fast for March, but there’s still space for Easter if you fancy a trip to Normandy’s capital.

Out & About

To combat my feeling of overwhelm (and to try to get back in shape), I started going to reformer pilates classes. I’ve always preferred dancing or boxing for exercise, but I’ve been enjoying the classes and I can really feel my muscles working, which is exactly what my postpartum body needs. And as one of my besties has been telling me for a while, it’s the best exercise that I can do for my core, which indeed needs building!

As a family we’ve also been prioritising going to exhibitions (a welcome respite from my worrying mind) and have been to Fondation Cartier to savour their new space - their current exhibition is a collection of pieces that have starred in the foundation’s shows over the years. and a couple of Sundays ago we visited Fondation Louis Vuitton to catch the last week of the Gerhard Richter exhibition.

This quote from Rick Rubin: A Creative Act A Way of Being sums up how I feel perusing an artist’s work.

As artists we aim to live in a way in which we see the extraordinary hidden in the seemingly mundane, then challenge ourselves to share what we see in a way that allows others a glimpse of this remarkable beauty.

Glimpsing at this remarkable beauty is what fuels my mind and inspiration, much like in the same way travelling does. I also love watching Leopold smile and giggle at the art wroks

In fact it’s been an art-filled month - we also went to the launch of Tadashi Kawamata’s new exhibiton in collaboration with Ruinart at Palais de Tokyo - it was also the perfect date night! (Leopold’s grandmere looked after him for the evening).

Books and TV - what I’ve been watching and reading

After seeing the press tour do the rounds on social media (those orange matching outfits), Marty Supreme has been on my must-watch list, one for the story, but also to see if it lived up to the hype. It’s intense and an assault on the senses, but it’s very good (if just a little long) and very well-acted. It was also the first time I’ve been to the cinema since before being pregnant with Leopold so the experience was extra special!

I loved Game A Thrones, so much so that I watched it a second time with Victor. So when I saw A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms advertised, I immediately added it to my list - and I raced through it! It’s violent and shows a few too many bodily functions, not unlike Game of Thrones - but it was also gripping, is a sweet story of a lowly knight trying to make it amongst the powerful houses. It’s a great spin-off from the original series.

I’ve been reading The Romantic by William Boyd since Christmas. I loved Sweet Caress: The Many Lives of Amory Clay - a fictional autobiography of a photographer that’s loosely based on the life of Lee Miller. The Romantic is in the same vein, this time following an Irishman, Cashel Greville Ross (born at the end of the 18th century), as he travels around the world and meets various notable characters along the way.

Nesting & Interiors

We finally ordered a new sofa from Panac Edition (with a very generous discount) - we chose the Bellechasse Light - and it arrived a couple of weeks ago. I have yet to take any photos, but we’ve been very much enjoying lounging on it every evening. Of course, now that we have to move we’re hoping we’ll be able to make it work in our future home. I highly recommend the brand (if you’re based in Europe) - it has elegant styles, is made in France and you can personalise any sofa with your own fabric. We chose not to do that this time as we wanted something neutral for our space and really liked the velours stere in ‘straw’. (They have a lot more fabrics available that aren’t shown on the website.)

This interior by Christian Bense featured in House & Garden recently stopped my scrolling - the upholstered blue bench pops against the moss green walls in the bedroom and his use of colour in the rest of the house (I was very surprised to read that it was built only 20 years ago) is really wonderful.

Style Staples

I haven’t found dressing for my postpartum body very easy (I’ll probably write more about this at a later date) and my style languishes a lot in winter, so dressing this past couple of months has been rather challenging. There have however been a few pieces that I’ve been enjoying that have added some colour, pattern and much-needed warmth to my wardrobe.

Arket red jumper - I ordered this boxy v-necked cherry red jumper and haven’t taken it off since it arrived.

Eric Bompard cardigan - the softest, snuggliest cashmere cable cardigan that I’ve ever worn and I’ll be wearing it right through spring.

Aeyde snakeskin print heels - you might remember me mentioning them in my round-up of best pieces for 2025. I had just purchased them when I published it and I have since worn them at least three times (see the photo a Palais de Toyko above for styling). I can concur, like the black patent pair I purchased at the end of the last year that they are indeed very comfy. I’m already looking at other colourways!

Skincare & Beauty

CEO Afterglow - Brightening Vitamin C Cream by Sunday Riley - I’ve been using this every morning and love it’s citrusy scent and it does indeed leave my skin a little glowy.

Merit Signature Lip in Warm Sheer Nude - a great neutral lip colour that I’ve been wearing for events and meetings.

Thanks for reading, a bientôt ! Marissa xx

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The personalities I’ll be interviewing are friends and people who inspire me. I’ll be picking their brains about their home life, most-used skincare items, their must-have wardrobe pieces, discovering their favorite French films and music, who they’d love to have dinner with and revealing their little black book of Parisian addresses (available exclusively for paid subscribers).

This month, I’m excited to chat to Stephanie Danan, Founder and Creative Director of CO, who also writes her own Substack, .

Stephanie is originally from Morocco and lived in Canada until she was 19, when she moved to Boston to attend Boston University Film School. After graduating she worked in film in New York and Paris before settling in Los Angeles. There she produced and ran a film company for over 10 years. She co-founded CO in 2011 with her partner at the time and moved to Paris in 2024 to begin a new chapter.

Ce mois-ci, je suis ravie d’échanger avec Stephanie Danan, fondatrice et directrice artistique de CO, qui écrit également son propre Substack, .

Stephanie est originaire du Maroc et a vécu au Canada jusqu’à l’âge de 19 ans, avant de partir à Boston pour étudier à la Boston University Film School. Après l’obtention de son diplôme, elle a travaillé dans le cinéma à New York et à Paris, avant de s’installer à Los Angeles. Là-bas, elle a produit et dirigé une société de production pendant plus de dix ans. Elle a cofondé CO en 2011 avec son partenaire de l’époque, puis a déménagé à Paris en 2024 pour entamer un nouveau chapitre.

You recently moved to Paris from LA, how has your lifestyle changed since moving to the French capital?

I find the lifestyle completely different than Los Angeles. It might be the opposite. I find my life in Paris a lot more spontaneous. I walk a lot more, which I love and I find myself more inspired intellectually and creatively, but I do miss the California sunshine and the healthier lifestyle.

Tu as récemment déménagé à Paris depuis Los Angeles ; comment ton mode de vie a-t-il changé depuis ton arrivée dans la capitale française ?

Je trouve que le mode de vie est complètement différent de celui de Los Angeles. C’est peut-être même l’inverse. Je trouve que ma vie à Paris est beaucoup plus spontanée. Je marche beaucoup plus, ce que j’adore, et je me sens davantage inspirée sur le plan intellectuel et créatif, mais le soleil californien et un mode de vie plus sain me manquent.

What do you love most about living in Paris?

The beauty of the city, the long walks, the bread.

Qu’est-ce que tu aimes le plus dans la vie à Paris ?

What does it mean to you to be Parisienne?

That is a tough question for me to answer. I’m always an outsider wherever I live. It is the outcome of having lived in so many cities and being multicultural. I belong everywhere and nowhere. So, I’m not sure I know the definition of being Parisienne.

When I was younger, I would categorize a Parisienne girl as a young Sophie Marceau type character. Very Natural, dresses casually and very independent. The word that comes to mind that defines the Parisienne woman is nonchalance.

Que signifie pour toi être Parisienne ?

C’est une question difficile pour moi. Je me sens toujours un peu “à part”, où que je vive. C’est le résultat d’avoir vécu dans tant de villes et d’être multiculturelle. J’appartiens partout et nulle part. Donc je ne suis pas sûre de connaître la définition de ce que signifie être parisienne.

Quand j’étais plus jeune, je décrivais une “Parisienne” comme un personnage à la jeune Sophie Marceau : très naturelle, habillée de façon décontractée et très indépendante. Le mot qui me vient à l’esprit pour définir la femme parisienne, c’est la nonchalance.

You used work in the film industry, what inspired you to start your clothing brand CO? And where do you draw inspiration from for your collections?

My interest in film came from my love of storytelling. The same goes with designing clothing. I draw inspiration from cinema, and I use my experience in story development to create characters when I design collections.

Tu as travaillé dans l’industrie du cinéma ; qu’est-ce qui t’ inspirée à créer ta marque de vêtements, CO ? Et d’où tires-tu ton inspiration pour tes collections

How has creating your brand influenced your style and how you invest in clothes?

I think my style influenced and shaped the brand. But over the years my collaborators and teams have helped me refine and focus my perspective. I’m very wardrobe oriented but distinction in the silhouettes is crucial for me. I like volume and interesting shapes that don’t make getting dressed complicated but enhance a minimal style.

En quoi la création de ta marque a-t-elle influencé ton style et ta façon d’investir dans les vêtements ?

Je pense que mon style a influencé et façonné la marque. Mais au fil des années, mes collaborateurs et mes équipes m’ont aidée à affiner et à préciser ma vision. Je suis très “vestiaire” dans mon approche, mais la distinction des silhouettes est essentielle pour moi. J’aime le volume et les formes intéressantes, qui ne compliquent pas le fait de s’habiller, mais viennent sublimer un style minimaliste.

The best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received.

It’s a marathon not a sprint.

Le meilleur conseil professionnel que tu n’as jamais reçu ?

C’est un marathon, pas un sprint.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt since launching a brand & business?

Resilience is key in both the industries I’ve worked in. Film and fashion.

Quelle est la plus grande leçon que tu as apprise depuis le lancement de ta marque et de ton entreprise ?

La résilience est essentielle dans les deux industries dans lesquelles j’ai travaillé : le cinéma et la mode.

What are the 3 must-have items that you believe a Parisian or any stylish woman should have in their wardrobe?

A crispy white poplin shirt, The perfect vintage Levis, a CO thin cashmere crew or V neck sweater.

Quels sont les trois articles indispensables qu’un Parisien ou une autre personne devrait avoir dans sa garde-robe ?

Une chemise blanche en popeline bien nette, le Levi’s vintage parfait, et un pull CO en cachemire fin à col rond ou col V.

What are the 3 skincare products that every woman should have in her bathroom?

Every woman woman has different skin care needs. For me it’s Agent Natteur Cleansing oil, Augustine Bader Rich Cream, Kypris Rose Oil.

Quels sont les 3 produits que toutes les femmes, parisiennes ou non, devraient avoir dans leur trousse de toilette ?

Chaque femme a des besoins différents en matière de soins de la peau. Pour moi, c’est l’huile nettoyante Agent Nateur, la crème riche d’Augustinus Bader et l’huile de rose Kypris.

And in her make-up bag?

Black Mascara and Black Eye Pencil by Victoria Beckham. Red Lipstick by Westman Atelier.

Et dans sa trousse de maquillage ?

Mascara noir et crayon noir pour les yeux de Victoria Beckham. Rouge à lèvres rouge de Westman Atelier.

Your favorite fragrance?

Habanita de Molinard.

Ton parfum préféré ?

Habanita by Molinard.

Who’s your style icon? Or a Parisian girl whose style you admire, and why?

My Style Icons are never women I don’t personally know. My Aunt Perla Servan Shreiber who only wears white. My ex-mother-in-law artist Michele Oka Doner who only wears the same silhouette and my mother Marcelle Danan.

Qui est ton icône de style ? Ou une Parisienne dont tu admires le style et pourquoi ?

Mes icônes de style ne sont jamais des femmes que je ne connais pas personnellement. Il y a ma tante Perla Servan-Schreiber, qui ne porte que du blanc ; mon ex-belle-mère, l’artiste Michele Oka Doner, qui porte toujours la même silhouette; et ma mère, Marcelle Danan.

Which up-and-coming French brand do you like at the moment? And which item would you buy?

I’ve never been into Chanel, but I loved what Mathieu Blazy is doing. I could see venturing into the store and buying a pair of shoes.

Quelle est la marque française qui monte et que tu aimes bien en ce moment ? Et quel article achèterais-tu ?

Je n’ai jamais vraiment été attirée par Chanel, mais j’aime beaucoup ce que fait Mathieu Blazy. Je pourrais imaginer entrer dans la boutique et acheter une paire de chaussures.

What’s the item you wear most in your wardrobe?

I make these incredibly thin cashmere knits that are the brand’s bread and butter. I love them so much and have them in every shape and color. I wear those the most. Almost every day. In the winter they layer so well, in the summers, they are the perfect evening knit. They are also the perfect travel companion.

Quel est l’article que tu portes le plus dans ta garde-robe ?

Je crée ces pulls en cachemire incroyablement fins, qui constituent l’ADN de la marque. Je les adore et je les ai dans toutes les formes et toutes les couleurs. Ce sont ceux que je porte le plus, presque tous les jours. En hiver, ils se superposent très bien ; en été, ce sont les pulls parfaits pour les soirées. Ils sont aussi des compagnons de voyage idéaux.

What is on your wishlist for next season? (If you could provide at least 2 articles with links)

I don’t shop new things very much. I’m more of a vintage junkie.

Quelle est ta wish list pour le printemps ? (merci de me donner au moins 2 articles avec les marques et les liens)

Je n’achète pas souvent des choses neuves. Je suis plutôt une accro au vintage.

What’s the last thing you bought?

I love Sophie Buhai Jewelry and bought two very simple thin chains. One silver and one gold.

Quelle est la dernière chose que tu as achetée ?

J’adore les bijoux Sophie Buhai et j’ai acheté deux chaînes très fines et très simples : une en argent et une en or.

What do you do to relax?

I take long walks with my son and cooking.

Qu’est-ce que tu fais pour te détendre ?

Je fais de longues promenades avec mon fils et je cuisine.

Do you have a particular wellness routine?

I’m a huge Tracy Anderson fan. I wish she had a studio in Paris. I do her video workouts at home every other day and then walk on off days.

As-tu une routine de bien-être particulier ?

Je suis une grande fan de Tracy Anderson. J’aimerais tellement qu’elle ait un studio à Paris. Je fais ses séances de sport en vidéo à la maison un jour sur deux, et les jours off, je vais marcher.

Which Parisian, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner with?

Simone de Beauvoir.

Quel est le Parisien, mort ou vivant, avec lequel tu aimerais le plus dîner ?

Simone de Beauvoir.

The last good book you read?

Bread of Angels by Patti Smith.

Le dernier bon livre que tu as lu ?

Bread of Angels par Patti Smith

What song are you listening to at the moment?

Oh so many. Music is key to my life. Been loving Lily Allen’s new album.

Une chanson que tu écoutes en ce moment ?

Oh, tellement ! La musique est essentielle dans ma vie. J’adore le nouvel album de Lily Allen.

Your favourite French film?

That’s a really hard question. Picking one film is almost impossible but the first that comes to mind is Vivre ca Vie by Godard. The last French film I saw and absolutely loved was MON ROI by Maiwenn.

Ton film français préféré ?

C’est une question vraiment difficile. Choisir un seul film est presque impossible, mais le premier qui me vient à l’esprit est Vivre sa vie de Godard. Le dernier film français que j’ai vu et que j’ai absolument adoré est Mon roi de Maïwenn.

What’s your favorite dish?

My favorite dish is a salmon rice and vegetable bowl I make at home for my son and I.

Ton plat préféré ?

Mon plat préféré est un bol de riz au saumon et aux légumes que je prépare à la maison pour mon fils et moi.

An album that everyone who loves Paris and French culture should have on their playlist?

Moon Safari

Un album que tous ceux qui aiment Paris et la culture française devraient avoir dans leur playlist ?

Moon Safari

STEPHANIE’S PARIS ADDRESS BOOK

Her top addresses ranging from her favourite restaurant, where she goes to relax, her top spots for a drink or coffee and an address that you’re unlikely to find in guide books.

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2025 was a big year as it brought us our little Leopold. He’s turning six months at the end of the week and I don’t know where the time went! As I write this he’s launching himself into the air on his BabyBjörn, which very soon he’ll be too heavy for - cheeks a little flushed from the effort, his coal black eyes sparkling (he has my eyes), and giving me a big toothy grin, clearly proud of his achievement.

Last year also marked another milestone: in April, we listed Madame Capitaine (our Rouen renovation) on Airbnb - our other “baby” (besides Indy), and the biggest project Victor and I undertook together before Leopold arrived. I’m proud to say it has since been featured in The Sunday Times, Domino and Plum Living, and we’ve had some brilliant reviews! Here are a couple of my favourites:

“This is such a beautiful, curated space - a true gem! We had the most amazing stay here; really great location, serene environment, and all of the design aspects and amenities you could ask for!”

“It was a pleasure to stay here. The apartment is stylish, reminiscent of Architectural Digest magazine, yet has a touch of personality. Every detail inside was chosen with a priority for quality. The kitchen has everything you need for everyday cooking or a spontaneous desire for a cup of tea or coffee. The location is very central but not crowded. Thanks to everyone who created this place and takes care of it.”

I love looking back over the previous year. There’s something very cathartic about listing out the things I enjoyed most - as if I’m putting 2025 to bed, ready to make way for a new a chapter. I’m currently working on another list with everything that has inspired me in the past as I’ve embarked on a new year, with book recommendations and ways to stay motivated and organised, plus what’s on my non-fiction reading list for this year. More soon!

This newsletter is reserved for paying subscribers, as it’s a deep dive into my favourite things - more than 30 of them - in 2025 and why I would recommend them. If you haven’t already, I hope you consider upgrading your subscription and supporting my work. In the spirit of the new year, I’m offering 25% off the annual subscription price for a year. This subscription gives you FULL ACCESS to my archive of wardrobe, homeware and travel edits, including my Little Black Book of Paris addresses + Paris address books of Parisian insiders that I’ve interviewed.

25% off the annual subscription

Clothes, shoes & accessories

Havaiana flip flops - how I went so long without a pair of this highly useful footwear, I don’t know. But better late than never. So useful for slipping on around the pool during summer or xxx. Plus they cost me 15€. By far the biggest bang for my buck.

COS suede jacket - I’d had this on my wish list for while and finally bit the bullet. I bought it for myself in September and have no regrets. I can’t wait for warmer, dry days so I can whip it out of my wardrobe again! It’s also now on sale.

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I may have lived in France for nearly thirteen years (!!), but I won’t be letting go of my British Christmas traditions anytime soon. I’m sure I said this last year, so forgive the repetition, but I truly believe the Brits do Christmas better than the French. I’m practically champing at the bit to drive to the UK on the 25th for a week over the holidays, where we’ll be in Kent and Cambridgeshire, winding through tiny country lanes on our way to catch up with friends and family, and to introduce them to Leopold.

I love a good gift guide. I know the internet is full of them, so apologies if I’m adding to the noise - but creating them genuinely brings me joy, and I’ve been doing it for years, so here’s mine. I put a lot of thought into gifts; I’m one of those people who enjoys giving far more than receiving, and this year is going to be extra special now that we have Leopold in our lives! He’s obviously far too little to appreciate festivities or presents (but not a cardboard box perhaps? Or wrapping paper for that matter) - he’ll be getting a few clothes he actually needs (our 4.5-month-old is outgrowing his 6-month wardrobe), plus a couple of books I want to read to him, but I can’t wait to watch the holiday season through his eyes.

Until I was 16 and my parents divorced, Christmas was magical in our house. My mum put in a lot of effort with the decor - each year had its own colour theme: red and gold, burgundy and silver, and so on. She would also spend hours in the kitchen cooking up a medley of traditionally British Christmas food for the day, and my dad dutifully ate the mince pies, nibbled the carrots and drank the sherry every Christmas Eve. I believed that Santa Claus existed until I was at least 8 (yes, I was very lucky - I also didn’t grow up with older siblings who might have ruined the magic for me prematurely). I doubt that Leopold will believe in him for that long, now that we live in the age of social media (though who knows what the landscape will look like in a few years), but I still can’t wait to experience that sense of wonder all over again through him.

Before I prattle on any further - it’s been a while since I’ve published anything (sorry!), so the words are flowing - here are my gift guides for presents that go beyond the festive season: thoughtful things I’d love to give (and receive) at any time of year (except The Snowman Book and gloves of course)

Gift Guide for new mamas like me (and anyone who likes nice things)

Find the full edit here

I don’t think there’s much difference between what I might have asked for before, vs what I’d like to be gifted now as a new mum, besides the book additions (all recommnendations from a mum friend). I’ve always, for example appreciated jewellery - what woman (and man) doesn’t?! Victor bought me this ring last year and I wear it all the time. I also love a good handwash in a pretty bottle. Washing our hands is something we do multiply times a day (and even more so with a little one in our lives), so why not elevate the experience?! I was sent this Commune handwash & handcream duo earlier this year and love the branding and the scent! I really enjoyed using it. I’ve linked more options in my full edit.

I would also like a silk pillowcase this season (yes I’m a big believer in practical gifts). Known for preventing wrinkles and stopping hair breakage while you sleep - very crutial for me as I’ve been losing a lot these past few weeks, not fun I can tell you! (I’ve just ordered a serum, shampoos and suplements to help - I’ll let you know how I get on!)

Talking of hair, I love these hairbrushes by French brand La Brosse - they’re on the pricey side (for a hairbrush), but a really lovely (and rather unique) gift, and would make a lovely keepsake! Find the rest of the edit here.

Gift guide for men (things that Victor would like, or already owns)

Find the full edit here

We were gifted the Aarke water filter last year and use it every day. If Victor was a coffee drinker (he’s a green tea man), I would definitely get him the Aarke coffee press (it’s silver, chic and made with stainless steel, so will survive any droppage unlike glass presses - I’m on my third in 2 years). And talking of beverages - what man won’t appreciate (unless he doesn’t drink of coures) a chic bar set that he can show off to his mates - who will probably take the piss, but be secretly jealous that they aren’t in possession of one so stylish.

Another great gift for boys (and girls too of course), is a good film camera. Victor’s mum gifted me her old Olympus last year - I really wanted one and she just happened to have one still sitting in its box like new, stashed away in her cupboard. Victor soon followed suit and invested in a Canon. We take both away with us when we travel now and get very excited when we take our film into be developed. Opening the email feels like Christmas.

Gift Guide: Little Ones

Find the full edit here.

You might have gathered by now if you’ve been subscribed for a while that I’m a bit of a book worm, so of course I’ll be introducing all my favourite books to Leopold as he grows. I have a list of favourite childrens books that I had as a child - many of which my mum kept and I’ll be picking up at Christmas for him. I was too old when Guess How much I Love You was published, but I bought it a few weeks ago for Leopold (I’ve been reading to him since he was 2 months old) and it’s such as sweet book, with beautiful illstrations that will help explain love to him a little more.

We received this Baby Einstein radio recently and it’s another great gift (also love the name) - Leopold loves listening to the music and it often calms him down if he’s getting a bit agitated. I’ve also added a musical bunny to the list that he listens to before bed.

Thank you for reading! I hope these gift ideas might help any upcoming festivities for the holiday seaon and over the next year. A bientôt! Marissa xx

Read more from Rue Rodier

Practising Parisienne with Mélanie Masarin, Founder of Ghia

Practising Parisienne with Mathilde Lacombe, Founder of AIME

French for infertility: Part 1

French for infertility: Part 2

And apologies for the radio silence. I forget that many of you here may not follow me on Instagram, where I tend to share most of my life updates. So let me catch you up!

On Friday the 18th of July at 5:53pm in Bluets Hospital in Paris, I gave birth to a little boy, who we named Leopold. He came out, all 3.6 kilos of him, with dark brown eyes, a splattering of chestnut hair and long legs. As you can imagine, the past few months have been busy, beautiful, and very messy. Adjusting to life with a baby has left me with little to no time (or brain power) for writing, reflecting, or even stringing coherent thoughts together. Where I once would have turned inward to self-reflection and writing, all my energy has been directed outward and keeping our tiny human alive.

As any new parent will understand, finishing even the smallest task can feel like mission impossible when a newborn needs your constant attention. I’ve had days where I’ve heated up my coffee three times and still forgotten to drink it, and managing to reply to a WhatsApp message or an email has felt like a momentous occasion. This newsletter has been simmering in the back of my mind for weeks, but finding the time and mental clarity to sit down and write it has felt just out of reach.

Most of Leopold’s nap times have been spent cleaning, folding laundry (our basket now overflows with his tiny clothes), squeezing in a quick shower, or working on an interior design project for a client. That project has involved multiple on-site visits each week and hours of coordination with contractors and artisans. I was even onsite one week after giving birth - I felt very badass and Beyonce’s lyrics: “Strong enough to bear the children. Then get back to business” kept looping in my head. (It’s not something that I’d recommend, as my body wasn’t ready.) In the rare moments I had to myself over the summer, all I’ve wanted to do is lose myself in a good book - to escape into someone else’s words and let my own brain rest.

Any energy I once reserved for writing has gone into caring for this little person - the most creative and life-changing project I’ve ever taken on (three and a half years in the making). And so I’ve been trying to soak up as much of this time as I can.

It really does (as everyone warned me) - go by so fast.

He turned three months old on Saturday and is already babbling away and getting grabby with his tiny hands. On Sunday evening during his bath, he laughed for the first time. It was the most magical sound I’ve ever heard.

Since giving birth, I haven’t felt tearful with emotion (as I expected to) - only an incredible love for our son. Like he was always meant to be ours. Even after the grueling 18 hours to birth him (a story for another time) - I laid there in euphoria, only shedding a couple of tears of relief as he was placed carefully on my chest to hold and cuddle. I’m lucky, I know - but one of the reasons for this I believe is because I’m not breastfeeding (more on that and the reason for my decision in another article). That being said, last week I had a bit of a crash and cried every day. And it has spilled into this week. Maybe it was a delayed reaction (a friend told me that can happen), or the post-holiday blues (we just got back from a week in Santorini). Maybe it’s hormonal. Or maybe it’s because the newborn bubble is bursting, and I’m not quite ready to let it go. I’m excited to see him grow into a little boy, but I’m already feeling nostalgic for his first couple of months.

I’m also back to working with Substack this week, which I’m excited about, but it means I’m back to juggling two jobs, events, content creation and now a baby. Will I manage? What will this new life look like? As these questions swirled in my head last week, I once again turned to someone else’s words for comfort, and began reading Motherkind by Zoe Blaskey that was kindly sent to me by a friend. I didn’t manage to pick it up in the months before giving birth, but reading it now as a new mum, Blaskey really helps sooth and give language to this weird and wonderful time as I transform into a mother, my Matrescence. It’s a journey for sure - so thank you for bearing with me and sticking around!

I’ll keep sharing my thoughts with you, more frequently from now on, along with things I’ve loved during this new chapter of my life. I’ll also be sharing more style, interiors and travel content, and I’m currently scheduling more Practising Parisienne interviews. I hope you’re having a wonderful week and I’m looking forward to seeing you here again very soon!

Marissa xx

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Read more from me here:

French for infertility: Part 1

French for infertility: Part 2

Practising Parisienne with Mélanie Huynh, Founder of Holidermie

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Practising Parisienne with… is a monthly interview series that gives me the excuse to find out more about the wonderful people that I share this beautiful city with. It’s also an extension of my book, Practising Parisienne: Lifestyle Secrets from the City of Lights, which I published in 2021 and a way for it to live on as Paris, and the people and places in it, evolve.

Next up is Mélanie Huynh, former French Vogue stylist and founder of the holistic skincare brand Holidermie, which I’ve incidentally been using a lot during my pregnancy. I’ve known Mélanie for a while now and have always admired her ability to balance business and entrepreneurship with a genuine focus on wellbeing. Holidermie was built on the principle of “inside-out” wellness - a combination of self-care and skincare that threads through many aspects of her lifestyle. She practises what she preaches through meditation, yoga, and implementing healthy habits into her daily routine. She also writes on Substack.

Voici maintenant Mélanie Huynh, l’ancienne styliste de Vogue Paris et fondatrice de la marque de soins holistiques Holidermie, que j’ai d’ailleurs beaucoup utilisée pendant ma grossesse. Je connais Mélanie depuis un certain temps et j’ai toujours admiré sa capacité à équilibrer sens des affaires et esprit entrepreneurial, tout en gardant un véritable engagement envers le bien-être. Holidermie repose sur le principe du bien-être « Inside Out » — une approche qui allie soins de soi et soins de la peau, et qui imprègne de nombreux aspects de son mode de vie. Elle applique réellement ce qu’elle prône, à travers la méditation, le yoga et l’adoption d’habitudes saines dans sa routine quotidienne. Elle écrit aussi sur Substack.

Can you introduce yourself?

Passionate about beauty and fashion from an early age, I was inspired by the “way of life” of the top models and icons of the 90s, who imposed a powerful femininity and a healthy lifestyle with sport and diet as their allies. I went to fashion school before starting my career at the editorial office of Vogue France, where I spent almost 10 years working on beauty and fashion editorial. I then went freelance before launching Holidermie in 2019.

Since then, I've continued to work as a stylist on special projects, but I now devote most of my time to the Aera Nova family group, of which Holidermie is a part.

Peux-tu te présenter ? (ou tu as grandi, tes études, carrière etc.. et ton travail maintenant)

Passionnée de beauté et de mode depuis mon plus jeune âge, je me suis nourrie du « way of life » des top models et icônes des années 90 qui imposent une féminité puissante, un mode de vie sain avec le sport et l’alimentation comme alliés. J’ai d’abord fait une école de mode avant de démarrer ma carrière à la rédaction du Vogue France, où j’ai passé presque 10 ans sur l’éditorial beauté et mode. Je suis ensuite passée freelance avant de lancer Holidermie en 2019.

Depuis, je continue mon activité de styliste pour des projets spéciaux mais je consacre désormais la majorité de mon temps au groupe familial Aera Nova dont Holidermie fait partie.

What does it mean to you to be Parisienne?

It means embodying timeless elegance and natural confidence, a subtle blend of sophistication and relaxation. It's also about living in harmony with your surroundings while cultivating your own style and personality. An attitude as much as an identity!

Que signifie pour toi être Parisienne ?

C'est incarner une élégance intemporelle et une confiance naturelle, un mélange subtil entre sophistication et décontraction. C’est aussi vivre en harmonie avec son environnement tout en cultivant son propre style, sa propre personnalité. Une attitude autant qu’une identité !

Where do you live when in the French capital? How long have you lived there?

I've lived in the 8th arrondissement for many years. I like the fact that it's so central, you can get anywhere in Paris very quickly. It's a district that exudes Paris and the Haussmann style. I love its proximity to the Seine and the fact that it's home to monuments that are so emblematic of French and Parisian history.

Où habites-tu à Paris ? Depuis combien de temps y vis-tu ?

J’habite dans le 8^ème depuis de nombreuses années. J’aime son côté central, on est très vite un peu partout dans Paris. C’est un quartier qui respire Paris et le style Haussmannien. J’adore sa proximité avec La Seine et le fait que ce quartier rassemble des monuments si emblématiques de l’histoire française et parisienne.

What do you love most about living in Paris?

Paris is a city full of contrasts, both effervescent and contemplative. I love its energy, its hidden places and its art of living, which combines high standards and hedonism. Paris is a city that nurtures creative souls.

Qu'est-ce qui te plaît le plus dans la vie à Paris ?

Paris est une ville pleine de contrastes, à la fois effervescente et contemplative. J’aime son énergie, ses lieux cachés et son art de vivre qui mêle exigence et hédonisme. Paris est une ville qui nourrit les âmes créatives.

You are the founder of Holidermie, what have you learnt about skin and health thanks to your work?

How everything is linked! Our skin is a mirror of our inner balance. A balanced diet, restful sleep, stress management, exercise... all play a key role. Beauty means taking charge of your overall health.

Tu es la fondatrice de Holidermie, qu’est que tu as appris à propos de la peau et de la santé grâce à ton travail ?

Que tout est lié ! La peau est un miroir de notre équilibre intérieur. Une alimentation équilibrée, un sommeil réparateur, la gestion du stress, le mouvement… Tout cela joue un rôle clé. La beauté passe par une prise en charge globale de la santé.

Who inspired you to launch your own skincare brand?

I've always been passionate about beauty and well-being, but I couldn't find a truly holistic beauty offering. I dreamt of a line of ‘inside & out’ cosmetics that didn't just live in the bathroom, but could be used throughout the day. I wanted a range that acted on all levels, convinced that only a global action could have a visible effect on body and mind. I met many experts (doctors, naturopaths, nutritionists, coaches, facialists, yogis), each of whom shed new light on my knowledge, and I acquired my own convictions, enriched by my discussions with my childhood friend, Dr Jérôme Paris, the brand's Medical Director. Together, we wanted to design a line of products based on a powerful antioxidant: the Holiderm® Complex.

Qui ou quoi a t'inspirer de lancer ta propre marque ?

J’ai toujours été passionnée par la beauté et le bien-être, mais je ne trouvais pas d’offre beauté véritablement holistique. Je rêvais d’une ligne de cosmétiques Inside & Out qui ne vive pas uniquement dans la salle de bains mais qui puisse se consommer tout au long de la journée. Je voulais une gamme qui agisse à tous les niveaux, convaincue que seule une action globale peut avoir un effet visible sur le corps et l’esprit. J’ai rencontré de nombreux experts (médecins, naturopathes, nutritionnistes, coach, facialistes, yogis), qui ont chacun apporté un nouvel éclairage à mes connaissances et j’ai acquis mes propres convictions, enrichies par mes discussions avec mon ami d’enfance, le Docteur Jérôme Paris, Directeur Médical de la marque. Nous voulions concevoir ensemble une ligne de produits basée sur un antioxydant puissant : le Complexe Holiderm®.

What’s your morning routine?

Every morning when I wake up, I perform the Gandusha Ayurvedic ritual. I use the Holidermie Copper Tongue Scraper, an excellent way of getting rid of the toxins accumulated during the night, and I finish with the Oil Mouthwash to keep my mouth healthy. A dry brushing of the body and a jet of ice-cold water at the end of my shower.

I always do a self-massage session with my gua sha and finish with a matcha in which I add the collagen powder from Holidermie.

Qu’est que c’est ta routine matinale ?

Tous les matins au réveil, je pratique le rituel ayurvédique Gandusha. J’utilise le Gratte-langue en Cuivre Holidermie, un excellent moyen de se débarrasser des toxines accumulées pendant la nuit et je termine par le Bain de Bouche-en-huile pour conserver une bouche saine. Un brossage à sec du corps et un jet d’eau glacée à la fin de ma douche.

Je fais toujours une séance d’automassage avec mon gua sha et je termine avec un matcha dans lequel j’ajoute le collagène-en-poudre Holidermie.

And your well-being routine?

I'd say that it all starts with good hydration, a varied and diversified diet and practising sport on an almost daily basis. I do boxing and yoga several times a week. I also incorporate self-massage into my daily routine. I regularly enjoy technical and sensory massages. Finally, I do a lot of cardiac coherence.

Et ta routine de bien-être ?

Je dirais que tout part d’une bonne hydratation, d’une alimentation variée, diversifiée et de la pratique du sport quasi quotidiennement. Je pratique la boxe et le yoga plusieurs fois par semaine.

J’intègre également l’automassage dans ma routine quotidienne. Je profite de massages techniques et sensoriels régulièrement. Enfin, je fais beaucoup de cohérence cardiaque.

What do you do to relax?

I practise mindfulness meditation. This is a gentle meditation of vigilant awareness, filled with kindness. It removes you from your anxieties and increases your ability to concentrate, to focus on the present moment and not let your mind wander. I find it very calming every day.

For some time now, I've also been practising sound therapy using crystal bowls.

Que fais-tu pour te détendre ?

Je pratique la méditation de pleine conscience. C'est une méditation douce de conscience vigilante, emplie de bienveillance. Elle induit un éloignement vis-à-vis de ses angoisses et augmente les aptitudes à se concentrer, à se centraliser sur l'instant présent et à ne pas laisser son esprit vagabonder. J'y puise quotidiennement beaucoup d'apaisement.

Depuis quelque temps, je pratique également la sonothérapie grâce aux crystal bowls.

Where do you find inspiration for work and life?

Inspiration is everywhere, in a book, in an exhibition, in the architecture of a city that you're rediscovering. I'm also always inspired by what's going on in fashion. I also get a lot of inspiration from my travels. It's often there that the strongest ideas emerge.

Où trouves-tu l'inspiration pour le travail ou dans la vie ?

L’inspiration est partout, dans un livre, dans une exposition, dans l’architecture d’une ville que l’on redécouvre. Je m’inspire aussi toujours beaucoup de ce qui se fait dans la mode. Mes voyages me nourrissent aussi beaucoup. C’est souvent là que les idées les plus fortes émergent.

What are the three products that every woman, Parisian or no, should have in their bathroom cabinet?

• Holidermie Absolute Hydration Serum: protects the skin from oxidative stress, intensely hydrates the skin and boosts its natural radiance.

• A Gua Sha: for its versatility in working on different areas and problems: redefining facial contours, smoothing fine lines, reducing puffiness, boosting blood circulation, stimulating collagen production...

• A Lightinderm device: which uses LED technology to repair and regenerate tissues.

Quels sont les 3 produits que toutes les femmes, parisiennes ou non, devraient avoir dans leur trousse de toilette ?

• Le Sérum Hydratation Absolue Holidermie : qui protège la peau du stress oxydatif, hydrate intensément la peau et booste l’éclat naturel.

• Un Gua Sha : pour sa polyvalence qui permet de travailler différentes zones et problématiques : redessiner les contours du visage, lisser les ridules, dégonfler les poches, relancer la circulation sanguine, stimuler la production de collagène…

• Un appareil Lightinderm : qui utilise la technologie LED pour réparer et régénérer les tissus.

And in their make-up bag?

I don't wear a lot of make-up but I do have a few favourite products that I always carry with me: Ilia mascara, Hermès lipstick, Bisou Blush Violette_FR and Victoria Beckham eye pencil.

Et dans leur trousse de maquillage ?

Je ne me maquille pas énormément mais j’ai quand même quelques produits favoris que j’ai toujours sur moi : un mascara Ilia, un rouge à lèvres Hermès, un Bisou Blush Violette_FR et un crayon pour les yeux Victoria Beckham.

Three articles in their wardrobe?

• A structured, well-cut jacket, like those by Alexandre Vauthier

• Cashmere by Alexandra Golovanoff

• Mother denim

Et 3 articles indispensables à avoir dans sa garde robe?

• Une veste structurée et bien coupée, comme celles d’Alexandre Vauthier

• Un cachemire d’Alexandra Golovanoff

• Un denim Mother

Your favourite perfume?

Incense Crush by D'Orsay with notes of incense, cedar and leather.

Ton parfum préféré ?

Encens crush de D’Orsay avec ses notes d’encens, cèdre et cuir.

Who is your style icon?

I admire women who have a timeless elegance, an effortless look but with character, like Gisele Bündchen. She embodies a combination of chic and naturalness that speaks to me enormously.

Qui est ton icône de style ?

​​J’admire les femmes qui ont une élégance intemporelle, une allure effortless mais avec du caractère comme Gisele Bündchen. Elle incarne une alliance du chic et de la naturalité qui me parle énormément.

Which up-and-coming French brand do you like at the moment? And which item would you buy?

Maria de la Orden. I love all her blouses. I love their timeless style, always with a modern twist. And it's affordable too!

Quelle est la marque française qui monte et que tu aimes bien en ce moment ? Et quel article achèterais-tu ?

Maria de la Orden. J’adore toutes ses blouses. J’aime beaucoup leur style intemporel toujours avec un twist moderne. Et en plus c’est accessible!

What's the item you wear most in your wardrobe?

The blazer. I have lots of different styles, from casual to dinner jacket, prints, stripes, plain etc.

Quel est l'article que tu portes le plus dans ta garde-robe ?

Le blazer. J’ai plein de styles différents, du casual au smoking, des imprimés, rayés, unis etc

What’s on your wishlist for summer?

The Miu Miu x Petit Bateau T shirt and a broderie dress from Dôen

Quelle est ta wish list pour l'été ?

Le T shirt Miu Miu x Petit Bateau et une robe brodée de Dôen.

What are the essentials in your handbag or the items you can't live without?

Airpods, Bottega Veneta sunglasses, a stone (Pyrite or rose quartz), a notebook to record my inspirations, a perfume sample and a Holidermie hand cream.

Quels sont les essentiels de ton sac à main ou les articles dont tu ne peux pas te passer ?

Des Airpods, des lunettes de soleil Bottega Veneta, une pierre (Pyrite ou quartz rose), un carnet pour noter mes inspirations, un échantillon de parfum et une crème mains Holidermie.

What was the last thing you bought?

A Socialite Family hamper for my two toy poodles, Sticky and Tilly and the Louis Vuitton guide to Seoul.

Quelle est la dernière chose que tu as achetée ? (produit beauté, livre par exemple)

Un panier Socialite Family pour mes deux caniches toy, Sticky et Tilly et le Louis Vuitton guide de Séoul.

Which Parisian, dead or alive, would you most like to have dinner with?

Simone Weill

Quel est le Parisien, mort ou vivant, avec lequel tu aimerais le plus dîner ?

Simone Weill

The best professional advice you've ever received?

Trust your intuition. When you're passionate and convinced that you've got something, don't give up and go for it.

Le meilleur conseil professionnel que tu n’as jamais reçu ?

Fais confiance à ton intuition. Quand tu es passionné et convaincu que tu tiens quelque chose, ne lâche rien et vas-y à fond.

The last good book you read?

‘Couver un astre’ by Sophie Fontanel.

Le dernier bon livre que tu as lu ?

“Couver un astre” de Sophie Fontanel.

The last good series you watched?

"Breath of fire”

La dernière bonne série que tu as regardée ?

“Breath of fire”

What song are you listening to at the moment?

I'm listening to the latest Polo & Pan album on repeat.

Une chanson que tu écoutes en ce moment ?

J’écoute en boucle le dernier album de Polo & Pan

An inspirational podcast you like?

The Social Medium by Jessie Chase (with a focus on wellness and beauty).

Un podcast inspirant que tu aimes bien ?

The Social Medium par Jessie Chase (Très axé wellness et beauté).

What's your favourite French film?

Recently, I loved ‘L'Amour ouf’ for its cast, soundtrack and direction.

Ton film français préféré ?

Dernièrement, j’ai adoré “L’Amour ouf” pour son casting, la bande son et la mise en scène.

Your favourite dish?

A vegan bento from Inè.

Ton plat préféré ?

Un bento vegan de chez Inè.

​​An album that anyone who loves Paris and French culture should have on their playlist?

Moon Safari by Air, which perfectly captures the Parisian art of living and a certain minimalist, timeless aesthetic.

Un album que tous ceux qui aiment Paris et la culture française devraient avoir dans leur playlist ?

Moon Safari de Air, qui capture parfaitement l’art de vivre parisien et une certaine esthétique minimaliste et intemporelle.

Mélanie’s Paris Address book:

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I want to preface this second part (you can read the first part here) by saying that while we were on holiday in Crete in May, I received a hurtful message on Instagram from someone who had unfollowed me. She had sadly lost a pregnancy late in her term, and seeing my bump and pregnancy posts made her angry. She accused me of “bragging” and it really stung. I was hoping it would wash off, but her message lingered in my mind, making me more self-conscious about sharing more about my pregnancy and IVF experience. Hence part two has taken me a little longer to write.

I know her words came from a place of devastation, not malice and I feel nothing but sorrow for her, but they left a lasting impression nonetheless. If anyone reading this feels triggered by bump or pregnancy updates, I invite you to mute me on Instagram. Don’t feel obligated to stay. I know how hard pregnancy and bump posts can be if you’re going through treatment. Perhaps just don’t tell me about it though: highly sensitive person over here!

To be clear: I’m not bragging. I’m celebrating. After three heartbreaking and traumatic years, I’ve finally reached a healthy pregnancy and I’m proud of my body for the first time in a very long time. I share my joy not to boast, but to honour the journey. If you, too, are pregnant after infertility struggles, celebrate it with gusto! I believe that sharing your joy and experience can give hope to others!

For those who haven’t endured IVF, it’s tough to put into words. Much like childbirth, you just have to experience it to fully understand it. But in an attempt to sum it up: it tests you to your core. The process sweeps the rug out from underneath you, and the confidence that you spent your adult life building crumbles. After multiple rounds of failed cycles, you begin to question everything - your place in this world, your life decisions (did I party too hard in my 20s and fuck up my eggs); your very existence. It is the most destabilizing and demoralizing experience I have ever been through. I hope if you’re reading this though that my words might offer you some consolation…

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It’s been a while since I last wrote one of these—life has been nothing less of a whirlwind lately as I juggle work projects and prepare for the arrival of a small person in our lives. Last Saturday, while we were in the 6ème to check out a few things at the Zara Home flagship (I’d had my eye on a couple of pieces and wanted replace our daily use drinking glasses that we’ve broken), I suggested to Victor that we pop into Petit Bateau just for fun. There’s nothing like holding up tiny babygrows for the first time to your tummy, to make it suddenly feel very real. And yet, somehow, it still feels strangely abstract. I can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that there’s a tiny human growing inside me—and that they’ll be arriving earthside next month! I imagine this is how most first-time pregnant women feel in the final stretch?!

At the same time haven’t had much head space to really process it all. Between work, travel, hospital and midwife appointments, life has been a blur. My mum is amazed I’m still functioning normally in my eighth month of pregnancy (occasional baby brain aside). She always says she was so bovine when pregnant with me—lounging around in the heat of the Emirates without the demands of work (I was born in Sharjah).

Books and TV

Despite the busyness, I’ve managed to consume a fair amount of material recently. I finished two books while we were in Crete. Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors, which although outside my usual preferences—modern, raw, very real—I finished it in record time as Mellors is such a brilliant writer. Her insight into relationships and the inner workings of her characters’ minds really stayed with me. I also read Mr Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookshop by Robin Sloan, which I found less erudite but equally enjoyable as an adventurous escape. Plus I picked it up during my trip to San Francisco (where the story is set) from The City Lights bookshop, which has become one of my favourite bookshops for its selection, recommendations and of course Beat history, and which made reading the book all the more meaningful.

Besides reading, a good series is still the main way I unwind and clear my head of my constant do-to list, and I’ve watched a variety this past month. My favourite by far was A Discovery of Witches—a perfect blend of magic, history, sizzling chemistry, and a sexy vampire (hello, Matthew Goode). It ticked all my boxes, and I devoured it. I also raced through Ransom Canyon - who knew watching brooding ranchers wearing cowboy hats could be equally as entralling?

Nesting & Interiors

Part of our baby prep has involved turning our guest room into a nursery and painting the walls (I say “our,” but it’s been mostly Victor doing the heavy lifting!) We used Farrow & Ball’s Cooking Apple Green, a paint that’s been sitting in a cupboard for two years. It was originally intended for what was going to be a guest room/my office, but it works beautifully as a gender-neutral nursery colour.

We do know our baby’s sex, but we still wanted a space that didn’t lean too much one way or the other. Plus, the room will continue to double up as a guest room for visiting family and friends from the UK—so I didn’t want anything too babyish. I’ll be sharing more nursery details soon.

Style Staples

I packed some brilliant pieces for our trip to Crete (you can read about it and everything I brought with me here), but I used and wore a couple of items more than most: the ERES Summer striped cotton voile kaftan, which I wore almost daily - I felt very elegant in it at breakfast every morning - and the By Malene Birger Raffia Tote Bag, which became our carry-all for water, books, cameras, and sunscreen. The Reformation x Jimmy Fairly Jade Sunglasses sadly didn’t arrive in time for the trip, but I’ve worn them constantly since we got back—every time the sun’s been out that is, which hasn’t been enough.

Skincare & Bump Essentials

I’ve also tried a few standout skincare products recently. I’m loving the Merit concealer stick and blush (Cream Flush blush in Lusitano) —both easy to apply and perfect for a low-effort (but looks like you made some) look. And I’ve been lathering the Goop body oil on my watermelon-sized tummy. I’m going to put together a maternity essentials list soon because there are definitely a few things I couldn’t have managed without these past few months.

Thanks as always for reading and leave any questions in the comment section. Marissa xx

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