Charlotte Gainsbourg is my girl crush

Can you imagine being in the position to declare, “I’d like to work with (insert influential artist here)” and suddenly, you’re in his studio creating art with aforementioned artiste?

Charlotte Gainsbourg can.

The actress, singer and progeny of super cool ’60s icons Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin has recently collaborated with Beck to create new music featuring her barely-a-whisper vocal style.

Daily Candy recently posted a video from their new album. I’m a fan.

Photo from http://www.charlottegainsbourg.com

French dressing

I love French dressing. Not the kind you get at Souper Salad, but that timeless, sophisticated style it seems women in France are born with.

Charlotte Gainsbourg, Audrey Tatou, and all the Paris lovlies in The Sartorialist are just a few whose seemingly effortless style provides inspiration.

While French style is probably most influenced by a state-of-mind — self confidence, lack of flaw fear, love of neutrals, etc. — there are some items of clothing that make me feel decidedly Parisienne.

1) The striped sailor shirt
Bridget Bardot and John Paul Gautier both wore them. Try this
Lucca Couture Striped Tunic, $28, casual with jeans or dressed up with a blazer.

2) A crisp white shirt with a crewneck sweater
A fitted white shirt like this White Button-Front Shirt, $24.50, from Old Navy paired with a small sweater, like this Mossimo Crewneck, $17.99 at Target,  with the collar and cuffs peaking out is one of my favorite combos.

3) A pencil skirt with ballet flats
This  High-waisted Wool Skirt, $80, and Ribbon-trimmed Ballet Flats, $19.50, create a simple silhouette.

What I’m liking…

I have a pretty consistent style, but every look needs a little pick-me-up once in awhile.

Some looks that inspire me: