Celebrating Bastille Day

New Releases and Sales

Some new releases and sales to check out:

• "The Club: Where American Women Artists Found Refuge in Belle Époque Paris" by Jennifer Dasal - a new book about the never-before-told story of a female-only Residence known as The American Girls' Club in Paris.
• Madewell's Curved Hem Pull-On 100% linen shorts & matching top - available at 25% off with promo code SUMMER
• Mango's sale continues, and there are quite a few nice items available and at wonderfully low prices too.
• Frank & Eileen's Monterey Rolled Funnel Neck Sweater, in stripes and pure Italian cotton Pointelle (many colors) - not on sale but perfect for summer evenings or mornings when there is a chill or nip in the air.

French Week and More

The 10th Annual French Week just around the corner. Have you been inspired to dive into Francophile savorings at the moment?

• Home tour of the week: A Chelsea cottage, petite, yet full of the English country feel [House & Garden UK]
• Favorite read of the week, and perfect for anyone who finds themselves stretching into new possibilities but just aren’t there yet – When You Outgrow Where You Are. [Tiny Buddha]
• Thank you to long-time reader and member of TSLL’s community Anne for sharing this article about Bread and a scandal that surrounded it in a small village in France [Lickedspoon]

Podcasts and Videos

This week's podcast episode is the one to watch if you're new to watching Le Tour de France, something I enjoy watching each July as a way to travel vicariously around France.

• From France 24 English, they explain it all: How does the Tour de France work?

This & That from Last Week

Explore last week’s This & That: July 4, 2025 for wonderful new novels being released, and two new heart-warming films, along with a new French film that while not yet here in the states is one for those in France a must-see!

• "Renaissance" - a documentary that takes us back to Italy during the time of the Renaissance.

Class & Curious Podcast Episode

This week, I was invited to be a guest on the podcast Classic & Curious. We talked about the backstory of TSLL, knowing when it was time to retire from teaching and step fully into writing and our chat also included some fun Q&A about favorites – meals, travel, clothing and more.

• Host Anne Kokoskies is a listener of The Simple Sophisticate as well, and living her own simply luxurious life in Boston for having me on her show.

This & That Archives

Please note: TSLL is supported by you, readers who take the time to stop by (merci!), peruse and sometimes welcome into your life mentioned and recommended finds. Affiliate links are present in today’s post and may earn commissions for TSLL when you purchase.

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Finding the Perfect Finds

This month’s Style Inspiration post was all about finding the good deals on worthwhile items, so be sure to shop TSLL’s post sharing My 100 Favorite Finds from the Sale.

• The sale wraps up on August 3rd.

Celebrating Bastille Day - Part Two

How will you be celebrating Bastille Day? Share with us your favorite French-inspired traditions and memories!

• No plans yet? Don’t worry! We have some ideas to get you started: 25 Ideas for Celebrating Le Quatorze Juillet (Bastille Day!)