French Girl Chic: Djula Joaillerie Paris

I am, like so many others, a Francophile. I mean, how could one not be? The style, the lifestyle, the attitude.

This view is, of course, a bit stereotypical—this is those of us, those who are not French, making general assumptions about the women of France and taking the rose-colored glasses view: Life is perfect! Everything is so chic! And look, while I’m certain that is not the case, as it never is, I’m still hopelessly, endlessly trying to obtain that certain je ne sais quoi that I will never truly possess.

It’s why all of those “French girl” guides sell so well. Even though the majority of French women probably aren’t even remotely like those presented in the books and find them infuriatingly singular (imagine an “American girl” style book? What the heck would that even look like?), we choose to set our sights on the cliché—because the cliché sports a style worthy of emulating. My personal biggest feat: to understand how exactly one carries a simple pair of slacks and a sweater so chicly. What is it that I’m missing?

Given this affinity for French girl wannabe-ness, it’s only natural that I’d be drawn to Parisian jeweler Djula. Founded by designer Alexandre Corrot, the brand is as rich as it is edgy, combining delicate diamond creations with modern, bold designs. You’re just as likely to find a vault-worthy creation from the brand as you are to find a single stud earring featuring the icon of a marijuana leaf.

It’s that versatile, playful spirit that makes the brand so appealing—it’s legit, but doesn’t take itself too seriously. I’m pretty sure you don’t have to ace the French girl chic to carry off any one of the brand’s many jewels, it might give that inner femme a boost.

“French women don’t wear a lot of jewelry,” as one of the “rules” to obtaining French girl fashion goes. Well, okay then—I’m just going to ignore that one. Because if I’m shopping at Djula, I’m going to want to wear it all.