As winter draws to a much-anticipated close, many of us will be heading on a last-minute escape to catch the last of the European sun. Perhaps you’ll be pottering through the quaint streets of the picturesque fishing town of Cassis in southern France, letting the gentle sunshine draw out the freckles across your cheeks. Or maybe you're visiting the idyllic Spanish town of Malaga, enjoying some late-night tapas after relishing in the Spanish siesta. Or you could even be staying closer to home, visiting loved ones who are blessed with climbing temperatures a little earlier than those of us in the southern states. Wherever the season takes you, we're delighted to introduce our latest resort collection, Impressions de Joie.
This summery collection is inspired by the carefree spirit of resort living. Its vibrant paisley prints evoke the relaxed bohemian elegance we all know and love. As the name of this collection suggests, the pieces are oh-so playful with flowing silhouettes that bring out your youthful side and fill you with joy.
Among the highlights are two beautifully crafted kaftans for those seeking to elevate their beach wardrobe. The first features delicate beading on the collection’s signature Paisley Medley Print that easily transitions from sun-soaked days at the beach to sunset drinks with friends. Don’t forget to swap your bathers for a pair of our Superior Stretch Cotton Bengajean®, bien sûr!
The Beaded Silk Kaftan's more practical, yet equally sophisticated, younger sister is crafted from 100% French Linen. With its perfectly on-trend gold and jade green colour palette, the kaftan is naturally breathable, keeping you cool all summer long.
While resort living is undeniably tempting, not every day can be spent by the beach. Thankfully, this collection is designed to travel with you, with free-flowing pieces that feel just as at home in the city as they do by the sea. The delicate stripe of the Seersucker shirt and the broderie detail on the Puff Sleeve Shirt are guaranteed to become timeless basics that you’ll often turn to in your everyday summer wardrobe that work beautifully from weekday outings to weekend escapes.
A fan favourite amongst the Blue Illusion team, however, is the Stripe Shirt Dress. Style it casually for summer errands or play with your favourite accessories when you’re off on an evening with friends. Make sure to use the tie belt to accentuate the waist. Crafted from 100% French linen, it's designed to move effortlessly with you from one moment to the next.
And because the best wardrobes are designed to be lived in, this versatility extends to life's most memorable occasions. Entertaining friends and hosting dinner parties is a cherished part of the French woman’s way of life. She treasures time spent with loved ones, delighting in curating beautiful meals centred around seasonal produce and simple yet delicious flavours. For every Blue Illusion muse, hosting is an Impression de Joie in itself – we're simply here to dress her for the occasion.
Inspired by this spirit of entertaining, we've chosen one of our favourite French summer recipes, paired with a refreshing drink for your next gathering.
Salade Lyonnaise
Serves 4
We're all familiar with the iconic Salade Niçoise, but Salade Lyonnaise deserves just as much attention. As its name suggests, this bistro classic originates from Lyon, with one defining ingredient – a perfectly runny poached egg. Once broken, the golden yolk blends with the vinaigrette, creating a luscious dressing that beautifully balances the bitter greens.
Ingrédients:
- 4 cups torn frisée or other strong-tasting greens, washed and dried
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- About 260g bacon or pancetta, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 shallot, chopped
- A handful of croutons
- 2-4 tablespoons top-quality sherry vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 eggs
- Salt and black pepper
Préparation:
1. Put your chosen greens into a large salad bowl. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the bacon and gently cook for around 10 minutes until crisp all over. Add the shallot and cook until softened. Add the vinegar and mustard to the skillet and bring to the boil while stirring, and turn off the heat.
2. Meanwhile, poach the eggs. Bring about an inch of water to the boil, then lower the heat until barely bubbling. One at a time, break the eggs into a shallow bowl and slip them into the bubbling water for approximately 3-5 minutes until they are poached to your liking! Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on a paper towel.
3. Toss the salad with the prepared dressing and season to taste. Top each serving with an egg and some croutons before serving immediately.
Citron pressé
The Citron Pressé is the perfect light refreshment to cool you down on hot summer days. It’s got the energy of a summer spritz without spirits!
Ingrédients:
- Lemon Juice
- Simple Syrup
- Soda water
- Ice
Préparation:
1. Fill a glass with ice. We think this recipe calls for crushed ice (if you have it!) for an extra burst of refreshment.
2. Build in the glass by adding 1 part lemon juice, ½ part syrup and top the glass up with soda water.
3. Finally, garnish with a lemon slice
