Verse Mother Gaelle Treguer: by Charlotte

Name: Gaelle Treguer @gaellepersonalstylist

DOB: 22 October 1982

Place of birth: France

Occupation: Personal Stylist

1. Could you share any style tips of French moms and why they always look so effortless?

First of all, French women don’t tend to change who they are when becoming mums. They will still wear the same clothes and stay true to their signature style. In their wardrobe, you will usually find a good mix of classic (and timeless) pieces and well-curated pieces that reflect their personality. They have a “uniform” they dig in and out depending on what is happening in their life. I think this method makes any mum’s life easier considering you don’t have much time for yourself and need to get dressed quickly to get out of the door. 

In my opinion, the effortless look comes from the fact that the French don’t spend too much time in front of the mirror before getting out, and they don’t like to look like they are trying too hard. A great look doesn’t have to be complicated. The simpler, the better! 

Oh, and they also love their flats which is great for running errands and taking your kids to the playground!

2. Has the global pandemic changed the way you view or live your life now?

I have always loved to be super organised and have everything ready months in advance. I think the pandemic has made me realise that nothing can be predictable and things can change last minute. I now try to focus on the present and try to go day by day without thinking too much ahead. I am more flexible in my approach to life in general. 

3. Do you own any pieces of personalised or sentimental Jewellery? If so can you tell me about the pieces? If not, what does Jewellery mean to you and what do you like?

I am very lucky to have inherited stunning pieces of jewellery from my grandmother and my great grand-mother. I have a beautiful gold cuff from the late 19th Century that I wear almost every day. The craftsmanship is extraordinary. I also have an exquisite diamonds pendant from Van Cleef & Arpels, it’s very dressy but I like to pare it down with jeans and a white shirt. My favourite of all is a stunning emerald and diamond ring from the Art Deco period. I am obsessed with the Art Deco style in general! The ring belonged to my great grandmother and my dad gave it to me as a gift for the birth of my daughter Charlotte. The design is so unique, it is very Art Deco but also so modern at the same time. 

Looking at these pieces I have fond memories of my beloved grandmother. I remember all the moments we spent together going through her jewellery box. She told me all about our family history and the craftsmanship that was so unique for the time. It was like travelling back in time.

I am so glad to have a daughter I can pass on these pieces to. I hope these pieces will stay in my family for more generations to come. 

4. With you being a personal stylist can you tell us what fashion brands you like and why?

I love Sandro Paris, the collections always translate the elegant Parisian women. The designs are contemporary but also timeless in a way. The masculine-feminine is subtlety done with a lot of blazers, cardi-coats, perfect black trousers and sexy tweed dresses. The fit is always right and the look impeccable. 

My style is what I called “Frandinavian”. I love to mix Parisian chic pieces with Scandinavian minimalist pieces. For effortless and minimalist pieces, with high-quality fabrics and a sustainable production process, my go-to brands are Totême and House of Dagmar.

Chanel is of course one of my favourite brands for iconic statement pieces such as shoes or bags for example. These are investment pieces but they will elevate any outfit for years to come.

I like the Australian brands, Scanlan and Theodore, for the modern elegance of the designs and the quality. No matter what your body type is or your colouring, you can be sure to find a great piece to add to your wardrobe.

5. Which women’s style do you admire and why?

I have two style icons: Emmanuelle Alt and Sofia Coppola. I love their understated elegance and the simplicity of their looks. They both have mastered their “fashion uniforms” and stick to their signature style no matter the occasion or the time of the day.

I admire Emmanuelle Alt for showing the world that good quality basics can look so stylish. Take a black blazer, a white T-shirt, a pair of jeans and a great pair of pumps, et voilà!

Sofia Coppola exclusively wears black and navy colours, trousers, blouses and Mary-Jane pumps. And she always looks stunning. She has nailed her signature style and shamelessly re-wear the same pieces over and over. To me, nothing can be chicer than black and navy blue worn together. 

6. Could you share your beauty routine?

I have always struggled with oily skin so I have never liked layering too many products. When it comes to a beauty routine I am a bit funny as I only trust using products from the same brand. I also don’t believe in expensive products and mainly use French pharmacy brands. I always start by double cleansing my face with a hydrating cleansing oil then a cleansing gel. Then I spritz my face with La Roche-Posay Serozinc, apply the Effaclar serum and Effaclar Mat moisturiser. I finish with the UV Clear Spf from EltaMD, a great one for my skin type. Also as I will be turning 40 next year I should probably start looking for an eye cream to add to my routine!

For my makeup, I use Chanel healthy glow bronzing cream for a sun-kissed look. I apply Le Volume de Chanel mascara in black, eyebrow pencil in Brun profond and eyeliner in cassis. I love the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks stick in Poppet, I use it on my cheeks and lips for a hint of colour. 

7. What is the last thing you purchased and loved?

I recently discovered and fell in love with Sessei, a Parisian brand exclusively making shirts. I purchased a white shirt and got my initials embroidered on it, so chic! I love the poplin fabric and the perfect detailing. It is so comfortable and I wear it with everything.

8. Any addresses in Sydney that you would like to share? SPA, Gym, Cafe etc?

I like going to Margaret in Double Bay for a dinner with friends. The food is amazing and the venue is beautiful. On the weekend I like going to The Fields At East in Rose Bay, I love a good pub-style meal and sipping on a glass of rosé while my daughter runs on the rugby field (when there isn’t a match). 

9. Where are your favourite travel destinations here or overseas and why?

I love going to the Blue Mountains or somewhere countryside. I find Australian country landscapes so beautiful. I enjoy watching Charlotte playing outside, discovering plants and animals. I like going to the farmers market to get local produces and go for walks or car rides to explore the region. One of my dreams would be to buy a nice cottage, make it cosy and charming to spend our weekends focusing on the real and simple things in life. 

Of course, our favourite destination overseas is France. To visit our families and friends and to reconnect with our roots. We are from Paris but when we go back to France we love discovering places we have never been when living there. A few years ago, we went to Le Lubéron and fell in love with the region. 

We can’t wait to finally go back in a few months. It has been so long! Charlotte wants to see the Eiffel Tower, visit the Château de Versailles, eat baguette with butter (but she still loves a good Vegemite toast!) and meet her new cousins. 

10. What brings you joy when you are having a bad day?

When I’m having a bad day I like lighting my favourite Diptyque Ambre candle, flicking through the pages of a Country Style magazine, giving myself a manicure (having my nails done brings me joy. Ha!) and having Charlotte cuddling me saying: “Je t’aime Maman”. And also when my husband says he will take care of dinner!

  Gaelle wears Verse One Letter 18-Karat Gold Necklace 

 Film photography: Charlotte (6)