It was the ‘Pardon my French’ t-shirt that first caught my eye. With only a few days to go until my next Paris press trip, and a mere week until my annual Provence family holiday everything and anything remotely French was catching my eye. Stuck in Covent Garden with a few minutes to spare, I gravitated naturally towards the bubble gum bright Kate Spade shop, where I temporarily subdue my NY cravings.

Noticing the delicate gold Eiffel Tower earrings, it soon clicked that the whole shop seemed to be possessed by a Parisian spirit. Garance Dore is an illustrator, photographer, writer, blogger and Paris darling – frustrated with the rigidity of magazine work, Garance started her blog in 2006 to share her inspiration and express herself freely and spontaneously. She hasn’t looked back since and the website continues to grow in popularity.

Kate Spade spotted her talent and has collaborated with her on a gorgeous Paris inspired collection. Many of the subtle girly pieces are printed with her quaint illustrations, while others quote familiar French slogans like ‘joie de vivre’ and more comically, ‘Pardon my French’. This capsule collaboration combines the essence of Paris and Garance’s enthusiasm with Spade’s inimitable sense of style and humorous character.

I wished I could take away the whole collection but prices are not cheap.  A beautiful silk shirt will set you back £200, though the t-shirts are priced at a more manageable £45.

A fabulous New York brand with a pinch of Parisian prettiness = a match made in heaven.

Visit the Kate Spade website here to see the whole collection.