Meet Noelani Meirowsky, Arbiter of French Style from La Vie on Grand

Hello, Francophiles! If you, like Noelani, believe that French style is less about trends and more about a timeless, effortless approach to style and living, you are in for a treat today. I’ve long admired the simplicity and je ne sais quoi that Noelani shares on her popular blog, La Vie on Grand. We have collaborated on several posts, and last year I was so happy to meet the darling Noelani in person at a conference. Noelani isn’t just an enthusiast; she’s a true arbiter of French style, showing women how to incorporate that chic, Parisian-inspired fashion and lifestyle into their everyday life, no matter where they live. Today, I’m thrilled to sit down with her to discuss how she began La Vie on Grand, and her thoughts on building a classic wardrobe that embraces the French style and more! And did I mention she just turned 50? Let’s meet Noelani Meirowsky, arbiter of French Style from La Vie on Grand, raise a glass of champagne, and wish her a happy 50th!!

First off, tell us a little bit about yourself – your background and the motivation behind La Vie on Grand.

I just turned 50, and I live in Kansas City with my husband and daughter. French women have always been my biggest fashion inspiration for as long as I can remember. After a trip to Paris in 2021, I came home and started La Vie On Grand. I wanted to share with women how to embrace the French lifestyle and French fashion from anywhere and show how attainable it is! At the time I had a full-time job in pharmaceutical sales and was writing my blog on the side. Then one day, I received a call and after 16 years with my company, I was being let go as part of a company restructuring. I was basically blindsided and had no idea what I was going to do for a job. That’s when my husband and I decided it was time for me to try and take my blog full-time, so that’s what I did! I’ve been writing my blog ever since, published a Paris guide, and now even host women-only retreats in Paris! Who knew that getting let go of my job would be the best thing to ever happen to me! 

Tell us about your first trip to Paris and how it inspired La Vie on Grand? 

I didn’t actually take my first trip to Paris until I was in my 30s. However, I think I was French in a previous life because I have loved Paris for as long as I can remember. I used to decorate my room in anything related to Paris when I was younger and I would buy Vogue to see what they were wearing in Paris (obviously before social media). When I finally went for the first time, it was everything I dreamed of and more. All I knew was that I wanted to show others how to live a French lifestyle from anywhere. French women and the streets of Paris are my biggest fashion inspiration. So, La Vie On Grand was born. We actually live on Grand Street so that’s where the name came from Life on Grand Street. 

You are known for your French-girl aesthetic – showcasing effortless elegance and confident simplicity (je ne sai quoi). What advice would you have for others wanting to emulate this look? 

I would first say that this is attainable to anyone and anywhere. You don’t have to live in Paris or France or even visit Paris to dress like this. It’s all about being confident in who you are and investing in key pieces. French fashion is all about classic and chic pieces with a twist. You can take a very basic white button-down blouse but wear one that has a ruffle collar or wear an animal print belt with a stripe top. Stick with classic and timeless pieces and you will always have something to wear to feel great in! 

Are there any fall trends you feel are worth embracing to cultivate your own personal style? 

I am not big on trends however I do think trends are best for accessories including handbags, shoes, or even scarves. I love chocolate brown for the season and it’s a great color to go with so many others like navy, cream, black, and even grey. 

How do you keep your looks chic and understated while maintaining timeless elegance? 

I always think of “less is more” and I really do lean into what I see on the streets of Paris. It’s important to me that women know they don’t have to live in Paris or France to dress this way, it’s attainable to anyone, and anywhere. 

What are your go-to French girl styles that never disappoint? 

You can never go wrong with classic pieces such as a blazer, button up blouse, straight leg denim, loafers or ballet flats, and a neutral sweater. 

What are your favorite not-to-miss spots in Paris for fashion, food, and just fun? 

My favorite area in Paris is Saint-Germain-des-Prés. I love Le Bon Marché for shopping, and Le Bonaparte for wine and apéro. 

The last couple of summers you have spent a month in Paris with your family. What did you learn from these trips? 

These trips have been the best experiences for us as a family getting to immerse ourselves in day-to-day Parisian life. It’s taught us to appreciate the simple things in life, a morning at the market, sitting in the park having a picnic, a walk along the river, and a day at the museum. It’s also shown my daughter how other cultures live and how to be thankful for what she has. 

Tell us about your Savoir retreats. 

Yes, I cohost luxury women’s retreats to Paris with another Francophile. We spend a week in Paris with women of all ages and all at different stages in their lives. We do private shopping events, French skincare workshops, wine and champagne tasting, take them to local Parisian dinner spots, and much more. It’s so meaningful to bring these women together and watch them form bonds with each other and leave with memories of Paris and new friendships. We just opened up our April in Paris dates for anyone interested in spending Spring in Paris. 

We’re part of a mastermind group of women over 50 (you being the youngest of the bunch!) How has this group helped your business journey?

The mastermind group has helped me tremendously. This can be a very lonely job, most of the time you are sitting by yourself at your computer for hours. And there’s no employment book to guide you along the way.  The group has been invaluable for support, guidance, and just day-to-day questions about this business. All of the ladies are at different stages in their business so it’s nice to have someone to lean on for support and encouragement.

You have an all-new Paris Travel Guide out – tell us all about it along with all your efforts behind the scenes. 

YES! Your Essential Guide to Paris by LVOG is a passion project I finally brought to life this year! I’ve been going to Paris for many years and always have people asking where to eat, where to shop, where to stay, etc. I’ve been wanting to publish a guide to share all of this information for a few years now. It’s a 117-page downloadable digital guide on all my Paris recommendations. The best part is that I worked on the guide with a La Vie On Grand follower who has since become a friend. There’s a lot of work and heart that was put into the guide and I am so excited to finally be able to share it with everyone!

What are your international travel essentials? 

My noise canceling headphones, electrolyte packets, Bombas compression socks, iPad, silk sleep mask, AirFly Bluetooth adapter, and cashmere wrap or scarf. 

I know you are a big fan of French skincare and makeup products. Can you share some of your favorites? 

Absolutely! I truly love French skincare! I love the Caudalíe skincare line and the makeup removing cleansing oil. Plus, Avène Thermal Spray, and hand cream. The great thing is that you can get a lot of French skincare now online so everyone can enjoy it! 

Get Noelani’s Style & Tips

How do you stay in such great shape? Is there an exercise routine or diet you follow? 

Moving my body every day is very important to me mentally and physically, even if it’s only for 30 minutes. I love to do a mix of running, Pilates, and some weights. As far as eating I try to eat healthy mostly, but I do believe everything in moderation. I love champagne and a great pastry but again, in moderation. 

If you could give your younger self any words of advice, what would they be? 

Live your best life every day, travel is the best gift and never be afraid to do what you love!

Share your words to live by: 

Love your family and friends, travel opens your mind and drink all the champagne! 

Thank you for reading meet Noelani Meirowsky, arbiter of French style from La Vie on Grand. Her advice is a reminder that cultivating a stylish, satisfying life isn’t about buying the latest trends, but rather about intentional choices: investing in classics, embracing quality over quantity, and savoring the simple, beautiful moments every day. A huge thank you to Noelani for letting us interview her. Be sure to follow Noelani’s blog and Instagram and check out her biannual French retreats for continuous inspiration.

Website:  https://lavieongrand.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavieongrand/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/noelani.robertsonmeirowsky

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/LaVieonGrand/