We caught up with the glamourous Elise Pioch, our favourite Sydney Frenchie who has spent the past year renovating her home in the south of France.

She answered The Standard Store Q&A and shared a glance at her beautiful new home.

Let’s get the main ones out of the way... Who are you, where do you live and what do you do?

I am Elise Pioch, I live between Sydney and Beziers (south of France) and I created Maison Balzac in 2012. 

What makes a Sydneysider/ Parisian?

You can live the life you want anywhere in the world; even during 13 years in Sydney, I was a French girl, just by the way I was cooking, dressing, eating, thinking and dreaming! 

What is the favourite thing in your wardrobe right now?

It is my RM Williams black boots, I wear them winter and summer, dressed up and dressed down. They are the key to my wardrobe.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

definitely a night owl! I don't like getting up too early.

What advice would you give your 16 year old self?

you have a voice and a particular taste so don't be shy and speak up!

Name your style muse

Loulou de la Falaise (hence my daughter's name: Loulou)

Before I die, I’ll buy

A really delicious meal in the best restaurant for my entire family

Where’s a favourite place you’ve travelled recently and why?

In October we have discovered Begur, on the Costa Brava of Spain, and fell in love with the turquoise bleu water, the tiny bays, the architecture and overall friendliness of the place.

How do you approach fashion and getting dressed?

It has to be practical otherwise it won't work for me. Raising a child, restoring a house and working at home involve bulletproof clothes (forget about delicate fabrics or bright colours), comfortable items but still stylish because I am addicted to fashion and cannot give up style over comfort!

Sneaker, runner or trainer?

trainer

What or where would be your last meal on earth?

it would be a menu cooked my grandmother: oeuf mimosa (hard boiled eggs with tuna and mayonnaise), cassoulet (white bean stew, caramelised in the oven), and St Honore cake (a French classic: like a giant chou filled with creme patisserie and whipped cream).

What’s your poison?

sugar

Locals Only -Tell me something about your hometown that I wouldn’t read about in the guidebooks.

There is a French bakery in Maroubra where they make the best Belgium waffles on earth. Best bread too! It is called LABEL BAGUETTE on 928 Anzac Parade, Maroubra, open 7 am to 2 pm daily. yum

Shop the latest glassware and candles from Maison Balzac here!