Heimstone's 'Jason' pink silk perfecto

“Je ne sais quoi…” We’ve all heard the famous French expression that seems to cross over into any language without being translated.

In my opinion, we all understand it and can say it (or at least we try using our best accent), but only the French, more specifically French women, actually have it. They are the“I-just-threw-on-this-amazing-jacket-and-tied-up-my-scarf-using-a-technique-that-can’t-be-explained-because-it-is-genetically-inherited” women who, without fail, ooze this inexplicable chic. For the rest of us, a Paris-based online boutique, fittingly named Je Ne Sais Quoi (JNSQ), now offers the possibility of shopping pieces that might add a little something special to our style.

Founded in 2008 by Mireille Nagourney, the online luxury boutique features accessories, clothes and lifestyle goods from 19 niche brands and emerging designers.

According to the website, feeling that traditional clothing shops offered the same, repeated choices, Nagourney wanted to introduce shoppers to brands that “master the coupling of classic design with this je ne sais quoi that makes each look unique.”

In fact, it is the selection of original yet timeless pieces that is so interesting. Items such as the blushed pink silk perfecto by Paris brand Heimstone, or button-down white top with cool tassel detail by Siwa Creations, show that Je Ne Sais Quoi offers clothing that will work well in many wardrobes, whilst also adding a certain flair to your style.

Hoping to appeal to a variety of clients, each season Je Ne Sais Quoi features five looks created from five different pieces from the boutique. Named after Nagourney’s friends, the looks try to please individual aesthetics, whether you prefer the outgoing, cosmopolitan “Vicky” look, or the more sexy “Emilie” style.

Although stressing timelessness over fads, Nagourney explains that her boutique’s selection and the looks she creates may reference a trend. For instance, the yellow touches on the Heimstone dress and bag of in the “Vicky” look are reminiscent of the recent penchant for yellow leather in Paris, but are classic enough to be styled in different ways for seasons to come.

The site also collaborates with Parisian lifestyle blog Do It In Paris, which chooses a selection of  stylish items each month to allow customers to create that quintessentially elegant look the French capital is recognised for.

Nagourney herself chooses her boutique’s brands for their unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. Featuring, for the moment, mostly French and American designers, including Moio, Tali Gillette, and Odile de Changy, the boutique offers clients the possibility of shopping luxury brands that have strict distribution policies and not always available to those living outside of say, New York, Paris or London. For instance, Nagourney has indicated that, as of now, her boutique is the only online shop in France to sell LnA t-shirts. She is currently developing the introduction of new brands from Ireland, India and Belgium.

The chic, sassy 'Vicky' look

With users from 18 countries, the boutique ships internationally and provides clients the opportunity to pay orders in US Dollars or Euros or purchase gift certificates. Shipments arrive in two to four days via UPS. Adding to the exclusivity of shopping a luxury boutique, Je Ne Sais Quoi orders arrive elegantly wrapped in silk tissue paper in a white shopping bag secured by an organza ribbon.

With an internet connection, a few clicks of the mouse, and a credit card, clients worldwide enjoy a unique shopping experience and find some je ne sais quoi style, no matter their location.

The boutique have also recently set up a blog which is essential reading for its insider tips on Paris restaurants and bars, interviews with JNSQ designers and trends features.

Shop the Je Ne Sais Quoi boutique online here, and you can also find out the latest news on the JNSQ Blog and on Twitter @SHOPJNSQ.