LA VIE EN MAISON

A look inside the curated life of shop owner Caroline Loring Schuster

For Caroline Schuster, jetting off to the City of Light isn’t just a dream—it’s practically her morning commute. With effortless style and purpose, the owner of French N.75 Maison, curates her boutique with a worldly aesthetic attracting shoppers from Barrington and every corner beyond. Between trend-hunting expeditions, crafting unforgettable shopping moments, and cherishing time with family, it’s no wonder her everyday unfolds like a love letter to joie de vivre.

7 a.m.: Schuster rises with the first light and starts her morning with the news, weather, and a deep dive into business: emails, texts, social media, and events. After reviewing customer feedback, she shares daily updates to her social media featuring new arrivals, fashion favorites, and even travel tips. After studying her schedule and setting her priorities in place, she squeezes in 30 minutes of yoga and stretching exercises.

8 a.m.: Greeting her family around the kitchen island—including her two daughters, two playful mini golden doodles, and her loyal labrador, Willow—she prepares a natural green wellness drink with a splash of fresh lemon. “It’s my essential daily starter!”

9 a.m.: Vendor calls are treasure hunts for Schuster. These exciting exchanges with artisans and international ateliers are the golden threads in her daily tapestry. Here she handpicks only the most extraordinary finds, turning her boutique into a passport-worthy collection of the world’s hidden gems.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Schuster loves to open up her shop with fresh floral bouquets. If not freshly cut from her own gardens of peonies, hydrangeas, and roses, then from her shop neighbor, Little Leaf Florist—where a new collaboration has blossomed.

This is when she works her magic—charming customers with newfound delights while conjuring ever-changing fantasies in the window display. “We like to keep our windows curious and bright, presenting the many categories that we carry—from women’s and children’s apparel to tabletop, coffee table books, candles, French milled soap, clean cosmetics, and parfum brands, to baby and bridal.

6 p.m.: Schuster heads home for a casual family dinner. “We love dining al fresco on the patio whenever we can, followed by competitive croquet, cocktails, and catching up with the kids.” With her daughter’s nuptials set in the South of France in August, Schuster also uses this time for wedding planning. When she’s not at home cooking, designing, or gardening, she ventures to local restaurants and finds inspiration in the latest issues of Veranda, Vogue, or Architectural Digest.

10 to 11 p.m.: Schuster unwinds with a luxurious bath soak, indulges in organic facial oils, and finishes with the Tallow moisturizer trend. Slipping into her favorite linen pajamas, she relaxes to the nightly news and one last social media fix. “The most inspiring moments come to me when I close my eyes at night and let my mind wander into dreams of color palettes and textiles. It’s where I draw inspiration—a place where uninterrupted, unfiltered creativity flows and ideas take flight. Bonne Nuit!”

For more about Caroline Schuster and French N.75 Maison, located at 104 W. Main Street, Barrington, visit @french75maison.