A Week Deep in Paris

I just can't seem to find the words to adequately explain my first week of living in Paris. Maybe it's because it seemed to flashed by in a hot second, or maybe it is because this whole experience is quite surreal, but either way my love for Paris has grown exponentially. After living a very laid back life in various beach towns in California, this life of late nights, cafes full of quick French chatter and constant bread eating is an ideal change.

After catching a flu bug during my flights getting to Europe, my first couple of days in the city of lights were uneventful. But a mere reminder that I only have four months in this beautiful city, spurred an instant recovery, or maybe just a willingness to get out while feeling less than healthy. Paris seems to have that effect on me: every minute is a minute that I need to be out, exploring, drinking wine and seeing something historical. No time to waste being sick!

So far, Paris is giving me good reason to stay here and never look back. Montmarte, le Tour Eiffel lightshow and chocolate croissants alone, are making me forget about sunny California beaches and 70 degree Chirstmases. Not to mention that every person I have met, both native Parisiens and transplants, have been nothing but perfectly nice and welcoming. You have the flu? Let me get you some fruit and a cup of tea. You were sick? Do you need an extra blanket for your bed? Sorry family and friends, I am getting courted by a very desirable partner.

More later, but for now I am off to start my birthday week celebrations at a local pub with new friends. I really can't believe I am living this life right now. I reveling in my luck.

Bonsoir amies. Je t'aime.

Found: Vintage Treasures

The number of days until I arrive in Paris is dwindling down... rapidly. Today was the first day where it was hard to eat food due to the constant flutter of butterflies in my stomach. While my nerves are increasing, so is my excitement. This past weekend I found an amazing bay area thrift store, which allowed me to buy multiple cashmere (yes, cashmere) sweaters, a beautiful coat circa 1950, and the most needed Paris clothing article, a tan trench coat. Best of all I spent under $70 for fifteen items. The better portion of these items are being dry cleaned, but there will soon be many pictures of these treasures amongst a beautiful French scenery. Thrift Town gets two enthusiastic thumbs up from me.

My favorite find: 1930's hat. 

And after spending all of yesterday scouring booth after booth at the Alameda Vintage Flea Market with my mama, I walked away with a vintage cashmere skirt and a flapper-esce hat circa 1930. It was the best day of hunting and browsing, even though the weather felt more like fall than summer (but it made it much easier to buy much needed wintery items rather than levi cut-offs and summer dresses!). Cutest hat ever, right? I can't wait to put all of my new cold weather clothes to use while exploring many European cities. Until then, Ill be wearing some of my finds (black cashmere sweater and velvet blazer) to the Giants game tonight, considering San Francisco always has far too cold of weather. This may be the first time I am welcoming of 50 degree weather during the month of August.

XOXO