Paris: Stealing My Heart

I finally got the feeling that I have been waiting for since August 21, my first day of living in Paris: the feeling that I simply can't imagine leaving Paris in December. My life has become the ideal balance of routine and frivolity. Normal things like eating oatmeal for breakfast, going for a run in the afternoon, and making dinner while chatting with a roommate remain the same, while stumbling upon a new cafe, navigating the grocery store, or trying my very best to understand what the guy at the bar is saying to me in French are new, difficult and exciting. While I miss my bed, dogs, family and friends tremendously, I finally feel like Paris has captured a little piece of my heart, permanently. I say this as I sit on my terribly hard cot-like bed, connected to the Internet via Ethernet cords while my favorite group of 13 year olds scream in French outside of my window. Clearly my skin is a bit thicker than it was even a week ago, when this bed seemed much too hard, the Internet was far too slow and the teenagers were driving me mad. I'm thrilled that these things now go unnoticed, or in the case of the teenagers, they make me giggle (they are currently trying to sing the lyrics of "G-6").

In the midst of getting politely acquainted with Paris, I have stumbled upon the very best vintage stores. Most notably Coiffeur and Tilt Vintage in the Marais, a fashionable, bohemian shopping district in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. Coiffeur is a dream come true: fur coats for 35-65 euro, vintage Levi shorts for 10 euro and an unreal assortment of leather purses from 10-15 euro. So far, I have only come home with a plaid blazer that is perfect for the fall weather that is slowly rolling over Paris. Second, Tilt Vintage, only a couple of blocks away from Coiffeur, is stocked with sequined dresses, cozy, oversized sweaters, and a killer selection of leather boots, all around 25 euro. Needless, to say I am quite delighted as shopping is my favorite past time. My conclusion is that Paris vintage delivers on all levels: quality, quantity, and most importantly in this ville chere, price. I'll be sending boxes home and taking another bag home come December. 

photo credit: apoorgirlsparis.com

And while I am settling in well, I miss my little beach town of Santa Barbara quite a bit. I certainly miss watching McKenna dance whenever there is music on, sitting on Ashley's bed chit chatting, and raiding Miss Mia's closet for something to wear out when my closet just doesn't have anything to provide. And Sima, my most reliable, ready to go-out friend! So girls, please know that even though my room is the size of a large walk-in closet, there is always room for you in Paris (Listening to Mine is Yours seriously makes me want to fly yall out here. But I can't. Because I'm not a millionaire. Yet.). And of course, you too Kooper. I miss your cozy house, Rose Cafe dates and your pretty face! Get ready to hit the town when I return. I'm a seasoned veteran when it comes to purchasing wine now: always pick what there is little stock of because that means it's popular and delicious. :) 

Off to get ready for a night out near the Pantheon and the Sorbonne (I know, I'm super lucky to say something like that..).