Tuesday Inspiration

While Paris is not a perfect city (read: yucky smells) it is undeniably inspirational as even the most common of things have an ideal aesthetic. This city's original beauty is a constant reminder that even the simplest of things, like lacey banners, magazine covers or a cup of tea have a certain charm. Especially as Paris embraces the changing of seasons.

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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

Quote: Paris

“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”

Ernest Hemingway

Loafers, Leather and Lots of Luck

Really great things are happening to me as I continue to prepare for my trip to Paris. Last week I traveled home to bay area (with my teensy, tiny Honda civic packed to the brim) to get my French Visa, bring some un-needed items to my parents' houses and visit with my family before I began summer school. My appointment with the French consulate was on Tuesday morning and by Thursday evening my visa had been expedited and delivered to my house in Santa Barbara. Lady luck? It's high season for visa applications so the sight of my visa on my living room coffee table was a huge shock! I'm taking it as a good omen for my travels.

And even better, the luck didn't stop there. After my appointment with the French consulate on Tuesday I romped around San Francisco, visiting various vintage fabric stores and the most amazing Goodwill I have ever come across. I know many people have a stigma against the Goodwill, as it has a connotation with dirty, overused clothes. Not the case here. The goodwill at Mission St. was perfectly organized (with appropriate labels of each rack, ranging from vintage women's blouse to blazers and long length dresses) and clean. A dream come true for an avid thrift shopper like me! While I was tempted to buy many, many things I limited myself the perfect pair of menswear inspired loafers. I had been on the hunt, looking at loafers at Nordstrom, Piperlime, et cetera and never took the plunge. Thank goodness because these kicks are in pristine condition and cost me a mere $10. I know, outrageous.

And the last bit of fun news: I made an awesome canvas and leather clutch for summer time use (with minimal help from my mama!). To be completely honest, it was rather simple. Even attaching the zipper. 

As I am showered with this luck and good fortune the butterflies in my stomach are increasing. The countdown to Paris as well as my summer of intense summer courses, farmers market frequenting and lots of time in the sun continues.  Now I'm off to see Midnight in Paris with some of my best girlfriends and eat too much buttery popcorn. No complaints.

XOXO

For the Love of Lace.

Things that I am drawn to: sparkles, leopard print, and lace. 

I love the versatility of lace-y pieces and the many shapes they come in. I would love to have lace culottes and a white lace dress. I'm feeling confident that spring lines will deliver. Until I have more lace-y items of my own, here is some eye candy that has me day dreaming about sunshine, moving to Paris and sipping margaritas with my girlfriends on summer nights.