Lutz Runway Show, Paris Fashion Week 2011

This has to be the best week to be living in Paris, as fall Fashion Week has consumed every inch of the city. After attending the Lutz runway show last night, I literally saw one of the models on the metro. And she was just as stunning off the runway. The designer created an energetic line that combined geometric structure with playful details and pops of color. Quite perfect for a glamorous girl in Paris. 

Paris Fashion Week Commences

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I'm off to the Lutz runway show on day two of Paris Fashion week! Paris is currently experiencing a crazy heat wave, making the Parisian costumery of fall Fashion Week attendees even more creative! What happened to sweaters and tights for fall?? I guess Indian summers follow me wherever I live.

As FW gets rolling, Paris is full of beautifully dressed individuals whose limits know no end (talk about serious inspiration!). Because there is probably no better time of year to do so, my girlfriends and I are planning to sip on cocktails while people watching from a side walk cafe after the show. Lucky us!

Stay tuned here and on Society805.com for more details about FW 2011 and the Lutz runway show.

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..). 

Fashion Evolution: 100 Years

I can't pick a decade I like most. I simply can't!

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

Seeking Adventure

Truth #1: I am less than adventurous. I guess my sisters got all of those genes from my parents while I got the "always cautious" genes. What can you do? Well, you can travel the world. And I think I'm ready. 

“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” – Katharine Hepburn