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..). 

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

What A Week.

I have to say... these past 9-10 days have been difficult. After losing my beloved grandmother last week every other negative event in my life has been amplified to the point where I was able to cry on demand. Such events included: Josie the Jeep going to mechanic heaven (and away from me) and finals week becoming "write as many papers as you can" week. Fortunately, this week is over in two days and then I can relax appropriately alongside my puppies, sisters, mama and pops.

While the past week has been trying, I have several things I am infinitely grateful for:

After losing my Grandma last week, my sister and I were given the opportunity to go through her clothes and take what we wished. This was like a dream come true for me. Searching through my Grandma's vintage clothes and taking whatever I wanted?? Yes, please! As I drove back to Santa Barbara last weekend with two HUGE bags full of my grandma's beautiful clothes in tow, I couldn't help but smile, shed a tear and remind myself of how lucky I was to bring a piece of her home with me. Definitely a positive spin on a rough weekend.

A handful of my finds: A satin, peach jumpsuit, a tan leather coat,
a fur stole and a comfy, red sweater.  

Grandma and Grandpa on their wedding day.
Stunning, right?

My dad. My personal new-used-car-finder. Even after en emotional week he is still willing to help me find and finance some wheels. What a guy! 

My mama. She sure knows how to cheer me up. While home last week she introduced me to the most amazing christmas store, that is stocked with pre-decorate, themed trees. There was a whole tree devoted to owls! 

A corvette themed tree.

And an owl themed tree. So cute!

My aunt and cousins, who hooked me up with eyelash extensions. I have to say, them are am-az-ing.  They are located in Santa Cruz and have great prices (about 1/4 of what you would be charged anywhere else). Their website is in the making but if you would like their contact information let me know! 

Love you forever, Grandma.

So, in honor of one of the most inspiring and beautiful women I have met, I vow to let go of the stress and anxiety I have experienced this week (as Grandma deDiego always said "Take it one day at a time") and wear some of the most amazing vintage clothes I have ever come across. Thank you for the wonderful memories Grandma.