Tag Archives: Paris

Fashion, Travel

The coldest summer I’ve ever spent was not in San Francisco…

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For my lovely hometown of sunny San Diego, summer is in full swing…Even now in September!   I see many postings from back home, that the heat is simply unbearable for many local San Diegans.  The reality is, and as I’ve always said, summer truly begins in August and goes to at the very least, October in SUN Diego.   In fact, I can recall on many occasions during my fall fashion shows, having  to order several large fans as well as  personal fans for the attendees, so as not to break out into a sweat while checking out some of the best in fall fashion. A bit ironic, wouldn’t you say?

Though I must admit, I just spent the coldest summer I’ve known right here in Paris. Sure there were scorching hot days, especially when traveling via the Metro. However, for the most part, my summer wardrobe quickly expanded to being mostly jackets, long sleeves and pants. Yet another anomaly, as I don’t typically even wear pants back home in Southern California.  Although my nickname for years has been Franci Pants, and part of it due to the fact that I am never seen wearing pants. What can I say, I’m a dress wearing kind of gal. (Even growing up on the east coast, my poor mother would have to put pants on underneath my dresses as a child, as I simply refused to wear pants!)   However, just as the seasons change, so must this girl and her “dressing” habits!  As Paris has certainly changed me.  And it has taught me how to rock some amazing pants, at that!  This, in addition to wearing flats and tennis shoes every day, I’m a new woman…With Parisian influence of course!  I’m sure that my feet are thanking me, for this new way of living, considering the miles I used to walk daily, in my 5 inch heels.

So here I sit, in chilly Paris (now surrendering to the fact that it’s officially fall here), along with my new love of pants and a pair of…need I say it, actually comfortable shoes that don’t pain me?!   I have so much to thank Paris for on this incredible journey of living here over the last few months and I suppose that my feet and  my new wardrobe shall give a little  thanks as well.

The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco. – Mark Twain  (I’m sure if Mr. Twain were here with me, he would probably agree that it’s been a fairly chilly summer/early fall here in Pareeee)

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Fashion

Les Vendanges en Avenue Montaigne!!

Calling all Fashionistas, Mesdames et Messieurs!   A special evening, hosted by some of the best brands across the world, right here in Paris.

This is thee night, the night to discover all the new collections, from some of the best fashion houses….all on one street, Avenue Montaigne.  And this little American In Paris, just happened to be one of the lucky ones to enjoy this incredible soiree last Thursday.

It’s a night where some of the top global brands open their doors to showcase some of their best,  most luxurious items in-store.  All while serving up some of the tastiest treats, wine and of course, not to be missed toasting a glass…or two of the finest Champagne!

Our destination for the night was Salvatore Ferragamo.  I know, I know…I’m in Paris, though we decided to give our love to the Italians for this special occasion.

The red carpet was rolled out in it’s entirety to all those in attendance.  And this is certainly not a party to be missed!  I happened to fall in love many times this evening with several of the incredible pieces Ferragamo had on display and also those being modeled from the lovely ladies walking about the boutique.

From the finest leather accessories and shoes, to the wine and the macaroons, this evening will go down as one of the best nights in Paris, thus far.  Gracie Mille, Ferragamo for your phenomenal Italian hospitality right here in Paris!!

Here’s a taste of the evening and even a brief cameo from yours truly:

More information on Les Vendanges: http://www.avenuemontaigneguide.com/les-vendanges-jeudi-10-septembre-2015/

A special thanks to the incredible photographer, Emmanuel Doumic, for capturing some of our fun on this spectacular evening!

Fashion

All STOCKED up!

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I’ve worked in the “World of Retail” for most of my career- starting in my teens, working on the floor of Ann Taylor outlet and moving up the chain for many years, to becoming Director of Marketing and Business Development for one of the most profitable shopping centers in the United States.  So, I’ve seen it all for decades…and understand costs, value and the like, for domestic and global brands alike.  Therefore, I KNOW how to shop…and since I do it so frequently, it’s imperative I know how to score a good deal.  Especially now, as I’m living in Paris for a few months and need to maximize my Dollar…or Euro, as it were.

When I arrived in Paris during the summer months, many of the retailers were closing out their summer collection and there were deals to be found.  However, I knew there were even better finds to be had, pending I did my research.  I quickly learned about Stock stores, which are what we call Outlets in the States.  Outlet stores, which offer highly discounted items from previous seasons and/or remaining items from collections, are a great way to get your hands on some of your favorite brands, at a fraction of the price.

Besides, we’re not talking about your average brand outlets, we’re talking Sandro, Maje and Zadig & Voltaire!  Phenomenal brands….and hey, I AM IN PARIS!  Zadig & Voltaire & Sandro are located in the Marais.  Luckily, I just so happen to live down the street from the Maje stock stores.  So, now when it comes to the weekend and I NEED something to wear, I just pop down to this fabulous boutique for a gorgeous, and might I add, less expensive attire for the evening!

I am thrilled to have these incredible boutiques so easily within my grasp and even more happy to find spectacular bargains, as well.  After all, these brands are more expensive in the US, so to get a markdown on these highly stylish and ever fabulous clothes-I am one happy girl.  And also need to share this shopping tip- that while in Paris, do as the locals do….and shop STOCK.

Anyone needing a “little something” from Paris, just let me know, as I’d be honored to “be on the job”  in seeking out fantastic finds, while living in the Fashion Capital of the world!  As a matter of fact, I’m headed over to have a visit with Zadig & Voltaire and Sandro today in the picturesque arrondissement of Le Marais.

Side Note for your STOCK Shopping excursion:  While in the Marais, be sure to grab a falafel- known to be some of the best in the city!  Who knew that Falafel & Fashion go so well together, hand in hand?  Bon Appetite & Bonne Chance with the bargains, mes Amies.

 

Fashion

La Rive Gauche et Le Bon Marche, S’il vous plait!

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I’ve always heard about life on la Rive Gauche…and I am thankful now to be living it, myself.   As I now reside, just a mere two blocks away from the spectacular and historic, Le Bon Marche, which is simply divine and dangerous all at the same time!  As this grand magasin, has been open and offering incredible wears since 1852 and now in 2015, it’s my turn to experience the luxury and beauty that is offered here.

From it’s stunning collections,  unique art installments and historic look-and-feel that has been carefully crafted and maintained, this place is truly divine.

The architecture inside is impeccable and yet still offers clean lines that make it feel quite open and easy to navigate within.  The center escalators frame the interior space and offer a pristine and lovely focal point, as you find your way strolling through some of the best fashion and global brands alike.

Now, onto the shoe department!  (As if this goes without saying!?)  It is almost as if these delicately gorgeous shoes are on display within a dome shaped, bird cage.  Absolutely stunning and makes me want to sit on my pirch all day, trying on each and every pair!  Tweet, tweet.

Lastly, and certainly worth the mention, is their upcoming Brooklyn Rive Gauche animation and inspiration, featured throughout the shopping experience.  You can find “Made in Brooklyn” items by various artists and designers, starting September 3rd-officially.  Luckily, on my walk about this morning, I caught a glimpse at what’s in store.  Though it’s not just in the themes, or items sold within that are note-worthy, it’s an entire experience!   From the moment you enter, you will notice the BROOKLYN inspiration throughout.  Colorful lounge chairs set up in a museum-like black room, featuring gigantic LED screens, showing visually pleasing images and videos of Brooklyn, as part of this exhibit are not to be missed!  Especially for me, being an east coaster by birth, nothing is more exciting than to see your original favorite city being featured, in your new favorite city, of Pareeee!  Through this installation and thematic inspiration, they have truly done a spectacular job creating an experience for their shoppers.

As they say…Art is Fashion.  And as far as I’m concerned, Le Bon Marche epitomizes these two cultural essentials- bringing together the best of both.  So with much appreciation and adoration, this little Rive Gauche Dweller says:  Merci Beaucoup!!!!!

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.  -Coco Chanel

Life, Travel

Ooh La La, Le Marais

Le Marais, what I’ll always remember as a spicy, edgy, phenomenal place to get lost for hours- enjoying the quaint streets, the small boutiques and some of the best shopping in all of Paris.  These petite streets are beyond charming.  It’s almost as if they’re enticing you to stroll along to get consumed within it for an entire afternoon.

One of my favorite spots to add to my wardrobe, with weekly visits to the SANDRO Stock store.  Even now, back in the US, I’m so thankful for my find in this store, as I got the chance to bring home all my beloved French fashion at a fraction of the cost that I’d find here at home.  There’s also a Zadig & Voltaire store in the neighborhood as well.  Plenty of vintage finds can be found here, too.  And in Paris, it’s always worth a look as you never know what brands and unique pieces you can discover.  Be sure to peek around in alley ways and what seem to be low profile entries to boutiques as they can be some of the best!  I found a $600Euro french couture dress for $100 Euro, just because my curiosity drug me into this side street boutique.

Though above and beyond shopping, the Marais offers some of the most deliciously flavorful eats and treats.  From kebabs and falafels for roaming the streets, to scrumptious crepes filled with anything that suits your fancy.  Sundays a sweet day to explore the Marais when all the bakeries and restaurants are bustling and the streets are filled with excitement.

Sights and details to note, when in the Marais:
Place des Vosges- which just so happens to be Paris’s oldest square and quite picturesque.  An absolute perfect place to enjoy a picnic, or a gelato while enjoying this historic square and some shade.

Pablo Picasso Museum- 5 Rue de Thorny
A spectacular collection of classics, along with Picasso’s personal archives.  From paintings and sculptures to many little discoveries along the way.  One of my favorites!!

Sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY!  Sunday is the day for hustle and bustle in this normally cozy, charming quarter.  Streets are closed to allow for pedestrians exploration and strolling about.  So, if you’d like to experience a Marais to yourself, do so during the week day!

Victor Hugo’s Home–6 Place des Vosges
If you’re feeling like stepping back into time and indulging in even more history, take a tour of Victor’s very own home.

Hotel De Ville– Home to the municipality of Paris dating back to 1357, also home to the Mayor.

 

 

Fashion, Travel

What a difference a day makes…

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Like most places, when you’re a “stranger” in a new city (as they call foreigners here in Paris), there’s always adjustments to be made.  The continual joke for living here in Paris is that perhaps I’m too smiley for this town and that I somehow need to perfect my “resting bitch face!”  Well, today it seems I have mastered my RBF being out in the chilly rain.

From the simple things in life of getting around, buying groceries, even just ordering an espresso can be tough.  It can be challenging when you’re here, doing your best to be the person you are at home- yet a bit more subdued, a bit more quiet, a bit more Parisian, if you will.  I’m fine on that front, though it can be tough navigating your way through the world in a place that’s entirely new and different from the world you know at home.  Especially in the rain!

It’s not just the language barrier- there’s more than I’m sure I can even describe at this moment.  For instance, today it has been raining non-stop.  So, does that mean you stay indoors?  Or do you venture out in the pouring rain for a new adventure?  Well, that’s exactly what I did.  I went out in the rain to make the best of my day.  Yet again, poorly equipped for the conditions as I have sandals, ballet flats and other open toed shoes thinking It’s summer still here, after all?  WRONG.  I need boots.  So, yet again, clearly the shopping gods are supporting my habit by “allowing” me to do what I’m best at, each and every day.

As one day it’s sweltering, the next day it’s freezing…and then today, it’s pouring down rain.  So, here I sit with soaking wet feet, another pair of shoes ruined.  (currently we’re at pair #3) that have suffered the loss due to these unpredictable conditions and weather.

They say that tomorrow it will be hot once again….though, for now, it’s soggy feet, a turned upside umbrella and a new pair of shoes.  Looking forward to seeing you again hopefully soon, Sunshine!!  So, for now, I will simply have to listen to Sous le Soleil, since I can’t be under the soleil today!

Sous Le Soleil (Original Mix) Aurélia ft. The Major Boys

Culture, Fashion, Travel

Dam(n), I love Amsterdam!

Although I’ve been before, I was ready to explore and experience Amsterdam once again.  I left Paris to experience a new city…especially as most Parisians are on vacation anyway… and I didn’t come to Paris to hang out with Americans.

I must say that the driving, even the walking around in Amsterdam is complete insanity.  Bikes everywhere.  Cars everywhere.  Shouting from bikers… A gazillion accidents waiting to happen!!

Though this place is truly unique.  From their edgy style to the incredible cuisine.  Sadly, from my little suitcase, I was ill-prepared for the fashion sense in this city.  No sandals, except for me and a family of tourist.  Mostly converse.  Dark colors predominantly. Seattle hipster vibe.  Had shorts on….complete Ridiculousness.  Clearly,  my packing has failed me.  Perhaps it’s so I can further justify purchases I make!!  It is an emergency you see.  A girl can’t freeze in the middle of summer when there are plenty of enticing opportunities to expand upon my wardrobe!!
For a traditional mall girl, there is something truly dynamic about street side fashion.  There is inspiration everywhere.  Not your perfectly manicured shopping centers, splattering ads throughout.  Just the incredible architecture and unique dynamic this city offers.
For me, fashion is everywhere. I love to seek it out while I stroll around aimlessly, through these foreign streets.  I explore random alleys with my handbag and an open mind, open to the experience. To see. To be inspired.

 

Travel

Parisians, n’est sont pas ici…so off to Monet’s garden, I go!

August is certainly an interesting time to be in Paris.  Summer heat, sunshine blazing and yet, only Americans to be found.  Not the real Paris I came to experience.  I had been forewarned that Parisians vacation during the month of August.  Though I truly had no idea they took off for the entire month.  This makes me love this country even more…as they honor and cherish their time away, time to relax, reoup and enjoy with family and friends!  Especially since I’ve recently resigned from my job to do the exact same.  To take time for me, to enjoy this thing we call life!  Novel concept.

So today, I decided to explore beyond Paris to seek out new inspiration in this fabulous country of France!  Today, I am experiencing the incredibly beautiful and well maintained gardens and home of Claude Monet, en Giverny.   For anyone who loves art, especially that of Monet, this place is not to be missed.  Come to think of it, you don’t even have to be an art aficionado to enjoy the beauty and splendor of this site.  It is massive and offers some of the most unique and colorful mix of plants and landscape I’ve ever seen.  If only I could bottle up the wonderful aroma that exists here!   Or bring home the sweet, baby hummingbirds that zip all around these gardens.  It truly is heaven on earth.  So for now, I’m going to enjoy my life amongst le fleurs et sous le soleil!

Bonne Journee, mes amis!

Life

Insatiable desire for Adventure….

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Being raised in simpleton Amish Country, I always knew there was more to life out there than simply living my entire existence in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.   And as soon as I got my drivers license, I was out adventuring.  Always!  I would literally drive four hours just to go to the beach for a day, only to turn around and return that night, yet another four hours.  I’d take road trips to anywhere I could go to ensure I was home at night.  After all, I was still a teenager, driving around some rather large and sometimes a bit sketchy cities  (Philly, DC, Baltimore) solo!   Though this for me, was only the beginning of my exploration.

I’m not sure if it’s due to the fact that I was from Amish country or for the fact that I had a grandfather that traveled the globe continually for his career.   As we always had National Geographics and unique momentos from some of the most obscure places across the world, throughout our house.  Either way, I knew that I was being  driven to experience the world for as long as I can recall.

During college, I had the opportunity to study abroad- in Plymouth, England.  Upon my return, it was quite apparent that Lancaster (although I am quite thankful for my upbringing there) was no longer serving me.  So, off I went- packed up my Volkswagen Cabrio and headed to the West Coast.  Landed in Newport Beach and was floored by all the beauty and abundance that surrounded me.  After 7 lovely years, I decided to change it up once again and headed south to San Diego in hopes of setting some permanent roots for me to call “home!”

San Diego, although superb, tends to be one of the most transient towns, certainly on the west coast.  From its military presence,  to the limited larger corporations, this gorgeous place I still call home, may be more of a layover for life for me. There is something very special about San Diego. That small town feel of a place that offers 70 miles of spectacular (and unique) beaches and a locale that’s so beautiful you dream to make it your own.

Though for now, it was time, yet again, to venture out into the world to experience new cultures, new people and in hopes of further learning a new….and ohhhh so beautiful language, French.  Although I certainly miss San Diego, especially  during these summer months, I trust that this was a calling for me to come and experience something new.  And thus far, Paris has certainly not disappointed.

So today I begin, another adventure, within this foreign place, in hopes of creating yet another location I can call “home.”  Because as they say, Home is Where the Heart is…and for now, my heart is here and happy.