Holding Off the Cold

[Dress worn as a shirt: Target] [Blouse: J.Crew] [Skirt: Zara] [Belt: J.Crew] [Shoes: Bass] [Purse: Ralph Lauren]

I walk about 40 minutes to my French classes every day and pass through very fashionable neighborhoods and streets, it is Paris after all.  I got quite a few quizzical stares today in this bright orange skirt.  I have been here a little more than a month, but I am going to go ahead and make a generalization.  Parisian's are quite reserved in their use of color, only a dash here and there.   I know 'The Art of Chic' is part of the French grade school curriculum, but most ladies I pass are dressed in shades of black, brown, dark browns and blues (while still looking immaculate and effortless).  I do not think points in school were ever given for their generous use of hot pink or orange.  On the other hand, maybe I shouldn't come to their country expecting them to break out the brights, those shades are reserved for royal sitting rooms and Napoleon's ballroom.  Maybe the bold colors I am looking for are at Versailles.

  

Royalty

 [Cardigan: J. Crew] [Shirt: ] [Skirt: J. Crew] [Belt: Vintage] [Shoes: Frye] [Purse: Celine] 

We are in the process of moving and making our apartment: (1) livable, (2) a home.  It is frustrating and fun, and there are definite highs and lows, but all in stride.  I keep pinching myself and saying, "Paris."

Our apartment overlooks a hustling and bustling street in the center of Paris.  I love the windows open so that I can hear the numerous clacking of heels as people rush to work, and the clinging of silverware and glasses as people sip espresso in the cafes below.  I secretly people watch from my window, which is apparently the official Parisian sport.

From Jour to Nuit

Daytime Look: [Vest: Free People] [Shirt: Mossimo, Target] [Pants: Vintage] [Shoes: Pour La Victoire] [ Belt: Nordstroms]

Nighttime Look:  [Jacket: Vintage] [Shoes: Joie] [Beaded Bag: Vintage]

We escaped to the Loire Valley this weekend, and I wore my absolute favorite pants.  I am pretty sure my grandma made them as there is no tag, she was an incredible seamstress and they are so her style - sparkly pink and gold polk-dots.  There is nothing better!

We went to an incredible chateau with my fiance's work (I know, it is a good place to work) and I could have stayed for much longer than the weekend.  I didn't want to pack too much, so I brought just enough to change this outfit from a day of travel to a night of champagne and elaborate eating.  I felt like Julia Roberts out of Pretty Woman - 4 forks, 3 spoons, 4 glasses!  I was fine with the glass part though, that just meant different glasses of wine all at the same time.  No lessons required for those.

Keep 'em High

[Sweater: J. Crew] [Scarf: Vintage] [Shorts: Forever 21] [Socks: Jessica Simpson] [Boots: Coach] [Lipstick: Revlon Hot Coral]

For the next two days, we actually have TWO apartments in Paris!  I don't think we will ever be able to say that again :) Today I am going to our new place and unpacking the 500 lbs. of goods that we shipped over, and by goods, I mean clothes.  It sounded like a good idea at the time, but now there are things I wish I had, like my good knives and pots and pans.  But one pan equalled two pairs of shoes, in all honesty, maybe one pair of shoes.  I made hard decisions.  As a friend told me, these are all 'champagne problems'.  They definitely are, and I am so grateful to have them.

Finally, a Home!

[Cords: Gap] [T-Shirt & Cardigan: Old Navy] [Scarf: UO] [Shoes: Vera Wang] [Clutch: Celine] [Sunglasses: Tom Ford] [Jewlery: Vintage, Omega, Tiffanys, Own Design :)]

We signed a lease yesterday morning - right behind this imposing and haunting church. Tres difficile et tres frustrant!  We have definitely experienced some cultural differences, ones that have led to much stress and worry.  It is hard to stand up for yourself when you do not know the language.  Coming out of law school, you have so much feisty confidence to stand your ground, but all that is lost when I falter to ask a simply question or order a cafe americano in French.

On a happier note, I bought a new-to-me, vintage Celine clutch to continue my love affair with their purses.  I feel like it has seen a lot of fun in this city and I hope to continue to show it a good time ;)