Cobblestones

[Cardigan: vintage] [Blouse: Target] [Scarf: Nordstrom's] [Jeans: Levi's] [Heels: Gucci] [Purse: Francesco Biasia] [Sunnies: Tom Ford] [Jewelry: Omega, Tiffany's, own design, vintage, J.Crew]

Orange Pop

[Dress: H&M] [Belts: J.Crew and H&M] [Jacket and purse: vintage] [Heels: Cole Haan] [Sunnies: Zara]

Grateful

[Sweater: Zara] [Skirt: vintage, grandma's] [Belt: J.Crew] [Clutch and necklace: vintage] [Heels: Gucci] [Sunnies: Tom Ford] [Jewelry: Omega, Tiffany's, own design]

I am celebrating Thanksgiving in Paris, one day late, so that my sister could come visit for the weekend.  I can't wait for an entire day of cooking - the warmth, the smells, the sweet potatoes and hot wine, but most of all I can't wait to see her!  Being on the other side of the globe makes this year's Thanksgiving all the more poignant.  I am always grateful for my family, friends and fiance, who all make my life wonderful, but this year I have a different perspective.  While I appreciate the new aspects of my life (i.e., living in Paris and the adventures that come with it), I have a deep sense of appreciation for my home, my country, the gorgeous California hills, the views of the San Francisco Bay, the community.  The list goes on, and hopefully I always remember this sense I have now. Happy Thanksgiving to all, celebrators or not :)

Spotted Leopard in Aix-en-Provence

[Jacket: Chloe] [Leather Vest: vintage] [Cardigan: Zara] [Short trench: Target] [Jeans: Levi's] [Shoes: Eden] [Scarf: J.Crew] [Tshirt: Old Navy] [Sunnies: Lacoste] [Purse: Francesco Biasia]

This weekend I found out that I passed the California Bar Exam!!!

I took the test back in July, two weeks before moving to Paris.  I had no idea how I would do, but for good or bad, I planned a long weekend away to Aix-en-Provence.  I was relieved to celebrate. But besides the champagne and wine, it felt good to walk down quiet streets, to hear the wind and only the wind and to lie about for hours in a hotel room.  All little things that amount to a lot for the mind, but things you just don't get in Paris.

Military Reds

[Dress worn as skirt: Zara] [Jacket: made by my grandma] [Shoes: Eden] [Clutch: Thomas Wylde] [Jewelry: Omega, my own design, vintage]

My grandma made this jacket.  At first I thought it might just have been something she bought, but then I found her name stitched in it, and the buttons are definitely hand-made.  She was the most amazing seamstress.  I can remember spending hours in her sewing room playing with all the crystals, buttons, and bobbles, and every once in a while getting my finger stuck by a needle.  

Eiffel Tower in my View

[Dress: vintage, eBay] [Shoes: Minelli] [Purse: Celine] [Socks: Gap] [Jewelry: Omega, Tiffany's, Own design, vintage]

I hope seeing the Eiffel Tower, whether up close or in the cloudy distance, never gets old.  It hasn't yet, and I don't think it will.

Possibilities beyond the Black and White

[Shirt: Ice] [Pants: Theory] [Shoes: Mauro Leone] [Clutch: Thomas Wylde] [Glasses: Martin & Martin] [Jewelry: Omega, Tiffany's, vintage, F21] [Lipstick: Benefit, Frenched]

"Life isn't about finding yourself.  Life is about creating yourself." - George Bernard Shaw

Despite the connectivity of the internet, the blogosphere, Facebook and Skype (just to name a few), I often enjoy walking the streets of Paris knowing that no one knows me here.  Before this move, I had lived in San Francisco for so long, made so many memories and so many friends, that it never crossed my mind to approach new encounters and new circumstances as if I were new too.   No matter where I am, each day holds the possibility to become the person I want to become (and I hope I am on my way), but I feel that possibility with much more poignancy living thousands of miles away from the city I know myself so well in.

Down Fancy Street

[Jacket: Bershka] [Plaid Shirts: American Eagle] [Skirt: Zara] [Boots: Via Spiga] [Purse: Celine] [Jewelry: Omega, Kate Spade, Tiffany's, vintage and own design]

Yesterday we walked the length of rue Faubourg Saint Honoré, one of the most beautiful and luxurious streets in Paris (and there are lots!).  The sidewalks are lined with Prada, Chanel, Hermes, Cartier and all the other shops that tauntingly call your name, but will easily destroy your credit rating.  The walk and window shopping took us all afternoon, and at first it was magical.  About halfway through, we both had seen so many things we wanted and had seen so many people walking by with big bags, full of their new purchases, that we started to get jealous.  By the end of the road, we had a whole new perspective.  The intensity of the opulence was both exciting and overwhelming, but towards the end we were happy to find some less traveled streets.  

Rome Photo Diary

The Tiber River 

Pantheon

The astounding Colosseum  

The statute that inspired much of Michelangelo's work

Inside the Vatican

I couldn't resist sharing some of my favorite pictures from my short trip to Rome.  I took over 1,000 photos (many of them filled with family) during the trip, so I am slow to review them all.  The last photo was an adorable pup that liked peanuts, and would wait patiently at my feet, ready for the next treat.

Gone Awry

[Jacket: Zara] [Dress: Trophe Couture] [Tights: F21] [Boots: Coach] [Scarf: vintage] [Sunnies: Lacoste]

My plan went awry.  As I walked home from a run, I saw an adorably Parisian looking girl.  She wore a little black dress, black tights, a black leather jacket, a black bag and black ballet flats.  All in all, very Parisian, and I thought I'd give the look a go.  So I started with the dress, and then bam, I saw my green leather jacket.  It was all down hill from there, but it made me happy.  At least I got the black dress and scarf part down.  I will save looking like a Parisian and fitting in for another day.