As Fall approaches (I see fall as happening in the future because it is still warm here in SoCal), I have noticed the resurfacing of autumnal textures: cable knit, tweed, wool, plaid, and tapestry. I bought these tapestry shorts last year, but they’ve been hibernating in the bottom of my pants drawer. They’re one of those items that you love, but can’t seem to muster the confidence to wear on most days.
Today I’m bringing you a proper outfit of the day, or tenue du jour in French. I was on a wee job hunt today, so I thought this comfy but elegant maxi would be just the right balance. I love the job I have now, and I’d really like to keep it, but I need some more income to throw in a savings account! If I want to move to France next January (oops! spoiler alert!) then I gotta start saving! Plus, I want to fill up my time, and a second job would be a great way to do that.
In about an hour, I’m gonna venture out to a French-speaking meetup, so hopefully others will be there and I can pratiquer mon Français.
Two days ago, my best friend arrived in Paris to spend an entire two weeks with me! It’s finally the Christmas vacation, so we’ve been hitting the metros and streets HARD. But more on that later.
Today I have an outfit of the day for you, set against a delightfully pink wall in Montmartre. I’ve been wearing black far more than I used to in California, and I am embracing this ever-so-slightly edgier side of me wholeheartedly. And speaking of embracing things, I let my hair go wild today. It’s slept-on, tangled, wavy, and a bit frizzy, but that’s French! and I love it.
Rember that thing I used to do… when I would take photos of my clothing, and then post them on this blog, telling you where each piece was from? Something called an outfit post??
Yeah, I forgot all about those too.
The reason I haven’t been doing outfit posts is simply because I wasn’t able to pack my tripod, and it’s extremely awkward to attempt outfit photos without one. If you’ve ever tried, you feel my pain. Trying to prop up my camera on a chair or table (or on a chair on top of a table), also making sure that it’s pointed at the right angle, in focus, and lit well is extremely challenging and irritating.
However! I asked my new friend Katie if she’d take a few shots of me as we were enjoying the rare sunshine in the Parc de la Tour Saint-Jacques. There will probably be far less outfit posts than there used to be now that I’m in Paris, but that just means more posts on the city itself!
The second part of our day consisted of exploring the smaller of Paris’ islands – Île-Saint-Louis. This island’s claim to fame is Berthillon, ice creamery. It is the home to many (very) rich people, some charming shops, and a restaurant called, in English, Our Ancestors the Gauls. Now, this restaurant was closed, but when I spied animal furs, helmets, and swords hanging in the windows, I was very intrigued. We later learned that an experience at this restaurant consists of communal seating, hearty caveman-like dishes, and a raucous, loud atmosphere. Sounds like the perfect antidote once I’ve tired of the classic, refined French cafe scene.
I highly recommend getting some Berthillon ice cream. The main store is often closed (because French), but tons of restaurants in Paris serve their goods. I got a cone with THREE flavors. Vanilla, Coconut, and Melon. I should have just had melon because it was so freaking delicious! …Have I mentioned that I am now addicted to melon? France has turned me into a melon freak. Their melons are very sweet, and all their produce is so much better than stuff at US grocery stores. You’ve heard the rumors, and I’ve come to tell you that they’re pretty much true. Most food is indeed better here.
I’ve been looking for the perfect flat shoes for a while now, and I am pleased to say that I have finally found them! I can’t imagine how I’ve live my whole entire life without owning a pair of genuinely comfortable shoes – it’s literally like walking on a pillow, or a cloud… a heavenly, beautiful cloud.