american.girl.

I've traded Paris for NY, at least for now.

Bring on the casual attire and apple pie.

the end of princess d

Things I will miss most about Paris:

magical sunset strolls by the Seine
Colette's ever-changing windows
fantasy shopping at Lanvin
Montana Saturdays and Baron Sunday
the architectural dresses of COS
Sciences Po frenchies
3 glasses of wine with lunch
picnics at Champ de Mars and Canal Saint Martin
Versailles excursions
being casual in 5 inch heels
rue Cler political debates
fashion week pandemonium
Cafe Flore for every occasion
vintage finds from the marais
Rose Bakery brunching
countless museums and never ending expos
and most importantly.....

the family: bunny, bear, T, foreigner, half of DD, and the Cambridge beauty

friends by fate, family by choice

I love you more then words or blog posts could ever say

To me, you are Paris

babe on a bike

(thanks Olivier)

Canadian and oh so cool.

Aurel Schmidt does fairytale-gone-bad drawings that blow my mind.

tribute

Dear Bunny,

You filled my year in Paris with amazing expos, all night adventures, and more thought provoking conversations then a year abroad should ever entail. You're the most magical friend a girl could ask for.

New York awaits, but we'll always have Paris.

jet set life

Facing the prospect of leaving my 23 dresses and 15 pairs of shoes behind (due to Air Canada's barbaric bag policy) I'm strongly contemplating taking a boat to New York.

dropping like flies

That's a truly vulgar expression isn't it? Unfortunately, it was the only thing my post-Baron self could think of to accurately describes the state of affairs around here. Tonight we're toasting the departure of yet another New York beauty and it makes me so sad. In order to keep myself from a complete emotional meltdown, I've decided to ignore my imminent departure and focus on more fabulous things. For this afternoon that means expositions and espresso.

Paris I love you, just sayinnnn

beginning of my Paris end

Ahhhh George

In honor of my last full Paris Saturday, the sister and I decided to treat ourselves to lunch atop Centre Pompidou. Dining at George, we indulged in dry martinis and beautiful views, before spending the rest of the afternoon wandering through the marais. When the weather took a turn for the worst we promptly headed to Ladurée on Royal for gossip and afternoon tea. Post-macaron haze, I skipped dinner and contemplated staying in. But who am I kidding? I'm meeting the darlings for drinks on rue Cler before running off to Baron. It's imperative that we say a proper goodbye to our favorite.

Bon weekend!

Friday night

It's my last full weekend here. Ce soir we're doing dinner at HAND then giving our Jersey boy a proper Paris send off.

See you stateside Mr. Chen.

here we go again

1 exam down 1 to go

Tonight's agenda?

Montmartre dinner with Bunny and dancing to Black Lips at Chez Moune

See you there darlings

studious

Sorry for the lack of posts but life has been so amazing lately that I haven't had time to write about it. The last 10 days have been filled with long lunches, expositions, Versailles excursions, Baron dancing, wine tastings, macarons of every variety, sits by the seine, bisous, unexpected encounters, and more sunshine then I know what to do with. I've been living in a permanent state of euphoria only now disrupted by my looming exams and the departure of my favorite.

Though my day is going to be all about studying, I'm dashing to Café Flore to stake my claim on the terrace. In between facts and figures at least there will be beautiful people and café crème.

Wish me bon courage!

vendredi

perfect breakfast

This morning I woke up for Ladurée brunch on rue Bonaparte before heading off to the spa to spend the rest of the day relaxing. Now I'm dressing for dinner with the sister and darlings. There are too many parties going on tonight. Must strategize over duck confit. Also must try not to forget to pick up boy at CDG demain. A tout!

NY present

Arrivals at CDG

This week was my last week of classes at Sciences Po and I couldn’t be happier. Terribly sad that it means my time in France is coming to an end, but ecstatic because I can now fully devote myself to enjoying Paris. Fortunately I’ll have many people to enjoy it with. Apart from my usual darlings, Saturday I’m heading to Charles de Gaulle to greet a very special arrival from New York. Can’t wait! A plus tard dears!

sand and wind

Wish I was in the South enjoying the sunshine.

It's positively freezing in Paris

early morning

Why is it so hard to choose a shoe at 9am?

somuchbetter

Even after years of writing exams at McGill walking into the exam room still causes my heart to palpitate a little. Writing in the gym is like taking exams under the Nazi regime. Everything is regimented, organized, and meticulously controlled. You can always tell everyone is just a few minutes away from having a complete mental break down. I once saw a boy burst into tears the moment he looked at the exam question. Writing exams at Sciences Po is not nearly as stressful. This afternoon I had my final evaluation for my American Conservatism class, which basically consisted of me and my prof drinking espresso at a cafe while we debated the merits of Strauss vs. Hayek. Coffee and intellectual banter, pretty much a standard activity in Paris. Maybe I will stick around Sci Po next year.....

kisses

my little self agrees

Today I'm appreciating the classiest woman I know

Thanks mom

You taught me about compassion and couture

Without you I never would have grown up to be the cultured anthropologist

it's raining but I don't really care

Girls of Chez Moune photographed by the ever fabulous Olivier Zham

Tonight bunny and I are doing dinner at Hotel Amour then dancing at Chez Moune for Château Marmont. Maybe we'll swing by Baron après for the LCD after party.

See you tonight darlings!

Colette lunchbox

Is it wrong that I want one?

local beauty

Heidi braids and too many baubles

NFT

My copious amounts of spare time have lead me to look for side projects. Lately I've been doing freelance writing for an unusual series of guidebooks called Not for Tourists. They're a great alternative to the generic ones that point you in the direction of the nearest Micheline star restaurant. I bought the New York guide last year and have been hooked ever since, so I'm thrilled to be contributing to their Paris project. The book is still in the works but you can find the online postings here.

late afternoon

Nothing better then girlfriends and gossip to break up an otherwise mundane school day.

dinner in Amerrrrrica

Having been in Paris for almost a year now I should have already learned my lesson about “American” restaurants in this city. The French think they have the best chefs in the world and yet I find myself constantly marveling at their ability to screw up a hamburger. If you can’t master ground beef then I’m not sure you should be allowed to call yourself a chef. That said, Paris is chalk full of American-style restaurants, most of which are terrible. There are a few exceptions, one of which is HAND, which stands for Have A Nice Day. With that type of trite cheery sentiment you might be surprised to learn that the owner is an impossibly beautiful French man who always turns out classic comfort food with a cheeky grin and a wink. Hier soir I died of happiness while we munched on mouth-watering bacon burgers and hand cut crispy French fries. For dessert we spoiled ourselves with cupcakes, crumble, and milkshakes. After our decadent meal we lingered until closing chatting with the owner and sipping Côtes du Rhône. I just discovered they do take out. So indulgent. So dangerous.

HAND
39, rue Richelieu
75001

beautiful weather. beautiful people.

These days it seems like every time I'm eating it's off of my lap. I can't remember the last time I sat at a table. We seem to be making the rounds of the best picnic spots in Paris. Champ de Mars is our regular spot, but tonight we're planning on going to Canal St. Martin to sit by the locks and watch the world go by.

orient-express

Paris really does have the best expos..

This weekend the Institut du Monde Arabe is paying tribute to Leila Menchari, the women who creates those wonderful storefront windows for Hermès. The show is really breathtaking and fun. Sometimes it's nice to go see something that is beautiful and not impossibly serious. In addition to the displays, their are Hermès artisans making those magnificent hand stitched saddles and bags. If I ever have more money then I know what to do with, the first thing I'm going to purchase is an Hermès saddle.

On until June 6th.

french invasion

"Save the Beatrice" t-shirts no longer necessaryPaul and André
(photos from purple diary)

Everyone's favorite Parisian graffiti artist and resident "it boy" André is once again bringing the French "je ne sais quoi" to New York. After the much publicized closing of his old hot spot, the Beatrice Inn, a new lease has finally been signed in Chinatown at the former Yello Karaoke Bar. No word yet on if old Beatrice partner Mr. Sevigny is involved, but apparently the new club will be an expansion of the Le Baron family. As an André devotee and Baron regular I'm excited at the prospect of not having to cross the ocean for my strawberry smoothies once I return stateside. No details yet on an opening date. My money is on June. Hold your breath hipsters.

float on

I miss snuggling in my old Montreal bed. White and light as a cloud, it's my favorite place to be.

mean reds

spring break

Nothing to do but have fun.

Sadly bunny is leaving for NY demain.

Miss you already.

Why not?

*Stay out all night with your best friends
*Read poetry on Pont des Arts
*Sip cocktails in the Costes courtyard
*Leave the crackberry at home
*Ditch a boring class for a fabulous lunch date
*Swap your dark polish for something bright and cheerful
*Ignore the library and work in Jardin Luxembourg instead
*Don a fabulous party frock during daytime
*Spend an afternoon alone at an expo
*Trade your boots for adorable sandals
*Window shop on St. Honore
*Do nothing, because it feels sooooo good

for breakfast lunch and dinner

I seem to be having uncontrollable food cravings these days.

All I can think about is fruit filled pancakes, preferably from Beauty's

Alright Montreal I miss you a little......

minty

Summer = cute shoes

supermardi

Class ended early ce soir so I set up camp in Tuilerie gardens to read and catch the last few hours of sunshine. The good weather is making me positively giddy.

meow

Miu Miu from Jak and Jil

biblical proportions

Not that I'm religious or anything, but I just can't take my eyes off this amazing clutch.

+19 and sunny

Me and my darlings are spending the entire day at Parc des Buttes Chaumont, reading the day away in the sunshine. Happy Sunday!

upgrade

Kong is a beautiful restaurant on top of the Kenzo building right by the Pont Neuf. Made famous by its appearance on Sex and the City, it maintains its popularity among trendy Parisians and wealthy tourists. Alright it's a little ostentatious, but I love the kitschy decor and the udon noodles. Now that the weather has warmed up the restaurant has added a semi-terrace to their top floor. A gorgeous bar sans roof, with a roaring fireplace and heated chandeliers to keep you cozy. Order some of the delicious appetizers to nibble on while you sip your Bellini, and enjoy the view.

Kong
1, rue du Pont Neuf 75001 Paris
01 40 39 09 00

treats

The only thing that would make this beautiful day even better. Cupcakes in Paris are terrible (clearly a North American concept they have yet to master) and I don't have an oven.


Where is Magnolia Bakery when you need it?

house of ralph

When I was in prep school I - like every other student - developed a mad obsession with Ralph Lauren. I owned the classic polo in practically every color. Now that I'm a little older my fixation is more on the perfectly cut blazers then sportswear, but I digress....

This week Ralph Lauren finally unveiled their new mansion on St. Germain and it is gorgeous beyond belief; Americana classic meets Versailles opulence.

French and American Voguettes have already been spotted checking out the new digs. The store is rapidly becoming the new place to see and be seen. On the 26th fashionistas will start clamouring for a table at Ralph's, their new gourmet restaurant. I can't wait.

It happens to be right around the corner from Sci Po, so I intend on being first in line for the 30 euro hamburger.

French Kiss

Meeting new acquaintances is always a social mind field full of potential faux pases. Most people are at least mildly inhibited when it comes to first greetings. Do you hug? Shake hands? Do the casual upward head tilt of acknowledgment? But fear not, awkward turtle, for if you move to France you will discover that the French have managed to find away around that potentially uncomfortable first encounter, with what is affectionately referred to as bisous: a swift touching of checks accompanied by an artificial kissing sound.

It doesn't matter who they are or how well you know them, when you enter or exit a social gathering, it is customary to greet your arrival or announce your departure with this French custom. It removes a lot of the ambiguity, at least for women. (For men there's a whole other set of rules about handshake vs. kiss that i am not even going to attempt engage with).

This custom is not without pitfalls. Most of the time in Paris two quick pecks on the cheek will suffice, but once you leave the metropolitan area all bets are off. 3 in some region, 4 in others, really who can keep it straight??? Have you ever tried to kiss everyone around a communal village dinner table 4 times each?! Well I have, and it's tedious. By the time you're done, not only has your food arrived but everyone is already polishing off dessert.

On the upshot, you can say more with your bisous then you probably ever thought possible. Americans always think this greeting as a sign of stereotypical french sexuality, but that really isn't so. The majority of the time it's a truly banal and prudish practice that holds about as much sexual tension as a kiss from your grandmother. However, on the odd chance that you do encounter anyone worthy of a more then friendly greeting, you can simply extend the gesture discretely. Linger, pause, smile. Bon courage!

bise

california envy

Everyone and their mom is at Coachella.

asdflaskdjfakls so jealous

best line up ever

have fun bunnies!

bliss

There is truly nothing better then Paris in springtime. All over the city the trees are blossoming, the flowers are slowly opening, and sheer pink cherry blossom petals are scattered everywhere. Even though the Parisians are still dressed for a blizzard I spent the entire weekend in bare legs, like the proud Canadian I am.

traditionalist

Since I moved to Paris I've been to my fair share of Parisian house parties, but last Saturday I attended a fête that pretty much confirmed what I knew all along: Parisians always keep it classy. When north americans throw a house party you'll be fortunate if someone puts out a bowl of stale pretzels for you to snack on in between keg stands. A Parisian house party comes with strawberries, champagne, and a strict formal dress code. The party was being thrown by one of my fabulous friends at Sci Po. Her uncle (who happens to be an extremely famous journalist and author) volunteered his opulent apartment for the soiree. Decorated in the neo-baroque tradition it was the perfect venue for the "new romanticism" theme. Girls in corsets, men in ascot and furs, I felt like I was in a Jane Austin novel.

Top hats are due for a comeback.

You heard it here first.

spotted

Hier soir darling and I experienced hip hop revival at Baron.

Biggie on the speakers and Ms. Moss behind the tables.

Don't you just love Sundays?