It’s officially September and I’ve been seeing sweaters and jackets come back onto my feed but Paris is still feels like summer and I’m not mad about it. I love a good layering piece, don’t get me wrong, but I’m definitely not rushing the summer sunset.
I’ve been feeling a little nostalgic for the lovely south of France road trip I took in August. I’ve been editing my vlog from that trip (now live btw) and reliving the heatwave via Davinci Resolve. 38 degrees looks way more dreamy on my screen than it felt IRL but we visited the most serene places that I’ll be daydreaming about for a while.
I’ve dog-eared south of France as an area I’d like to revisit in the future but for now, I’ve already got my eyes set on the next destination.
As a creature of habit does, I’ve been frequenting a few favorite spots this summer, both for food and coffee. The routine of taking Mika to the park, then walking over to Café Detour where I have an iced americano or ginger beer and sit with my journal or laptop until I’m creatively satisfied is something I look forward to weekly. But I do want to make sure I’m spending time exploring the rest of the city as well.
Is there such thing as too much comfort? I love the way I’m settling into the 11th arrondisement, making every nook and cranny feel familiar. But knowing that my time in Paris is now more limited than I originally thought, should I be “getting out there more?” Where do we draw the line between introverted routine building and isolation? How much time should I be spending “building community” vs working on the things creatively energizing me right now?
I have none of the answers but I guess I’ll try to figure that out this month. After a quick trip to Hong Kong though, for the side-quest queen never rests.
I’ve been very behind in sharing my outfits from this summer so here are 7 that I’m planning on saving for next summer.
Doing & wearing
I’ve had the Leset Carpenter pants on my wish list for a year now but still can’t justify the price. But I did find these Gap barrel leg cotton pants that I think serve the same purpose for me. Whenever I’m in the mood for pants and it’s a little too hot for denim, these are what I reach for. I actually found them on sale at an outlet near Osaka so I got them in navy, brown, and white. So far I find I wear the white ones the least but mostly because I suck at keeping white clothes white.
When we had friends visiting, we checked out Museé de L’Orangerie to see Monet’s Nympheas. Museums and galleries have been a bit challenging to visit since we’re still working on Mika’s separation anxiety, but I think may start booking a once a week Rover so that I can have days to do things that aren’t dog friendly.
Both the skirt and the bag from this outfit were from my Europe trip 2 years ago when I was still figuring out how I would move here. Kind of a circular moment bringing them back here 2 years later.
I’m a basics girl through and through and I’ve been wearing this specific tank top A LOT this summer. While haven’t shopped Aritzia in a while, I’d be lying if I said they didn’t have great basics. Something about the fit of this racerback just fits better than others.
For someone now living within a 3km radius of all the best vintage shopping in Paris, my self-restraint has been in tip top shape. I did find this amazing Kenzo denim jacket during my second week that I bought immediately. I love a “jacket is the outfit” moment.
Wearing the same white tank as the last outfit!! IT really is a closet staple now. I did recently pick up a grey one from Lululemon but not sure if it' makes holy grail status yet. Will keep you posted.
This silk skirt always makes me feel a little witchy but some how I only ever reach for it in the summer. I got it at a flea market in Berlin on that same Europe trip 2 years ago, and I love when vintage pieces stay in my wardrobe.
The Reformation top I purchased this summer and it’s been worn to death since I got it. I did size up in it so that it was a little more relaxed but I sometimes wish I did the regular size for a more tailored look. Maybe one day I’ll go back for it in a different colour. They’ve got a beautiful burgundy right now and a purple that feels very Carrie Bradshaw.
Another basic that has lasted in my closet for a few summers now is this ribbed halter (discontinued) that I got a few years back. Paired with a cult classic denim that I’ll wear until threadbare, this is an outfit I always feel good in.
While there are a lot of things I love about Paris over London, parks are the one thing that London just do better. Don’t get me wrong, the gardens in Paris are beautiful—pictured above is the Jardin du Luxembourg where Mika was allowed in one small gravel corner. But the royal parks in London (where dogs are all allowed!!) are just a standout part of the city that is hard to compete with.
Regardless, sitting at the garden doing a bit of reading is as peaceful as it looks on everyone’s Instagrams. I also recently found out that the Jardin du Palais Royal allow dogs as well so we’ll be spending a lot more time there.
A vintage find that I definitely don’t wear enough is this gorgeous Vivienne Westwood skirt I thrifted in Berlin. It’s the first time I’ve styled it so simply and I love how it adds texture to the outfit. It’s also a great one for boots so maybe it’ll get more wear this autumn.
Can time spent in Paris be complete without some steak frites? I discovered this gem bordering the 11th that does a classic entrecôte menu where you get a salad, entrecôte and fries, and a dessert. I’ve yet the try the famous Relais de L’entrecôte restaurants so I can’t compare the sauce but this one at L’Atelier Entrecôte is pretty spectacular.
Who am I without a couple of baggie tees in my arsenal? While the heatwave made it a little tough to be draped in baggy fabric, this outfit did still work (as long as I wasn’t walking around for too long and sweating through the fabric). I always have a tough time styling this cream silk skirt but juxtaposed with the very casual t-shirt made it feel more my style.
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Angel xo