London Calling: Day #1

After bidding adieu to Paris, we hopped on the Chunnel and headed to one of my favorite cities in the world: London! I did a study abroad there in college and have been a few times since, so it always has a soft spot in my heart.

High Tea at the Orangery

London greeted us with a rare 60+ degree day and sunny skies, which gave us the perfect Hyde Park backdrop as we enjoyed our teas, sandwiches, and desserts. 

sweater: j.crew, blouse: j.crew (similar here), denim: jbrand, shoes: cole haan (similar here)

Seeing "Baby" Harper

Though we Skype regularly, I was shocked to see how much this little gal has grown up since October. She's as cute as a button!

Fish and Chips and Fanta

Call me crazy, but I love British food! For our first dinner, we had to get a UK staple—fish and chips—at The Rock and Sole Plaice in Covent Gardens. Also, it must be noted that British Fanta is on a completely different level than US Fanta. It's delicious, and you must try it if you go! 

An American in Paris: Day #4

This was our last full day, so instead of rushing around like a mad fool, I decided to just take my time meandering and soaking in the last day Parisian life! With that, here are my highs:

Haute couture exhibit at the Hotel de Ville

It was a dream come true to see amazing fashion in the fashion capital of the world! A huge thanks to my friend Faith for cluing me in on the exhibit. It was incredible!

Hanging with the locals at Cafe St. Victor

Spending late afternoon hours sipping vin and eating cheese with friends was near the top of my Paris to-do list. A couple friends and I stumbled on Cafe St. Victor, where we had great conversation, lots of laughs,  and an awesome server, Francois, who was happy to practice his English on us.  I could really get used to the Parisian work-life balance!

 sweater: topshop (worn with ag coated denim and j.crew red flats)

Stuffing our faces with macarons

No explanation needed for this one. Luckily we walked A LOT on this trip, or I would have come home 10 lbs heavier!

Photo: Casey Matheny

An American in Paris: Day #3

Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

As you know, I'm a book nerd. An old bookstore is like a museum to me, so the Shakespeare and Company bookstore was a must-see.

 dress: madewell, shoes: j.crew (old)

Nighttime Eiffel Tower Photoshoot

We donned our fancy dinner duds and headed to Les Ombres for dinner with an Eiffel Tower view. Dinner was a bit pricey and wasn't the most delicious food we had (it was still tasty), but the view and ensuing photoshoot made it all worth it! As you can see, we had a great time!

dress: ted baker, jacket: zara, shoes: la scarpa (a paris purchase)

Notre Dame

An American in Paris: Day #2

Strolling through Montmartre

I'm a sucker for cute winding streets, quaint restaurants, and, of course, a huge gorgeous basilica. 

outfit info: sweater: j.crew, button-up: j.crew, jeans: jbrand (my new favorite cut), shoes: cole haan (similar here)

 Lunch at La Maison Rose

 Sacre Coeur: Gorgeous!

 Homage to my homestate 

 Photo: Casey Matheny

Photo: Casey Matheny

Dinner at Les Papilles

This was my "birthday dinner," and I would recommend this place to anyone visiting. The chef goes to the market in the morning and picks out ingredients for his 4-course tasting menu.

 Doing the Charleston (more of this dress to come in a future post)

dress: ted baker

Dress photos: Casey Matheny

 Searching for Chanel in Marche aux Puces flea market

I came up unsuccessful. Apparently Chanel is just as expensive in France. But the market had a lot of other great treasures!

An American in Paris: Day #1

I'm back from Paris and London. The trip was a dream come, and I can't wait to share the highlights! 

Every night as my 6 girlfriends and I ate dinner together, I had us play the "High-Low Game" in which we each shared our highs of the day and a low. In the name of blogpost brevity, I'll stick to this trend and list (and photo document, of course) my highs for each day! 

Day One Highs

1. Steak Frites dinner at Le Relais de l'Entrecote. 
I'm telling you, these steak frites were beyond anything I've ever had before—and I grew up in Indiana, the mecca of beef.

zara (similar here), blouse: madewell (old), coated denim: ag, pumps: nine west, necklace: rebecca minkoff

2. Reuniting with Casey at the Arc de Triomphe
I haven't seen my dear Casey since she moved away last October. It was so much fun spending the week with her!

sweater: alice + olivia, boots: cole haan, bag: cole haan

3. Our Paris Apartment
If ever you are going with a group of people to Europe, use AirBNB. For a great price, we had this beautiful 4 bedroom apartment in Champs-Elysees.

 And it was on this street. Gorgeous!

book suggestions, please!

Aside from fashion, another love of mine is reading. I was the child that hid under my blankets with a flashlight, reading until all hours of the night. However, I did recently discover that I wasn't as sneaky I thought. My mom knew my trick all along but apparently turned a blind eye in the name of education.

Next week 6 of my dear girlfriends will be helping me celebrate my recent 30th birthday in Paris, and I'm giddy with excitement!

I always like to travel equipped with with a arsenal of books, and this time I want them to coincide with the trip theme. This is where you come in: 

What are your favorite fashion-related and/or Parisian books? I'm open to all—fiction, biography, reference.

A few of my personal favorites: 

Bringing Home the Birkin

Chanel and Her World

100 Ideas that Changed Fashion

trend tuesday: denim everywhere

For those of you that kept your denim jacket from the 1990s "just in case it comes back," you may be in luck! What started with the chambray shirt (which you know from here that I love) has now become a big trend for this spring. Here are my rules to keep your look modern and to avoid looking like you are dressing up as Kelly Kapowski:

Do mix dark and light denim
Don't pair denims in similar colors

Do wear a denim vest with patterned or colored denim or flowy skirts
Don't revive your denim overalls (especially with one strap unbuckled a la Kriss Kross)

Do buy a lightweight, feminine chambray dress or skirt that hits at or above the knee
Don't wear a thick, heavy, and frayed denim mini (esp if you are older than 21 yrs old)

Do create unexpected combinations with your chambray top by wearing it with something dressy and feminine, like a sequin pencil skirt or lace shorts
Don't resurrect your 1990s buttons with your denim jacket. (Yes, we all know you used to—or still do—love NKOTB)

Don't pair denim in similar colors. JT, you've come a long way!

to cure your case of the mondays

Fashion Weeks around the world have come and (almost) gone for another season. My good friend and fellow stylist and blogger Faith, sent me this video, and I can't get enough of P'trique!

Enjoy!
Natalie