Paris, France.

Travel-guide-tips-Paris-France-shopping-sight-seeing
The week I was fortunate enough to spend in Paris often feels like one long, beautiful blur.  But sifting through all of my photos from the trip suddenly seemed to bring all of the details back in perfect clarity…  

With cities as iconic as Paris, I sometimes find it overwhelming as a visitor to judge how best to spend your limited time.  For your first trip – I say, don’t skip the major tourist points.  Millions from all over the world flock to the Louvre every year for good reason.  So see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night and the magnificent stained glass inside the Notre Dame.  As far as food goes, the fine cuisine and delicacies are endless.  But a personal favorite from the trip?  Authentic street crepes.  They’re cheap, fast, and so much more delicious than their New York City hot dog vendor equivalent.  Grab one on the go while you walk along the Seine’s famous bridges.  You’re going to want to be fully charged for all of the shopping you will be doing.  The great thing about Paris is the incredible range of shopping that’s available.  My advice is to start at the top.  Walk the Champs Elysee.  See Chanel in it’s native habitat.  Go to the incredible department stores (Galeries Lafayette is pictured above, and even if you don’t buy a thing is worth the trip).  And then, see the other side of Parisian shopping.  Roam a flea market or sift through vintage clothing in the chic neighborhood of Marais.  And when you can’t see or eat or shop for another thing, go to sleep in your own private Parisian apartment.  Rentals (if chosen right) are as affordable as the big hotels and completely reliable.  Even if you get something small, you’re getting an authentic feel of the city – with the added bonus of being able to pick up fresh ingredients at the local market and cook a meal or two on your own (which will save precious pennies for more shopping).  

There’s a million more things to see and do in Paris, but c’est la vie.  Enjoy what you can in the time you can, and feel incredibly lucky, as I do, to have had a chance to visit the city of La Ville-Lumiere (the City of Light).

In Order Below: Sacre Coeur in Montmartre, Notre Dame, the Louvre, bridge over the Seine & the Eiffel Tower

(Savor, Sleep, All other images my own)

Pied a Terre

Paris apartment housewares translated into fashion looks
In my wildest dreams, I have have a permanent residence in LA or New York and a second home away from home (or Pied a Terre) in Paris…
This lofty ceiling-ed space with its beautiful herringbone wood floors and built in bookshelves would certainly do.  Until that fantasy becomes a reality, I’ll be wearing my version.  It’s original wood floors have a distressed patina that would only get better with age.  Translation – this rich brown suede moto jacket.  In a home as storied as this, it’s important to bring in contrast with modern sleeker pieces, the Saarinen table and chairs were made for this space.  A chunky heeled sandal with killer curved white straps are the wearable version.  And finally, keep the background light and airy allowing the eye to take in visual details like crown molding and arches.  This lightweight white dress with antiqued rosettes quietly brings the whole look together.  Keep dreaming.

Paris apartment housewares translated into fashion looks

Paris apartment housewares translated into fashion looks



French Lessons.

French Style with simple lace dress, classic polka dot blazer and oxford flats
(1. Polka Dot Blazer – similar here and here; 2. Free People Lace Dress; 3. DV by Dolce Vita Oxfords; 4. Vintage Chain Strap Bag – similar)

French women understand the importance of good basics.  While I feel Americans often get caught up in flashing trends, I bet you’d be hard pressed to find a closet in Paris that doesn’t have a well tailored blazer, little lace dress, and sturdy oxford flats…   
And if your closet is full of perfect mix and match classics – there’s no excuse for ever looking disheveled (I’m quite sure that no self respecting Pariesienne would be caught dead running to the grocery store in sweatpants).  For a few local errands (including picking up these lovely tulips – an accessory unto themselves), I dressed the part.  

French Style with simple lace dress, classic polka dot blazer and oxford flats
French Style with simple lace dress, classic polka dot blazer and oxford flatsFrench Style with simple lace dress, classic polka dot blazer and oxford flats
(1. Polka Dot Blazer – similar here and here; 2. Free People Lace Dress; 3. DV by Dolce Vita Oxfords; 4. Vintage Chain Strap Bag – similar)

Je ne sais quoi.

Paris-Fashion-Week-Look-for-Less
Is there anyone cooler than French girls?  As Paris Fashion Week kicks off today, I venture to argue ‘non’…

I was lucky enough to spend a week in the City of Lights a few years back and thought I’d use this week to shed some light of my own on what makes this incredible city tick.  First up – it’s effortless style.  French women have a je ne sais quoi that the world over tries to replicate, and I think one of the most important lessons we can all learn is that it’s not about the price tag.  Pair a flea market find with Chanel – they dare you!  Alas, until you can afford that Chanel bag of your own, here’s a few inexpensive ways to find a bit of Parisian cool.    
Nest:  A love of great art seems practically in their blood – ease your way into the Louvre by purchasing prints of original artwork (at a fraction of the price).  This watercolor of Marion Cotillard is like a modern fashionista’s version of the Mona Lisa and would look so perfect in a thrift store frame.

Dressed: As iconic as the little black dress, the striped shift dress is a closet staple.  Wear it with flats, wedges, espadrilles or sneakers.  A blazer, cardigan, denim jacket or trench.  I could go on and on.  At less than $25.00 I shouldn’t have to.

The Rest: You know what Lou Dillon has that you don’t?  Well a lot actually, but effortless hair is certainly high on the list.  It’s that sipping espresso at a cafe with slightly smudged eyeliner and unwashed hair but still managing to be the most beautiful woman around type thing.  I swear by this dry shampoo (found at most drugstores) for prolonging time between washes.  Indispensable when channeling your inner it-girl.  


Weekend Flashback.

Weekend Flashback Blog Instagram RecapIf you follow me on facebook then you already know that the Steele Maiden home was undergoing a bit of a makeover this weekend.  Between a slew of stores, scouring our local flea market and a handful of DIY projects, the place is really starting to come together and I can’t wait to share a full home tour here on the blog soon.  Until then – a snippet of what’s been added, including a silly little soap dish in the guest bathroom that always makes me smile, a pretty vintage tray on our dining table to hold coasters and the occasional fresh flower, and a vintage piano bench from the 1920’s that was just the thing to display our record player.PS – to celebrate the kick off of Paris Fashion Week tomorrow The Steele Maiden is going en francais (not really, but I will be highlighting my take on the best of Parisian style, design and travel tips), so be sure to check back!