Saturday, September 28, 2013

This weekend's crave list

My Little Paris

   There are many things I love in life and Paris is at the top of my list. I think the love affair began long ago and I can't pinpoint exactly when I fell for it? I guess it began when I began babysitting for two lovely French families here in New York. I was so intrigued by their language, culture, life-style I just love everything about them. I also think classic films had a thing or two to do with it? I love, love Audrey Hepburn in Charade and Diana Ross in Mahogany. Although Diana didn't venture to Paris, Rome and it's beauty was seductive enough to make me long for a european holiday. I always thought I'd have a group of friend that would want to plan amazing world adventures with me. But, I just had friends that were happy to stay put in Brooklyn? I always thought I'd meet a great guy and we'd travel the world together. But, that great guy has yet to come along. I wanted Paris and I wanted it bad, but I waited and waited and days turned into months that turned into years. Prior to going to Paris I had only been on an airplane twice in my life and at the maximum length of 4 hour. So when one of the families I babysat for moved back to Paris and extended an open invitation to me, I thought maybe one day. Fast forward a few MORE years and I found my self in the perfect finical position to take the big trip, and free room and board was a great incentive. I connected with my old friends and said yes to one of the best experiences of my life! It was me alone on a seven hour flight to a place I've only dreamed of going. 

   When my taxi finally reached the city of Paris I peered out of the window like a kid in a candy store. I arrived at the beautiful home of my friends near Bastille. I was shown to my room on the top floor, I looked out of the window and there stood the Eiffel tower in all of her beauty. I had a overwhelming since of being home in this place I'd only dreamed about visiting. I spent the next three weeks wandering around the streets during the day and discovering magical parisian things. On the weekends I'd spend time with the family and lived as real Parisians do. I also had many amazing conversations with my friend's mother who was 70 years old and was born and raised in Paris. It's great to go to a city and be a tourist, but for me my favorite thing about my first trip to paris was getting to know and experiencing life with the people who live there. Moral of the story? Take the leap, trip, adventure! If you have to go it alone, just do it! (Nike). You'll end up having an amazing time and memorable trip!


My cute little Parisian bathroom

Steak Frits was my go to meal

Gelato at Versailles


Angelina's paris

This desert was called the Paris New Yorker! Perfect!

My friends hosted a pizza party for me



This was my neighborhood for 3 weeks

Here's the beautiful apartment I stayed in

On the weekends we'd go to the local outdoor market and get fresh fruit and veggies for the week



Here I am in my room writing post cards



On sundays we'd take walks around Bastille, I took lots of pictures

The Seine was not far from the apartment

Having lunch one day a guy arrived in this little car

Galleries Lafayette

Windmills in Monmarte






I love this place! I have spent many of nights browsing books and listening to customers take their turn on the piano upstairs.


Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Let's go to the mall, today!

Guess who went to the mall today? I remember spending the bulk of my teenage years at my local mall, so after those hormonal years were over I'd rarely go. But today I found myself appliance shopping at the Sears in my local mall and I couldn't help but browse the shops. So I walked around humming that Robin Sparkles tune in my head and while browsing I discovered Charlotte Russe, now I've got a new store crush! I walked away with this new arm candy that cost me all of $14??? What! Yes, I have a new favorite place. And lucky for online- shopping me, they have an online store.


My Charlotte Russe finds








Robin Sparkles: Let's go to the Mall!




Monday, September 16, 2013

New shoes Saturday

The other day I got these cuties in the mail! I love getting packages! Especially from from Forever21.
Spent less then 20 and looking pretty!






Sunday, September 15, 2013

Brooklyn girls guide to thrifting in Paris



I'm a thrifter! I have been for many years now. Nothing makes me happier then stocking up on used but awesome goods from my favorite thrift stores in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. That is until I thrift shopped in Paris! Oh It's a whole other level of vintage over there! I mean this ain't nobodies Forever 21 trade- offs, this is fabulous french women's classic pieces. When I was planning my first trip to Paris a few years ago I researched top ten list for thrift stores. I came up with a pretty good list of places to check out. And with my handy list I hit the streets of Paris. Now three years and two trips later I have a list of my own thrifting experiences that I swear by! Check it out if you're planning a trip to my favorite city, or if you just love thrift shops.

1. FreePstar I love this store it is stocked full of vintage silk scarf, Leather bags, and classic vintage dresses and tops. I literally got off the plane my second time in Paris and headed down to Rue de Rivoli and started shopping. I've always found AMAZING things there!

2.King of Frip Named after the king of pop himself this vintage store is just as amazing as it's name sake. This store is stocked full of beautiful vintage hats and coats. If shopping there be sure to visit the little sandwich cafe across the street. My friend and I spent the day listening to classic Al Green and watching the very stylish passerby's.

3. Adöm I fell in love with everything about this shop! Where do I even begin? How about with the owner? This store is owned by a very hunky frenchmen who plays reggae everyday, all day and sings along to it in english (swoon). So once you get past his biceps and very masculine manner, the store! I love this place hanging from the ceiling of this tiny shop are leather boot for days! I think it's the stores best offering. There are also very cute vintage pieces to be found there too. The store itself is so cooly curated and organized. The only draw back for me was that I found it, in my favorite hood near the end of my trip! Oh well, there's always next summer!

4. Thanx God I'm a VIP This place I'm adding to my list as an honorable mention. I've heard great things about it but unfortunately they are closed during August when I usually visit, so I've yet to see it's amazement.




Adöm

This is me happily emerging from downstairs at FreePstar



View from the Cafe
Good food and good music on a rainy afternoon in Paris





Crave list

Crave list


CÉLINE unisex t shirt / H&M jeans, $47