Luxury Vintage

In the past several months, I have come across a large number of vintage stores in Paris. Although I have always had a great time perusing their isles and trying on the occasional fur coat, most of the second hand items are not in the best condition, so I have shy'd away from purchasing anything from these places. Just recently though, I came across a few luxury consignment stores located on Rue de la Tour, not far from our apartment. These stores carry purses, shoes and clothing in a variety of high end brands, for a fraction of the price! I have since warmed up to the idea of buying a couple pairs of these "as good as new but half the price" shoes instead of a new pair of ridiculously priced designer ones. 

Leather and Lace and Everything Nice

Blouse - BCBG; Skirt - Zara; Sneakers - Andre; Sunnies - RayBan; Watch - Michael Kors; Earrings - The Bay; Ring - Market in Paris

That's the correct saying right? Well regardless, leather and lace go together like peas and carrots. The femininity of lace and edginess of leather are a combination I can't resist. I especially love these slip on lace sneakers! I have been searching for some cute comfortable flats like these and finally found them at a shoes store down the street called Andre. They were reasonably priced and adhere to my plan of only buying French brands!

Paris By Movie

People like to prepare themselves before travelling to a city. Some read guide books, while others prefer to watch movies that were filmed in their destination of choice. If you are heading to Paris, you should probably check out the following movies. They are a great way to get you excited for your big trip!

Midnight in Paris: The film's opening provides some amazing shots of the city. After watching this movie you'll really want to stroll around the Latin Quarter.

Amélie: Of course an authentic French movie is one of the best ways to get a taste of Paris. Watching Amélie will let you tour around Montmartre with authority. 

Paris, Je T'aime (Paris I love you): This movie is a compilation of short films. Each film is set in a different arrondissement. The film set in the 14th is hilarious. 

Before Sunset: Okay I posted this yesterday, but it's that good that it deserves to be posted again. Paris is definitely the third main character in this film.

2 days in Paris: Adam Goldberg's character is constantly afraid of getting sick and so is DJB. Naturally, I like this movie. 

Last Tango in Paris: Ok, this is not a PG movie, but it certainly pays tribute to the Bir-Hakeim bridge. The clip is from the opening scene. Interestingly enough, Marlon Brando never memorized his lines. I actually did a post on this bridge here.

Happy watching!

Blue and Yellow

Blouse - Jessica Simpson; Pants - BCBG; Pumps - Franco Sarto; Earrings - Swarowski; Bracelet - Gifted

I don't think I've ever worn this colour combination before but it felt perfect for a warm springy day last week. This is something that I will definitely wear when I return to my 9 to 5, with a sweater or blazer over top as I am still not sure that sleeveless blouses with open backs are appropriate in an office setting (hide those racy shoulders ladies :P). 

These pics were snapped at the Promenade Plantee (French for tree-lined walkway) which is a 4.7km elevated park built on top of an abandoned railway. Pretty cool! This was where part of the movie "Before Sunset" was filmed. You can spot the Promenade in the trailer. 

Grungy Girly

Dress - Vera Moda; Plaid shirt - Zara; Boots - Unknown; Necklace - Gifted; Watch - Bulova

On a gorgeous day last week, I wanted to wear this LBD (styled differently here) but knew it would be too dressy for a casual stroll around the city. No problem. I just tied a plaid shirt around my waist, threw on some grungy old boots and was well on my way! Yet another perfect example of how mixing opposites works. OH, and I'm standing on a floating garden on the Seine in these pictures! 

Spring Has Sprung

I'm not used to four seasons. I'm used to three seasons. November-March = Cold winter, April+May+September+October=Mild Winter, June-August = Non winter. Right now I'm feeling like I'm experiencing something from another planet.

I don't think I have ever laid on green grass on April the 2nd.

Spring means a return to tourist season.

Every morning I'm greeted by the smell of these flowers outside of our apartment. I think they may be weeds and I may be allergic but I still love it.

My sweater matches the thousands of cherry blossoms. 

Oh and there are tulips...

Yesterday I posted a picture of people kissing in winter. This is how you kiss in spring.

I also posted a picture of the Jardin du Luxembourg deserted and barren. Not so much anymore...

Spring Forward.

During an unusually warm February day, DJB and I decided to walk around part of the Latin Quarter. I completely forgot we took some pictures during our outing and stumbled upon them just now. Why am I showing you old pictures (other than the fact that there are some great things to see in the Latin Quarter)? It's so that you can see the contrast between Spring (from tomorrows post) and Winter. Spring is awesome in Paris!

In winter, the usually busy tourist streets are sometimes empty.

 These are the steps that Owen Wilson would wait at during "Midnight in Paris".

 Empty and bare Jardin du Luxembourg.

 Frigid lovers.

Great random pieces of art.

In the summer, you'll probably find American tourists looking for this address: 74 rue Cardinal Lemoine. At this address, you will find this plaque.

The Latin Quarter is also home to the narrowest street in Paris.

That was a quick taste of our mild winter. Tomorrow I will show you a taste of our amazing spring!