paris teaser

see more photos of my weekend on my other blog.

see more photos of my weekend on my other blog.

a word to the wise

shoes like these

will not do for your first night out in france. you may reason that you are 5'1" and a 4-inch heel really isn't that high. thankfully, i am here to inform you that you will instead have trouble walking, wake up with blisters, and spend the rest of the day cursing yourself for not knowing that the chosen bar was a 25 minute walk (one way) from your house.

ahhh, you live and you learn.

shoes like these

will not do for your first night out in france. you may reason that you are 5'1" and a 4-inch heel really isn't that high. thankfully, i am here to inform you that you will instead have trouble walking, wake up with blisters, and spend the rest of the day cursing yourself for not knowing that the chosen bar was a 25 minute walk (one way) from your house.

ahhh, you live and you learn.

happy weekend!

i have survived my first week of classes at the language institute and so it's off to paris for the weekend. i hope you all have a very happy weekend wherever you may be and thank you for reading my little blog — your comments and views make my day.

i have survived my first week of classes at the language institute and so it's off to paris for the weekend. i hope you all have a very happy weekend wherever you may be and thank you for reading my little blog — your comments and views make my day.

too good to be true (but i'll take it!)

unwinding from a very happy and not too chilly day in france. classes sorted out, long weekends due to lack of friday classes, new friends, a friendly professor, skype up and running, a jaunt to paris this weekend, seeing my boyfriend the weekend after... provided the weather stays above 40 degrees, i will be one happy américaine-en-france.

unwinding from a very happy and not too chilly day in france. classes sorted out, long weekends due to lack of friday classes, new friends, a friendly professor, skype up and running, a jaunt to paris this weekend, seeing my boyfriend the weekend after... provided the weather stays above 40 degrees, i will be one happy américaine-en-france.

{pretty new things} rugby

canvas noir trench, $278.

adley work jacket, $198.

killian boatneck tunic, $108. (i. love. this. dress.)

black super-skinny jean, $98. (have these in other colors and the fit is great!)

canvas noir trench, $278.

adley work jacket, $198.

killian boatneck tunic, $108. (i. love. this. dress.)

black super-skinny jean, $98. (have these in other colors and the fit is great!)

shiny shoes

toms silver glitter slip-ons, $54.

sperry top-sider authentic original 2-eye metallic boat shoes, $98.

toms silver glitter slip-ons, $54.

sperry top-sider authentic original 2-eye metallic boat shoes, $98.

black was never gone

the coldest and snowiest french winter in years could only mean one thing: more black. as the stylish french continue to rock the black-coat-on-black-sweater-on-black-pants-on-black-boots, i thought it wise to assemble some good-looking celebrities and interiors to celebrate the tried and true black-on-black combination.

all black walls and an all black outfit — risks that paid off for this foyer and nicole richie.

mary kate olsen's geek chic finds a home in aerin lauder's cozy home office.

high-fashion black goes casual in drew barrymore's shirt-and-skirt combo and this painted matte backsplash.

city glamour with a hint of sparkle à la olivia palermo.

the coldest and snowiest french winter in years could only mean one thing: more black. as the stylish french continue to rock the black-coat-on-black-sweater-on-black-pants-on-black-boots, i thought it wise to assemble some good-looking celebrities and interiors to celebrate the tried and true black-on-black combination.

all black walls and an all black outfit — risks that paid off for this foyer and nicole richie.

mary kate olsen's geek chic finds a home in aerin lauder's cozy home office.

high-fashion black goes casual in drew barrymore's shirt-and-skirt combo and this painted matte backsplash.

city glamour with a hint of sparkle à la olivia palermo.

le salon

where the kitchen is often considered the heart of the american home, the french kitchen is instead considered a very private area. the french prefer the use of le salon, their version of the american family room save for the fact that the seating is arranged for conversation and not ease of television viewing (in my host family's salon, the tv is actually on the floor). in lieu of the latest technology, these rooms are decorated with art, books, and family photos galore. though i've been in france a mere two days, i've already taken to the idea of le salon and think the following rooms would make beautiful settings for lively conversation, family game night, and cocktail parties alike:

built-in bookcases and a watercolor-in-progress provide a welcoming backdrop for comfy seating and coffee table snacking.

looking for an original idea for above your fireplace? skip the oversized mirror or painting and create a collage of family pictures.

lots of pillows and a pretty rug mean guests will be just as comfortable on the floor as on the sofa.

what i wouldn't give to warm up in front of this fireplace...

le salon for small spaces: chairs instead of sofas.

where the kitchen is often considered the heart of the american home, the french kitchen is instead considered a very private area. the french prefer the use of le salon, their version of the american family room save for the fact that the seating is arranged for conversation and not ease of television viewing (in my host family's salon, the tv is actually on the floor). in lieu of the latest technology, these rooms are decorated with art, books, and family photos galore. though i've been in france a mere two days, i've already taken to the idea of le salon and think the following rooms would make beautiful settings for lively conversation, family game night, and cocktail parties alike:

built-in bookcases and a watercolor-in-progress provide a welcoming backdrop for comfy seating and coffee table snacking.

looking for an original idea for above your fireplace? skip the oversized mirror or painting and create a collage of family pictures.

lots of pillows and a pretty rug mean guests will be just as comfortable on the floor as on the sofa.

what i wouldn't give to warm up in front of this fireplace...

le salon for small spaces: chairs instead of sofas.

Back to School

{photography by the talented pamela hanson.}

beginning classes at the language institute tomorrow. wish me luck!

{photography by the talented pamela hanson.}

beginning classes at the language institute tomorrow. wish me luck!

i'm here!

i arrived in paris yesterday and settled into my host family's home in tours last night. the family is very nice and i've done the bulk of my unpacking (i immediately regret the decision to pack my body weight in clothes and shoes). currently missing my family and dreaming of american closets with a place for everything and everything in its place:

i arrived in paris yesterday and settled into my host family's home in tours last night. the family is very nice and i've done the bulk of my unpacking (i immediately regret the decision to pack my body weight in clothes and shoes). currently missing my family and dreaming of american closets with a place for everything and everything in its place:

interior inspiration

no better way to start the day than with a portfolio of stunning interiors by the incredibly gifted ryan korban.

those furry chairs are fabulous.

how did he know i love books?

more beautiful books.

no better way to start the day than with a portfolio of stunning interiors by the incredibly gifted ryan korban.

those furry chairs are fabulous.

how did he know i love books?

more beautiful books.