I don't really understand what it is about Paris that tends to pull a romantic, whimsy mind away for a ride. To dream, to live, and even fathom having the lithe sophistication and lifestyle of a french woman. What is it that the French infuse into their lives that doesn't seem to be embraced by any other culture? I think, its Life. Coming from New York City, one would think that I have enough of my own breezy sophistication going for me, but we are taught to live fast. Period. And in living fast, we find ourselves in vast opportunities to take advantage of, but we never actually experience anything; Before we can blink, we're on to the next. We're eying the trends, but neglecting to cultivate our own beauty or sense of self. We're gaining weight in the midst of our dates, meetings, and shopping forays because we haven't stopped to eye what we're eating. This is a bit of a generalization that I'm sure doesn't fit every New Yorker, but it does seem common to us.
Nevertheless, I was inspired even reading what little I have read of this book to slow down, take a look at the beauty around me, and cultivate my own fragrance of beauty, joy, and self!
Parisian Haze Whimsy List
(note some things are not Paris-specific, just additions I felt embodied the Parisian theme!)
Let Them Eat Cake: Of course, we all know by now that Marie Antoinette never actually said those words, but there's no reason not to take them to heart. Buy your favorite dessert, and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Don't feel guilty, just indulge! To take it even further, Fly to Paris (or London), and have a little date in Laduree, where you can eat macaroons to your hearts content! Until then, I'll stick to Magnolia Bakery, their cupcakes are clouds of ambrosia!
Have a Pink and Blue Party watching Marie Antoinette: Watch the film, for its beauty, the parties, the dresses, and the carefree frolicking! Or, if you would like to somehow treasure and expand the moment, read Antonia Fraser's biography and learn about this awesome icon.
Parisian Literary Abandon:
- A Parisian Affair and Other Stories by Guy de Maupassant: There's something so lovely about reading most of his pieces. I started with Bel-Ami, and along with awesome plots, he understands the meaning of saturating an audience into Paris.
- French Ways and Their Meanings by Edith Wharton: I haven't read this yet, but Debra Ollivier recommended it. What can go wrong with an entire book of meanderings on the city of lights?
- The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery: This is one of my favorite tales. It's profound, lovely, wise, and even a little sad. But wonderful all the same!
- A Writer's Paris by Eric Maisel- For writer's out there seeking to indulge in daydreams of an artist's lifestyle.
- The Goddess Guide: What Makes you Happy by Gisele Scanlon: During my time in Wales, I spotted this book in a store called River Island (which is an awesome store!). I love this kind of book, filled with little treasures of cities and simplicities to help you discover and bring to the forefront what makes you happy!
- An Education by Lynn Barber + the film: I adored this film! And as reeling as the end was, I enjoyed all of the protagonists dreams of Paris! Come on, ladies, don't we all have those dreams? I look forward to reading the autobiography!
Decor: When I think of Paris, I think of simplicity, with little touches of opulence. I think of ornate chandeliers, patterned fabric, vintage candelabras, candle-light, country houses with cool breezes catching tulle curtains, classic with personality. This year, I would like to start filling my space with beauty, fresh cut flowers, paintings, and of course, old books!
Fragrance: There is always something so beautiful to me about fragrance. It's as multi faceted as a well written novel, or cinematographic masterpiece. It is so personal that its scent varies with each woman. I would love to treat myself to small vials of Chanel or Miss Dior L'eau, however, I would also love to find a place that allows you to create your own fragrance. At the moment, I am in love with Amber; It's rich, mature, and sexy.
Joie de Vivre Market Place: Shops
Cinderbellas
Sweet Anthem
Just Be Designs
I Love Country Chic
Electric Love Ltr
What are your favorite Parisian treats?
This post is dedicated to Thesanica, one of my best friends, and one of the first people I know (aside from Mom) to teach me the good in taking the time to by quality pieces as opposed to those which can be here today and gone tomorrow! Happy Birthday!
Bonne journee!
Have a Pink and Blue Party watching Marie Antoinette: Watch the film, for its beauty, the parties, the dresses, and the carefree frolicking! Or, if you would like to somehow treasure and expand the moment, read Antonia Fraser's biography and learn about this awesome icon.
Parisian Literary Abandon:
- A Parisian Affair and Other Stories by Guy de Maupassant: There's something so lovely about reading most of his pieces. I started with Bel-Ami, and along with awesome plots, he understands the meaning of saturating an audience into Paris.
- French Ways and Their Meanings by Edith Wharton: I haven't read this yet, but Debra Ollivier recommended it. What can go wrong with an entire book of meanderings on the city of lights?
- The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery: This is one of my favorite tales. It's profound, lovely, wise, and even a little sad. But wonderful all the same!
- A Writer's Paris by Eric Maisel- For writer's out there seeking to indulge in daydreams of an artist's lifestyle.
- The Goddess Guide: What Makes you Happy by Gisele Scanlon: During my time in Wales, I spotted this book in a store called River Island (which is an awesome store!). I love this kind of book, filled with little treasures of cities and simplicities to help you discover and bring to the forefront what makes you happy!
- An Education by Lynn Barber + the film: I adored this film! And as reeling as the end was, I enjoyed all of the protagonists dreams of Paris! Come on, ladies, don't we all have those dreams? I look forward to reading the autobiography!
Decor: When I think of Paris, I think of simplicity, with little touches of opulence. I think of ornate chandeliers, patterned fabric, vintage candelabras, candle-light, country houses with cool breezes catching tulle curtains, classic with personality. This year, I would like to start filling my space with beauty, fresh cut flowers, paintings, and of course, old books!
Fragrance: There is always something so beautiful to me about fragrance. It's as multi faceted as a well written novel, or cinematographic masterpiece. It is so personal that its scent varies with each woman. I would love to treat myself to small vials of Chanel or Miss Dior L'eau, however, I would also love to find a place that allows you to create your own fragrance. At the moment, I am in love with Amber; It's rich, mature, and sexy.
Beauty and Fashion: French style is simplistic, beautiful and timeless. It has great personality, along with a seeming effortless poise and sophistication. It screams quality, and includes little treasures that you just want to take in. This year I've decided to cultivate my own sense of style. I've always wanted to grow my own nails and get wonderful manicures. My sis, Ash spotted a woman whose nails were simply out of this world. She asked her what she used, and the woman replied that she uses OPI Nail Envy. It's a nail strengthener that works wonders. After researching further, it seems there are no real cons to this product, so I cannot wait to try it. Along with this, I want to continue collecting vintage accessories with stories and memories attached to them! Drink loads of water, and become the healthiest as is possible!
Joie de Vivre Market Place: Shops
Cinderbellas
Sweet Anthem
Just Be Designs
I Love Country Chic
Electric Love Ltr
One last treat: a time lapsed video of Paris.
What are your favorite Parisian treats?
This post is dedicated to Thesanica, one of my best friends, and one of the first people I know (aside from Mom) to teach me the good in taking the time to by quality pieces as opposed to those which can be here today and gone tomorrow! Happy Birthday!
Bonne journee!
Britta, this is such a beautiful post! I remember adding that book to my Amazon wishlist a long time ago, but I've got so many French and French-inspired books on there that I just don't know what's the best one to try. Knowing you like this one so much helps me a lot! Paris is so enchanting, the perfect place for daydreamers and writers and artists to find inspiration. I love so many of the things you mentioned - like An Education, such a pretty film. That Paris sequence set to Juliette Greco is one of my favorite things ever. I can't tell you how many times I re-watched it, haha.
ReplyDeleteAw, Britta, thank you so much! I appreciate the dedication, plus the Happy Birthday wish means a lot!! xo
ReplyDeleteI must say, your descriptions of the books are so tantalizing that I am going to be putting them on my "To Read" section of my to-do list. I hope you find a local place that will allow you to make fragrances. But, while you're in the UK later, try to find a Jo Malone there or here in the States (unfortunately, the only one I know of in the city is at Saks Fifth Avenue, with its own counter on the first floor!), where they have bottles of cologne with combinations that are so good AND you can mix them up with other colognes they sell, just to see if they're the type of place you might be looking for.
Also, love the Etsy recommendations - I trust your recommendations, since the ones you suggested in the past have worked out so nicely for me. (Elbert and I ended up buying our engagement rings at Jorgensen's Studio, for example :) :) )
Oh, to add: Jo Malone colognes to mix not together in the bottle but on your skin, as layers or however you wear your scents...I hope that doesn't cause confusion.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Britta! :) I have to add this book to my To-Read list on GoodReads. I love all things French and Parisian!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for including my Keyhole necklace. I found some things I want, like that clock!