It is so weird to think that this time last week I was bundling up every day in Florence and now I am wearing flip flops in Florida. I have to admit, I miss the cold weather. As annoying as wearing tights every single day can be, I really enjoyed all of the layering. Layering gives you so many opportunities to play with color, texture, and pattern. And you know how much I love color and mixing prints!
I still can't get enough of this yellow coat and it makes me so sad to think I won't get to wear it for awhile. Hopefully Florida will finally see winter, or I will just have to travel somewhere chillier.
coat (on sale!) // dress (old, some sizes still available here, similar here, here, and here) // petite beret (last seen here) // scarf (also here) // tights // shoes // sunnies
After two days of chilly temps, gusting wind, and lots of rain, Britt and I were delighted to find that Sunday's weather forecast in Paris called for clear skies (although still very chilly). We decided to make the most of the nice weather and spend our day strolling the adorable streets of Montmartre.
Montmartre is a district of Paris that sits on a hill north of the city's historic center. Before the eighteenth century, this area sat outside the city limits of Paris and was largely agricultural, devoted mainly to the production of wine. By the twentieth century, however, the area had become a hotspot for artists. The cheap wine, affordable housing, and stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside attracted the likes of Renoir, Picasso, and Van Gogh.
Today, Montmartre is still a trendy and lively neighborhood of Paris. Britt and I started our day with a walking tour to learn more about the history and art of the area (we love Paris-Walks). Afterwards, we visited the stunning Basilica of the Sacré Cœur before warming up with some traditional hot wine (Britt's favorite). We spent the rest of our morning and early afternoon wandering all of the gorgeous little streets (check out Britt's blogger strut above) and sampling delights at the bakery that won the award for the world's best baguette in 2015 -- Le Grenier a Pain. Montmartre is known for having the best baguettes and pastries... and yes, it was amazing!
Since we were already in northern Paris, we decided to hop on the metro before sunset and head southwest to the area of Paris just across the river from the Eiffel Tower. Most people go to the green area (the Champs de Mars) that surrounds the tower to capture their pics. And while you most certainly should snap some pics of Paris's most iconic architecture from the Champs de Mars, I also like to take pictures from across the river. Two of the best places are the Trocadèro (no secret there) and the Avenue Camoëns (which is still kind of a secret).
Despite the sunshine, it was still a very chilly day and I was so happy to have my yellow J.Crew wool peacoat and giant plaid blanket scarf... and what is in outfit in Paris without my all-time favorite accessory, my petite beret!
After a cold and rainy first day in Paris, Britt and I were excited to get a little reprieve from the rain on our second day in the city. It was still a very cold morning, but at least the rain didn’t arrive until the afternoon.
We started our day with breakfast at Laduree and then took advantage of the dry weather and headed to my favorite bridge, Ponte Alexandre III. After snapping some photos we strolled down Rue Saint-Dominique, which gives a great view of the Eiffel tower. We walked all the way to the Champ de Mars before the rain and wind struck.
For the occasion, I wore my new plaid dress from Brooks Brothers that my friend Kelly was kind enough to hem and bring to Florence for me. I wasn’t exactly prepared for the last minute cold snap, but fortunately Kelly also brought me my yellow J.Crew peacoat, which kept me nice and toasty. I love the bright yellow color of the coat paired with this navy and black plaid dress.
To escape the cold and ridiculous wind that arrived that afternoon, Britt and I scurried to the Musèe d’Orsay, which not only has an amazing collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art, but also was exhibiting a special show on nineteenth century prostitution in Paris. The show was fascinating to say the least and I highly recommend it.
After a long and cold day, Britt and I warmed ourselves with some hot wine and yummy falafels (I am obsessed with the falafel in Paris) before collapsing in our hotel room.
On another note, I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving yesterday. I have to say it was weird going to work. Fortunately, Jen hosted a wonderful dinner at her house complete with turkey and stuffing! I am sad I am missing all the great shopping today (my yellow coat is on super sale), but it is probably for the best!
PS - The Preppy Printshop is have its own Black Friday special, buy one 8X10" print and get one FREE! Click here for more information.