Happy Halloween!

photo: lefashion

As I said last year, Halloween is my favorite holiday. Fa. Vor. Ite. At 23, I am still a diligent dresser-upper and decorate to the nines each October season. But as I've quickly learned, it isn't quite the spectacle in France that it is in the States. I took this year off and spent it celebrating quietly with my family around some homemade Halloween treats.

This is the first year I haven't dressed up so please let me live vicariously through you - what was your costume this year?

Marché aux Puces - St. Ouen

photos from stalls featuring vintage designer gowns, glamorous cookware, toys and sculptures

I spent Saturday wandering around the famous Marché aux Puces in St. Ouen. The flea market is comprised of a handful of individual markets catering to different antique and used goods that intertwine with one another through gorgeous narrow pathways. In one part of the market you may find hand embroidered silk couches from the 1800's and down the next pathway you'll be listening to Bob Marley as the vendors are hustling you their latest Jamaican fare. 

I, naturally, was drawn into the museum-like clothing stalls boasting vintage designer goods from Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Chanel and the like. It was...amazing. A true treasure trove. Most booths prohibited photo-snapping so you'll just have to take my word on it, I suppose. Above are a few photos I was able to snap on the sly from some of my favorite stands.

Adventures in (Studio) Decor

images: zarahome

Thanks to the strikers, my much anticipated trip to IKEA was ruined. Though hardly original and definitely cheap quality, the "one-stop-shop" concept has become increasingly appealing as my days on the Metro continue. So now, I must make an adventure out of decorating my teensy studio apartment. I am doing my best to see the fun and thrill of such an adventure (and am trying very hard to delete the image of me with loads of stuff shoving myself onto a packed afternoon train). The first stop was the aforementioned flea market. Though there were some items of note, I didn't find anything that caught my eye. Next came Zara Home. I've got to say, I do love me some Zara. I have yet to find anything that has called, "please let me become part of your Parisian life" yet but am determined to succeed on this venture!

Cut It Out

image: blueisinfashionthisyear

Though I came to Paris armed with three pieces of luggage, the shopping bug here is basically irresistable. I am in need of replacing some basic items, including a new coat. I love cut out style of these coats, they add something new to a traditional winter peacoat.

I have already had some interesting shopping adventures (including my first flea market trip) I would've loved to share, but I am camera-less until the boyfriend arrives with it in tow tomorrow. 

So Green, So Good

image: stockholmstreetstyle

When I left California, we were happily celebrating a late summer, with temperatures reaching sky-high. Paris is not operating by those same temperatures, oh no. October means winter is officially on its way. The trees are creeping lower and the leaves are showing a beautiful mix of browns and reds, the kids are wrapped up in  cute winter scarves and I am freezing my California-butt off and fall has JUST begun! I love this look for the transition into colder fall days - a long, colorful skirt and a warm leather jacket. Totally chic sans goosebumps!

Behind the Scenes

image: pepperandchips

The creativity, the freedom, the life...

See more photos from behind the scenes here.

The Eagle Has Landed

images: lefashion

After 14 hours in the air and a good nap, I can happily say I am officially in Paris. The jetlag is already killing me but I consider it a small price to pay!

Sunday with First Aid Kit

Sunday night my sister and I went to an AMAZING show at Bottom of the Hill to see First Aid Kit, a sister duo from Sweden and some seriously talented openers, Sea of Cortez and Ferraby Lionheart. The small, intimate venue was a welcomed change and the crowd was calm and ready to kick back and enjoy some great tunes. Tell me what you think about these up and coming stars.

INSPIRATION: Angelica Huston

 

images: (top) nowness, (bottom) google 

A while back I was reading The Beautiful Fall which chronicles the amazing and complex lives of Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld and fell in love with the lustrous descriptions of fashion in the 70's. One of the famous characters of the scene was Angelica Huston, model turned Hollywood lover turned actress. Nowness did a feature on her a few days ago and I couldn't help but admire how elegantly she has aged and how stunningly unconventional she was in her youth.

 

Crossing the Pond

image: google

Have I mentioned? I am making the big move across the pond, the Atlantic pond, that is. 10 days until I can say "Yes, I live in Paris."

Wish me luck and stay tuned for adventures in fashion, food and fun in the city of lights!