January Highlights in Paris
Hi friends,
I can’t believe the first month of the year is already at an end. Personally this first month back in Paris has felt like an entire saga in itself. From trying to survive the winter blues to making new friends, January has been filled with a bunch of new experiences. Here are the highlights:
Ringing in the New Year at the Champs-Élysées with a few dear friends. Definitely worth doing at least once but be warned you can’t be in a rush to go home. I’ve never seen the metros so backed up after seeing the fireworks.
Trying the famous hot chocolate at Angelina’s, Les Deux Magots, and Cafe de Flore. Personally, I liked Cafe de Flore the most but Angelina’s is a beautiful setting to spend an afternoon and Les Deux Magots is also very lovely.
Studio fittings for Raphael de LaCroix. Lately, I’ve been taking the time to learn more of the ins and outs of my friend’s business and I hope to make some valuable contributions on some upcoming things that we’re working on. Stay tuned!
4. Visiting 59 Rivoli, the famous artist squat near the city center. This place really reminds me of LA’s street art scene in the Arts District. A very cool sight to see and free to visit!
5. The Schiaparelli Exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs was absolutely incredible. I remember seeing Daniel Roseberry’s Spring 2022 Couture Show all over social media when it made its debut and I was completely captivated. It was such a magical moment to see so many of these iconic looks in person amongst some of Elsa’s original designs.
6. Only in Paris can you visit the very venue where a haute couture show was just held. Just the day after Daniel Roseberry held his latest Spring 2023 Couture Show, my friends and I decided to explore the Petite Palace, the very space where the show was held. With beautiful sweeping ceilings covered in delicate murals and ornate decorations, the Petite Palace is my new favorite museum.
7. Lunar New Year in Paris was a lovely way to bring friends together. I hosted a dumpling making party and made a few side dishes to serve. I even managed to find a few red envelopes (lai see) to give out as party favors.
8. Time traveling through Galaries Vivienne. The sun soaked halls and tiled floors make this passage way feel like a scene out of a movie. There’s not much to do here but it is a beautiful place to visit.
9. I happened to stop by the Jardin du Palais-Royal a few times with friends. It is an absolutely dreamy space and one of the most iconic spots in Paris to take pictures.
10. Last but not least, cafe hopping! This month, I discovered three local cafes that are very cute spots to warm up after a cold day out and about:
Cuppa Salon de Café: Serves the best matcha latte and fresh baked scones
Kalany Mya: The owner bakes all her own cakes and sweets.
Partisan Café Artisanal: For the effortless chic local. Lots of locals and expats buzzed around here during PFW.
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to skim through my blog! If you have any questions regarding my expat experiences so far, feel free to leave me a comment down below or send me a DM on Instagram.
For the upcoming month of February, I’m aiming to split my time between editing videos for the vlog and looking for a part-time job. Since February is a shorter month, I’m sure it’ll go by so fast. On top of everything I have in mind, I also need to make some serious strides in writing my thesis, looking into my future career options, and developing a fulfilling daily routine that somehow still allows me to be present (if that’s even possible). All this to say, I’m so looking forward to another month in Paris and I have many things in store to share with you.
xx
Kiana