March: Spring Renewal
Hi friends,
I write to you from my beloved family home in the beach suburb of LA. If you read my previous blog post then you know that I had a delay in getting my new visa. The whole process is a bit lengthy to explain but basically, it’s only a matter of time before I can apply for my next visa so it made more sense for me to come home rather than sit around waiting.
It’s been over a year since I last came back home to LA, Christmas of 2023 to be exact, so it felt long overdue to come back home to spend time with my family and visit our new puppy, Zuki.
Before I dive into my time back home, I wanted to share with you a monthly wrap up of the month of March in Paris:
What I Wore:
March is a very transitional season for dressing. One day it’s bright and sunny then another day it’s only cloudy skies. I didn’t start to transition my wardrobe fully until I had to start packing to leave for LA. Since I store all my clothes in my suitcases, I needed to take everything out and reorganize in order to make room for the things I wanted to take home with me.
Some style highlights:
I was on the hunt for a new bag to use for work since the beginning of this year. I finally found one in a vintage shop called Système Solère in Le Marias by the brand called SEQUOIA Paris. The bag I bought is basically an oversized bucket bag with similar fabric to a nylon Longchamp bag. I love all the compartments that this bag has making it perfect to pack my lunch and other essentials on the go.
One of my favorite looks this spring is draping a sheer scarf over an all black look. I feel like it just elevates the look into something so timeless yet fresh. Also, it’s easy to recreate with any all black staples you might already have in your wardrobe.
Small micro bags and clutches are also on my mind lately. I love the new season Jacquemus faux alligator print clutch with an elongated body and my Lemaire Ransel handbag that transitions perfectly from day to night.
What I Ate:
Normally, I’m meal prepping most of my daily meals. I only eat out a maybe twice per week at the most which could include a cafe or brunch with some friends.
Here are some of my favorite spots from last month:
Matin des Oliviers: Perfect for brunch with friends, this spot has a Mediterranean inspired menu with simple yet beautiful ingredients.
Fika Cafe: One of my favorite spots to meet friends outside for a coffee or drink in the summer. Fika offers a Swedish inspired menu including pastries and drinks.
Cravan: A friend invited me here for drinks for her birthday a few weeks ago. I love that this is a multi-level bar with a library and lots of seating to suit your occasion.
On a side note, artichoke season has arrived in Paris. I grew up eating artichoke and I didn’t realize how fancy of a vegetable it was until I met friends who didn’t know how to cook or eat it. I love steaming my artichoke and eating it with a bit of melted French butter.
Where I Went:
The National Archives Museum: A beautiful free museum that is perfect for a quick visit if ever you’re in Paris. I recently discovered a small yet beautiful spiral staircase on the left wing of the building where a small library was held.
The Carlos Peñafiel Exhibition: For the month of March, Lemaire’s flagship store hosted a beautiful free exhibition showcasing the craftsmanship of Chilean artist, Carlos Peñafiel, for his molded leather work, wood carvings, and more. I was entranced by his molded leather bags and the dresser he made as a custom piece for Pierre Cardin.
The Musée Bourdelle: A free sculpture museum that I occasionally enjoy visiting from time to time. The main hall has finally reopened and it’s a really nice hidden gem to discover if you want to visit something a little less touristy.
The Saint Ouen Flea Market: I’ve been wanting to visit the flea markets outside of Paris for a while now. A friend invited me to join her here where there are mazes of little shops filled with unworldly items. One can find everything from vintage silverware, porcelain doorknobs, velvet lampshades, and furniture from every decade. In terms of price, you have to do your own bargaining to get a deal, but whatever treasure you find is well worth it.
When all is said and done, I do plan on coming back to Paris. In fact, I only plan on staying about three weeks in LA so that I can spend my birthday in Paris at the end of April. In the meantime, I’m so grateful to be home spending time with my family and friends whom I’ve missed so dearly.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read my blog.
À bientôt,
Kiana