Spotted in Paris

As you may have seen, I took a quick trip to Paris last month. I was only there three days but it was, as always, utterly lovely.

On this particular day I had an afternoon free to myself with no plans at all, so as the weather was so gorgeous I decided to head to one of my favourite spots in Paris, the Jardin du Palais Royal, where I had planned to get some lunch at one of the outdoor cafes, sit amongst the roses and watch the world go by. But when I arrived I was met by a huge wall of paparazzi; it turns out it was Couture week and the entire Palais Royal had been closed off for the Louis Vuitton show. So instead I decided to head to the Jardin des Tuileries around the corner and spend the afternoon there before meeting my friend Anne for an evening picnic on the banks of the River Seine.

Although I actually prefer the Jardin du Luxembourg (it is a little more peaceful than the Tuileries and has a beautiful pond in the middle on which children race little boats – possibly the most charming scene you ever did see), I always find myself in the Tuileries at least once per visit because it’s right by so many of the places I frequent. The Louvre and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs are at one end, the Musée de l’Orangerie is at the other and my favourite – the Musée D’Orsay – is just opposite on the other side of the Seine, while Angelina is across the road (perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea) and the shops on Rue Cambon and Rue Saint-Honoré are right around the corner.

I love watching it change with all the seasons – the last time I was there for my birthday in February it was snowing and almost completely empty (just magical), and it’s equally glorious covered in autumn leaves in the fall or when the gardens are springing to life with the first blush of spring. No matter the season, I always love strolling around the gardens, stopping for lunch at one of the little outdoor cafes in the park (right in the middle beneath the canopy of chestnut trees), sitting in the green sun chairs beside one of the ponds with a good book and a little picnic (preferably a box of macarons from Angelina or Laduree around the corner), and just taking an hour or two to people-watch and soak up that happy feeling I have whenever I’m in Paris.

Whenever I travel I only like to take pieces I love so that every day feels a little more special – but this is especially true in Paris. I know we’re not meant to talk about him anymore, but there’s just something about Paris that always feels like the opening scenes from a Woody Allen film (I can’t abide the man, but I can’t help but adore his movies). And if I were the leading lady, I’d definitely be wearing something like this – preferably whilst strolling in the park, browsing the bookstalls along the river, or riding a bicycle with a baguette poking out of the basket (too much? I suppose there’s a reason my parents used to call me a drama queen). But though a leading lady I may not be, this dress made me feel like the best version of myself.

For years I had avoided wrap dresses or anything with a v-neck (when you’re generously blessed in the cleavage department, the merest hint of a plunging neckline can quickly veer into risqué territory), but in the interests of getting over my own self-issued body hangups, ordered this one anyway the moment I saw it. And I’m so glad I did. It has the most flattering silhouette – it’s slightly longer in the back so you look taller (but not so long you have to wear heels – I’ve also been dressing it down with simple white trainers and it looks just as good), is flatteringly nipped in at the waist, has cute little slightly puffed sleeves, and a secret hook at the bust which if you remember to do up (unlike me here) stops you accidentally flashing someone when you bend over (speaking from previous experience…). It feels chic and effortless and I don’t think I could love it anymore.

So leading lady or not, here’s to dresses that make every day feel a little more romantically cinematic.

Wearing: Anthropologie dress (this colour keeps selling out but is also available in caramel + lilac + pink + green versions + also love this off-the-shoulder style) // Castaner espadrilles (also available in a lower heel + in these colours) // Whistles bag (sold out, but the clutch version is available here + similar style here) // Eugenia Kim hat (past season, but this season’s version here + cheaper version here + here)// CELINE sunglasses (also come in TORTOISESHELL) // J.CREW bracelet (past season, but similar style HERE) // Daisy ring c/- (also available in silver) // Shashi earrings (similar style here) // MISSOMA necklace.

Where are your favourite spots to spend a sunny afternoon in Paris? Am I alone in my cinematic fantasies, or is this something you do too?

Love, Briony xx

Photos by Hana Lê Van 

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