Bonjour for Paris! I wouldn’t ordinarily visit Paris twice in the space of a month, but when my friend Meghan asked me if I’d like to go with her for her birthday weekend (you may remember we visited together last October as well), I couldn’t say no. I’m so happy to be back for a weekend filled with museums, parks, good food, and hopefully sunshine (let’s not talk about the fact it has been raining in Europe for the past month). Next week we have family visiting from Australia, the King’s College May Ball (a grand affair to celebrate the end of the academic year), and our second wedding anniversary next weekend! We had planned to celebrate it in Rome but due to Coco’s treatment and medicine schedule we can’t book any travel together until she’s better, so if anyone has any ideas for ways to fun celebrate that would be so appreciated!
Here’s what I’m loving right now:
1. Have lunch outside // Is the weather nice where you are? Fill a basket with your favourite cheese, berries and a baguette, and head to your favourite outdoor space with a friend or just your own company. The forecast looks so nice this weekend, so I’m very excited about the thought of a few picnics in my favourite Parisian parks while I’m here.
2. Treat yourself to a designer bargain // The international Net-a-Porter sale just started, and as always, it’s a good one! I always use this bi-annual sale to invest in the more expensive pieces I can’t justify at full price, but which I know I’ll love for years to come. I finally bought a few things which had been sitting on my wishlist for a while, including this smocked dress (which I’ve brought with me to Paris), this embroidered dress, and these Ganni bow heels.
3. Accessorise like the queen you are // Anyone who knows me knows I have a pearl addiction and love a good hair accessory, so I couldn’t resist this statement pearl headband. It sort of makes me feel like I’m wearing a crown, but it seems to look just as cute with a t-shirt and jeans as it does with a party dress. The quality is great yet it’s such a good bargain that I went back and ordered the clear version too (bonus points: it’s super comfortable even if you have a giant head like me!)
4. Escape into another world // I bought this book last year, but never quite got around to reading it until last weekend (my husband was away and it was raining non-stop, so it was the perfect opportunity for some indoor nesting). It is just as good as I had hoped, and if you love Greek mythology (or just need an escape from your everyday grind), then this is such an impeccably researched and beautifully imagined novel.
5. Upgrade your summer wardrobe // My love for M&S runs deep, but they have so many gorgeous pieces this season. I bought this dress when I was in there buying peonies and sourdough last week (honestly, who else excels at fashion and food in the same way?). It’s sustainable cotton, the quality is amazing and it’s one of those easy, effortlessly chic pieces I know I’ll wear all summer. I’ll be teaming it with a basket bag and espadrilles for a day of sightseeing tomorrow, but it will look just as cool with white trainers or these gold sandals for weekends or casual Fridays at work.
6. Ban plastic bags // If you’re still using plastic bags, you’re doing it wrong. It can be so hard to shop without all the plastic stores still insist on wrapping groceries in, but cutting out bags is such a simple and achievable solution we can all implement. I always keep a couple of these canvas tote bags on hand, and love this straw market bag for trips to the market, post office, and running all my other errands in town (it also doubles as my summer handbag on days when I need my laptop and all of the things).
7. Do a seasonal wardrobe inventory // I’ve just pulled out all my most summery pieces (which is definitely optimistic, given the current state of our weather in Europe). Wet weather notwithstanding, now is the perfect time to do a seasonal wardrobe inventory. Rather than just taking everything out of storage and putting it straight into your wardrobe, spend some time trying everything on to check it still fits, that you still love it, and if anything needs repairing or replacing so that you can appreciate what you have first before buying too many new things.
In case you missed it:
My Favourite Scents for the Home (or 7 ways to make your house smell like a summer vacation)
My Ultimate Summer Wardrobe Staple (plus 50 of the best white dresses at every budget)
Current Beauty favourites (all the best products I’m using + loving right now)
How to Switch-up Your Style for Spring (7 easy ways to dress for this in-between weather)
15 Ways to Celebrate Spring (your field guide to the best spring ever)
5 Favourite Spring Perfumes (my all time favourites and new additions to make you smell like a meadow)
However you’re spending it, I hope you all have a lovely weekend!
Love, Briony xx
