{paris: week four}

This past week in Paris was a bit quieter as the rainy weather kept me from wanting to walk around extensively or take as many photos, but in spite of the rain our time was definitely not lacking in more fabulous dining and shopping experiences.  I discovered two of my new favorite stores; one was Merci in the Marais which is a fun mix of boutique clothing finds and impeccably designed home decor with a decidedly french flair to it.  The other store that came highly recommended to me and did not disappoint is & Other Stories which is sort of like H&M meets Zara- a little lower price point than Zara with more trendy cuts/colors.  

In addition to crossing off some places on our restaurant wishlist, we discovered a delicious and low-key Italian place down the street from our apartment that will surely become an easy weeknight staple over the next couple months.  On the recommendations of many we trekked out to wine & tapas bar, Bones, for a great meal that was a welcome departure from the more traditional french dishes we have become used to including Banh Mi with Pate.   In search of another wine bar-type experience, we checked out this little place in 6th and then biked over to cocktails after dinner at the intimate Curio Parlor.  

{the entrance to Merci}

{fun quotes decorate many of the walls in Merci}

{fell in love with this chandelier with subtle pops of pink}

{checked out the breathtaking Alaïa exhibit before it closed this past Sunday}

{wandering through an open air market on Saturday afternoon}

{a day at the paris flea market}

One of the things at the top of my list for our time here in Paris was a trip (or two or three) to the world famous flea market.  Two weekends ago we hopped on the metro with some fellow friends from Chris' MBA program and spent the better half of a day wandering around the expansive markets.  I did a little research on what markets are best to start off with since the area is so expansive that there is no way to see everything in one day.  After reading Jordan's write up (seriously my biggest source while we have been here) and the overview on A Girls Guide, I decided on visiting Marche Dauphine, Marche Paul Bert & Marche Serpette.

There are two main things on my list that I would love to bring home as a reminder of our time living in Paris, one is an absinthe fountain (because I love absinthe and it would be beautiful to display on our bar!) and the other is a cool piece of art (preferably something on the smaller side since I would probably have to ship it home).  Unfortunately, I found neither of these things on our trip and came home empty handed because what I didn't realize about the Paris flea market is that it is craaaaazy expensive.  We are talking about walking across some random art laying on the ground outside of a merchant's stand and you ask for the price and the answer is "oh that is $3,500."  Um, what?  Perhaps the markets I chose are the more expensive ones as they are the ones that lean towards home decor/furnishings, but I had no idea it would be that expensive.

Don't get me wrong- we had soooo much fun wandering around for hours and hours looking at all the amazing antiques.  Every single stall was filled to the brim with things I would have gladly brought home- not to mention how inspiring it was just to see everything.   This was definitely not my last trip to the flea market as I intend to go back in a few weeks when the weather is nicer to continue my hunt for my wishlist items and to find the elusive markets that are more reasonably priced.  We are also planning on taking a little trek out to the twice yearly flea market in March.

If you do plan on taking a trip to the flea market during a vacation in Paris, I would recommend you read this post on exactly how to get there. 

 {I really wanted this leopard, but he was a cool 5K so Chris kindly steered me away.}

 {you guys. this dress. unfortunately it was a bit too small otherwise it would be hanging in
my mini closet in our paris apartment. I mean....look at it!}

{We stopped into Ma Cocotte for a cup of coffee- the entire place is designed by Phillip Starck so it's a fun modern place to relax for a minute.  We also ate lunch at this place and it was spectacular!}

So have you been to the Paris flea market? Whats the best market to find awesome deals at?!?

{paris: week three}

This week with Chris away at classes during the day out at HEC, I got to explore this beautiful city on my own which is something I really love doing (being entertained alone is one of the skills and perks of growing up as an only child).  I continue to be completely amazed by this city especially when I'm simply walking around and the gorgeous architecture/history just hits you in the face at every turn.  In the past 7 days we drank Margaritas here, explored the Japanese quarter here, ate some mind-blowing pastries from here and got some work done at the prettiest Starbucks you ever did see.  I'm starting to feel like I really may never return from this trip...

 {the view from the terrace on top of Printemps}

 {street crepes. my go-to is the nutella/banana}

 {just a parisian dog chillin off leash on the sidewalk.}

{don't you dare walk on this grass. it's just a big expanse of random grass perfect for lounging, but you can't sit here. move along. seriously wtf paris?! this is my one dislike with this city}

 {gorgeous dome at the Galleries Lafayette}

 {I've talked about Chris' love for all asian food before so it's no surprise that we lunched in the mini Japanese area by the Louvre on some delicious Ramen at this place}

{relaxing along the Seine}

{paris: week two}

After our second week living in Paris, we are feeling decidedly more settled in and comfortable.  We've located our different go-to places for baguettes, charcuterie and morning coffee- all of which are within steps from our front door.  We have continued to eat delicious meals all over the city including what is thus far our best meal in Paris at L'ami Jean in the 7th.  We have also had some memorable nights out at different bars around the 6th and the 7th as well as some tasty cocktails at Andy Wahloo followed by dinner at hipster haven, Derriere.  By far my favorite part of the past week has been discovering the city via Velib bikes which we have an unlimited membership for the duration of our stay here.  Chris starts classes at HEC this week which leaves me with tons of time to explore on my own during the daytime. 

 {the view to the east off my favorite bridge in the city}

 {anemones are literally everywhere}

 {we purchased Velib bike year memberships and it's my favorite way to get around}

 {if you want to learn more about these bikes, Jordan has a great post on them here}

 {a day of shopping around St. Germain de Pres when the twice-yearly city-wide sales started}

{so many adorable little parks sprinkled all around the different neighborhoods- but you cannot walk on the pretty grass which doesn't really make much sense to me}

 {little housewares at the flower stands near Pont Neuf}

 {we walked all over the Paris flea markets this past weekend- full post on that trip coming soon!}

 {the dogs of Paris - most of which are usually galavanting around off leash}

{a little outdoor candy stand on top of the Odeon metro stop}

{enjoying "happy hour" at a local brasserie}