Since returning to Florida, I haven't really missed winter. I don't miss freezing in my Florentine little apartment and how it took twenty minutes to pile on everything and get out the door. And I definitely don't miss wearing tights every day. I do, however, miss layering and all of the fun accessories. So, it was nice to break out some of my favorite winter accessories again last weekend in NYC.
I wore my new pink gingham popover with my favorite pastel plaid scarf. I kept the rest of my look simple with black, but added a touch of pink with my sunglasses and gorgeous long gloves I purchased in Prague. This was also the day that Emily and I had our hair done at the TRESemme style studio, so I had a fun braided faux-hawk to complete the look.
My favorite day in Paris was definitely our third day. We finally saw the sun and, although it was still very chilly, we decided to rent bikes for the afternoon. We started our morning with a stroll through our favorite neighborhood (which was also where we stayed), the Marais. Not only is this neighborhood lively, but it is also home to some of the city's most beautiful and colorful doors, which I have mapped here (I have a serious obsession with Parisian doors).
I love just strolling the Marais while periodically stopping to enjoy coffee, pastries, and the brightly-colored doors. Door gazing isn't exactly Britt's favorite pastime, but she is a good sport and is easily bribed with macarons. Inspired by the doors' jewel-toned hues, I wore my favorite blue/teal tights paired with my favorite Zara dress, complete with pussy bow (I can't resist a good bow). I blame Kate Spade and Blair Waldorf for my love of brightly-colored and patterned tights and pussy bows.
After our morning stroll, we grabbed our bikes from Paris Bike Tours (only 15 euro for the day and so much easier than having to return the Vélib’ bikes every 30 min) and headed towards the Isle of Saint Louis, one of my favorite spots in the city. The island is not only beautiful and serene, but filled with colorful doors, quaint cafes, and gorgeous views of the Seine. From there we biked to the Laduree on Rue Bonaparte to pick up some much needed snacks, before carrying on to the Luxembourg Gardens. We spent the rest of our afternoon having a macaron picnic in the gardens while enjoying the sunshine. Talk about a perfect day!
Every Sunday that I am in town, Anna and I like to have what we call a “Sunday Funday.” It usually involves strolls through the city, visiting our favorite restaurants (or trying new ones), and doing something cultural. This Sunday we wandered through the Oltrarno (one of my favorite neighborhoods in Florence). We visited the Sunday market in Piazza Santo Spirito, the gorgeous cloister of the Church of Santo Spirito, and made new friends as we sipped wine and gorged ourselves at our favorite restaurant in town, Osteria Santo Spirito (yes, everything has Santo Spirito in the name of this square lol).
I wore this look a couple weeks ago for Fashion’s Night in Florence, and again to the adorable French-themed street fair that popped up in Piazza Santissima Annunziata the following week. It basically includes everything I love in one outfit -- a pussy bow, pink, and a novelty bag.
As much as I stick to what I know works for me, I also love trying my hand at different trends every once in a while. I believe getting dressed should be fun, and now and then you just have to try something new. I wasn’t sure if I was going to love the socks and heels/maryjanes look, but I had seen it in several window displays in Florence and I was feeling inspired. I actually really like it! It is certainly not professional enough for work, but great for an evening out. Plus, the socks are practical - they definitely make your heels more comfortable.
Have you tried, or would you try, the socks and heels trend?