Reading + Eating and Taste Testing

The only thing I was reading were the flavor options at the gelato shop. At this rate, the entire shop will soon know my full government name. During my weekly pilgrimage, I’ve found that I’m clearly partial to pecan and strawberry.

I do have Yesteryear on my list — crossing my fingers for more time to read in June!

Perusing, Paris & Proud Of

Our friends were visiting, so we roamed around Paris, visiting a few museums and exhibits along the way. Below are a few highlights and some tips in case you’re interested in visiting them!

Matisse 1941 – 1954

Matisse doesn’t need an introduction, a few of my favorite pieces below.

Versailles

Versailles is an easy day trip from the city center. The tip I want to share with you is to go to the Daughters’ apartments first! If you go straight instead of left after security, you’re bound to miss your opportunity. Traffic flows one way and once you exit, you can’t go back in. I’ve now missed them twice! Next time, I’m beelining it there.

The RER C will take you all the way there via the Versailles Rive Gauche station — from there it’s a quick walk to the château. If you can get to Gare Montparnasse from where you are easily, you can take a quick 15 minute ride to Versailles Chantiers directly.

Martin Parr

We managed to go to the Martin Parr exhibition a few days before it ended. I was struck by the amount of time I spent at each photograph, dissecting each scene. The one that stayed with me the most was a zoomed out scene of everyone trying to get a photo of the Mona Lisa — a scene I’ve experienced myself. Another had me wondering whether we’ll see a shift in editorial photography with the rise of large learning models (most notably referred to as AI — I just don’t think they deserve to be called intelligent!). The image was Parr’s first fashion commission, for Amica, an Italian magazine. At first I thought it was street photography — my second thought was whose mom is this!?

Madame de Sévigné Exhibition

I wasn’t expecting to have a full circle moment when I went to the latest exhibition at my most frequented museum in Paris. We went to see the Madame de Sévigné exhibition at Musée Carnavalet that highlights the life of Marie de Rabutin-Chantal. She was born in Place Royale (now known as Places des Vosges) — a stone’s throw away from the Musée Carnavalet. She later became a resident of Hotel Carnavalet (now Musée Carnavalet) from 1677 until her death in 1696.

The exhibition recounts her influence through the letters she wrote to daughter. She embodied the galant culture and the art de vivre of the time — in today’s world, we’d say she had aura. One of my favorite parts was a map coded with all the places she frequented and people she visited — almost like what you’d find recounted in a period piece journal. It made me wonder what mine would look like over the course of my time in Paris — all the museums, cafes, stores, and friendships that would radiate across the neatly labeled streets.

The Catacombs

We visited the Catacombs for the first time and honestly, once was enough. While it’s fascinating to see the well preserved history that stretches for miles, it was a bit eerie — especially when I found myself alone at various points. The quietness echoed in the darkness and had a weight to it that I can’t quite put into words. I’ve never been so happy to climb the stairs back up into the fresh air.

This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. You can find more details below.

Obsessing Over

This suede green beauty! If you read my February favorites, you may have seen me mention Manu Atelier. I’ve been obsessing over every style they make, but there is something about this green suede that transports me back to the feeling I first had when I came across an emerald ring band I wish I had bought years ago. I hope I don’t make the same mistake twice. I was also a fan of this tote — it has a single strap that sits comfortably on the shoulder.

Recommending To You

This month’s recommendation is small and so simple that it almost feels silly to recommend, but I’m here to recommend the fun drink. In the warmer months, I find it harder to order anything full of milk, so I revert to something more refreshing. I’ve been switching between an orangeade with hibiscus and strawberry lemonade all month!

On My Radar

Anne Shelley

It’s not every day that I’m happy a targeted ad resonated, but I’ve been going back to Anne Shelley’s jewelry ever since it graced my feed. Everything is handmade in northern France and her designs don’t have a blueprint — instead, she brings them to life in the moment with wire, her wire cutters and a bead. A few I keep going back to are these dangly earrings and this single bead necklace that almost gives the same vibe as a choker.

ps — if you’re in Paris between June 16 to 20 they’re hosting a pop-up at 13 rue de Saintong!

Monthly Favorites

Grey Cotton Cardigan

Y’all already know how much I adore Gillian Stevens’ pieces. This cotton cardigan (gifted) has barely left my side since it arrived in March. In the Spring, I find myself reaching for more cotton sweaters due to their breathability. I mostly wear this one over a tank or throw it around my shoulders if I’m feeling a bit toasty later in the day.

Mimétique Skin Restore

I had saved Mimétique into my notes app after spotting it at the pharmacy well over a year ago. I had jotted Skin Restore as a potential backup for when I made my way through my SkinFix stash I’d stocked up on before moving. The emphasis on formulation and scientific backing caught my attention — no fluff, no gimmick marketing, just facts. Their approach reminds me of my beloved Dieux. I’ve repurchased it and it’s one product my husband and I have both added to our routine.

All Black Outfits with Red as an Accent

Every time I wear an all black outfit, I’m reminded of (the queen of black) and ’s letter from last summer. There is something about an all black outfit in the warmer months that feels so fresh to me. Maybe because white is the default color of summer? Either way, adding a red accent with my sandals has been my kryptonite lately.

Tying Your Button Down at an Angle

Resharing this tip here in case you missed it! It’s easily been one of my favorite discoveries in the past month.

Farmers Market Flowers

I was reminded how much I love having flowers at home after picking up this bouquet at the farmers market. It’s the same flower, but in three different colors. I unfortunately didn’t jot down the name. Next time, I’m getting the calla lilies!

Linen Pants

These pants saved me during the heatwave we had in Paris — especially towards the end where I found myself reaching for them without thinking. I know linen pants get a bad rap for being wrinkle prone, but I’ve found wrinkles weren’t something I worried about when I wore them. It’s possible the wrinkles were harder to see on black linen — either way, these have been the perfect pants for dealing with scorching days.

I’m From Toner

I was so excited to see this back in stock on the shelves of my local Korean skincare store. It’s a rice milk toner that leans milkier than others I’ve tried. It leaves my skin feeling nourished and refreshed. If you ever have the chance to try, I highly recommend it!

Beach Trip

For a long weekend in May, we went back to Brittany to spend the weekend with my husband’s family. It poured all weekend in Paris, but somehow it was bright and beautiful along the coast. We fell very much into the same routines of last August — eating, swimming, taking long ambling walks. If you’re curious what that looked like, you can read the recap from last summer here.

All featured items mentioned here.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

Thank you for joining me on another monthly favorites! It goes without saying, but I’m so excited to have y’all here — it’s a joy to share my corner of the world with you. Your support truly means the world to me. I’d love to know what your May favorites were, let me know in the comments below!

xx Ofelia

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Not all links are monetized — I only share brands whose quality and design focus I admire. Some pieces were gifted from prior years and their reappearance in current newsletters reflects my confidence in that brand’s products . Everything featured reflects items I genuinely love, would buy and wear myself.

If you liked this, you might also like the following:

If you’re curious how this week compares to last May, you can read that here.

ps — some days have the usual flat lays alongside the outfit and some don’t! I’d love to know which format you prefer — poll at the bottom for your thoughts! Also, I’m including this letter I wrote last summer in case you’re looking for more ideas to beat the heat.

This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. You can find more details below.

Day One

high of 62° f | 16.6° c

Our friends had arrived into town for a few days and we were off to Versailles early that morning. It was projected to rain, so I knew my Salomons would be the shoe of choice (they’re water proof!). With the temps in the low 60s and looming rain, I knew a wool sweater would be part of the agenda. I wore comfortable denim and layered a grey v-neck sweater (alt) over a t-shirt. As a precaution, I added my trench (alt) before heading out the door. Minimal jewelry was part of the ensemble with my burgundy duckhead making an appearance in the Versailles gardens.

Day Two

high of 68° f | 20° c

It was perfect “light jacket” weather. I reached for my cotton cardigan (gifted) and left the last few buttons undone so my pointelle tank (alt | alt) would peak through. Next, my favorite ankle jeans (gifted) and brown suede flats to tie it all together. In retrospect it wasn’t necessary, but I wore my trench just in case there was a breeze. I’m not one to intentionally match my shoes to my bag, but I added my raffia tote (alt | alt) for some texture. You’ll be seeing her a lot around here.

Day Three

high of 75° f | 24° c

Immediately after walking through the door post photo shoot, I traded jeans and tennis shoes for linen pants (gifted) and red sandals to drop off film for development. Even with a high of 75, the sun felt strong today. Linen was exactly what I needed. I kept everything else minimal and grabbed another beloved woven tote (alt) to carry my film to the lab.

Day Four

high of 83° f | 28° c

As the heat made its way onto the stage, a long button down and linen-silk trousers felt manageable. I’d had my eye on a striped yellow button down since last summer but it unfortunately never made it past the checkout (classic Ofelia move). After missing my first opportunity, when I saw this one recently, I knew I needed to have it. Yellow paired with white tickles my brain and the white flats (gifted) plus my raffia bag gave it just enough contrast to tie it all together.

Day Five

high of 87° f | 30.5° c

This was the first day that felt hotttt to me — I could feel the trapped heat radiating around the apartment as I was in a tizzy trying to figure out what to wear. We had a full day of walking ahead, going from one museum to another with our friends — so I knew tennis shoes were a non-negotiable. I changed three times, each attempt somehow worse than the last and feeling more overstimulated by the minute. I surrendered to a yellow linen dress (alt) and grabbed my blue tote (alt | alt) accompanying it. If I’m being totally honest, I didn’t love the outfit, but there are days where it’s just too hot to function.

Day Six

high of 88° f | 31° c

My mind and body were slowly getting used to being in unrelenting heat — wearing a button down over a tank top felt totally doable. It’s like I’d finally acclimatized. I wore a variation of this outfit last summer, but this time I wore a pointelle tank underneath and left the button down open. I wish I had a roomier pair of shorts (they clearly shrunk in my dresser), but these (alt) would have to do. I reached for my white flats that I wore with no show nylon socks to keep my feet comfortable. Jewelry felt tolerable again, so I added a pearl and silver necklace (alt) from my mom.

Day Seven

high of 90° f | 32° c

I’d been wanting to wear this outfit for a while, but I never loved how a button down looked tied around my waist — until I saw this video of Molly Ashman. She mentions tying the button down at a slight angle instead of straight across. That trick made a world of a difference to me. It feels less bulky and more intentional to the entire outfit. Otherwise, I kept the outfit simple, wearing a linen tank (alt) and linen pants (gifted) with a pop of color before heading off in the heat to run errands. That evening, for drinks on the patio, I swapped my raffia purse for my burgundy pouch.

ps — better view of Molly’s advice at work here!

Bonus

high of 91° f | 32.7° c

I typically only share seven days, but this outfit needed to be included in today’s roundup. The hottest day of them all. I had last minute plans to meet up with a friend for lunch so I went with an all white outfit — an easy formula in the scorching heat. Starting with linen trousers (alt | alt), and an oversized button down. My turquoise necklace (alt) felt like the perfect addition, with it falling over the tank instead of sitting on my skin — no sticky jewelry! If my tan sandals weren’t still broken, I would have worn those, but instead went for my black leather flip flops. Can you tell I’m very much into my raffia bag?

All featured items mentioned here.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

In a few days, Paris will be graced with a 20 degree drop in temperature. We’re finally returning to the mid 70s, so I’ll be going back to something similar to Day Two soon — at least until summer decides to return. Ideally no more heat waves in Paris (knock on wood)! What have you been wearing as we transition into Summer? I’d love to know, let me know in the comments below!

xx Ofelia

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Not all links are monetized — I only share brands whose quality and design focus I admire. Some pieces were gifted from prior years and their reappearance in current newsletters reflects my confidence in that brand’s products . Everything featured reflects items I genuinely love, would buy and wear myself.

If you liked this, you might also like the following:

ps — I highly recommend renting a car to wander Provence more freely. If you’re arriving on a weekday (car rental agencies tend to be closed on the weekend in smaller cities), you can take the train all the way to Avignon to avoid the longer drive into Provence from Lyon.

Where We Stayed

We booked our vacation last minute — about a month before, which I don’t recommend! Fortunately, we were still able to find a hotel with availability since we booked at the cusp of the season.

We checked into Capelongue, located right outside of Bonnieux proper, a quaint little town, nestled into the hills. The property is stunning, split between the original hotel, La Bastide, and the newer suites tucked away next to their rustic La Bergerie restaurant, there’s plenty of room to amble about and take in the surrounding views.

We didn’t get to explore all of their offerings, but I appreciated that they had games, books, and even offered yoga and pilates classes for anyone who wanted to partake. Next time, we’re hoping to play a few games at their tennis courts!

The staff are incredibly friendly, helpful with recommendations and quick to resolve any issues. It could’ve been because we were on the cusp of the season, but the service felt sparse at times, likely due to understaffing — this gave the property a four star feel for me personally. With all the time in the world, it didn’t really bother us — just something to note!

Day One

We arrived around 3pm and headed straight for the pool immediately after check-in. It was the perfect day to lounge — empty, sunny, and that feeling you get when you initially settle into vacation mode. If you’re curious about what I wore, you can read more about that here!

We had dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, La Bergerie, where we found dishes that had been reinvented to honor the region with twists on provincial classics. We drank wine on the patio, watching the sky turn into blissful, orange-pink hues as the sun set while we waited for our table.

Day Two

We intentionally made no plans for this trip, so we asked the concierge for recommendations who gave us plenty of recommendations to go off of. We started with Lourmarmin, a cute town nearby with a sister property to Capelongue called Le Galinier (one we considered but was booked). We parked on the edge of town and ambled through the winding streets, popping into shops that piqued our interest.

I walked into this hat shop purely because I read Ophelia on the signage. The shopkeeper was incredibly friendly and delighted to have an audience to chat with about the craftsmanship of the hats. She taught us how to identify a real Panama hat in the wild — which are actually from Ecuador originally.

As we continued perusing, we came across this gem store. My eyes locked in at the Peridot necklaces (shoutout to August birthdays!) who quickly won me over. I tried one on and it was pretty much a done deal, but told the owner I’d be back as I thought about it a bit more just to be sure.

We continued on and popped into La Colline where I fell for checkered napkins, and Fanette la Sardinette where I picked up sardines for a friend who loves them. The shop that had me wishing we could take multiple pieces home was Galerie Isirdi where I fell in love with everything I set my eyes on. You can’t take pictures inside, but there was a beautiful lithograph painting of fruit on a table in dark blue that had me entranced — I hope it makes it into our home one day.

Other notable shops we popped into: FRANC 1884, Le Monde d’Eloise, CARACTÈRE(S) and finally Le Village de Pierre et Céline where I spotted this stunning Dragon Diffusion purse, It comes with a built-in draw string bag to keep your belongings tucked away.

The early afternoon heat hit and we decided to take the gemstone shopkeeper’s recommendation for lunch — Château La Coste. We went to La Terrasse (no reservations required!) to enjoy a lovely lunch with a glass of bubbly rosé. If you’re interested, there are tours you can partake in or book a table at one of their three restaurants for a more elevated experience. We ended up buying a bottle of their bubbly rosé to take back home with us. Back at the hotel, we enjoyed the rest of the day lounging by the pool.

ps — this is where we started wishing we had pre-planned some dinner reservations, because most were closed or fully booked. We ate dinner at the hotel again, after unsuccessfully finding no viable options in town.

Day Three

Learning from the day before, we made sure to book a table at La Bastide de Marie for lunch, a recommendation from ! First, we headed to Gordes for the morning. The concierge had warned us that although it’s full of beautiful views as you drive in, it’s typically overcrowded. They weren’t wrong!

When we got there, they had a sprawling market in the center of the city. It motivated us to try to find parking despite the crowds and luckily, the universe heard our plea and we snagged one of the last spots.

As we made our way through the market, I spied these quintessential French market bags and to my surprise, discovered that I actually prefer a rectangle shape to the traditional French style. I didn’t love the handles of this one, so I decided to pass on it.

We stopped to admire these gorgeous flowers pressed into framed arrangements. My husband and I immediately knew we’d have to take one home with us — we couldn’t decide between two so we decided to take both! The artist was the sweetest soul, a man who has been pouring so much love into his artworks for sixty years!

After Gordes, we made our way to La Bastide de Marie where we enjoyed the most delicious lunch — easily one of the best of the trip. It’s also a hotel, which they’re expanding with another restaurant. It was a prix fixe menu, but with plenty of options to choose from. For our appetizers, I picked a vegetable tart and my husband enjoyed the mackerel confit in garlic pepper oil. Followed by a golden sea bream for me and a braised beef cheek for my husband. A cheese plate was a necessity for my husband (a true Frenchman) and I’m glad he insisted because the goat cheese marinated in thyme oil was divine. For desserts, I devoured a Carpentras strawberry tart while my husband enjoyed every bite of the chocolate mousse.

After lunch and several glasses of wine, we roamed around the property stopping to admire beautiful flowers coming into bloom. Their wines were also easily some of my favorites — Blanc de Blancs Vin Mousseux Brut (a bubbly wine) being my absolute favorite pour of the week.

A few minutes away, we explored the town of Ménerbes and roamed around the picture-esque town. It was hilly, with weaving narrow streets surrounded by expansive views.

We drove by Oppède on the way home, another spot we were hoping to visit, but we ended up being too tired to stop. We finished the day lounging by the pool again and ordering room service for dinner. Thank goodness for our laziness because otherwise I wouldn’t have eaten a delicious raspberry tart.

Day Four

We drove to Aix-en-Provence for the day, with no plans apart from wandering around. After spending a few days wandering small towns in solitude, stepping onto the streets of Aix was a bit overwhelming. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it was much more crowded than I had anticipated. At the same time, I started developing a massive headache that required immediate remedy. We quickly found a pharmacy to bring me out of my daze. As the doliprane (French ibuprofen) kicked in, we wandered into a few stores that caught our eye — like this gallery featuring contemporary artists. My favorite was Vaudron, who uses mainly gauche paint.

Afterwards, I searched for vintage stores to visit. We were a few streets over from Jeanstory where I ended up finding a few pairs of jeans and my husband found a Polo Ralph Lauren denim jacket that I’ve decided is also mine.

After hitting the jackpot, we headed to Caumont Centre d’Art that had just opened up an exhibit on Toulouse-Lautrec. He’s best known for his portrayal of nightlife in Paris in the late 1800s through his posters and paintings. As the afternoon heat kicked in, the pool started calling our name once again, so we grabbed a quick bite and made the one hour trek back to the hotel.

One of the side effects of not planning was that most restaurants were full: we ended up at a small restaurant in town that was nothing to write home about. We made up for it by stopping for ice cream at Glacier Le Tinel after dinner — my husband picked mint chocolate chip while I went with coconut.

Day Five

We’d saved L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue for Thursday on purpose — it was market day. It was a mixture of food and artisan vendors in equal measure that winded through the streets of the picturesque town. I have a sneaking suspicion it doubles in size during peak season. We weaved in and out of the market, stopping at booths that called our names. These necklaces caught my attention and I ended up taking something similar home. I also noticed that some of the vendors were familiar — we’d also seen them at the market in Gordes!

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted this raffia bag in a cute little consignment store. I immediately went inside and decided I needed to have it. It appears I have a thing for raffia bags. In the words of — you can never have too many.

After roaming the entirety of the market, we sat by the water and enjoyed sandwiches from a nearby boulangerie. We headed back to the hotel right on time, because it started to rain as we arrived.

For our last dinner, we found a small restaurant outside of town, La Petite Histoire with an opening. My husband ordered a fish dish that had us questioning if it was duck due to the consistency (nonetheless it was delish!). We ended with the perfect sweet treat that I still think about — a pistachio strawberry tart.

For Next Time

Below is a running list of places we saved for a future visit. They are a mix of recommendations we collected and places we drove by that we noted.

Restaurants

La Petite Histoire

Le Saint Hubert

Restaurant Les Saveurs Gourmandes

La Table Des Amis

Wineries

Château de Mille

Château La Canorgue

Places and Towns of Interest

Lacoste

Roussillon

Goult

Museums

Musée de la Lavande Luberon

Musée de l’Huile d’Olive

Maison de la Truffe et du Vin du Luberon

Places to Stay

Domaine Les Martins — I’ve had this hotel saved for 6+ years, but we couldn’t make it work this time around. Hoping to stay here at some point! They also have an apartment in Paris you can rent.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

This vacation was a breath of fresh air for us. We’re used to feeling guilty for not seeing and doing enough on vacation. We were previously “go go go” vacation people. I’m enjoying the intentional shift we made on this vacation — taking it day by day and savoring the present moment.

I hope you enjoyed this recap and if you have any recommendations for a future visit, please drop them below!

xx Ofelia

If you liked this, you might also like the following:

ps — I learned that depending on how you pronounce Provence, you’re either referring to the region in the south of France (Provence) or anywhere outside of Paris (Province).

This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. You can find more details below.

Day One

Immediately after check in, we headed straight to the pool. For the 30 second walk from the room to the pool, I wore a white linen cover up (similar | alt | alt) over a red two piece bathing suit (similar top and bottoms). Of course, I couldn’t forget my trusty bucket hat and sunnies (gifted) to shield me from the sun while I read One & Only.

For a casual dinner, I changed into a linen tank (gifted), linen pants (gifted) and draped cotton cardigan (gifted) over my shoulders — with the buttons on the outside (my go to!). My raffia tote (alt | alt) made its first appearance of many. I slipped on my suede sandals (similar) — the ones I wish A.EMERY would re-release and I constantly scour resale sites for.

Day Two

It was bright, warm and had me understanding why Peter Mayle chose to write a book on his life in Provence (I haven’t read yet, but it’s now at the top of my list). I slipped into my beloved linen cotton striped trouser (similar), added an eyelet tank (alt | alt) and once again draped a cardigan over my shoulders. My wide brim hat made an appearance and when I wasn’t wearing it, I slipped it into my raffia tote — an unexpected and pleasant surprise that it fit! I re-wore my suede sandals to continue with the slightly tonal look.

Once we got back at the hotel, we immediately headed to the pool again. This time I changed into a navy triangle top and high waist bottoms. Both were gifted, and both surprisingly capable of withstanding a 700+ meter swim in a pool — something I would have never guessed! This button down dress that I envisioned as a swimsuit cover up worked fabulously — not to self: bring it out more often for non pool days.

Day Three

I was surprised to wake up to fog and clouds, but I had a sneaking suspicion it’d brighten up later in the day. To be safe, I wore a light blue button down with a subtle stripe (alt color) and linen silk trousers (use OFELIA15 for 15% off) that I’ve been itching to wear since I got them hemmed.

I also draped a sweater over my shoulders, but this time it was a navy wool option (alt | alt) just in case I needed some added warmth. In the end I wish I had worn a tank underneath because at some points throughout the day it felt a little too roasty toasty. I wore my bright red sandals (alt | alt) for a touch of color.

Day Four

The sun came back out to play, thank goodness! So it was time to wear one of my favorite dresses — the only dress (alt | alt) I packed for the trip. You already know I went straight for my grey cardigan, draping it over my shoulders. In the right image you can see my go to cardigan styling — buttons on the outside with the last few unbuttoned. I completed the outfit with my wide brim hat and slipped on my suede sandals.

Once we were back at the hotel, that could only mean one thing — yep, straight back to the pool. I wore a one piece from Borneo, a brand I’ve had my eye on for well over a year. To finish the look, I threw on my striped blue dress again. My bucket hat, sunnies (gifted), book and sunscreen were all stashed in my raffia tote.

For dinner in town, I changed into jeans since the evenings had been getting chilly. I reached for one of my favorite buttons and threw a sweater (alt | alt) over my shoulders. My red sandals returned for a pop of color and I accessorized with a peridot green necklace (alt).

Day Five

Our lucky streak with the weather unfortunately came to an end — my enemies were after me. By enemies, I mean the looming clouds and rain. I was rather delusional when getting dressed and wore a version of an outfit I wore last summer — a halter tank, a flowy skirt (alt | alt), and my trusty grey cardigan (gifted) that was, you guessed it, draped over my shoulders — buttons on the outside, of course. I regrettably went for my suede sandals — not because they’re not a solid choice but rather because one of the straps broke while perusing a local market. To the shoe cobbler they go! My trusty raffia tote continued its week-long streak.

I ended up wearing this top handle raffia purse (alt | alt) right out of the secondhand store after purchasing it. I clearly have a thing for raffia bags and this one is no exception. It’s the perfect touch of texture for an outfit!

By the time we headed to dinner, it had been raining for a few hours. I switched into black ankle-length jeans, kept my tank on, and added a cardigan (gifted). For the first time that week, I reached for my black cotton jacket (gifted) — topping it off with these beautiful white flats (gifted | use OFELIA15 for 15% off).

A Few From My Husband

A guest appearance from my husband, who packed half as much as I did and ended up stealing my jacket because he forgot his. Any interest in a future letter on outfits my husband wears that I love?

All featured items mentioned here.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

Stay tuned for what we did, where we stayed and a few places I’m saving for next time!

xx Ofelia

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Not all links are monetized — I only share brands whose quality and design focus I admire. Some pieces were gifted from prior years and their reappearance in current newsletters reflects my confidence in that brand’s products . Everything featured reflects items I genuinely love, would buy and wear myself.

If you liked this, you might also like the following:

Reading

I had saved One & Only by to read on vacation after it arrived in a package from . It’s been the perfect poolside read and each page has kept me wanting more. If you’re looking for a page turner filled with romance and magical realism then you should definitely consider adding this one to your list.

ps — when I opened up the first page, I saw my name and Maureen’s autograph. It made me feel so special. Forever grateful for friends like Natalia and Maureen.

Eating and Taste Testing

It’s gelato season babyyyy! My favorite gelato spot is open again so naturally I had to stop by several times. You’ll most likely see it mentioned in All the Above a few more times where I share my latest favorites. This month, I fell in love with mandarin with passion fruit and pecan. My husband had a delicious combo of coffee and pistachio.

Perusing, Paris & Proud Of

Palais Galliera

We went to the 18th century fashion exhibit at Palais Galliera after spotting the advertisement in the metro. The exhibit was based on the romanticized fantasy we often associate with 18th century fashion. The takeaway: we’re looking at the era with rose colored glasses.

In the 18th century, silhouettes changed dramatically — women’s silhouettes moved from geometric to more elongated, with less structure. Fabrication soon followed suit, preferring simple textiles over the heavy, ornate silhouettes we typically associate with this era.

In the last section, they displayed various dresses made for fashion houses, that loosely reimagined 18th century silhouettes. A few dresses from that section captured my attention:

— A black gown by Ralph Rucci’s haute couture autumn-winter 2019-2020 collection

— John Galliano for Dior for the “Le bal des artistes” haute couture autumn-winter 2007-2008 collection

— Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel with a bodice and skirt from the haute couture spring-summer 1999 collection. You can see Devon Aoki opening up the show in this dress. Also, a bride picked something reminiscent of it a few years back!

— Lastly, this stunning dress! Another Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel from the haute couture printemps-été 2005 collection

Weekend Ski Trip to La Tania

Not technically in Paris, but we went on a last minute ski trip with friends at the beginning of the month. I wasn’t originally planning to ski since I couldn’t find ski gear at the last minute. My husband was determined to make it happen and we got lucky when one of the stores at the base was having an end of season sale. The pickings were slim, but I walked out with a snowboarding jacket and pants that ended up working out great for all my runs.

I hadn’t skied in over six years, so I was relearning how to do it all again. La Tania is part of Les 3 Vallées, which is the largest ski resort in the world. It connects to several mountains — if you’re an intermediate to expert level skier or snowboarder, you can cross over to the other mountains and slopes fairly easily. My husband and our friend cruised down the various slopes on both sides, while my friend and I stuck to the greens on the La Tania side.

I also learned that La Tania was originally developed for the Albertville Olympics in 1992. For whatever reason, it’s also a mountain where most visitors are predominantly British!

Obsessing Over

If you saw this note or read this letter, you know I’ve been obsessing over all shades of red. Equally so, and more recently, I’ve been very into washed, light blue hues. It might just be because I’m looking for it, but I see it everywhere. A few recent saves include this t-shirt, tank, sweater and these flats.

Recommending To You

Sunglasses are so tough to buy online, so if you have a pair you love, I recommend jotting down the sizing. This way, whenever you’re looking at a pair online, you can compare measurements to ensure they’d sit on your face as you envision. This worked well for me with a pair I mention below.

Treating Myself To

An actual vacation! I’ll be recapping our trip to Provence in an upcoming letter, but it was the first time in years where I didn’t open up my computer for a solid week. The forced detachment from work was much needed, even if my film cameras still came with me everywhere we went!

On My Radar

Sunscreen Stick

Now that strong sun rays are making their way back into our daily routines, I’ve been looking for a sunscreen stick to reapply on the go. While I don’t think it’s a true replacement for sunscreen, the ease of reapplying is better than nothing. While I can’t get this in France, I’m so curious about EADEM’s latest release. The reviews are looking promising! Has anyone tried it?!

Monthly Favorites

OSEA Body Oil

I bought this body oil on my most recent trip to the U.S. and I was reminded of how much I love it. It soaks up into your skin so easily and it doesn’t transfer onto your clothes. I particularly love layering it on with my body butter after the shower.

Pistola Denim

Now that the weather has warmed up, I’ve been reaching for ankle length jeans (gifted) more often. I’ve had them for several months now, I wanted to wait and wear them repeatedly before reporting back. They’ve easily become one of my favorite ankle jeans. They’re soft, comfortable and manage to hold their shape after each wear. I’m 5’6” and they fit around my ankle comfortably. I took my regular size because I wanted a slightly looser fit and they worked perfectly. If I was in the market for a light wash ankle jean, I’d try this one.

ps — most people size down! If you don’t have fuller hips, I’d recommend sizing down.

Oval Sunglasses

I’ve been wearing these (gifted) almost non-stop for the past few months. They’re my new go-to sunglasses. Even my friend, who isn’t usually the biggest fan of this silhouette, tried them on and was pleasantly surprised!

Tan Jeans

While looking through my friend’s closet, I spotted these tan jeans tucked away in the back. I mentioned I had never seen her wear them and she said she wasn’t sure she liked them on her. She tried them on again to confirm and offered them to me in case I wanted them. I immediately tried them on and ended up wearing them home.

ps — Gillian Stevens is having 20% off sale until Sunday. You can see all the pieces that are part of the sale here! The black jacket above is part of the sale!

Brown Raffia Tote

I’ve wanted a beige raffia tote for summer for years, but I could never quite find one I loved. Turns out, I was looking for the wrong color. The moment I saw this brown one, I knew it was exactly what I needed. An unintended plus is that my wide brim hat fits perfectly inside.

ZIIP Halo

I’ve been using my Halo (gifted | first generation) for 4+ months now and I finally managed to take some photo evidence of my progress. I’ve definitely noticed a difference when I’m using it consistently and following a program. Within days, it cleared up my dryness and within two weeks, the redness on my cheeks had disappeared. I’ve been using the Electric Complex Gel (gifted), but there are a few others I’ve been curious about like the hydration or glow versions. You can use OFELIA for 10% off.

ps — if you’re interested in seeing the video of my progress, you can do so here. Timestamp 0:42 for the before, 0:53 for one week in and 1:13 for the final results.

Linen Tank

My beloved linen tank (as seen in my May ‘25 favorites)! I wear this weekly and I can’t seem to wash it fast enough. Almost two years later, it’s still going strong. I find it’s a great layering piece that also works well on its own. I particularly love that it’s linen, so it works incredibly well all year, but especially in the warmer months. Every time I wear this tank or similar, I think about how I wish I had a dainty necklace (paid affiliate link) to layer on.

I wish I had bought this scoop neck tank in the same material a few weeks ago when it was still in stock. I went to purchase it a few days ago and sadly, it was gone. I hope it comes back before summer! The black version is still available.

Indyx

My friend asked me to be part of a video she was working on with Indyx, and it was such a blast! We created outfits for one another from each other’s closets. Apart from getting to create with one of my best friends in Paris, what I loved about it was that it showcased how different our styles were and the type of pieces we gravitated toward in each other’s wardrobe. It goes to show that sometimes a fresh pair of eyes is all you need to gain a new perspective on your existing pieces.

All featured items mentioned here.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

I hope you had the loveliest April with lots of sunshine and outdoor excursions on your agenda. As always, I’d love to know what your monthly favorites were. Let me know in the comments!

xx Ofelia

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Not all links are monetized — I only share brands whose quality and design focus I admire. Some pieces were gifted from prior years and their reappearance in current newsletters reflects my confidence in that brand’s products . Everything featured reflects items I genuinely love, would buy and wear myself.

If you liked this, you might also like the following:

Photography

Cecy Young

I will forever be inspired by Mexican photographers — and Cecy Young is one of my favorites. I found her work while perusing Belmond’s locations as I was escaping through my screen to an Italian adventure. She won the Belmond Photographic Residency in 2024 and captured what “home” meant to her during her two week stay. Besides that sounding like a literal dream, This reflection on her time there resonated deeply:

She didn’t stage scenes; instead she observed, letting sensation rather than story guide her lens, following light, texture and atmosphere in search of fleeting moments that happen naturally at the hotel.

You can view more of her pictures here.

And while we’re at it — this video as well.

Irving Penn

Penn’s photography is iconic in many ways and has had a massive influence on the evolution of photography. His influence can be seen today in many genres, but to me his influence is most vivid in still life photography.

If you’re looking for someone to follow today, Shaye Babb’s work is incredible. She’s done some beautiful work for brands you may know like RŌZ and Heaven Mayhem.

Carven

Most people watch fashion shows and dissect the clothing. My favorite moments are the ones that happen off the runway. While scrolling for inspiration, I came across images of Carven’s FW ‘26 show. They weren’t the typical runway shots optimized to showcase an entire look. Instead, they captured movement, feeling and tiny details that go beyond what was being showcased.

Color Blocking by J.Crew

Olympia Gayot of J.Crew declaring red a neutral color, because I’m very much on board with that idea.

Victoria Cliffe’s Videography

I’ve been a fan of Victoria Cliffe’s work for a while. I found this project of hers rooted in public disturbances to be genius. She aims to show us an alternative to how Cape Town is typically portrayed. You can find more context here.

I love behind-the-scenes content, so when photographers share their inspiration alongside their results, it brings me pure joy.

Billboard Dreamin’

I climbed the stairs out of the metro at Opéra and turned around to find this giant billboard. It made me wonder — did the photographer ever imagine their picture could be up there one day? Because now, I have the same dream.

Spaces

Suzanne Valadon Atelier

I read ’s piece on Suzanne Valadon, in which she shared a visit to Musée de Montmartre (one I highly recommend) where a recreation of Valadon’s studio is on display. There’s something magical in getting to observe how someone’s creative space was set up, displayed or even left behind.

From my visit to the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation where his workspace was left exactly as it was after his death.

Ariana Papademetropoulos Glass Slipper Exhibition

I didn’t expect to hear anything when I picked up the phone except maybe ocean sounds, but instead I heard a conversation between Papademetropoulos and her psychic medium. The way I’d be calling every single one of my friends just to use this phone if it was in my house. You can read more about it here.

Everything Else

My friend telling me that if she’s not wearing a minimum of eight rings, she feels naked.

The way I stop to admire any shade of red in the wild. Why does it have me (and everyone else, it seems) in a trance?!

The way that if I stare at this picture too long, the bag starts looking like it’s smiling back back at me. Which obviously means I need to buy it.

These graphics by ! Bonus points for Porto Studio.

The number of conversations, stories, and laughs that have been shared around this table for the state of the candle to look like this.

How perfect these two colors coordinate. Also, how paper goods just feed my soul.

The way a trench blows in the wind — giving your entire outfit an ethereal feeling.

These magazine covers from the Dior Museum. Did you know you can explore the archives?

This bag still haunts me to this day! Which reminds me of this stunning dress.

This entire article by Joan Didion.

If you haven’t come across a video from Tweedy & Fluff — this one (and song!) plays in my brain on repeat.

@tweedyandfluffThis happy little Fluff 🤍🐾 #tweedyandfluff #happy #joy #bestfriend #friend

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I’ll leave you with this duck oil painting. I don’t know why, but it makes me sad that he’s selling it to buy more supplies. I hope he gets to keep it while still managing to get the supplies he needs.

@lucas.f.johnsonDuck with flower hat

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I hope you enjoyed the random assortment of what’s been running through my brain lately. Thank you for indulging me! I’d love to know what you’ve been returning to recently? Let me know in the comments! See you next week for another installment of monthly favorites :)

xx Ofelia

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Honestly, the weather has been all over the place. We’ve had lows in the 40s and highs in 70s, with a mix of sunshine, clouds, rain and hail. We’re truly capturing what Parisians are wearing across every weather pattern this time around. Some of these pieces won’t exactly scream “spring” but they’re an honest reflection of daily life as we’ve settled into Spring.

ps — I did my best to include more photos in the wild this time around! Whenever possible, I sneakily take a photo. As a photographer, I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with street photography. Without getting too deep into it, there’s a lot of ambivalence on the ethics of profiting off of someone else without their explicit consent.

In France, image right laws are incredibly strong. You can’t take (or post!) an identifiable picture (or video) of someone without their consent. Publishing such a photo can be punishable by up to a year in prison with a €15,000 fine. If I ever do capture someone’s face, I blur it or crop it out. Fun fact: identifiability doesn’t just apply to someone’s face — it can also extend to something like tattoos!

Cheetah Print

By far the most common thing I saw was cheetah print. It was an almost daily occurrence and I spotted this (no pun intended) across all age groups. There wasn’t one single item driving the trend — I saw it on accessories (hat, scarf), jeans (alt), shoes, ballerinas and even coats. If I had to pick one standout, I’d say scarves tied around a purse were the number one sighting, followed by jeans (alt).

Pops of Red

Another standout was the color red — truly coming into bloom this Spring. It was everywhere I turned, honestly, I saw it accessorizing several outfits almost daily. This also varied across accessory types, even more so than cheetah print. I saw it in socks (alt), on shirts, and hair scrunchies — it appeared on plenty of purses (alt) too. Red was also worn as a standalone color in sweaters and and even in jeans.

Olive Green

Olive is a close second on the streets of Paris. It’s been paired with cheetah print and red often too. I noticed this happening across all categories — a bit of a twilight zone moment, as if everyone was coordinating the same pieces together (or maybe inspired by those who put it on first!).

Sporty Shoes

Parisians love a sporty shoe — we walk a lot and our soles deserve the best for their service. The most common versions I saw were Salmon’s (water proof version), ASICS and New Balance. Parisians also didn’t shy away from pairing their sporty shoes with a more tailored outfit. The chunkiest of shoes were often accompanied with a wide leg jean.

Short Trenches

The sister to a classic trench! These have been everywhere this spring. I mostly saw double breasted versions with a belt. Everyone had their own personal flair to how they wore them, but I mostly saw them buttoned to the top! Beige, taupe and olive green (alt) dominated the spectrum of colors here.

ps — when it was colder, I noticed cropped wool coats were the jacket of choice.

Honorable Mentions

Kelly Green

I was walking with a friend one afternoon when I started to notice an influx of Kelly Green pieces — sweaters (alt), t-shirts, jackets. I jotted them down casually thinking it was a fluke. As Spring moved ever onward, I couldn’t stop noticing them wherever I happened to go.

While I was at Galeries Lafayette, there were several racks with the same bright green. It made me wonder, how much of what I see season after season has just trickled down from runway shows from years prior and ultimately been “selected” for us? Monologue from The Devil Wears Prada, anyone? I think we need a breakdown from and her fashion reporting expertise! Nonetheless, it was a lovely color to see around town!

ps — on that same trip to Galeries Lafayette, cheetah print became very apparent.

Silk Scarves

These are still going strong! I didn’t see as many as last year, but enough to note them again this season. Most often, they were double wrapped around the neck (alt) or folded in half and worn with the “v” in front and tied at the back of the neck. Capturing a photo of these was tricky. Instead, I found this video where option one and three were what I saw on the streets of Paris!

Longchamp Bags

I’ve noticed a lot of the classic nylon bags making their rounds across Paris. There isn’t one single color, but if I had to choose, I think it’d be navy. I’ve seen various styles, but Le Pliage and the backpack version have been the standouts.

ps — if you’re on Vinted, there are a ton of leather Longchamps totes! You can earn a voucher via this link.

All featured items mentioned here.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

As always everything I report is influenced by many factors — location, time of day, weather, socioeconomic dynamics and more. Every day I’m reminded that Parisians don’t fit into a single mold, no matter how often we’re told they do.

xx Ofelia

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Not all links are monetized — I only share brands whose quality and design focus I admire. Some pieces were gifted from prior years and their reappearance in current newsletters reflects my confidence in that brand’s products . Everything featured reflects items I genuinely love, would buy and wear myself.

If you liked this, you might also like the following:

While searching through my archives , I came across many pictures of doors that I’ve taken in Paris. For this month’s installment, I wanted to bring them all together and share them as “thresholds.” Basically, the way we walk in and out of the same doors every day, but each time with a different purpose, attitude, feeling, cadence and everything in between.

Instead of the usual “Behind The Photo” section, I’m providing the address and describing the threshold for each scenario.

From a Friday at the Office into a Long Weekend

You’re heading straight to the train station after work to spend the weekend with loved ones. Unfortunately, you don’t have enough time to go home after work, so you’re lugging everything with you. You’re wearing a slightly more casual outfit to the office to ensure you’re comfortable for the train ride.

The Look

You reach for stretchy pants that still work in an office environment and toss on a tank (alt) and button down to make the outfit office appropriate. Since you’ll be wearing the same jewelry for the weekend, you add two necklaces and your favorite silver hoops you go everywhere with before heading out. You manage to stuff everything you need into your travel tote and add essentials to your crossbody. You contemplate going with a more casual shoe, but you love a heel (alt), so it remains your shoe of choice. You drape your trench over your arm as you rush out the door.

Threshold | Taken November 2024

The anticipation of your trip has you light on your step. Like the door, the day feels light and airy — giving off a “summer Friday” type of feeling.

Located at 11 Rue Villehardouin.

Solo Coffee Reading Date

Every month, you dedicate a morning to a solo reading date. You grab your latest read and head to a new coffee shop you’ve had on your radar. You pick a delicious treat to accompany your matcha coco.

The Look

You go for an all white ensemble with a touch of color — your beloved tote (alt). You throw on a simple necklace (use OFELIA20 for 20% off) and your go to huggies to adorn your ears. Last minute, you grab a lightweight sweater in case you get cold. You toss it in your tote before slipping on your flats and heading out the door.

Threshold | Taken November 2024

The color of the door is punchy and shines for whomever stops and admires it. Like the red tote, it demands attention from anyone who walks by it.

Located at 13 Rue Saint-Gilles.

Wandering Around Town

You have a lot of “fun errands” on your to do list — the type that aren’t necessities, but rather things you’ve been keeping mental notes about. You’re going to run around town in search of brands you’ve had on your radar to try on. You’re dedicating the full day to window shopping with a little treat afterwards.

The Look

You love embroidery more than anything, so you let this coat shine on its own. You add a simple ruffled tank (more sizes here | alt) underneath and put on a darker wash pair of jeans before reaching for your suede tote. For your accessories, you keep it simple with a dainty necklace (use OFELIA20 for 20% off), silver earrings (use OFELIA15 for 15% off) and oval sunnies. To add a bit of contrast, you go for your woven black flats.

Threshold | Taken November 2024

The door reflects the outfit, from the suede tote, woven shoes, and intricate embroidery details of the coat, the door also shines in its detailed spirals.

I can’t locate exactly where this was taken, but I suspect it was in the surrounding streets of Rue Saint-Gilles.

Movies & Take Out at Your Friends House

It’s Friday night, you thought you were going to sink into your couch after a long work week. Instead, you’re heading over to your friend’s house (thank goodness she’s only a 15 minute walk away!) to watch Before Sunrise because you both need a good rom-com tonight.

The Look

You leave the pants (alt) you wore to work on, but as soon as you get home, you change from your sweater into your sweatshirt (alt) for added comfort — leaving the t-shirt you had layered underneath. Looking to get out the door quickly, you grab your tote (want this color) and slip on your easiest shoes to get out the door.

Threshold | Taken November 2024

The photo captures an empty restaurant prepping for dinner service as you amble on past it. Both are in unison, moving with intention to their respective destinations.

Located at 5 Rue Saint-Gilles.

Double Date Coffee & Park Hangout

You’re meeting your friends for a mid afternoon double date at a coffee shop by the park. The sun is shining, the weather is slowly “behaving” and it’s showing hints of spring. You don’t have plans other than to enjoy each other’s company and catch up at the park.

The Look

You go for an easy breezy look, first reaching for your white button down and tucking it into your jeans. You keep your accessories simple and just add silver earrings. You add a belt that matches the hardware and black sunnies. To add a pop of texture and color, you grab a raffia bag. You contemplate flats, but instead reach for sandals to signal spring.

Threshold | Taken November 2024

There is a quiet tension between the door and the wall that contains it, almost like the stark contrast between black and white. It’s reflected in the outfit, with a touch of color to redirect one’s attention.

I can’t locate exactly where this was taken, but I suspect this was somewhere between Rue Villehardouin and Rue Debelleyme.

All featured items mentioned here.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

I’d love to hear which outfit or piece is your favorite! If you have scenarios (or pieces!) you’d like me to incorporate in future editions, let me know in the comments below.

xx Ofelia

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Not all links are monetized — I only share brands whose quality and design focus I admire. Some pieces were gifted from prior years and their reappearance in current newsletters reflects my confidence in that brand’s products . Everything featured reflects items I genuinely love, would buy and wear myself.

If you liked this, you might also like the following:

La Maison du Pastel

Dating back to the 18th century, this is one of the oldest pastel manufacturers in the world. They craft every stick entirely by hand, ensuring precision and care in every hue. It’s only open one day a week, but if you or a loved one adores pastels, it’s a must visit. You can purchase a curated wooden box or opt for a simpler color combination of your choice.

Métropolitain Ornament

Y’all know I love ornaments, but I find collecting unique ornaments of places I visit a true joy. My friend picked this one up at the Arc de Triomphe during her visit. You might be able to find these at other national monuments, but I haven’t seen this specific design elsewhere. Next time I’m at the Arc de Triomphe, I’m heading straight to the gift shop to grab one for myself.

ps — the Paris Metro is short for Métropolitain, which you often see above the stops that still showcase the art nouveau style. They were designed by Hector Guimard in the early 1900s.

Fleurs d’Hiver

For the tea lovers, this brand offers handmade teas crafted in small batches that dissolve in hot water. I’ve tried several flavors and found them to be consistently delicious with just a hint of sweetness.

ps — I recommend storing them carefully during transport and keeping them away from heat! They can melt into the plastic packaging. You can still salvage them, though it gets messy (speaking from personal experience here).

Longchamp Purse or Scarf

Founded in Paris and still family owned, Longchamp is consistently one of my favorites. My latest obsession is this tote bag. I’m also hoping I inevitably own one of their travel bags some day (the original version here). I see countless ladies carrying their bags, especially the iconic Le Pliage.

For a less common option, I’d recommend their mesh bag, which sits in a similar price range. At checkout, you also have the option to select cute adornments (sea life version shown below) at no additional cost. Alternatively, a scarf makes for the perfect purse handle accessory.

Rare Books or Vinyls

Nothing says “I thought of you” like a rare book, vintage magazine or vinyl record tailored to a loved one’s favorite genre. Motto Paris has a variety of options to peruse. If you’re strictly looking for vinyls, Listen! Vinyl Record Store has an impressive array of options.

Puzzle Michèle Wilson

If you’re looking for puzzles, head on over to Michèle Wilson — they’re some of the most beautiful creations I’ve ever seen. They’re wooden puzzles that’ve been handmade in France since 1975. If you’re looking for a more budget friendly option, they offer standard options (non-wooden) and even mini puzzles!

Macaroons

While they don’t last beyond a few days, if you need a delicious treat to take home, you can’t go wrong with macaroons. My personal favorites are from Pierre Hermé — the passion fruit flavor is absolutely divine.

Melodies Graphiques

For the stationery lovers in your life, you’re bound to find a flurry of options at Melodies Graphiques. You’ll find everything from notebooks, calligraphy supplies, bookmarks and greeting cards.

Duvelleroy Fans

Founded in 1827, Duvelleroy is one of the last French fan makers in existence. They offer a variety of sizes and designs to suit everyone’s taste. I’ve had one on my wishlist for a few years now!

Art Work

One of our regular visits for art is La Slow Galerie. The artists and mediums vary, so you’ll find something for everyone’s tastes. We’ve picked up a few pieces for our home over the years and love them to this day.

A Book from the Bookinist

If you walk along the Seine, you’ve likely seen a multitude of bouquinistes selling magazines, books, posters, prints, and even magnets. While many books are in French, picking one is a wonderful way to commemorate a trip with a memento from a tradition dating back to the 1800s.

Customized Lip Stick

While Officine Universelle Buly already gets a lot of love (and rightfully so), I wanted to offer an alternative. At Guerlain, you can customize your lipstick by selecting a shade of your choice and selecting a jewel case to go with it. You even have the option to engrave the case, making it a keepsake that goes beyond your typical lipstick. The best part is that it’s refillable!

ps — not quite the same, but you can design something similar with Dries Van Noten!

French Hair Pins

An alternative to a claw clip is the beloved French hair pin. If you’re looking to splurge, checkout Mauliébris Paris. For a silver option, Louise Damas has one for you. I don’t believe they have a storefront, but you can try your luck at Passage Doré.

Maison Caillau also offers a wide variety of options — you’re bound to find something! Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more wallet friendly option, La Bonne Brosse has a small assortment for a fraction of the price.

ps — my favorites are from Mosquito a Spanish brand! I own this one and want this one.

Honorable Mentions

Vintage Markets

On most days, you can find a market somewhere in Paris. While you’ll have to dig for treasures, I’ve found clothes, dish ware and trinkets to adorn our house.

Pâtes de Fruits

It’s not exactly known when these delicious fruit jellies came to life, but it’s thought they originated in the 10th century in Auvergne. Fruit was combined with sugar or honey for longevity. You can find these at most patisseries, but Stroher and La Grande Épicerie have a wide selection.

Chocolates

Paris isn’t necessarily known for chocolates, but whenever we want to splurge on chocolates we head to Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse for their latest selection. Louis Fouquet is another one on my radar to try!

A few other shops that might be worth adding to your list are Louise Carmen, Marin Montagut, Sabré and Merci.

All featured items mentioned here.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

With over 13 options to choose from, I’d love to know which one you’d be most likely to buy for a loved one or yourself! Let me know in the comments :)

xx Ofelia

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Not all links are monetized — I only share brands whose quality and design focus I admire. Everything featured reflects items I genuinely love, would buy and wear myself.

If you liked this, you might also like the following:

Reading

I’m still making my way through I Who Have Never Known Men and I’m enjoying it so far. This might be a “me” experience, but I find that it’s not a book I can read quickly. It’s one I’m reading about 10 pages at a time, digesting each scene as it unfolds.

I started reading Strangers after a surprise package arrived (more on that below). I’ve seen it everywhere and I’m about 40% through. I definitely think it’s a must read. More than anything, I feel a mix of emotions for Burden. She’s a captivating writer, I can feel her through her words — her agony, betrayal, sadness and even her happiness as she recounts her story.

Eating and Taste Testing

Apart from sweet treats, I love a savory croissant and this one is my latest fixation. It’s a Margherita Croissant — almost pizza-like. I’ve been passing by my favorite bakery to grab one as an afternoon snack a little too often lately, but I could have worse vices. It’s the perfect bite to bridge me to dinner on the days I need a little something extra.

Perusing, Paris & Proud Of

Azzedine Alaïa Foundation

I finally got to visit after having it on my list for a solid year. It’s a small space, but a fascinating experience. I didn’t have much context on Alaïa, but after visiting I can tell how much Dior influenced his work. The space is filled with Dior pieces that belonged to Alaïa and often beside them you could find Alaïa’s interpretation.

You also get a peek at how Alaïa left his workspace upon his death. Nothing was moved and you can see the last piece he was working on — forever immortalized in progress. Alaïa had a St. Bernard named Didine — you can see some adorable photos here.

Towers of Notre Dame

My husband and I have been meaning to visit the towers of Notre Dame and we finally made it happen. I’m glad I didn’t know ahead of time how many steps there were, because somehow it would have felt worse. Once you’re at the top, you get about 5 minutes to see the 360 view before you’re forced to go back down. Most of it you can explore on your own, but you move from section to section in a timed group.

While you can visit Notre Dame for free, the tower tour requires tickets. If you’re coming to Paris and hoping to visit, I recommend booking tickets in advance as they’re often sold out weeks in advance.

Obsessing Over

Button downs! They’re easily one of my favorite things to wear. It’s one item I can’t have enough of. For whatever reason, I’ve been looking them up a lot lately and jotting down some I’m curious to try. I’ve also found a few thrifted options!

Some brands and styles I’d love to try below. If you have any of these, I’d appreciate any intel you can provide:

• The Weekend from With Nothing Underneath

• The Oversized Shirt in pink and blue stripes or blue stripes by Almina Concept

• The Big Joe in cotton/silk, this 100% cotton and this one you tie at the back from TWP

• This wool button down by Antheros

• This oversized shirt in cotton and silk by Totême

• This stunning blue chambray by Rohé

Recommending To You

“Borrowing” From Your Partners Closet

I’ve been going into my husband’s closet to switch things up, especially on those days when I can’t think of anything I’d like to wear. I most often reach for his sweaters or button downs — recently I grabbed a corduroy shirt I thrifted for him for Christmas and a grey sweater I wore under my black work wear-esque jacket for dinner one night.

Treating Myself To

My husband and I walked to a brocante we’d seen the day before to peruse. We walked up and down looking for treasures and, predictably, stopped by a stand that had a rack full of button downs. I swarmed to the light blue options (my kryptonite!) and found a YSL that was 100% cotton for €38. The attendant ended up offering it to us for €35 and we took it home with us.

I’ve been keeping an eye out for plates, so when I saw a plethora of red plates, we stopped to take a closer look at the designs. I was enamored with these plates that had sheep on them, as well as another flower-y design. We made a mental note of which ones we liked and finished the tour of the market. At another stand, we found the same plates in blue for €5. Their condition wasn’t the best, so we only took two home. We went back for the red plates and bought 4 to bring home.

I really wanted to buy these tea napkins! The embroidery details were stunning in person. I couldn’t convince myself to pay €65 for 6 of them. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about them since, so I told myself if I ever saw them again, they would come home with me.

On My Radar

Rue de Verneuil

During an online peruse, I came across Rue de Verneuil — the name sounded familiar and turns out, I’ve walked by this shop a few times but just never made my way inside. Named after the street where this project came to life, they can be found next to Jardin du Palais Royal. The founder and designer of the bags believes tote bags are essential to every day excursions. The shapes and designs are inspired by a cross between architecture, fashion and design for those who seek simplicity and refinement. If you love a good tote bag, you should definitely check these out. You can also find them on Net-a-Porter.

Monthly Favorites

Negative Pants and Bra

I’ve had these for a few months and they’re pieces I reach for when I’m back home at the end of the day. While I’ll happily lounge in jeans until bedtime, on cooler days I’ve been switching into these wide leg pants. I’ve also been sleeping in them lately and they’re pajama worthy for those cooler nights. The bra is easily one of the most comfortable options I own. It’s very much “barely there” and what I’ll often reach for on travel days.

Turquoise Necklace

I most often reserve my turquoise jewelry (similar-ish) for the summer months, but ever since I read this letter from I’ve been trying to make an effort to incorporate my turquoise jewelry year round.

Alpaca Keychain

I bought mine over two years ago and it’s still going strong. Most buildings in Paris require you to go through several doors in order to gain access to your apartment. Mine is no exception and I’m often reaching into my purse to feel around for my keys. My alpaca gives me more surface area to quickly find my keys.

In Paris, I often see people with a keychain similar to this hanging around their neck like jewelry.

Orangeades

I discovered these last summer during a coffee date with a friend and I’ve been obsessed ever since. I would describe it as a cross between fresh pressed orange juice and a lemonade. It’s carbonated, light and delicious. I found another coffee shop that does an orangeade with hibiscus that has me addicted.

Mail from Friends

Easily one of my top favorite things this month. I received the sweetest package from in the mail. She sent me two books — ’s One & Only and Strangers by Belle Burden. She also included some of my favorite candy — Nerds Gummy Clusters in several flavors for me to enjoy. I’ve been loving carrying a physical book with me in my bag and every time I take it out on the metro, cafe or even at home, I think of Natalia. Such an incredibly thoughtful gift to receive.

Scarf on a Handbag Handle

I’ve been trying to rotate through my purses more often and this month, I reached for my olive green handbag (similar here and here) I bought during our late summer trip to Paris in 2022. It’s a beautiful shade of olive green and fits a decent amount of things. I’ve left the silk scarf on it ever since the sales associate tied it to my purse (it could stand to be restrung!). Coincidentally, olive is a color to watch based on ’s PFW reporting.

Light Jacket Season

The weather has been a mixture of mini seasons throughout the month, so whenever it’s been possible, I’ve been fully leaning into wearing and layering a light jacket and leaving my winter coat at home. Many days, I’ve worn multiple layers to make it work — other days it worked perfectly on its own. Either way, I’m excited for the warmer weather.

All featured items mentioned here.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

I’d love to know what your favorites were this month! What did you lean into? Anything you’re looking forward to now that Spring has officially arrived?

xx Ofelia

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Not all links are monetized — I only share brands whose quality and design focus I admire. Some pieces were gifted from prior years and their reappearance in current newsletters reflects my confidence in that brand’s products . Everything featured reflects items I genuinely love, would buy and wear myself.

If you liked this, you might also like the following:

Let’s dive into the looks!

Terrace Weather with Friends

It’s been weeks since you needed a coat, which means light jacket weather might just be here to stay (knock on wood). It’s particularly sunny, with temperatures inching toward the low 70s (21°c). On your way home from work, your phone starts buzzing — your friends are asking who’s available for a last minute drink on a patio.

The Look

You debate going home to change but decide to head straight there. When you left the house this morning, it was cooler, so your trench is now draped across your tote bag, your cardigan is open and your tank is soaking up the sunshine. This morning, you paired the cardigan with dark wash denim (alt) and boots with a small heel. You’re rocking your everyday necklace stack (one, two) with small hoops.

Behind The Photo | Taken November 2024

During the last few days of our apartment hunting trip in Paris, I walked around capturing photos of doors. This was one of my favorites.

A Market Run For Strawberries

Strawberry season has finally arrived. You make your way to the local farmers’ market to grab a little basket. Something as simple as picking out your own little basket gives you so much joy — it almost feels silly, but these small moments are what make life sweeter.

The Look

You want to go full monochromatic but settle on a subtle color companion — light yellow. There is something delightful about how the straps sway behind you as you walk. You layer the jacket (alt) over a plain white tee and pair it with a roomy pair of white denim. You keep the jewelry simple with silver earrings, a double stack ring look and your pearl ring. To add a touch of texture, you reach for your calf hair flats and the market bag you bought on your trip to Italy last summer.

Behind The Photo | Taken July 2025

While photographing a campaign last summer, I snapped these strawberries inside a grocery store. I’m looking forward to strawberry season coming to Paris again soon.

Picnicking At The Park

The chilly wind that made you want to cross your arms has subsided. It’s replaced by the warmth feeling of the sun on your skin. You decide to pack up a picnic, a book and even some coloring supplies — you have a feeling you’ll be there a while soaking up the sun.

The Look

You toss on a roomy, long sleeve shirt over a pair of light wash jeans. Unsure of how long you’ll be out, you use a light wool coat as an outer shell and tie it shut with a rope belt. If it gets too hot, you can easily repurpose it as a belt for your jeans. Since your outfit is paired down, you grab a beaded necklace and keep the earrings simple — small silver hoops. You slip on white flats (alt) and reach for your striped tote you’ll schlep across town with.

Behind The Photo | Taken April 2025

My husband and I strolled through the Jardin du Luxembourg on a sunny afternoon. We sat in the park for a while before bopping over to Le Bon Marché. Unfortunately, shortly after this picture was taken, lemonade was accidentally dropped on my digital camera. For about five months, I was only shooting film until my husband was able to retrieve my new digital camera that arrived hours after we boarded our first plane to Paris back in December 2024.

Leisurely Bike Riding to The Countryside

You promised your friend you’d take a bike ride with them on Saturday morning. They promised a sweet treat at the halfway point, but you also used it as an excuse to escape the hustle of the city. It’s sunny, but there’s a chill in the air — the kind of weather that signals spring is coming. Innerbloom plays in the background as you get ready, making you feel like you’re also going to be in bloom soon.

The Look

You considered leggings and a full on sporty look but remembered this is a leisure adventure. The bike ride is the mode of transportation, not the activity itself. You layer a merino wool base for added warmth that can stand on its own if your sweater gets too hot. You throw on a workwear inspired jacket and if you get too hot, you’ll tie the sweater around your shoulders. You grab a pair of loose fitting jeans (alt, alt), comfortable tennis shoes and tie a bandana (alt) around your neck. You slip a book into your sling bag (via TRR, alt), put on your sunglasses and add small hoops to complete the look.

Behind The Photo | Taken May 2025

On a trip to the Loire Valley, we visited Château Royal d’Amboise. On the walk up to the top of the chateau, I stopped to capture this view of the Loire, the longest river in France.

Mentally Escaping with a Mood Board

You’re not taking a beach vacation for a few more months, but the current weather is testing your sanity. You need something to bridge the gap, so what better way than a mood board session for your upcoming trip? You take inspiration from looks you’ve been pinning and come up with this seaside ensemble.

The Look

You’re envisioning something that takes you from breakfast to the beach. You’re thinking you’ll wear a bathing suit topped (top, bottom) with a kaftan (alt, alt) in lieu of a traditional cover up. In your beach bag, you’ll toss the book you’ve been saving for vacation, sunscreen, lip gloss and sunglasses. You’ll likely take these off immediately, but you’ll add a necklace (alt) and earrings to feel a bit more put together. You’ll slip on your flip flops, toss on your hat and feel ready to enjoy a margarita or two beach side.

Behind The Photo | Taken August 2026

Last summer, I spent time in Clohars-Carnoët in north-west France with my husband’s extended family. I took my film camera everywhere while I was there. One day, as we were walking down to the beach, I saw an array of beachgoers basking in the sunshine and snapped a picture.

All featured items mentioned here.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

I’d love to hear which outfit or piece is your favorite! If you have scenarios (or pieces!) you’d like me to incorporate in future editions, drop them in the comments below.

xx Ofelia

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Not all links are monetized — I only share brands whose quality and design focus I admire. Some pieces were gifted from prior years and their reappearance in current newsletters reflects my confidence in that brand’s products . Everything featured reflects items I genuinely love, would buy and wear myself.

If you liked this, you might also like the following:

ps — I was also testing out a new film camera, so those photos will make an appearance too!

Arriving to Porto

We attempted to take the metro to downtown Porto, but it was running every 30 minutes. We had just missed it and decided to take a taxi instead — it ended up being a quick ride. Our first stop was at MiBa Artisanal Bakery. We had a Matcha & Chocolate Branco and a Cesta de Pesto Cogumelo (mushroom). The matcha and cortado were also delicious but the pastries were definitely the highlight for us.

We had a few hours until our friends arrived, so we walked to the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal and sat in the sunshine reading our books. Among the stylish people, we saw lots of peacocks, roosters, hens and seagulls fly past us. This is where I realized I hadn’t brought a warm enough jacket — in the shade, it felt a tad chilly. Everyone around me was in a wool coat.

Afterward, we headed to Xau Laura with our friends for a late lunch. We ordered rissóis de carne and camarão (shrimp) to share, which reminded me a bit of empanadas. I couldn’t decide what I wanted, so I went with a mushroom pasta while my husband ordered bacalhau (cod) with potatoes — which if I’m not mistaken, is the national dish of Portugal. To finish, we ordered dessert (of course!) and went with a delicious passion fruit cheesecake.

Dinner at Mário Luso

Since it was a group of about ten of us, we ate most of our meals at the Airbnb we stayed at (I wish I’d taken pictures of it, because it was unreal). We did go out to dinner one night, and I would’ve loved to have my film camera with me because there were beautiful adornments everywhere you looked. They were able to accommodate us (with a reservation) with no issues. We ordered more rissóis de camarão and rissóis de vitela Mirandesa to share. As for my dish, I ordered a filetes de pescada dourados com salada russa. You could also choose the type of rice you wanted and I went with a tomato version that was very tasty.

Exploring Porto

I did absolutely no research prior to landing in Porto (well, minus one bakery for us to visit!), so I didn’t really know what to expect. Weeks leading up to the trip, anyone we told we were visiting Porto told us that we were going to have the best time. Everyone had great things to say and I now understand why.

Everyone we encountered was kind and most spoke several languages. We were told this was partly due to most media (movies, TV shows, etc) that Portuguese people watch are in English, Spanish or French, so it’s common for people to speak all of those languages since many learned it from watching TV! Not sure how true it is but a fun anecdote.

The town is picturesque, with winding cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and lots of hills. There were lots of small but lovely details — like this door knob and these mosaics everywhere you turned.

We mostly explored Ribeira and the neighboring areas (unfortunately, I couldn’t find their names). The lovely thing about our time exploring is that it didn’t matter where you walked, you’d end up seeing intricate details or stumbling upon an overlook of the city. We walked into Miradouro da Vitória as we were making our way down and took in the view.

We weaved from street to street, making our way down to the Douro River before stopping for lunch. The sun was out, so everyone wanted to sit on a terrace and enjoy a glass of wine and take in the warmth of the sun — including the seagulls.

We had a hard time finding space for our large group near the water, so we went up one street and stopped to look at menus until one caught our eye. We ended up walking into Postigo do Carvão for a late lunch. I went with bife mostarda (mustard steak) mainly because the accompanying smashed potatoes sounded delicious. Everything worked so nicely together and it was the perfect choice after all that walking.

After that, we made our way to the beach for a short stint by the ocean because it was very windy and chilly. We headed back to the Airbnb where we had a birthday dinner celebration for our friend.

Before I forget, the house was next to a grass field that had sheep !!

More Exploring

My husband and I decided to extend our trip by one day. We checked into Infante Sagres Porto, where we were greeted by friendly staff. After check-in, we dropped off our bags and took the scenic route downstairs.

Every floor that had seating was beautifully decorated, and we were surprised to see the elevator had seating?!

We spent the day roaming around and popping into various shops. Our first stop was to Manteigaria for pasteis de nata (plural version of pastel de nata!), which was recommended to us by our Portuguese friend. It was decadent and downright delicious. We ended up only grabbing one, and it was an immediate regret. It was freshly made and still warm, which made it that much better.

Keeping in theme with the previous few days, we walked with no real plan and stopped into whatever shops caught our eye. I was initially hoping to do some vintage shopping, but most of the shops were closed, unfortunately. We made a turn on Rua das Flores (a lively street with shops and restaurants) and slowly weaved in and out of stores on the street. We had been wandering for a while before stepping into this lovely shop where a purse caught my eye. I picked up one purse, and the sales associate brought over other color combinations. I eventually fell in love with three options, and after an hour of deliberation I narrowed it down to two. I was frantically texting friends for their opinion on which one to get, hoping that’d solidify my gut check.

I was too paralyzed to make a choice and asked them what time they closed. With a few hours left, I told my husband we should take a walk to see if that helped my decision making.

We ended up grabbing a snack at Mariscar and I just yapped about both purses to my husband. Until he asked, “will you regret not getting both?.” At that moment, I knew I just had to get both.

With my purchases in tow, we walked down to the water to watch the sun go down. We walked across the bridge to take in the view from the other side.

After that, we slowly made our way back to the hotel and passed by a fries spot. We were intrigued by all the people lingering, so we ordered some to share. My husband ordered fries with peri peri mayo and peri peri peppers. It was spicier than I expected it to be, nonetheless, they had a great crunch and flavor.

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped by a store filled with cork products and I picked up a notepad with beautiful colorful speckles. Across the street was a store filled with ceramic pieces and we ended up taking home a ceramic sardine. I’ve been using the notepad to take notes on the go (my attempt to detach from a physical device), and the sardine is now hanging in our kitchen.

Once we were back at the hotel, we changed and headed off to dinner. I grabbed one of my newest purchases and wore it with my vest (OFELIA15 gets you 15% off), and re-wore the same jeans, jacket, and changed my tennis shoes for flats (OFELIA15 gets you 15% off).

Our hotel gave us a voucher for a free drink at check-in to be used at the hotel restaurant that we decided to use. While we sat there, sleepiness kicked in and we had no energy to go walking anywhere else for dinner. We were, however, awake enough to order two desserts, of course!

Breakfast

We had to get to the airport early, so we looked for somewhere that was open early for breakfast. The closest thing to us was Negra Café Clérigos, which looked unassuming from the outside. My husband ordered an açaí bowl and I ordered a yogurt bowl — and it was the most fruit packed version I’ve ever ordered. I unfortunately didn’t get a picture, but it had kiwi, dragon fruit, pineapple, apples, and strawberries, among other things. I still think about it, clearly!

What Porto Ladies Were Wearing

I unfortunately didn’t capture any photos, because my mindset was not “on guard” as I typically am when I’m capturing intel for my What Parisians Are Wearing each season. However, I did jot down notes after the fact! I was surprised at how many gals were dressed head to toe dark brown (similar to this outfit from December). I’m talking sweater, jacket (or trench), jeans and boots. I saw many of them over the course of the weekend. I also noted that many were wearing heeled boots even though the streets are very hilly. At one point, I saw a very stylish lady wearing a leather flowy skirt (alt) with tall boots as she walked past me.

The men were also bringing their A-game. I saw several suede and leather jackets making their rounds. Several of them wore trench coats as well.

ps — this reminds me of a phrase my French friends were using on the trip which was “trop stylé,” which is used to denote someone who is very stylish, cool, etc. While my friends mostly used it to describe experiences and actual style, I was told it can be used to describe literally anything.

For Our Next Visit

Here are a few places I’ve bookmarked for a future visit:

Cafes

• Bicho

• Early

• Combi Coffee Roasters

• Kuji Coffee

• GLAD

Food

• Mercado do Bolhão

• Emotivo Restaurante

• Flow Restaurant & Bar

• Castro - Atelier de Pastéis de Nata

• Matriarca

Shopping

• Almada

• Padaria Aguasfurtadas

• Mão Esquerda Vintage

• PATCH Lifestyle Concept Store

• Mon Père Vintage

• Walk down Rua do Rosário because I recall lots of cute shops in the area

All featured items mentioned here.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

I’d love to go back to Porto and also explore other areas of Portugal. It’s such a beautiful country and a great spring-like escape at the end of February. If you’ve explored other parts of Portugal, I’d love to know about it !

xx Ofelia

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Not all links are monetized — I only share brands whose quality and design focus I admire. Some pieces were gifted from prior years and their reappearance in current newsletters reflects my confidence in that brand’s products. Everything featured reflects items I genuinely love, would buy and wear myself.

If you liked this, you might also like the following:

I’ll forever be thinking of this trench coat that walked by me with buttons all along the side. Or how, when I was sitting in a coffee shop with a friend, I saw two ladies walk out of a Mercedes that said “Paris Fashion Week” on it. I’m now so curious to know who they were — they were both wearing pants with a zipper on the back that went all the way up. Talk about leaving me wanting more!

Amicalement Soi x Grace Winfrey

I was invited to the launch of Grace Winfrey’s latest collection that was created in collaboration with Amicalement Soi. The pieces were truly unreal. The collection’s theme centered around peacocks. To celebrate the occasion, Amicalement Soi and Grace Winfrey designed a silk scarf tying in the peacock with sights of Paris. I tried on a few pieces and I was starstruck by this double peacock head ring and a more classic emerald ring.

The double headed peacock ring in motion.

TWP Showroom

I was invited to see TWP’s FW ‘26 collection and it was a captivating experience. I was enamored with the details. I sort of blacked out and forgot to take videos, because I’d have loved to show you their pieces in motion.

I’m eagerly awaiting the release of their new pieces — namely, jeans, blazers, jackets and this beaded number. Can you tell it’s very much my color palette?

Did I mention they have bags too?!

A few pieces available now are this t-shirt made out of bamboo, this button down in silk organza named after their pattern maker, this water repellant trench coat, this light blue button down (because y’all know i’m a sucker for anything blue) and this aptly named blazer because it did make me double take!

If you’re new to TWP, it was founded by Trish Westcoat Pound in 2021 (she previously founded Haute Hippie). A majority of their pieces are manufactured in New York City where she spends an average of 20 hours a week in fittings ensuring the designs are translating into what she had envisioned. Some items like their belts, knits and beaded numbers are made in regions that specialize in leather, beading and wool. If you haven’t already, I’d encourage you to watch their FW ‘26 show, where you can see all the pieces styled together.

Apart from the beautiful clothes, I also love seeing women reinvent themselves. After Haute Hippie, she focused on designing tailored shirts that she would sell locally to friends at trunk shows. She sold one to a friend, who happened to be wearing it when she ran into Trish’s former boss who complimented the shirt. He later ended up calling Trish and TWP was born soon after.

Side note — Trish’s career trajectory is a reminder that life is always working out and that we must keep going. Women, especially women at the start of their careers often feel like they need to have it all figured out at such a young age. I’ve definitely felt that in my many careers (yes, plural!). I’m learning that failure, perseverance, perspective and reinvention is often a core part of the story of women we admire, even though we may not always see it.

If you live in Paris, you can find some of their pieces at Le Bon Marché in the Espace Mode Femme on the 2nd floor. Otherwise, they have stores in the U.S.! I hope they open up a store in Paris soon.

MUUÑ

I’ve been so curious to see MUUÑ’s bags and when I saw they had a pop-up, I made my way over there to see the collection. In the same room, you could see the FW ‘26 collection alongside the latest release that was available for purchase. I first featured them in my letter on what Parisians were wearing last summer. I’m a big proponent of seeing and touching pieces IRL — it helps build a connection and ultimately guides you to what you’re truly yearning for (in my opinion!).

A few of my favorites available right now include this taco-like shaped option, this mini bucket bag and this tote bag with a top handle. I also appreciated that you could buy different pouches if you preferred them to the one that came with the bag.

Merci, C’est Vintage

It’s always a treat to stop by Merci, C’est Vintage’s pop-ups. This one was smaller and presented in a more intimate setting. A few brands I’d seen before were present, like Laoli, Emanuele Pantanella Design, and Maglieria Rosaria. A few new to me were Puerta Negra (which I’d apparently been following online already), Nuisette and Cano Jewelry.

Premiere Classe

A friend was showcasing her handbag line, Lunier, at Premiere Classe, an event that showcases accessories and young, emerging fashion designers. Every Fashion Week, you can find new brands showcasing their pieces there. I was excited to discover the many new-to-me designers — a few highlights below alongside pictures.

Matter and Shape

My pass also included access to Matter and Shape, a more recent addition to Fashion week that’s showcased annually in March. It’s a cross between design, fashion and interior architecture with a deep focus on craftsmanship. I felt like a kid in a candy store because everywhere I looked, I saw things I’d love to have in my home. Some pieces left me with my jaw on the floor. A few highlights below:

Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel

I accompanied my friend who was eyeing a few pieces that had just hit the shelf at Chanel from Matthieu Blazy, and boy, was it a feast for the eyes. A lot of the pieces she was eyeing were sold out, like these two toned flats (similar) and heels that were no longer available in her size. She ended up walking out with this straw like purse in a beautiful brick color.

I was enamored with a lot of pieces. Typically, I’m not a massive luxury brand enthusiast. That said, a few pieces that had me in a trance included these croc flats, this burgundy clutch as seen on look 18 (it was absurdly soft) that I spotted from across the room, this celestial bag that doubles as art work and a croc-embossed tote like this but in black.

The store also looked like a runway show to me. Everyone was dressed in their best. Everything was considered and worn with intention. Some had even come back wearing their latest purchases. The shoes and bags seemed to be what most people swarmed over, but I’d love to see more ready-to-wear pieces out in the wild. I think the buttons on most pieces are incredible.

For Next Time

Monastery

If you read my letter featuring small-ish businesses around the holidays, then you may have seen me mention Monastery. My friend actually texted me a picture of the pop-up and said it looked like something I’d be into. She was right! Unfortunately, I assumed they’d opened up a store here, but not a pop-up. By the time my mental note came back to me, it was too late. Otherwise, I’d have run over there and picked up this body oil I’ve been curious about. I hope they come back!

Marlies Grace

As a Fashion Week newbie, I never know when events are open to the public or are PR/invite only. Turns out Marlies Grace was open to the public, but by the time I reached out, all their appointments were booked. I’ve been very curious about their pieces, like this blue dress I have zero business being interested in and this red dress whose sleeves I love but also their clutches like this white and yellow colorway or this black and red version (y’all know I love a good purse).

If you’ve been curious about them too, you can find them on Moda Operandi.

Dior & Vivienne Westwood

My friend got to attend some insanely cool events, so I must share a few. She was invited to see Dior’s collection after it debuted. The pictures online don’t do it justice, but also seeing pictures of her up close and personal was unreal. How did I get such a cool friend?!

My friend also got to work backstage at the Vivienne Westwood show, which looked out of this world. They’d initially reached out for the same job, but I knew my friend would be far better suited for the role. It made me so happy to be able to refer her to it and to hear how she had the time of her life. Next time, I’m manifesting that we can both work the job together!

All featured items mentioned here.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

I have to say, writing these debriefs feels vulnerable. I don’t consider myself a fashion “insider,” but living in Paris and having access to these types of opportunities and events bring me a greater appreciation for the art of the fashion world.

xx Ofelia

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Not all links are monetized — I only share brands whose quality and design focus I admire. Everything featured reflects items I genuinely love, would buy and wear myself.

If you liked this, you might also like the following:

February felt jam packed but it turned out to be an enjoyable one with us easing back into Paris after being gone most of January visiting family. Grab your beverage of choice and let’s wander through what landed on my February favorites.

Reading

Say You’ll Remember Me

I technically haven’t finished this book yet, but I’ve read a decent chunk of it in February. It’s my second Abby Jimenez novel and it’s been an easy, feel good read. I think I prefer Just for the Summer more! I’m not typically a huge romance reader, but if you are, add these to your list!

I Who Have Never Known Men

I recently started reading this, so I don’t have much to report, but it’s intriguing so far. Like the protagonist, I feel a bit out of the loop trying to piece together what’s happening — they’re naive, lost but equally curious. I’m eager to see out how it evolves.

Eating and Taste Testing

Cheesecake & Carrot Cake

You may already know about my obsession with carrot cake, but I’m also equally fond of cheesecake. I’ll almost always order it if I find it on a dessert menu. That’s exactly what happened this month nearly every time we went out for dinner. One of my favorites was this passion fruit topped slice.

Perusing, Paris & Proud Of

Musée Rodin

We visited Rodin with our friends when they were in town. We happened to go on a rainy day and mostly enjoyed the collection inside. Unfortunately, by the time we made it outside the gardens were closed (my favorite part).

Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris

I went to the modern art museum with a friend and we bounced from floor to floor looking at the permanent collection. I was happy to see my favorite painting from Berthe Weill’s exhibit on display. You’ll also find more of Raoul Dufy’s work alongside it.

Obsessing Over

Longchamp’s Spring Summer 2026 Collection

My recent stop at Longchamp was such a delight and a reminder to stop by more often. I personally don’t think that it gets enough spotlight. I fell in love with several items, like this “belted” tote bag, this burgundy color and even this light blue option. It definitely deserves a look!

Recommending To You

French Lover

My husband has recently exclusively started speaking French to me unless it’s to translate something I don’t quite understand. So that means we’re been watching TV in French. We recently watched French Lover starring Omar Sy and it was a captivating Cinderella-like film that had us laughing throughout. It’s also a tasteful portrayal of Paris, without being too cliche.

ps — if you haven’t watched Lupin with Omar Sy, I also highly recommend it!

Treating Myself To

I reached 2000 subscribers (!!!), which meant it was time for another celebratory gift. I couldn’t decide between buying a pair of black boots or something spring and summer oriented. I kept thinking back to last summer and how much I wore my black skirt, so when I saw this one, I decided it’d be part of my gift.

I still have some budget left, so I’m contemplating between these red sandals I’ve been eyeing for a few summers or these linen/silk trousers that match my linen/cotton vest that I wear so often.

ps — if you’ve recently joined, I treat myself to a gift every time I hit an additional 1k subscribers! Also, welcome !! I’m so glad you’re here :)

On My Radar

Manu Atelier

I’ve been fawning over their bags ever since I first saw them. If you’ve been around for a while, you may have seen me talk about my desire for a leather or suede tote bag in either black or chocolate brown. It’s safe to say that Manu Atelier has some stunning options. The number of times I’ve looked up the Tote du Jour could be classified as stalking. There isn’t a color I don’t like — so I’ll take one of each. They also have a mini version and this red suede from their Resort ‘26 line that is striking. I’m also very into the Le Cambon and its East West version.

Monthly Favorites

Hair Oil

If you recall, I mentioned going to Sephora to get a sample of Ceremonia’s hair oil and leave-in conditioner. I was actually hoping to find minis before we flew back, but unfortunately they were out. Luckily, my friend who was visiting me a week later managed to secure some for me. It was a night and day situation after using the hair oil. I was able to go an extra day between hair wash days. My husband rearranged our bathroom toiletries so the leave-in conditioner was out of sight (out of mind!) — so I’ll report back on that!

Cream Flats

I wore these (gifted) 11 times in the past month, which considering it rained a lot, is pretty good for me! They’re steadily becoming a staple in my rotation. They’re easily the softest flat I’ve ever owned and didn’t require a break in period. Even though there’s minimal cushioning, I wore them on 10k+ steps days with zero issues. I own the Danza as well and they’re equally comfortable, providing a bit more cushion if you want more support. For a more similar silhouette, I’ve heard these have great cushion, but I have yet to try.

ps — OFELIA15 gets you 15% off at M.GEMI! Starting today until 3/11 you can use FF2025 for 25% off.

Hair Pin

My husband bought me this hair pin for Christmas and it’s been a joy to wear. I’m still getting the hang of a hair pin, but I wore it to dinner with friends and loved feeling it sway side to side.

Corpus Comb

I’ve raved about Corpus body butter and scrub before and highly recommend it if you’re in the market for something similar. They gifted me a comb a few months ago that I’ve also been loving. I “stole” a comb from my mom when I went off to college that she’s had since I was 3 years old. I’ve used it ever since, but I’ve misplaced it a few times. I’ve been looking for an alternative option and nothing quite worked for me until this one. I like the gap width — it doesn’t tug too much while allowing me to untangle my hair easily. It’s also a beautiful green hue that looks beautiful on any bathroom vanity or dresser.

ps — OFELIA15 gets you 15% off all Corpus products!

Purse as a Belt

Easily one of my favorite ideas as of late! I had envisioned this purse tied around my waist after I knew it’d be too small to be a crossbody (personal preference) even though that’s how the strap is intended to be used. I love that it works around my waist as I’d envisioned. If I had a black purse, I’d probably buy a white strap to give it a different look! My friend calls it my medieval coin purse bag.

Emerald Bracelet

My friend gifted me a green beaded bracelet (similar-ish here) during her wedding two years ago and I’ve been reaching for it a lot lately. Every time I put it on, it instantly reminds me of her and it’s a subtle way to inject a bit of color into my outfit.

Peppermint Tea

We’ve been meaning to switch to loose leaf tea for a while now and we finally did it last month! We picked up mint tea from Palais Des Thés and also bought a tea strainer that simplifies steeping and cleanup. I also fell in love with this tea kettle that I’m hoping makes its way into our kitchen at some point!

Meeting Fanny

I’ve said this many times, but it’s such a joy to get to meet your online friends in person. Last month, spent a few days in Paris (which you can read about here) and we had a little coffee date. I’m terrible at asking for pictures, but I did sneak in this picture of the treats we enjoyed.

All featured items mentioned here.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

How did February treat you? Any new favorites? I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments :)

xx Ofelia

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Not all links are monetized — I only share brands whose quality and design focus I admire. Everything featured reflects items I genuinely love, would buy and wear myself.

If you liked this, you might also like the following:

We’ve been slowly inching toward transitional weather dressing in Paris, and these outfits embody that upcoming shift in temperature and long awaited sunshine.

Roaming To Your Favorite Park on a Spring Forward Day

You love nothing more than dilly dallying around town, and today the high 50s (F, 10 C) set the perfect scene for a park visit. You started the day at your favorite coffee shop and picked up your favorite drink (matcha coco!) and pastry (almond croissant) before heading over to find a lounge chair and settling in with your latest read.

The Look

For your look, to make friends with the pigeons, you slip on your duck cardigan (more colors here) over a halter tank — letting a peek of white show underneath. You pair it with light wash jeans and your beloved burgundy tassel loafers you love to parade in. You add minimal pearl huggies and toss your hair pin into your purse just in case. The cardigan isn’t the only star of the show, this trench stopped you in your tracks the first time you saw it — the sleeve details and popped collar make it the standout piece of the whole ensemble.

Behind The Photo | Taken November 2024

On one of the last days in Paris on our apartment hunting trip, we wandered through the Jardin du Luxembourg. We roamed through the entirety of the park before heading back up to Rive Droite for lunch. The stillness of the park had us dreaming of a follow up reading date in the future.

Drinks with The Gals

It’s time for the monthly standing drinks date with your friends. You’re meeting them at a low key tapas bar this time around. They already know you love any excuse to dress up and slip on a heel, and you can’t wait to catch up on a much needed yap session.

The Look

You’re a sucker for flowers and embroidered elements, so you choose this blazer as the centerpiece. You tone it down with medium wash jeans, slide on mules and accessorize with silver earrings and a bracelet. You’re envisioning a clutch tucked under your arm situation and, uncertain of the temperature, you throw on a lightweight wool coat with fringe to break up the dominant black tones of the outfit.

Behind The Photo | Taken December 2024

Technically, this photo was captured by my husband on New Year’s Eve as we were leaving for dinner. The low light and motion created a beautiful blur that reminds us how close we were to being late for our reservation.

Family Birthday Dinner at Home

You’re headed out to your parents’ house to celebrate your birthday with loved ones. On the agenda? Lounging, playing with your parent’s favorite child (the dog), snacking on whatever your parents are prepping and chasing after your nieces and nephews.

The Look

For your look, you ease into comfort while keeping elements that feel very you. You build the outfit around your favorite workwear-esque jeans you can’t seem to keep out of your regular outfit circuit. You layer a wool v-neck over a white t-shirt for some contrast. You slip on flats that feel like second skin after running around in them. You keep jewelry minimal, adding silver earrings and a charm bracelet your niece will ask to borrow. You know you’ll be schlepping back leftovers and gifts, so you grab your tote before heading out the door.

Behind The Photo | Taken December 2025

We celebrated Christmas with my husband’s family in the countryside — a day filled with an endless stream of food. At one point, his aunt and uncle placed langoustine and ham on the kitchen window ledge to “cool down.” Enamored with this sight, I stepped outside and snapped a picture to freeze this moment in time.

Curled Up On The Couch To Devour Your Latest Read

It’s been pouring rain for weeks and you’re supposed to meet up with friends. You all decide on a raincheck, so you decide to spend a blissful day at home doing nothing. Nothing includes curling up on the couch to catch up on your latest read, catching up on a show and taking in the rain as it comes down on the other side of the window while you munch on your favorite snacks.

The Look

Instead of staying in your pajamas, you toss on this lounge set your parents gifted you for Christmas. You appreciate they got you the entire ensemble — pants, pullover and matching bra to go with it. You complete the trifecta with cashmere slippers. You might even do a face mask while you’re at it.

You remark at the comfort of the bra and immediately decide you need more. While you’re browsing, you notice the matching shorts. You thought you’d save money today, but your wallet had other plans.

Behind The Photo | Taken January 2025

One of the many rainy photos I took last winter in Paris. This was from the tiny balcony of our temporary (thankfully!) seven floor walk-up apartment when we first arrived in the city.

Airport Look for a Warm Weather Escape

You’re trading the depths of winter for a warm winter escape to Portugal. It’s not quite the 80° f degree weather you’re dreaming of, but it’s warm enough to feel some reprieve. It’s a short flight, so you opt for comfort while still looking polished. You’re team jeans on flights, so you start there.

The Look

You opt for comfortable jeans, toss on a t-shirt over an unlined wool coat just in case it gets chilly on the plane. You balance the outfit with a canvas tote that’ll be your poolside companion and toss in your sunnies and a packable hat that didn’t quite fit in your carry on. Yes, you’re also wearing one because you couldn’t decide on which one.

Behind The Photo | Taken May 2025

On a quiet morning, we strolled over to Palais Royal to read before the crowds descended on the park. I had just loaded a new roll of film into my camera when I spotted a cluster of flowers. They’re one of my favorite things to photograph. I knew the first photo would be a half frame, so with that in mind I positioned my camera to capture one flower in its entirety and another just halfway as a signal to summer’s imminent arrival.

All featured items mentioned here.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

Which outfit was your favorite?! Was there a particular piece you loved in any of the outfits? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

xx Ofelia

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Not all links are monetized — I only share brands whose quality and design focus I admire. Some pieces were gifted from prior years and their reappearance in current newsletters reflects my confidence in that brand’s products . Everything featured reflects items I genuinely love, would buy and wear myself.

If you liked this, you might also like the following:

TLDR — this week was tough, but I hope it provides a glimpse of what it’s like getting dressed in Paris during a “harder” week.

ps — This week I was reminded of a newsletter I shared last year in the depths of winter. I clearly need a dedicated rainy day version. If it’s still freezing where you are, here are some ideas from last year to help get you through.

If you’re curious to see last year’s edition of winter dressing, you can find it below!

Day One

The weather had been unseasonably warm, so I planned to throw a trench over this look, but the color of my flats and trench clashed. I layered a long sleeve henley (similar) underneath, added my barn jacket (gifted ‘25) and draped a thick sweater (gifted ‘24 | cardigan version | alt pull over) over my shoulders. I paired the look with my black vintage 501s (similar here and here) and added a pair of flats (use OFELIA15 for 15% off | gifted). Fortunately, I managed to avoid the rain while I was out and about. Before heading out, I grabbed my crossbody (half moon option and smaller option) and added my favorite pair of earrings (sold out, but another similar pair on my mind).

Day Two

I envisioned an all white outfit, but my sweater (similar here and here) looked yellow next to my off white jeans. Instead, I opted for medium blue jeans and black loafers. The possibility of rain was looming, so I tossed on my trench (similar here, here, and here) on top just in case. I wished I had red socks to inject a bit of color.

ps — I think this would’ve looked better with ankle length jeans (like this or this), and while I considered changing, it was a miracle I got dressed with how tired I was feeling.

Day Three

We had friends arriving in the afternoon and I’d planned to run around Paris with them the rest of the day. My mind kept coming back to the all white outfit idea, but I couldn’t make it work (again!). It was windy, so I layered a turtleneck (gifted | similar here) under a denim jacket (similar here) for some warmth and paired it with my beloved black vintage Levi’s (similar here and here). I added a belt (gifted ‘24) to break up the all black look and buttoned the top button on my jacket. Since rain wasn’t on the menu for today (finally), I wore cowboy boots for a stroll around the city with our friends.

Day Four

Surprise surprise, I was still fixated on an all white outfit and I couldn’t decide on a pair of jeans, so I reverted to my white jeans and paired them with a grey v-neck sweater (similar here and here) and tank (similar here and here) underneath. I desperately wanted to wear flats, but rain was imminent, so my Salomons made their debut. I bought them specifically as an interim rain shoe because I was tired of my toes getting soaked during down pours. Before heading out of the house, I added earrings, a pearly necklace (similar) and a red triangle scarf over my coat (same silhouette, different color).

Day Five

The sunshine returned and graced us with her presence for today, but with a dramatic drop in temperature. I was so fooled by the bright sun shining through the window that I slipped on my flats (gifted) without checking the temperature. I was planning on wearing my red coat (similar here — 30% off and here), so I chose a dark blue ensemble — a pair of vintage Levi’s with a dark blue mock neck sweater (gifted) for warmth. Before leaving the apartment, I added my red triangle scarf and thank goodness because I needed it!

Day Six

Mother nature came back with a vengeance after yesterday’s sun. I layered a turtle neck (similar) under my warmest wool sweater (gifted ‘24 | cardigan version | alt pull over) and went with the same white jeans from before, even though I’d have preferred to wear ankle jeans. Thank goodness because the wind and rain were relentless. Naturally, my Salomons were the shoe of choice. Not pictured: me walking sideways with an umbrella as the wind and rain came pouring down.

ps — we ran to the bus stop in the rain and there were no casualties (slips), so the Salomons are very much rain approved.

Day Seven

It was another day of running around with the potential of rain — which pained me, because Salomons weren’t the shoes I had in mind for today’s outfit. I’m still learning how to integrate them into my wardrobe while still feeling like myself. I’ve realized I’m more of a “dainty shoe” type of gal and Salomons push that envelope.

It was another cold one, so I layered a halter tank (similar here and here) under a polo (similar here) and a pair of selvedge jeans. The outfit felt a bit too casual, so I added the matching pull over (similar here) over my shoulders in an attempt to combat that feeling. In the back of my mind I knew that if I’d been able to wear a pointed boot or flat), it would have instantly felt more like me.

Bonus

After a full night of uninterrupted rest, I was finally feeling refreshed enough to linger in front of the closet a bit longer. The sun was shining bright again, slowly restoring my faith the longer I stood in its presence.

I wanted to pair my pink cardigan over my brown one, but as I played with the outfit, I felt it needed something else. I reached for this corduroy button down (similar here and here) that I’d thrifted as part of my husband’s Christmas present. I layered it over my brown cardigan, rolled up the sleeves to showcase the cardigan’s sleeve underneath and grabbed a pair of blue jeans. I added my pearly necklace (similar) and an opal ring that belonged to my husband’s grandmother.

Tan Loafer Replacements

I’m on the hunt for a replacement for my tan loafers. I loved the driver-esque look of my previous pair, but I haven’t found anything that comes close. I’m also considering alternatives! A few I’ve been pondering:

• Ballerinas with a small heel in tan or plum wine reminiscent of what I see Parisians wearing

• Mocassin-esque suede fringe loafers that look buttery soft

• Suede mule — though, I find I like the black version more

• Suede flats with a hint of green

• Croc-embossed loafers — glossy pair vs a more muted option

If any recommendation comes to mind, please let me know!

All featured items mentioned here.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

I hope the rest of Winter is kind to you and that you’re slowly defrosting and getting ready to welcome Spring. I’d love to hear what you’ve been wearing this season! What have you been loving?!

xx Ofelia

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Not all links are monetized — I only share brands whose quality and design focus I admire. Some pieces were gifted from prior years and their reappearance in current newsletters reflects my confidence in that brand’s products . Everything featured reflects items I genuinely love, would buy and wear myself.

If you liked this, you might also like the following:

Favorite Moments

There are so many favorite moments from the past year, but I’ll highlight just a few below!

Making New Friends

I’ve made so many wonderful new friendships this past year and I truly can’t imagine my life without them now. My husband started referring to me as the social chair of our household because on a weekly basis, I had several hangouts planned and things to do on our calendar.

French & Integration Classes

I’ve progressed my French fairly quickly and I’m eager to continue growing my language comprehension abilities. I need to master B2 level for my citizenship exam, but also because I want to be able to communicate with ease on any topic with anyone I encounter.

People Watching in Parks

My husband jokes that I subconsciously seat myself with a view of the kitchen at restaurants so I can watch the food come out and that might be the same reason I love parks. I’m an observer, I focus on small details, and take life in the best way. Nothing makes me happier than sitting in a lounge chair with a good book and occasionally dozing off in the park with people all around me.

Writing On Home

One of my favorite newsletters I’ve written and shared to date. It wouldn’t exist without the heartache of living between two worlds. While I wish I could scoop up all my loved ones and move them to Paris with me, that tension makes everything feel extra real.

What I’ve Learned

• I moved a lot in the US after college and thought I understood change, but moving across the world in your 30s (or any age!) has been unlike any of my other moves. It pushes you beyond your limits and well outside of your comfort zone. You’re forced to grapple with reality in so many ways, especially in a country with a different native language.

• Making friends is easier when you put yourself in situations that are conducive to making them. I’ve found you often just have to ask and make the first move. In some ways, it’s another way of dating. You often find people in similar stages of life who are open to connection. That said, making friends with French people can be harder (not impossible!). They tend to have very tight knit circles and often make new friends only during major life events (marriage, having kids, starting new jobs), etc.

• Things are less scary when you say them out loud! Especially when you share them with your loved ones, because sometimes you just need encouragement to get over the mental obstacles we often place in front of ourselves.

• The community you build becomes deeply meaningful to you. It’ll make you walk 30 minutes to the same shop every time you’ve run out of your favorite toner because the attendant remembers your name and always asks how you’re doing with a big smile on her face every time you stop by. The price of convenience is no longer a motivator for you.

• Learning the language will make you fall more in love with the city. You adapt more easily, understand people better, and pick up on cultural nuances and mannerisms.

• Parts of you will never be the same. You’ll learn to appreciate different aspects of life and wonder how you ever did it differently. You’ll have a new found appreciation for a lot of things and even start to wonder if you’ll ever “go back.”

Paris oddly felt like home the moment we arrived. Was finding an apartment hard? Yeah. Has dealing with the French bureaucracy been hard? Heck yeah. Do I dislike how much people smoke here? Sure. But those are small moments in an otherwise incredible year. I feel incredibly lucky to call Paris my home.

Shocking Things

Before I continue, I want to be clear that this has been what I’ve experienced in Paris. A tiny sliver of Paris, shaped by timing, privilege, and circumstance. One thing this year has taught me, it’s that two things can be true at once—and Paris lives comfortably in that gray area for everyone.

In no particular order — things that blew my mind at some point over the last year.

Dental Care

My first dentist visit was, well, surprisingly different. I expected to be greeted by a dental hygienist, but instead I was greeted by the dentist herself. My cleaning lasted about 15 minutes — I was shocked at how fast I was out the door.

I was also told that if I didn’t want to floss, I didn’t have to — it wasn’t strictly necessary. That definitely shocked me, especially after growing up in the US and being told how important it was to floss daily.

OBGYN

My mother in law forgot to warn me that you basically strip naked and aren’t offered a gown during your pap smears. I recall my OBGYN telling me to take my pants off while she was standing across the room.

I stood there confused looking like a less cute version of Winnie the Pooh, waiting for something to break the silence and my confused state, but she simply waved me over to sit down.

Afterward, she told me to take off my top so she could check my breasts. I remember buffering for a moment and asking if I could put my pants on. It gave “hiding your underwear from your OBGYN” a whole new meaning.

I later had to get a follow-up colposcopy (which I hope you never experience) and wasn’t warned that my cervix would be displayed in 4k on a screen. I opted not to look — mostly out of shock. I’ve never been offered this level of autonomy over my body in the US.

After the appointment, I immediately received a message in my portal that mentioned “doctors notes.” I naively opened it while waiting to pay and as I scrolled down, I realized I was looking at images of my cervix. I had to sit down immediately — as I was quite literally about to faint from the entire experience.

Speaking of which, as a woman in her 30s with fibrous breasts, I have to get ultrasounds often to ensure nothing is amiss. After they confirmed all was well, they sent me home with a 10 page spread of my ultrasound images for me to keep. Something that feels impossible to acquire in the US without several phone calls and a lot of time on hold. I might frame them.

ps — I will say booking appointments is fairly easy thanks to a platform called Doctolib and I’m honestly surprised something like this doesn’t exist in the US. You can also keep a centralized record of your immunizations, which makes tracking everything so much easier.

Bureaucracy

I had seen countless videos about bureaucratic woes from visa renewals, but my husband assured me it couldn’t be that bad. Turns out, it all depends on the visa type. Spousal visas are often highly scrutinized due to the “ease” of qualifying for citizenship. Either way, it feels like you’re jumping through hoops each time to meet the requirements.

Customer Service

Specifically “government” related customer service — you have to be nice and often act a little helpless. While frustrating, people in these positions have the power to straight up “lose” your file at the bottom of a stack, which would force you to start over with no accountability.

I’ve learned that your experience will be highly dependent on the person you happen to get that day. There have been many times that my husband has called back immediately just to speak with someone else and receive a completely different response which is a rare experience in the US.

There’s very much a “that’s not possible” (aka I don’t want to deal with this) mentality until you chance upon someone who is willing to help. And no one is exempt from this experience. My husband, who is a French citizen, struggled for ten months to get his carte vitale so he could access healthcare coverage and pay his taxes! At least it’s a universal experience.

Catch 22s

When you first move, you often need something before you can get something else. To get a cell phone, you need an address. To get an address, you need an apartment contract. To get an apartment, you usually need a bank account, which asks for a phone number — the cycle continues.

I remember needing to validate my visa within three months of arrival while racing to secure an apartment. When I submitted my renewal, I couldn’t provide a cell phone number because we had been battling with a phone company for four weeks just to open our account. Why were they taking so long? No clue, but we were repeatedly told they were verifying our documentation and identity. We thankfully found a different provider who provided a much more straightforward experience.

Deliveries

We live in a building that has a gardienne (a dying profession in France, unfortunately), so our packages and mail are often received by her. She then drops it off at our door when we’re home. Many of my friends aren’t as lucky and either have to be home to receive their packages or send them to pick up locations to collect at their earliest convenience.

Package Drop Offs

Last month, I went to three different locations across Paris trying to return a package. It took hours to finally find a place that accepted it. Safe to say, I’ll be sticking to in person shopping whenever possible.

Package Pick Ups

Sort of related, in store pick ups are not always “free” like they usually are in the US. I learned this while setting up a pick up at Sephora only to see an additional pick up fee at checkout. It did, however, motivate me to walk my butt over there and served as a reminder that convenience has a price here.

Vaccines

If you need a vaccine or medicine administered via a needle, you go to the pharmacy to pick it up, and store it in your fridge until you get an appointment with a nurse or a doctor to administer it. These are not things that are kept at your doctor’s office.

Coconut Culture

There’s an unspoken barrier between you and the French. France is often described as a coconut culture — hard on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s hard to break through the hard outer shell — you have to be kind and polite, but not overly friendly at first. As you slowly get to know them, and trust builds they start to open themselves up to you. The US is sometimes defined as a peach culture, soft on the outside, but harder to truly know someone on the inside.

This might explain why the French often get labeled as rude or mean. I’ve noticed myself slowly closing myself off to strangers. I find myself no longer waving at cars to “thank them” for letting me cross, and smiling less when I lock eyes with someone down the street. I don’t think there is a “right” or “wrong” way, but you’re highly impacted by your surroundings.

This reminds me of when we met a French couple while camping in the Tetons. After we realized we’d be at the same campsite at Yellowstone, they had mentioned meeting up for dinner. I asked my husband if he actually thought if we’d see them again. He said “oh definitely, French people don’t just say that.”

Frenchification

You’ve probably heard of how the French are very particular about their language. The more I learn, the more I understand why — small changes in phrasing can drastically alter the meaning. That said, there are inconsistencies that exist. They’ll insist on the “correct” pronunciation of the word croissant, but happily Frenchify words like cookie and brookie. The selectiveness is funny to me — especially when I have to pronounce an English word wrong to be understood.

ps — my native language is Spanish, followed by English. Anytime people know I speak Spanish, they assume it’s easier for me to learn French. In some ways, yes, but in other ways I disagree. French is very much a written language, where the spoken portions can vary at your heart’s content.

A Perception of Parisians Life

Paris is glamorized everywhere, but unless you’re living and navigating life here — especially while working on a French salary — it isn’t always glitter and gold. The median salary in Paris is around 50,000 euros a year, and this report states you’d need around 40k to live comforabtly in Paris.

This took my brain a while to adjust to and honestly it’s still shocking because in most US cities that salary just isn’t doable. Yet, I’m often told that 50k in Paris is “a good salary.” I have friends who’ve made 35k in Paris for large companies, so the salary definitely depends on the sector.

What is even more shocking is how my husband’s cousins who live in other parts of France are shocked at how “high” that salary is in relation to theirs. Meanwhile, trying to live on 50k in the US is a tall order — let alone in a big city.

On Tiktok, I see the French calling out “affordability” claims when people TikTok their purchases in Paris while emphasizing how “cheap” things are. While the euro has more purchasing power, most people don’t have high paying salaries at the same level that the US generally does. The spending habits of Parisians vs Americans is wildly different. A lot of Parisians say living in Paris is expensive and when you’re living in a city that has a large influx of tourists, you find a huge disparity of “affordability” across Paris.

All that to say, even though my husband and I earn half of what we did in the US, our quality of life is higher. We can afford mostly organic foods (this is still a luxury in France). Eating organic food was out of the question in the US. We go to the doctor worry free because we aren’t going to get slapped with an outrageous bill later. We walk everywhere and it’s fairly easy to get to do so — though I have to admit very few public transit stations are wheelchair accessible or stroller friendly.

Paris AMA!

What have you loved most about living in Paris? Least?

Walking everywhere might be my favorite part. I love that I can end up in a different coffee shop, park, museum or a shop based on the direction I decide to walk and explore. It’s such a drastic shift from my life in the US and it’s done wonders for my physical and mental health. My least favorite things are the heavy smoking and the French bureaucracy. You can’t always win!

Are Parisians actually mean?

I’ve only truly encountered two mean people in Paris. From my experience, everyone is generally kind. There are unspoken rules like saying “bonjour” as you enter an establishment that sets the tone for most interactions. Making an effort to communicate goes a long way.

Are Americans really loud in Paris?

Can I hear Americans before I can see them? Yes, but the French are loud too. My theory is that they hate that you’re louder than them. That said, I’ve still had to learn to speak more softly when I’m out and about.

Did your style shift living in Paris and how?

Yes, it’s changed a bit, specifically it’s become more tailored. I think this is largely due to the necessity of layering. Living in a city that actually has seasons and large temperature shifts morning to night has taught me how to layer intentionally. I’m often throwing a cardigan or scarf over my shoulders or layering a button down over a tank. I’ve always leaned minimal, but I’ve embraced a stronger identity with a “less is more” approach and love to use accessories to switch things up.

Best non-French food in Paris?

I’m working on a guide I hope to release next month, but a few of my favorites include Baanbeck for Thai, Oobtaz for pizza, Rang for Indian, and La Collective Parisienne for globally inspired dishes.

How has your life changed since moving to Paris?

It’s been a big, but positive shift! For example, I no longer have high cholesterol which was something I struggled with for years in the US. When I established care in Paris and had bloodwork done, I fully expected it to still be an issue. To my surprise, all of my levels were normal. I think partly because of walking everywhere (especially after meals), but also because I no longer feel stuffed after eating. I’ve still been able to continue to eat my fair share of pastries too!

I no longer spend 30+ minutes in a car to go anywhere. You could say I spend that walking or on the metro, but I find that much more enjoyable than sitting behind the wheel.

Another major area of change has been our spending habits. We’ve been more conscious of our spending and the way we consume in recent years, but it’s been heightened after our move. While my husband and I always paid our credit card bill every month, we no longer blindly charge everything to a card. We adhere more strictly to our budgets — banks even set limits on how much you can spend a month. Yes, I’m talking about spending your own money, not putting it on a card! You can request additional spending limits, but these constraints have genuinely shifted how we consume and spend our money.

Do you have a favorite season in Paris? What’s the best time to visit?

I’ve come to enjoy the cusp of seasons — those moments when the air starts to change slowly and the city feels full of nostalgia. These will be the scenes I’ll come back to when I describe Paris to my grandkids when I’m 80.

I truly love every season here. I was even enamored with Paris in August, which surprised me since there’s no real reprieve from the heat. I loved sitting in parks with a book and a treat while observing the people around me.

As for visiting, it depends on what you like! If you’re hoping to avoid peak tourist season (though, it always feels like a touristy season!), I would opt for April or early May. In the Fall, late September and early October are a beautiful time to visit.

How did you make friends? Did you already know some people? How not to be alone when you move abroad?

I would lean into things you enjoy! If you do things you like, you will show up for yourself and eventually you will meet others who enjoy the same things. Those connection points lend themselves to friends more easily in my opinion.

I made friends in French classes, online and through old friends. I have a mix of Mexican, German, American and French friends. My Mexican and German friends came through my French classes. My American friends through Instagram, TikTok and even Substack. My Parisian friends I’ve made through a friend I used to work with in the US.

I did know two people before moving. I knew was moving to Paris so I reached out when we were apartment hunting in October of 2024. During that same trip, a friend visiting Paris introduced me to her Parisian friends. I clicked with one immediately and we’ve grown closer over the years.

I’ve also made a dear friend thanks to from , who shared one of my articles last year. She’s been reading a Cup of Jo for over 10 years and she happened to see Joanna’s restack. When she was reading my newsletter, she realized I had recently moved to Paris (she had also recently moved back!). She ended up reaching out and I immediately asked her if she wanted to grab a coffee. We became instant friends and she’s now one of my closest and dearest friends in Paris. We have Joanna to thank for our friendship !!

I had also reached out to a friend on TikTok who loves film photography on a whim and we’ve been inseparable since — you’ll often see her mentioned in my newsletters.

Do you consider yourself Parisian?

As someone who has lived between two cultures her entire life, it’s not a straightforward answer. Technically speaking, a Parisian is someone who lives in Paris — so by that definition alone, I’m Parisian. To me, to be Parisian is far beyond a zip code, but also a way of being.

Part of me wonders if I’ll ever fully claim it, because I’ll always be deeply influenced by Mexican and American culture. With each passing day, I feel more Parisian, but it’s a bold title and I’m not quite there yet.

ps — There is a saying in Spanish that goes “ni de aquí, ni de allá” which translates to “not from here, nor from there” which captures that fine line of living in between and not feeling like you quite belong in one place or in another.

Not a question, but I just wanted to say I appreciate how you always report on Paris. It’s never an absolute and you remind us that it’s just a small portion of Paris.

I appreciate it! Since our move, it’s been important to me to share honest representations of my experience while also being cognizant that they are just a small sliver of a reality composed of millions of points of view.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

I’m curious to know what sounded shocking to you?!

xx Ofelia

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Meanwhile, my husband was already in the states for his brother’s wedding — yes, sadly I missed it waiting for the famously slow French bureaucracy. I joined enviously via facetime both for the wedding and as he enjoyed some of our favorite restaurant spots in Austin while visiting our close friends after the wedding.

With the documentation coming in a week after our scheduled departure and 3 weeks after my visa expired, we had to cancel my ticket for the flight I was supposed to join my husband on. Fortunately, we were able to swing a last minute rebooked ticket (thank you airline miles!), allowing me to meet my new niece.

January was heavy for many reasons. I know this is a monthly favorites article but I can’t in good conscience write it without mentioning that I spent much of my time in the U.S. worrying, vigilantly checking my parents’ locations, and getting anxious when they didn’t pick up on the first ring while also pleading with my brother to get an enhanced ID. It’s gut wrenching having to soldier on with life while feeling powerless to change the circumstances we find ourselves in.

I carry this fear despite being a U.S. citizen — simply being a person of color here carries risks beyond superficial racial biases. You could find yourself detained and imprisoned without due process, deported to a country you have few ties to and for the least fortunate of us, as we’ve seen time and again through each iteration of racism in U.S. history, death.

Reading

I didn’t do any major reading this past month, but I did receive a few new books for my birthday, including I Who Have Never Known Men, The Correspondent, The Last Letter and Theo of Golden. Have y’all read any of these?!

Eating and Taste Testing

The panadería is a dangerous place for my waistline, but it’s a place I must visit repeatedly for Mexican pan dulce. I have a few I always get — unfortunately, I have no idea what most of these are called. My favorites are pictured below:

Also, this chocolate chip cookie cake from Costco is an honorable mention. You must try it if you see it!

Perusing, Paris & Proud Of

Snow in Paris

It feels like a lifetime ago, but it snowed in Paris !! Seeing the buildings and rooftops blanketed in snow felt like a scene out of a movie. I sat by the window, watching the flakes drift past my window as they covered the cityscape below. It was a silver lining of being “stuck” in Paris. Next time, I’m going outside to play in it!

@oferodrigit’s snowing in Paris and it feels like Christmas #parissnowing #winterinparis #itssnowing

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New Photography Website

My photography website needed a major face lift and it finally got one! Apart from a redesign, I finally added new work from the past year. A website is truly never finished and it’s something I’ll continuously refine as my work evolves, but I’m happy with where it is now. Next up: revamping the “Selected Work” gallery so it’s categorized — stay tuned!

Obsessing Over

Riposo Pajamas

I’ve professed my love for Riposo before and for good reason — they’re the best pajama sets I’ve ever owned. I bought my first set in fall of 2024 and for Christmas I requested a few more. I really wanted the Miller set, but it was sold out unfortunately. Instead, my parents gifted me Leni and Wren. Both are buttery soft, breathable and fit beautifully.

Recommending To You

Gifting Experiences

I’d been planning on gifting my nieces and nephew an experience for Christmas and while I was visiting, we got to take them to see the Zootopia sequel at the theatre, popcorn, soda and candy included — it was such a blast. Before my arrival, they kept asking when they would get to go to the movies with “tia” and “uncle” — their excitement nearly brought tears to my eyes. It also gave my brother and sister in law an evening off to enjoy a date night!

In the same vein, we got to take my niece ice skating for her birthday. She got to leave school early and enjoy an afternoon at the rink. The smile on her face as she raced circles around my poor husband as he tried to keep up was priceless.

Treating Myself To

Froyo! I ate more froyo in the past few weeks than I have in the past decade. I was reminded of how delicious it was, picking from the plethora of toppings is one of my favorite parts. My top flavor “on tap” was a tribute to peanut butter reese’s pieces. I’ll be on the hunt for something similar in Paris.

On My Radar

I’m introducing a new category (“On My Radar”) this year, mostly highlighting one or two things that I’m keeping an eye on. Think of it as a way for me to introduce you to something that’s captured my attention, but I don’t necessarily have all the intel on yet.

For this month, Act+Acre is on my radar. I recently stopped by Sephora to pick up a few Ceremonia samples (I love their heat protectant) and right above the shelf I saw Act+Acre beautifully displayed. Their sleek, pastel blue bottles and minimal branding caught my eye. I ended up taking a sample of Stem Cell Scalp Serum™ after being intrigued by their ethos and the raving reviews online. Unfortunately, they don’t ship internationally and I’m kicking myself for not picking up a bottle of Daily Hydro™ Scalp Serum because my hair could use it. If you’ve tried it or are familiar with the brand, I’d love to know your thoughts!

ps — if you’re in the UK, you’re in luck!

Monthly Favorites

Briggs & Riley Carry On

If you were at the SLC airport on the same day I was in January, you may have seen me sprinting from customs to my gate. I had my travel bag perched on top of my carry on with my coat draped over it trying to keep it all from toppling over as I ran. After clearing security, I took off in a full on sprint to the end of the terminal. I practically glided through the airport and it was all thanks to my carry on.

I’ve mentioned this carry on before, but if you’re in the market for a carry on that will literally carry you through an airport when you’re the most in need, you must get this one. My husband and I splurged on these because 99% of the time we’re not checking luggage and the investment was worth the five hour layover I avoided by making it to my gate in the nick of time. There’s also a lifetime guarantee — they’ll fix it for life, no questions asked!

Physical Books

While looking for The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros for my friend, I stumbled upon I Who Have Never Known Men after seeing it recommended online a few times. I usually read on my e-reader, because checking out books from the library in English is virtually non-existent in Paris. Buying this physical copy reminded me to treat myself to more paperback purchases in Paris.

Celebrating my Birthday at Home

When my mom learned we were planning to visit in January, she was thrilled that I’d be home for my birthday. She noted it’d been sixteen years since we’d celebrated my birthday together in person. I hadn’t realized how long it had been. Since I left for college, having a birthday in late January meant I was back at school or long gone after visiting during the holidays. My sister in law just so happened to be due on my birthday, making it an even sweeter birthday.

I remember feeling a bit sad last year around my birthday — we’d just moved to Paris and were in the trenches hunting for an apartment while the weather was cold and wet. This one cured the feelings I felt last year. I sat there feeling lots of gratitude to have my friends alongside me as we ate delicious Mexican food my parents had prepared (carnitas and birria) and enjoyed some sweet treats. My mom had these cookies made with a “Parisian” theme and I thought they were so precious. I’m reminded that no matter how old I get, I’m still my mom’s little girl.

Barefoot Socks

If you’re like me and need a pair of socks to sleep, may I suggest the barefoot dreams fuzzy version? They were another Christmas gift request and my husband made sure I got them. They’re exactly what my feet need during the chilly Winter nights. They’re a bit on the longer side, but I just fold them over or scrunch them down when needed.

New Balance 471

I feel silly mentioning these again, but they’re incredibly comfortable. The color I own is no longer available, but I forgot to pack extra shoes on my trip so I’ve been wearing them daily. They gave my outfits a more casual tone for my time in the US.

Porto Novella

I’d wanted this purse for about two years — always unsure of what size to get. I finally decided about a month before our move and my husband gifted it to me for Christmas. Unfortunately, it didn’t arrive before our move, so it sat at my in-laws for about nine months before we could retrieve it during one of my husband’s work trips. I’ve been reaching for it more and more and it was the only purse I packed for my trip — giving my crossbody a much needed break. It is the softest and most subtle purse I own!

ps — I noticed it stains and marks easily. I’d been warned about the marking, but hadn’t considered the stains. I was around several small children for a month, and I wasn’t careful about storing it. While I’d prefer it not to have any stains, I’m reminded that those little marks are from my nieces and nephews and I suddenly don’t care because things are meant to be worn and marked. Those signs of use are signs of an item well loved.

Framed Memories

My best friend’s boyfriend gave me a birthday gift that made me cry the moment I opened it. While visiting us in Paris last fall, he snapped a photo of my best friend and I walking home, printed it and framed it for me. My best friend didn’t know what it was (he refused to tell her) and it was just the sweetest surprise — especially because we have so few photos together (idk how, we’ve known each other for over half of our lives, but it’s a fact). Her birthday is a few days after mine and he gifted her the same one! It’s one of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve received recently.

501 90s

I’m back again singing praises for the Levi’s 501 90s. During a recent sale, I picked up two washes — one reminiscent of the wash of vintage pairs and a selvedge version. I especially love the vintage wash as I’ve been wearing it more often lately.

Necessaire Body Wash

I found a few mini versions of Nécessaire body wash at my parents’ house from my previous trip and was reminded of how lovely olibanum scent is. When we lived in Austin, we regularly bought the eucalyptus scent, but now I’m wishing we’d tried the other scents more regularly. I also found a bottle of hinoki which made me realize that each scent targets different concerns. Their multi-acids formulation targets rough texture and unevenness while their multi-enzyme version provides a gentle cleanse. You can find a few other versions like their multi-oil, mutli-mineral and barrier complex formulations.

All featured items mentioned here.

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more snippets of daily life in Paris. You can also find me on Indyx if you’d like to take a peek at what I’m wearing.

Sending y’all lots of love and may all our Februarys be softer and kinder.

xx Ofelia

Disclaimer: some links are affiliate links, which means I may receive a very small percentage from a sale. As always, anything that is linked are things I either own, recommend or would purchase myself.

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ps — I usually start my try-ons with a “what I own” section, but I have yet to buy anything from Nour Hammour! Fingers crossed for a Sima soon!

This is part of an ongoing series of try-ons featuring Parisian brands (or brands I simply love). If you’re curious, I’ve previously shared try-ons from Buck Mason, Soeur, Posse, A.P.C and Facettes Studios.

What I Tried On

Marlene Decadent Shearling Coat

Marlene has a substantial weight, ensuring you look incredible while keeping you incredibly warm on the coldest of days. I tried it on in black which has since sold out, but you can find it available in other tones here.

Fit notes — Runs slightly oversized. Go true to size for a relaxed look. Size down for a fitted look.

Sima Midi Chic Shearling Coat

After commenting on the weight of the Marlene coat, the associate suggested Sima and I was speechless when I tried it on. The coat can be worn with the shearling displayed on the sleeve when it’s folded or with the shearling tucked into the inside. I tried on two sizes — my true size and one size down. Both fit roomy — draping beautifully, which shows how flexible the sizing can be.

Fit notes — Runs oversized. Go true to size for a relaxed look or size down if you prefer less drape.

Sima Grand Shearling Coat

This is essentially the longer version of the Sima Midi, offering the same luxurious elements with added length. Despite being longer, it doesn’t feel overwhelming. It reminds me of something you might find in your grandmother’s wardrobe. It’s spacious enough to accommodate a thicker sweater underneath, and like the Midi version, it runs oversized. The images on the website appear more black, but it’s very much a deep brown.

Fit notes — Runs slightly oversized. Go true to size for a relaxed look. Size down for a fitted look.

joni Off-duty Shearling Essential

I fell in love with Joni the moment I saw her online. It’s reminiscent of a jacket my mother in law wears, and I thought of her as I tried this one on. The beauty of this coat is that it’s reversible. When the shearling is on the inside, it’s a touch tighter, so I’d opt for a thin sweater or button down. When it’s worn in reverse, it feels roomier. If you plan on wearing the shearling side inside, I’d suggest sizing up for extra comfort around the arms and waist.

Fit notes — Fits true to size, but snug. I’d recommend sizing up for a roomier fit in the arms and waist.

Portia Modern Shearling Aviator

Another beauty I fell in love with while perusing Nour Hammour’s website and I was thrilled to try it on in person. Even though I wanted to try it on in black, the only color available in the showroom was biscuit. It fits slightly oversized which makes it easy to layer with thicker sweaters for added warmth.

Fit notes — Fits true to size. I’d recommend going true to size for a relaxed look. If you prefer a more fitted look, size down.

Hale Everyday Wool Coat

As a fan of red coats, this wool coat was no exception. They didn’t have my size in the showroom, but the next size down still fit slightly oversized. It has subtle shoulder pads that give it a bit of structure and extra “umph.” Since it’s unlined, it works well as a transitional piece.

Fit notes — Runs oversized. I’d recommend going down one size. If you want to layer thicker pieces underneath, go true to size.

Seraphina Luxe Shearling Coat

This felt like a cozy hug. Although I’m not usually the biggest fan of wrap coats, I liked this one. You can wear it open or tie the strap in the back. When it’s open, there is no hint of the strap, giving the coat a sleek look. It also worked beautifully with a thick sweater layered underneath.

Fit notes — Runs oversized. I’d recommend going true to size. If you want a fitted look, go down a size.

Evita Plush Shearling Coat

Wearing Evita made me feel like a teddy bear. It may look black at first glance, but it’s actually a dark brown — making it versatile and a chameleon of a color. It’s lightweight, yet still warm enough for chilly winter days. It’s also roomy for those days when you need to wear a thicker sweater underneath.

Fit notes — Runs oversized. I’d recommend going true to size. If you want a more fitted look, size down.

Gotham Sleek Leather Coat

I felt instantly cool in this leather coat, which also has a duster like appeal that can elevate any outfit with a bit of edge. I was wearing a thick sweater, which pressed against the edges when buttoned. I would recommend thinner sweaters or shirts for a seamless look. If you like this, you might also like Althea.

Fit notes — Fits true to size. I’d recommend sizing up for a roomier look. If you prefer a more fitted look, go true to size.

Drey The It Girl Jacket

Reminiscent of vintage jackets you might find in secondhand shops, it’s safe to say Drey embodies the “it girl” vibe. It’s one that will break in nicely with wear and the rich brown hue pairs perfectly with any color palette you choose.

Fit notes — Fits true to size. I’d recommend sizing up for a roomier look. If you want a more fitted look, go true to size.

Ariste Fluid Leather Jacket

This is what I imagine a lived-in leather jacket would feel like. It’s incredibly soft to the touch and I didn’t want to take off. It features an adjustable hem toward the back, which allows you to easily fold the jacket inward if you wish. The funnel neckline and raglan-esque sleeves add a touch of drama and breaks from the traditional leather jacket look, giving the piece a slightly masculine appeal. It reminds me of something we’d steal from the boys.

Fit notes — Fits true to size. I’d recommend sizing up for a roomier look. If you want a more fitted look, go true to size.

Styles I Didn’t Get to Try On

A few styles I didn’t get to try, but are definitely worth perusing include this croc embossed red leather coat that was a striking red, a trench silhouette that has a cinching belt (or a suede equivalent with a removable shearling collar or one without!), a coat that feels like a cozy blanket and a cropped jacket with shearling cuffs that blends comfort with timeless elegance.

ps — you can find some of these beauties plus more in their sale section!