initial

I had been wanting something with my initial on it for the longest. The letter K isn't exactly everywhere so I decided to make one à la middle school, with a tee and an iron-on patch. I'm really happy with the result and kind of wish I had brought back patches to make other variations of this shirt. 

tee: Old Navy with a DIY patch; skirt: ASOS; shoes: Nine West; necklace: Forever XXI; bracelets: DIY

blue prep

 

Some of the pieces I got on my latest trip back home have become instant favorites, like this cozy blue sweater that has made it into two outfits this week. Others, I'm having a lot of fun bringing out of the closet like these bright, slightly tinsel-y pants that make me feel like the holidays are right around the corner. One thing's for sure, blue has, as of late, become a more prominent color in my wardrobe.

outfit one, for a Sunday stroll: sweater: Gap; polo: Tommy Hilfiger; scarf: Irish souvenir; jeans: Forever XXI; bag: Coach; shoes: Zara

outfit two, for work: sweater: Gap; blouse: Ralph Lauren; pants: J.Crew; necklace: :Forever XXI; shoes: Nine West

the countryside

Last weekend was a long one. We took the train out of Paris and into the mountains for four days of relaxing and family time. On a walk Friday evening, down a quaint little street in an old fisherman's village, I caught a glimpse into one of the cute chalet-style townhouses and thought it was probably one of the most charming places I've ever seen. As much as I love living in the city, sometimes I wonder what it would be like to leave it behind and make home in the country side. In a small town or village where everything is a short walk's away and where days kind of just slow down and melt together into one colorful adventure, not dictated by the rhythm of traffic or of the 9-5. 

just because

 

Sometimes it's nice to wake up in the morning and dress up. For no reason at all - no meetings to go to, no presentations to be made .. just because. 

 dress, belt, blazer: Forever XXI; mary janes: Nine West; watch: Michael Kors

little details

I got a new camera for my birthday this year, and after opening the box, I decided to take it for a test drive in my backyard. It's funny how such a strange mix of creatures and characters come together in the place I call home. 

 the roses were in full bloom 

 a less than scary take on halloween/fall decorations 

 some unlikely friends in the garden seem to be getting along quite well 

 this little guy looked like he was ready to crawl in through the window 

we inherited this monsieur from the old owners - i still can't decide whether he's a pirate or some sort of explorer... 

cold snap

When I got back to Paris yesterday and look a look at the weather report, I was disappointed not to see the tropical numbers I was used to for two weeks and so excited to finally bring out sweaters (a lot of new ones) and boots. 

sweater and skirt; Forever XXI; booties: Nine West

roaring twenty five

I always said I would have a roaring twenties theme party to celebrate my quarter century. it's an important year (i suppose) and so why not bring it in with loads of sparkle and glam? here are some snaps from what ended up an incredibly fun birthday party.

with my wonderful sister who helped me put together my Zelda Fitzgerald-inspired look 

i followed this hair tutorial from the Beauty Department and added a few of my own tricks 

putting together a charleston/ foxtrot filled playlist for mood music

dress: American Eagle; hairband: Forever XXI; shoes: Zara