Bonjour, mes amis! As an honorary French poodle, I've sniffed out the best things to do and see for a first time trip to Paris. From picnicking on the Seine to dodging the crowds at the Louvre, I've got you covered. So, grab your baguette and let's dive in!

FIRST-TIME VISITORS

If you're a first-timer to the City of Light, you simply must visit the Eiffel Tower. It's like the Mona Lisa of Parisian landmarks - iconic, a little overrated, yet absolutely essential. For a more off-beat experience, head to Montmartre and let the bohemian vibes take you away. You'll find street artists, a vibrant nightlife, and a breathtaking view of the city. If you’re feeling lovey-dovey, head to the Pont des Arts bridge and attach a lock to symbolize your eternal love (or at least until the city removes it for safety reasons).

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ART AFICIONADOS

The Musée du Louvre is the obvious choice, but let's face it - you'll probably spend more time waiting in line than actually admiring the artwork. Instead, head to the Musée d'Orsay for an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. My personal favorite is Musée Rodin, a gorgeous estate dedicated to the works of the famous French sculptor Auguste Rodin and is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower. The museum is housed in the beautiful 18th-century Hôtel Biron, which was once the home of the sculptor. The museum's collection includes many of Rodin's most famous works, including The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell. Visitors can also explore the museum's beautiful gardens, which are home to many of Rodin's sculptures as well as other beautiful works of art.

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GARDENS

Paris is known as the City of Light, but it could easily be called the City of Gardens. The city is dotted with beautiful parks and gardens that are perfect for strolling, picnicking, or just relaxing with a book. Here are some of the best green spaces to visit in Paris. Take a stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries or the Luxembourg Gardens for a picture-perfect moment. Or, head outside the city limits to Giverney, home to the Impressionist master Monet.

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FOODIES

Ah, the French cuisine. It's like a love affair for your taste buds. Each street has a picture perfect cafe or boulangerie so it would be too much to go through for a small section. The best advice I can give is to stay clear of restaurants on touristy streets and opt for neighborhood spots. For a truly authentic experience, head to a local market and stock up on fresh baguettes, cheese, and wine for a picnic on the Seine.

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SHOPPING IS ART

Rue du Commerce is a hidden gem for locals, with plenty of boutiques and specialty shops to peruse. For a more upscale experience, head to Avenue Montaigne for haute-couture designers like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. And if you're on a budget, check out La Vallée Village outlet just outside the city. You can snag some designer deals without breaking the bank. I have a whole post on Paris Shopping if you want more!

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So there you have it, mes amis. A guide to a few of the best things to do and see in Paris. Remember, the key to enjoying the City of Light is to embrace the je ne sais quoi and let it whisk you away on a magical journey.

1. A tailored blazer - perfect for dressing up any outfit and adding a touch of sophistication

2. A silk dress - a timeless classic that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion

3. A trench coat - a must-have for any "old money" wardrobe. Opt for a neutral color like beige or navy for maximum versatility

4. Straight-leg trousers - a staple for any sophisticated wardrobe. Opt for a high-waisted pair in a neutral color like black, camel, or navy

5. A silk slip skirt - perfect for pairing with a blazer and tennies or dressing up with a pair of pumps

6. A pair of loafers - comfortable and chic, perfect for a day of running errands or a casual brunch

7. Pearl earrings - a classic accessory that adds a touch of elegance to any outfit

8. A simple leather handbag - perfect for carrying your essentials and adding a touch of sophistication to your outfit

9. A silk scarf - a versatile accessory that can be worn in a variety of ways and adds a touch of refinement to any outfit

10. A pair of vintage-wash jeans - perfect for a casual weekend look or dressing down a blazer or silk blouse

Remember, the key to achieving the "old money" style is to invest in quality pieces that will last a lifetime and stick to classic silhouettes and neutral colors. With these ten pieces in your wardrobe, you'll be well on your way to looking like you belong in the pages of a Yale Alumni mag.

Ah, the "old money" style. It's all about looking like you come from a long line of aristocrats without actually having to be one. So how can a babe achieve this refined and timeless look? Well, here are some tips that will have you looking like you stepped out of an Ivy League yearbook in no time:

Invest in quality pieces

You know what they say, "buy cheap, buy twice." So, instead of buying that $10 shirt that will fall apart after one wash, invest in high-quality pieces that will last you a lifetime. Think cashmere, silk, and linen.

Stick to classic silhouettes

Forget about the latest fashion trends, the "old money" style is all about timeless elegance. Stick to classic silhouettes like a tailored blazer, a shift dress, a trench coat, and a pair of straight-leg trousers. Bonus points if you can borrow them from your grandma's closet.

Embrace neutral colors

Colors are so overrated. Embrace the timeless elegance of neutral colors like navy, beige, black, and white. You'll look like you belong in a museum exhibit, in the best possible way.

Accessorize wisely

Accessories can make or break an outfit. Stick to classic pieces like pearl earrings, a simple leather handbag, a silk scarf, and a pair of loafers. They'll add just the right amount of sophistication to any outfit. And, who knows, maybe one day you'll inherit some antique jewelry from your great aunt.

Pay attention to fit

The "old money" style is all about looking like you were born with perfectly tailored clothes. Take the time to find pieces that fit you well and flatter your body shape. You don't want to look like you're drowning in fabric or suffocating in a too-tight dress. Even a less expensive garment can be perfect when taken to a good tailor.

Keep it simple

Remember, less is more. The "old money" style is all about understated elegance. Avoid anything too flashy or over-the-top and instead opt for simple, classic pieces that will never go out of style.

Be confident

Confidence is key when it comes to pulling off the "old money" style. Own your look and wear it with pride. After all, you may not have been born into an aristocratic family, but you can certainly dress like you were.

In conclusion, achieving the "old money" style is all about looking like you were born into a life of luxury without actually having to be. Invest in quality pieces, stick to classic silhouettes and neutral colors, accessorize wisely, pay attention to fit, keep it simple, and most importantly, be confident. Before you know it, you'll be the talk of the yacht club.

When you have champagne tase and a bb budget to back it up, you opt for getting your luxury designer style fix through resale. Just as gorgeous and usually a fraction of the full retail price, resale is my favorite way to buy designer. Imo, this method feels very intentional because it opts for recycling special, often rare, pieces and lowers the demand for further production of new goods (f fast fashion).

I have recently fallen in love with shopping on Vestiaire Collective (not sponsored bc I haven’t figured out how to make them sponsor me lol) and here is an itemized list why:

1. Authentication: Every item is throughly vetted by experts through their authentication service before being shipped to you. I bought a pair of “Chanel” flats that turned out to be fakes and Vestiaire prevented me from losing out. This can't be said for the “Gucci” boots I bought on eBay…

2. Variety of rare finds: I have seen more of my “treasure” finds on this site than The RealReal or Tradesy or Posh. Just look at the picks above, like wow. You have access to sellers across the globe so there is a higher probability of coming across finds that were only sold in particular regions.

3. Negotiation: You can professionally negotiate with sellers and buyers on item pricing.

4. Aesthetic browsing: I don't know about you, but just the act of being on an ugly website (hi Posh) makes me not feel confident when buying expensive items. Vestiaire is well designed and aesthetically pleasing to scroll through. It may not matter to most, but it is a huge deal to me.

While thinking that I was a French poodle in a past life doesn’t necessarily give me the authority to write guides on Paris, here is one anyway. I have attempted to gather my favorite places, shops, things to do etc from my trips over the past 8 years. So, from one poodle to another, here is the first episode in my Paris Avec Moi series: Shopping!

Best Shopping Streets

Rue du Commerce - Frequented by Paris locals, this hidden gem has a variety of boutiques and specialty shops and is a quick walk from the 7th AR across the Champs de Mars into the 15th AR (arrondissement = neighborhood).

Rue Saint Dominique - Located just off of the Champs de Mars near the Eiffel Tower in the 7th AR, this shopping street has affordable French fashion, boutiques and a fantastic collection of restaurants and cafes.

Avenue Montaigne - Right off the Champs-Elysées in the 8th AR, this avenue is the pinnacle of luxury shopping in Paris. The major haute-couture designers have luxurious ateliers here, such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Céline… need I go on?

Rue Cler - Located in the 7th AR, Rue Cler is a quintessential market street straight out of a French film. Stroll down the homey street to peruse specialty cheese shops, boulangeries, fresh produce stands, and flower shops - perfect for gathering supplies for a picnic on the Seine.

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Department Stores

Le Bon Marché - Le Bon Marché was the first department store in France (founded 1838) and it has withstood the test of time to remain a Parisian staple in luxury shopping. Address: 24 rue de Sèvres, 75007

Galeries Lafayette - A massive, glittering glass dome tops the atrium of this iconic department store. Come to see the architecture and stay for the diverse shops. Address: 40 boulevard Haussmann 75008

Printemps Haussmann - Printemps focus on beauty, lifestyle, fashion, accessories, and men's wear. The gorgeous dome and Haussmann architecture are the picture of department shopping in Paris. Address: 64 boulevard Haussmann, 75008

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French Brands

Maje - Flirty, femminine, and oh so Parisienne, Maje is an accessible luxury brand specializing in classic but current ladies wear. Kind of like affordable Chanel imo.

Sandro - Classic and slightly preppy silhouettes + the effortless vibe of a French girl. Lots of amazing staples to compliment a capsule wardrobe.

Sézane - If Chanel-esque preppiness is not your thing (like Maje & Sandro), try Sezane! Their warm, French country style has a relaxed attitude that makes you feel like you’re in a 70’s Paris summer.

Violette FR - Clean French beauty that encourages you to embrace your innate perfection to cultivate your unique “je ne sais quoi.” Their cult favorite Boum-Boum Milk has a whole facial experience to go with it in Paris.

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Discount/Outlet

La Vallée Village - The best Paris outlet is just 35 minutes outside of the city. Take a short drive into the peaceful countryside and find yourself in a discount designer paradise. Givenchy, Gucci, Longchamp and more. Beyond worth your time! Address: 3 Cours de la Garonne, 77700 Serris.

With flirty textures and colors reminiscent of a Ladurée macron, the Valentino Spring ‘23 Couture collection brings feminine energy into the forefront.

The fashion trends of the past few years have seen a rise in minimalistic looks with an emphasis on neutral tones and tailored silhouettes. Coming out of a traumatic time frame meant that fashion was generally geared toward practicality and comfort rather than experimentation and playfulness. My own style seemed to focus on all black palettes and yoga pants for days on end. I have greatly missed dressing like a birthday cupcake but the times have not been right for it yet. Until now!!!

Spring 2023 Paris Fashion Week was filled with the most epically gorgeous combination of soft but vibrant colors, voluminous fabrics, and feminine details. Bows on bows on bows. Pink pink pink. For a former power-pop girly girl like me, this was a very exciting moment in fashion. This fashion escapism is exactly what I have been needing more of in my life - a breakup with all black, dull, safe outfits that do not make me feel vibrant and beautiful. Taking cues from PFW 23, I plan on putting together more looks full of color and life, ruffles and fuchsia.

Every year I make a Christmas wishlist and email it to my family. This year for ~quismois~ I would love to add to my collections of ridiculous coats, vintage vinyl, and coffee table books. I also need to replenish my favorite beauty items like my beloved perfume and moisturizer.

1. Record Town albums - I have my eye on a few specific albums, but just digging in the bins is an adventure.

2. Charlotte Simone puffer coat with pink Mongolian wool - That coat is what dreams are made of, no? Baby pink Mongolian wool on a puffer jacket I die.

3. Dieux Skin Eye Masks & Instant Angel Moisturizer - The best of the best for my sensitive skin.

4. Glossier You Perfume - I genuinely have been stopped multiple times and am asked what I’m wearing when I have this on. It was not my fave at first but totally grew on me and now I’m on my 4th bottle.

5. Luke Edward Hall “Greco Disco” & Luke Edward Hall “A Kind of Magic” - The maximalist artist/classical genius is laid out in two gorgeous books - its a need.

When your very best friend in the world gets married in the chic city of Aspen you don’t sleep on prepping rad outfits. You show up looking like Elizabeth Taylor who knows how to knit (more on that topic).

One of my recent obsessions has been learning how to knit handmade sweaters. For this special trip, I really wanted to make a custom sweater with my initials on it. I ordered a sweater kit from Wool And The Gang and it knitted up like a dream. I went for a gray alpaca sweater that I customized with my first and last initials and paired it with a floor length nude tule skirt. I also knit (knitted?) a pink balaclava to channel my inner Audrey Hepburn meets Miu Miu.

In a snowy city like Aspen, outerwear definitely takes the main focus. I went for lots of fur coats + knits and then really leaned in to the “extra-ness” with accessories feat. Celine. 3 out of the 4 coats pictured above are from Zara - The long coat was such a lifesaver in the snow and as a bonus it provided some padding when I slipped and busted my a** in the snow. Between the snow boots, wool sweaters, and fur outerwear, I’d say my packing job was a 10/10 for all that we got into an Aspen!

Zara long coat / Tulle Skirt / Ski Pants / Rubber Boots / Celine Triomphe Bag