france

Snapshot 10/16

I’m going to write about that heart-stopping, joyful sensation that occurs when you find a perfectly distressed, perfectly fitting vintage piece. That feeling – after flipping through racks, digging through piles, and trying on garment after garment – of discovering something that’s one-of-a-kind. If you’re like me and the idea of mixing vintage and contemporary looks excites you, then you understand the possibilities that finding a vintage wardrobe staple like a pair of Levi’s jeans can hold. Jeans and a t-shirt is an unbeatable combination, but adding high-waisted timeworn jeans that are undoubtedly as rugged as they are feminine to the mix takes it to another level. I have found some pretty sweet vintage pieces in unlikely places, but I have yet to find, yes find (not “find” in Urban Outfitters, which, not going to lie, I’ve been tempted to do) my own pair of vintage Levi’s. In cherishing these timeless jeans (or jackets, or shoes) of the past I feel as though I can bring nostalgia to an outfit of otherwise current pieces that were most likely manufactured in this decade. A pair of vintage Levi’s can stand alone with a modest shirt and not much else and can add something special in their own subtle way.

Cheers to Friday, and have a fantabulous weekend!

My ode to vintage Levi’s jeans

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Through the Lenses

A happy, healthy & inspired new year to everyone! It could be the fact that the beginning of the year holds the possibility of adventure, but I am seriously craving Paris right now. Can I get a oui oui? See (and listen) to the playlist below for some aural satisfaction; I call this one Nancy Sinatra Goes to Paris.

Office design inspiration

Fresh blooms for a fresh new year

Airy archways to the kitchen

Short, choppy, hair-spiration

I really want this print for my apartment

Decorating with antlers: not just for hunting lodges

Butternut squash & white bean stew: kind of the perfect cold-weather dinner

On the banks of the Seine

Climb every mountain!

A storefront that makes you want to go inside

Crossbody & shades of blue

Caramel-filled gingerbread cookies

Herringbone hardwood floor & french doors

And this would look great in my bedroom!

Stripes on stripes on stripes

Sassy bear

Warm & fuzzy meets mid-century mod

Feelin’ this typography right now

Vintage French house numbers

Neutral living room

Paris, I Love You- Part 2

| bread at a local market |

As a city that is known for its incredible quality of food, pastries, desserts and confections, Paris undoubtedly lived up to my expectations. Seeking out some of the top culinary spots, we tasted amazing dishes and treats: sugary french macarons, crunchy, warm french bread, delicate yet flavorful fish. Enjoying these delicacies was definitely a highlight of my Parisian adventure.

| pistachio macarons from Ladurée on Rue Bonaparte: my absolute favorite |

| and macarons from Château de Versailles… also Ladurée |

| cocktail hour at Cafe Le Depart-Saint Michel |

| ice cream at Maison Berthillon, 31 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île |

| wheels of cheese at a local market, Saint Germain, Paris |

| my first taste of escargot & it was delicious |

| dinner at the hip Semilla bistro, Saint Germain des Prés, Paris |

| a smoked salmon buckwheat crepe & cider, Breizh Cafe, Le Marais, Paris |

| and of course, a dessert crepe to follow: pear, chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream, & toasted almonds |

Paris, I Love You – Part 1

| “Red Independent Heart” by Joana Vasconcelos hanging in the Peace Salon in the Palace at Versailles |

There is no doubt in my mind that I will be returning to Paris as soon as I can. We were fortunate to stay on the beautiful Île Saint-Louis in the 4th arrondissement, a small island near Notre Dame which is centrally located to tons of neighborhoods, sights, and shops including Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Musée d’Orsay, & the Pont des Arts.

The city glows with life, from the towering buildings and monuments, to the chic and effortless urbanites, to the quaint cafés that line the streets and pop up on almost every corner, to the incredible food and “pâtisserie” treats.

Being inspired by the people, I decided to photograph a bit of street style: some for their fashion choices, others that capture the feeling of being in Paris. Above all, these people possess that “je ne sais quoi” that is so undeniably characteristic of the Parisian lifestyle.

| on the corner of Quai de Bourbon, Île Saint-Louis, Paris |

| approaching Pont Marie, Paris |

| Quai des Grands Augustins, Paris |

| Rue du Bac, Paris |

| outside Café St. Regis, Île Saint-Louis, Paris |

| waiting for the Metro, Paris Nord |

| Rue Vieille du Temple in Le Marais, Paris |

| outside Berthillon ice cream shop, 31 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, Paris |

| near Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris |

| Rue Saint-Gilles in Le Marais, Paris |

| Rue de Rivoli, Paris |

| on Pont Saint Louis, Paris |

Je Ne Parle Pas Français

| Paris is always a good idea. -Audrey Hepburn |

I am very excited to be embarking on my first trip to Paris. After putting off packing until the night before (aka, last night), it is finally starting to hit me that I will be traveling to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. While attending the furniture show Maison et Objet is the main purpose of my trip, I will have plenty of time to explore the museums, enjoy the cuisine, wander the streets, and take in the sights. While I am away, I will be on a mini-hiatus from nat sees style, but expect tons of photos when I return.

bon voyage!

Nat Sees Style

Discoveries of fashion, culture & design