Paris and Milan Photo Diary

If there's one thing I'll miss about Paris, it would be smelling like cigarettes and perfume after walking out of any joint. 

Ever since I was a kid, I've ALWAYS dreamed of going to Paris. I even bought a miniature Eiffel Tower and placed it at the highest shelf in my room to remind me of this dream. Paris seemed to have this certain charm. And, lest we forget, it's probably the birthplace of Fashion. Coco Chanel once walked down those streets. And Yves once reveled by the Seine. My affinity for all things vintage was another factor. Flappers and drunkards would mingle in cafes (they partied hard!) and everyone would just dance in the middle of the streets (according to Mrs. Vreeland). 

So I really needed to know: What's the big deal? 

I needed to find out for myself. 

I needed to experience those things, at least vicariously. (I mean, I can't travel to the 20s...)

When the time finally came to say bonjour, I made sure I packed some French basics and a whole lotta memory cards. 

The city was divine. And it seemed like having at least one pair of black booties is de rigueur. Everyone was well-dressed--just how I imagined it to be! The norm? Plain tops, boots, skinny jeans, a great bag, and well, black everything. Red lipstick is optional. I was thrilled to have finally witnessed what French style truly is. And I'm glad to say, it lived up to expectations. Did I see any famous faces? SADLY, NOOOO! Carine Roitfeld, I WILL meet you one day. MARK MY WORDS.

The view from Trocadero Station.

Booksellers by The Seine. (A lot of kitschy stuff here, which I'm totally into!)

My daily breakfast. 

Some nipple-pinching action going on here. My fave at the Louvre!

Versailles

31 rue Cambon. Coco Chanel's apartment and atelier.

Centre Pompidou

Big breakfasts at Ladurée.

Ernest Hemingway fans, rejoice. 

The Duomo, Milan.

We went on this cruise boat by a quaint village called Bellagio. Houses must be of a certain color palette---nudes, browns, pinks, corals, oranges, and yellows. 

Reminded me of The Grand Budapest Hotel for some reason. (SUPER LOVE THE PINK COLOR!!!)

Bellagio, Italy.