The Monday Five 〰️ Hello From Paris

What went live on the blog and the shoes I've been doing 20K steps in.

Hey Indigoer,

Writing today’s post on a beautiful Friday afternoon in the apartment I’m staying at in Paris. This morning I walked up to Canal St Martin to try a new to-me bakery my friend

Margaret

recommended. She has officially suggested the two pastries in Paris I think are the BEST bites. Period. She is a trusted friend. I then walked the canal and sat on a bench to eat my pastry. A perfect morning.

But before sitting down on the bench I sat on a year ago with a friend, a woman walking a Leonberger, walked in my direction. I stopped in my tracks. This is the kind of dog I had growing up, we had two of these gentle giants. They’re MASSIVE, and also a fairly rare breed. You can’t miss them. I stopped her to ask if I could pet this good boy's (or girl’s) big ol’ head. So soft and sweet. I instantly got choked up. Sunday marks 3 years since saying goodbye to Pork, my Boston Terrier of 12 years. And it made me think about all the dogs in my life who are no longer here.

I sat on this bench a year ago with my friend and I remember tearing up then too. I don’t remember what she asked me or what, but I know Pork somehow came up and it made me emotional. So this is now the crying bench. It’s a special bench, I suppose.

I can’t believe it has been so long since that life-altering moment. It feels both like yesterday and forever ago simultaneously. I miss her dearly and am starting to have moments of sadness that I wasn’t grateful enough for her existence, if that makes any sense. Like I didn’t fully appreciate what she did for my happiness when she was here with me.

I guess those are life lessons you learn the hard way. You don’t realize how lucky you are until it’s gone. I’ve been trying to live a life more present and appreciative. Especially moving to NYC. It feels so temporary to me, so I am always trying to soak it in and stop to literally smell the fucking roses, or the garbage on the sidewalk on a hot beautiful day, it’s really all special when you think about it (sorta). Grateful for the ability to be able to complain about the smell of pee on a subway. That’s growth if you ask me.

Well, I’m now a blubbery mess and need to get ready for my friend who is arriving today. I hope this is your reminder today to take a beat and be appreciative for what you have right now. Something I always try to do when I travel. I’ll be reminding myself of that often while walking the streets of Paris this week.

Here’s Your Monday Five…

The Louvre Couture Exhibit Is A Must

A full recap of my trip to Paris is coming for paid subscribers (and Paris guide customers) next week, but this is a PSA to everyone. If you are coming to Paris before August 25th, please go see the couture exhibit at the Louvre. It was so well curated. It wasn’t just a wing of couture gowns, it was couture thoughtfully placed throughout an entire floor of half the museum. Weaving dresses and bags throughout the existing museum was a true sight. It was incredible. Highly recommend. Reserving tickets in advance is the best way to go. I spent about an hour at this exhibit since I had been there before and didn’t need to see anything else. I think it’s worth just going for this too.

The Shoe I’ve Been Walking 20K Steps In

I brought one pair of sneakers on this trip and was hoping to buy a new pair of Alohas. Sadly, they had no sizes in the color I wanted. So it’s just me and my beige Adidas Gazelles this trip. I’ve been doing 20K steps every single day in them and my feet feel pretty damn good. I swear by these over the Sambas (review here). They come in so many colors and can be worn with dresses easily. Shop them here →

A Great Striped Tee

Before my Paris trip, I got this Tuckernuck tee in the prettiest soft blue stripe. It’s such a good weight and shape. I wore it with my brown poplin midi skirt and sneakers. It comes in a few colorways and is a really nice elevated tee. I went with a medium for a loose fit. You can shop everything I packed for Paris here.

New Sezane Drop

Sunday launched a new drop from Sezane and their new stripe print is so cute. All my favorite colors in one print. This dress is so easy breezy, and I love this tee. Hoping to stop into a Sezane today to do a little shopping myself. Shop the new collection here and read my sizing guide here if you’re new to the brand.

French Destinations To Visit

I think my next trip to Paris needs to have another destination added onto it. There is so much to explore in France and I’ve barely scratched the surface. I’ve done Provence, Cassis for an afternoon (need to go back), Nice and Strasbourg. Here are 14 small towns in France to check out.

Last Week On an indigo day

1. How to use Isle of Paradise tanning drops to get the perfect summer glow. Read it here →

2. Before I leave for a trip, here are all the things I do to get my house ready. Check them out here →

3. This is my official list of my favorite slices of pizza in NYC. I still have a few I need to check out. What’s your favorite slice? See the list here →

4. 29 Things I’m never buying again. Plus, a few things I will always be buying forever. See the list →

5. Your May style edit is now live. Here are 3 trends to know about, how to style them and outfit ideas. Check it out here →

Make each day, an indigo day…

Reminder to make each day, an indigo day. Little things you can do to feel more put-together.

xx Jessica