Survival Guide: Paris Fashion Week

So Paris Fashion Week began yesterday here in the City of Light and as promised, I wrote up a little survival guide. In here you’ll find tips and tricks for surviving one of the busiest and most exciting weeks of the year as well as a few of my favorite products. 

Maybe the most important thing I can tell you (and something I’ve learned the hard way) is plan, plan, and plan some more. Map out the shows you’re going to as well as the events, presentations and parties, then write down the times, addresses and how you will get there. I usually like to keep track of this in a physical planner as well as on my phone. I know it seems basic, but this is SO important! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been rushing from one thing to another only to realize I had double booked myself or had misplaced the information for a show I was so looking forward to. 

Transportation: Figure out ahead of time whether you will be driving, taking public transport or using uber because the time you need for each will vary greatly. Also, if you’re doing Fashion Week on a budget, I would definitely reccomend getting familiar with the metro and bus system (I know, ew.. But it’s not that hard, I promise!) to save time and money because uber usually has crazy prices and lots of surcharges during this week. 

All invites are good invites. I know way too many people who only want to go to shows or presentations for designers they already know and love, but take a chance! Accept an invite from a lesser-known brand or check out a new designers’ presentation.. You just might find your new favorite label and you’ll probably have a great time doing so. 

Here are a few of my fave products that I really can’t live without during this week: 

Avène Antirougeurs Day Cream

This gentle cream is a great makeup base and has built in SPF. Smooth some on in the morning for instant sun protection and an even skin tone (with products like this, no wonder the French are famous for their gorgeous skin).

John Masters Organics Hair Milk 

Essentially a leave-in conditioner this luscious hair milk will leave your hair refreshed and stronger (plus it smells divine!). 

B.B. Straight Blow Dry Cream

This timesaver is an essential during Fashion Week. Before your blowout, put a dime-sized amount of this in your hair and comb it through – you’ll be amazed at how much time it shaves off your normal routine and how long it makes your hairstyle last! 

Dior Powder Brow Pencil (Dark Brown)

This pencil has an amazing powdery texture and comes in a variety of shades, making it super easy to fill in your brows (even in a rush).

Stila Vinyl Lip Color

I love this lip color in merlot! It provides the perfect amount of color without drying your lips, and it really does last all day. 

Sephora Sheet Mask – Orchid

This mask is super low-maintenance and is the perfect recipe for fresh skin. Put it on before bed for 15-20 minutes and you’ll wake up with a glowy complexion and super hydrated skin. 

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum

I love this serum because it’s the perfect texture and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. This is an amazing addition to my nighttime routine and definitely helps give my skin that extra boost it needs after a fashion week night out! 

&Other Stories Cat Sunglasses

Last but not least, be sure to find an amazing pair of sunglasses. Not only will they protect you from skin-damaging UV rays but they will also come in handy to help protect your eyes from all the flashing cameras. I love this simple pair from &Other Stories, check out their website for more! 

Hope you guys enjoyed my fashion week guide! Here’s to a great week to come! 
Xx,

Jordan 

* All product photos are property of their respective owners

Sunday Strolls

So I’ve just recently started an MBA program here in Paris (which I adore) but I’m only 3 days in and there’s so, so much work! Talk about re-learning years’ worth of forgotten concepts and reading 250 pages in a weekend…
Needless to say, after spending the weekend hard at work I was ready for a break Sunday. Previously my least favorite day of the week, Sunday has become my favorite here in Paris. Most stores close down for the day and everything seems to move at a slower pace. Sundays in Paris are the perfect time to take a stroll and discover a new part of the city.. And what would Sunday be without a proper Sunday morning breakfast, or “pâtisserie”? 

It’s argued that Paris has the absolute best pastries in the world,  and I would have to agree 100%! Here are my favorite go-to places across the city for the perfect sweet treat (plus they are open on Sunday!): 

The Smiths Bakery 

12 Rue de Buci, Paris 6e

Open daily: 8h – 23h

This little spot tucked away on the bustling Rue de Buci never disappoints (and it’s open late, too). Offering an amazing selection of homemade sweet treats as well as savory options, you’re sure to find something you like. My favorite is their dark chocolate chip cookie and their raspberry tarte, but everything I’ve tried from there has been simple and delicious. Check it out on your next meander through the 6th ! 

Pain de Sucre 

14 Rue Rambuteau, Paris 3e

Open Thursday – Monday: 10h – 20h (19h Sunday)

This lovely bakery has two storefronts with a stunning selection. In the boulangerie you’ll find all sorts of savory options (their sandwiches on pain Au lait are to die for!) as well as one of the best pain Au chocolat aux amandes in the entire world. If you’re in the mood for something even sweeter, head next door and check out their selection of beautifully crafted cakes and tartes! 

Huré

150 Avenue Victor Hugo, Paris 16e

Open Tuesday – Sunday: 6h30 – 20h30

This lovely bakery has several locations around Paris, but the one at Victor Hugo is the only location open on Sundays and is also the only one that has a sit-down option (the others are only take away). Here they have a Nutella pain Au chocolat aux amandes. Yes, NUTELLA inside a pastry. Check it out! 

Sunday Casual:

Wearing: Brandy Melville Shorts | Amongst Few Sweatshirt | Adidas Sneakers 

Travel Diary: San Francisco

Sooo I’ve been back in Paris for nearly a month now and I’m finally getting all of my travel photos developed and organized which means… I’ve got a lot of travel posts to share with you guys! 

Travel Diary: La Valée de la Loire

This past week I discovered a new region of France and toured some amazing châteaus in the Loire Valley. Previously home to French royalty and international nobles, most of the castles lie just about two hours outside Paris by car, though some are as little as an hour away. I’ll show you my favorites below, and a couple of insider tips as well!

Malibu

Bonjour from Malibu, CA! My vacation in the USA is over but I’ve still got some great posts and photos to share with you. Check out my Malibu look below! 

Wearing: Zara Jumpsuit | &Other Stories Sunnies | Brandy Melville Necklace | Converse Sneakers 




Top 5 Denim Skirts

If you’ve been in Paris at all these past few months, you’ve surely seen denim popping up all over. Not just on runways during fashion week, but in store windows and on the bodies of the fashion-conscious. Of all the jean-inspired items out there, I was most hesitant to give the denim skirt another try but it’s a trend I’ve grown to love! Worn the right way, a denim skirt can be the perfect standout piece in a variety of looks.
Below, I’ve selected my fave 5 denim skirts below in a range of prices. 

Dreaming in Chocolate

So if you guys are anything like me, you’ve got a serious love for all things chocolate. I’m so excited to share with you my new favorite Paris address where my two dessert favorites – Ladureé and Chocolat- are combined. Et voilà: Les Marquis de Ladureé! Tucked away just next to Place Vendôme, it’s a specialty Ladureé boutique focusing on chocolate. Here, you can find everything from a dozen new, chocolate-based takes on their classic macaron to seemingly hundreds of homemade chocolates and truffles, to even totally chocolate versions of Saint-Honoré and Religeuse pastries. If none of the above sound like the perfect summer treat, they also have their own ice cream cart right out front serving up some incredible flavors. 

Of course, everyone knows and loves the classic Ladureé, but this chocolate version blew my mind in the best way possible.  I hope you guys check it out and love it as much as I did! 

Les Marquis de Ladureé

14 Rue de Castiglione 

75001 Paris 

The livin’s easy

Bonjour from California! These next couple of weeks will be an amazing journey up the West Coast and I wanted to share my adventures with you. 

San Diego is not only a beautiful city but a place that’s always been magical to me. There’s something about the sea air and the laid back lifestyle that I find enchanting. Each day this week my boyfriend and I will be in a new destination, which means a lot of traveling in between. Here’s my San Diego outfit which is perfect for the warm weather but also super comfortable for the long journey ahead. Don’t miss my recommendations for a good time in the city (below).

Wearing: Zara Top| Nordstrom Skirt| H&M Shoes | Brandy Melville Choker 

San Diego Insider List

To see: 

1. Balboa Park – Beautiful Park with lovely walks, monuments and museums inside. Great for a sunny Californian afternoon! 
2. Sunset Cliffs/Ocean Beach – The cliffs are where the photos from this post were taken, explore the secret beaches and stop to enjoy an unforgettable sunset along the jagged coastline. Make your way down to Ocean Beach (either along the cliffs or by car) and check out the cute shops and watch the surfers from the Ocean Beach Pier. 
3. Mission Beach/Pacific Beach – Catch some rays! These white sand beaches are both great places to get a tan, go surfing or play some beach volleyball. Afterwards you can head to the boardwalk and grab a snack or a drink to cool down. 
4. Gaslamp Quarter – Cute neighborhood and the perfect spot to have a nice dinner or enjoy the city nightlife. 
5. Old Town – An older part of the city where you will find a lot of boutiques selling Mexican goods and gifts as well as some really amazing (and authentic) Mexican restaurants if you head far enough off of the Main Street. 

To Eat: 

1. O.B. Smoothie (Ocean Beach): Best. Açai. Bowls. Ever. Just do it. 
2. Hodad’s (Ocean Beach): The best burgers in town.  Even if the line is down the street the wait is totally worth it, I promise. 
3. Sara’s Mexican Food (Mission Beach): California Burrito. You haven’t been to San Diego until you’ve had one. 
4. Extraordinary Desserts (Downtown): Beautifully crafted and delicious desserts, the perfect place to end a day of sightseeing. 
5. Sushi Ota (Mission Bay): Delicious sushi, the perfect mix of California style and traditional rolls. 
6. O.B. Noodle House (Ocean Beach): Tasty Chinese food in a laid back setting (amazing happy hour deals as well). 

Hope you guys enjoy! 
Xx

Jordan 

Flâneuse

  This outfit is one of my favorite combinations. It’s simple yet classic and most importantly, it’s comfortable and easy to move in. 

  
I’ve been inspired by the French language lately (well, always) and this outfit immediately brought one word to mind: Flâneuse. This is a noun derived from the verb flâner which doesn’t have a direct translation to English but most closely means “to walk without a particular end goal; to enjoy the act of wandering”. The word Flâneuse, of course describes a (female) person who enjoys this activity of wandering aimlessly and appreciating the scenery. 

  
The casual, loose sweater and boyfriend-cut jeans in my outfit fit this wandering vibe perfectly, and of course are topped of by my favorite ankle boots and a vintage hat for sun protection. Hope you enjoy! 

   
    
   

Photographer: Yessika Mármol (follow her on Instagram at @yeix)

Wearing: Zara Sweater | Brandy Melville Top | 7 for all Mankind Jeans | Sandro Boots | Vintage Hat | Vintage Bag | Forever21 Choker 

De retour: le foulard!

 The skinny scarf! Officially known as a foulard, this accessory is definitely one of my favorite trends this season. Pictured above, the foulard is traditionally a square piece of silk (think Hermès) or lightweight fabric which is either tied around the neck to make a scarf, or can be worn on the head as a type of headband.  Made famous by classic it girls like Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn, it’s a timeless piece that can easily add flair and accentuate any look.