Finding Little Paris | 8 Ideas To Help You Find France In Your Own Small Town
There's no denying that most people have a deep, long standing love for Paris. The romance! The art! The food! The fashion! Ah, Paris. There's no place quite like the city of lights, is there? I'll confess, as a twenty five year old woman I'm in the midst a serious "French phase." My obsession with Paris has grown exponentially (almost embarrassingly so) over the past year. But, I mean, c'mon... doesn't every girl go through a similar obsession with Paris at some point in her life?
Regardless of whether or not you've visited the city of lights, the aspiration to infuse tastes and tiny moments of a French life is one that we can all learn from. But instead of just waiting in anticipation for a trip to Paris, let's put this desire on its feet! So, friends, let's find Little Paris in our own neck of the woods. Shall we?
TO MARKET, TO MARKET
A simple and wonderful joy. Pacing the streets of Paris in search of a warm, delicious baguette can easily be translated for anyone, anywhere with a short trip to your local market. Smell the bakery's bread, pick up some fresh rosemary or a locally made jam and walk languidly home with a sizable, picnic-worthy treat or two. There's nothing more Parisian than that!
ADMIRE THE SIMPLE
If you've listened our second season of the podcast, you know that PRVNCL magazine's editor in chief, Grace Taylor speaks openly about her admiration for the French culture's ability to value balance and rest with the work hustle. So remember to admire the simple, glorify rest, take a moment everyday to ask yourself what would be nourishing and healthy for you today. As opposed to our society, the French do not believe in maximalism... and that includes the glorification of the work-life "hustle." So take a breather. Read for fifteen minutes instead of scrolling your phone, meditate or sit in silence for a moment in the morning while you sip your coffee, notice the details in life that bring you great joy.
FIND YOURSELF THERE (VIA INSTAGRAM)
Due to my current Franco-phile tendencies, I'll admit that I've spent many hours pursuing through various Paris-based Instagrammers. There's just something about those street-scapes! Check out @paris for your daily dose of inspiration (they're always sharing fun Insta-stories on the streets exploring), @parisinfourmonths to fulfill your dreams of becoming a full-fledged fashion icon, @seemyparis for beautiful streetscapes and cafe shots and @mylittleparis for secret spots, quirky finds and eye candy galore. I'll tell you first hand, if you find yourself swept up in the romance of this city but unable to hop on a plane... these Instagram handles are sure to satiate your wanderlust!
FRESH FLOWERS, ALWAYS
As Claude Monet said, "I must have flowers, always and always." Adorn your home with a simple bouquet. Not only is a vase of flowers a simple pick-me-up to an ordinary space, but it also completely adds an inviting element to your home. Whether you source some greenery and wildflowers from your backyard, or you pick up a pre-made bouquet from the grocery store... there's nothing simple and Parisian than some fresh blooms.
BUILD YOUR FRENCH CLOSET
When I think of one word to describe a Parisian wardrobe, it's this... curate. I've obsessively sourced Pinterest to fulfill my desire to have a French woman's closet (see for yourself here). And if there are some tricks and tips I've learned along the way, it's that the French are impeccable at building a closet "foundation," meaning those staple pieces that can be worn endlessly season to season. Think classic white button downs, great fitting denim, a worn, delicious leather jacket and pair of black flats that can be worn dressed up or down! Again, Pinterest is a great resource for building your own French closet.
This is something I'd love to create more resources about (maybe a Youtube video or another blog post)... what do you think?
PERFUME
Find your scent. There's something so romantic about putting on a spritz of perfume, isn't there? Find one that reminds you of childhood, watching your mother put on her makeup and get dressed...or even dapple some of your significant others' cologne or after shave on your wrists. It's a cliche, but the French truly understand the power of the senses (especially the nose). Wisp some perfume on your wrists and by your collarbone and transform into the dynamic Parisian woman of your dreams.
HAVE A PICNIC
With a baguette and cheese, of course. Bonus points if you add wine.
IT'S A STATE OF MIND
It really and truly is. Paris is lush. It's nuanced. It's just... all too much at one time. Tapping into these romantic notions of a place doesn't have to happen only when walking through the city of lights. It's a headspace. So watch a Parisian set movie and immediately take an afternoon walk, with a latte in hand, searching for little details similar to this fantastic city. It's there. It's 100% waiting for you. You just have to search for it.