So excited to hop on here today and share that I am a Sarah Flint ambassador! Sarah Flint believes “women deserve shoes that are just as comfortable as they are beautiful”. To do this they partner with top artisans and family-owned factories in Italy and are 100% certified made in Italy alongside the leading luxury names in the world. Use code SARAHFLINT-BAGIULINA for $50 off your Sarah Flint order or simply click here to shop! So get ready for lots of gorgeous shoe content coming your way… aka entering my Carrie Bradshaw era.
24 Hours in Paris
in travel
Heading to Paris for a quick day trip and need the best spots to go? I’ve got you covered. Enjoy reading and let me know in the comments below if you try any of these out!
Also important to note this day plan is designed for you to walk to the majority of the spots. In my opinion, Paris is a very walkable city and walking is the best way to find hidden gems.
Start out with breakfast at Cafe Angelina on Rue de Rivoli located in the 1st Arrondissement. This charming spot first opened in 1903 and is well known around the world for its hot chocolate and pastries. If it’s your first time here you have to try the hot chocolate. I’d also recommend booking reservations here- I’ve seen lines outside all the way around the block before.
After breakfast, you’re already in the best area in Paris to shop, so if that’s your thing walk around and enjoy. If you’re a fashion lover I’d recommend checking out Chanel on Rue Cambon - it’s the original Chanel store where Gabrielle Chanel worked and lived. On your walk stop at Pierre Herme also on Rue Cambon for the best macaroons in Paris.
Next head to le Jardin de Tuileries far end near Place de la Concorde. Here you’ll get an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumph, and Champs Elysses. Then pop into Musée de l'Orangerie within the gardens. This museum is fairly small but contains lots of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. Their collection of Monet’s waterlilies is breathtaking and I try to pop in here to admire them every time I visit Paris. Once you’re done in the museum walk through le Jardin de Tuileries towards La Louvre.
After enjoying the gardens I have two potential options I’d recommend next. You can stop at La Louvre or head across the bridge to the left bank and go to Musee d’Orsay. Whichever option you choose depends largely on what sort of museum experience you enjoy. If you’re looking to really be able to relax and go through the museum at your own pace I’d recommend Musee d’Orsay. It is a huge museum and one of my personal favorites in the city. La Louvre is also great, but it’s very crowded no matter what time of year you choose to visit.
For lunch and the rest of the day, I’m also going to give you a few of my favorite options. For the foodie, I’d recommend heading to Rue Montorgueil. This is one of my favorite food markets in Paris and you could easily spend an afternoon here trying all of the best local food. For someone looking to get the ultimate Parisian experience, I’d recommend lunch at Cafe de Flore and enjoying the St. Germain area and Luxembourg Gardens. If you’re dying to see the best views of the Eiffel Tower head to Trocadero and Carette for lunch. If you want something more simple and time to just wander head to Eric Kayser and pick up a baguette sandwich to enjoy on the go.
For dinner find somewhere walking and try it! This is how I’ve found the majority of my favorite spots in Paris and the city is so magical you never know what you’ll find. I would recommend eating your weight in cheese, carbs, and onion soup. See the rest of my favorite spots to eat and drink in the city here.
Then finish the night off at one of the Ritz’s bars or restaurants for a drink and dessert. Pick from Bar Vendome, Ritz Bar, or Bar Hemingway. Bar Vendome is their Parisian brasserie right in the front of the lobby. It’s my favorite spot to people watch because you never know who you’ll run into here. Ritz Bar is the newest addition at the Ritz. I visited it a few days after opening and the horoscope-themed drinks and light bites were some of the best I’ve ever had in Paris. Bar Hemingway feels very intimate with only having 25 seats and has the best bartender in the world named by Forbes. I’ve been to each of these spots and they are each truly the best drinking and dining experience I’ve had.
My Favorite Monica Vinader Pieces for Valentine's Day
Shopping for the perfect Monica Vinader pieces for your Valentine, Galentine, or yourself? Let me help! Use code “US20RAFINSIDER-8EE9” for 20% off!
Corda Ear Cuff
My favorite piece for when I want to add a little something to my ear without getting another piercing.
Signature Signet Ring
My favorite way to wear this is as a pinky ring with other Monica Vinader pieces. You can even get it engraved!
Gold Vermeil Corda Huggie and White Topaz Baguette Ear Charm Set
What I love about these huggies is that the ear charms are removable so you can get two looks in one!
Diamond Essential Bracelet
Simple, dainty, and a diamond. What’s not to love?
Doina Snake Chain Necklace
A gorgeous chain to mix with others! This necklace is on my personal wishlist.
Alta Textured Chain Bracelet
The texture and gold here is the perfect match!
My Favorite Spots to Eat & Drink in Paris
I’ve been to Paris a handful of times over the past few years and may even be planning a long-term move there, so needless to say I feel like I have some good food and drink recommendations.
Read More
Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2022 at Paris Fashion Week
in fashion
Valentino Spring/Summer 2022 Show at Paris Fashion Week
in fashion
I'm a Monica Vinader Insider!
in fashion
I’m excited to share that I’m a Monica Vinader insider! So you’ll be seeing more of me styling their jewelry on here. See above two new pairs of huggies that I love from the brand - the Doina Huggie Earrings and Gold Vermeil Corda Huggie and White Topaz Baguette Ear Charm Set. Their jewelry is made with 100% recycled silver and gold and their packaging is 100% recyclable. Use my code “US20RAFINSIDER-8EE9” for 20% off your order!
California on Film
Bonjour! I know it’s been a long time since I last posted on here, but I’m excited to be back and start posting more consistently. This past August I spent some time in California exploring San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma, Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur. I brought my film camera with me for the adventure and you’ll find all of the images below. Enjoy!
Film Friday #2
Photographs for Olive + Oak in Webster Groves
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to photograph the gorgeous new Olive + Oak space in Webster Groves.
Film Friday #1
I have wanted to get back into shooting film photography for almost a year now, and this week was my first week shooting with my new film camera. I shot a lot of film in high school and fell in love with the process of developing it and seeing an image come to life. Although I’m not developing my own film now, I still love how spontaneous it seems compared to shooting digital. I’m not giving up on digital, but you’ll definitely be seeing more film content making its way here and on my instagram in the future.
4 Self Care Activities I've Infused into My Daily Routine
Craving Connection
During quarantine it has been a time of self reflection for me. Although I enjoy time alone to gather my thoughts and relax, it is easy in these times to feel lonely. I have started to crave connection and especially miss face to face connection. Even small interactions that were overlooked before I now crave. Interactions with family, friends, coworkers, baristas, waiters, and others who would come along my path I miss deeply.
I long for the days where we can connect face to face safely again. For now though I wanted to share a collection of photos I have taken from the past year that captured connection. I hope you enjoy looking at them and they make you feel a sense that connection is all around us, no matter our physical distance.
