Beautiful Paris (part une)

The longest leg of the trip was also my absolute favorite. I absolutely fell in love with Paris. I haven't felt this way about a city since the first time I stepped foot on a New York City sidewalk. The first night we went on a bike tour and it was the best $37 I spent the entire trip. It was all English-speaking tourists, and it's where we met two amazing girls we spent the rest of the week with. The smartest, friendliest 19-year-olds I've ever met. One is spending a year in Paris as an au pair, and I so envy her courage. If only I was that brave when I was 19. I feel like there is so much to share about Paris and all I can say is it was amazing. So much delicious food, gorgeous sights and so many laughs. The most memorable parts are eating dessert at lunch, Laduree macarons, the adorable dogs (even though the owners leave their poop everywhere) and eating lunch alone while writing and gazing at Notre Dame. I am so lucky. I'll have part two of the photos tomorrow.

Beautiful London

Today marks my return to reality. It feels fantastic to be home, but also really strange. My apartment felt huge compared to the tiny hotel rooms I'd been staying in, and it hit me that I can't turn a corner and see the Eiffel Tower. I've narrowed down my favorite photos, and I'll post the photos from each city this week. Today it's London. Our visit there was a lot of exploring with no real itinerary. We saw all the sights, but mostly we wandered (aka got lost). The things that stick out the most in my mind about the city is Borough Market (best open air market I've ever been to, where the vendors let you try just about anything and I had the best baklava of my life), just how expensive the city is (it's literally double the price for everything - in Anthropologie the prices were the same in pounds as they are in dollars) and the yogurt - it's thicker, creamier and so much more delicious than any yogurt in the states. It's the little things, right?

Bonjour!

So I realized I didn't really do a proper goodbye before my Euro trip, and with the limited amount of Internet usage in Paris, I never got a chance to update everyone along the way like I'd planned. But hooray for free wi-fi on the train to Amsterdam! I don't even think I can begin to put this trip into words I'm so tired, but basically it's gone something like this: wine, baguettes, pastries (I've been on a total carb binge), walking, more walking, getting lost, meeting amazing new people, dodging the rain, jogging under the Eiffel Tower - it's been like a dream. I'll be in Amsterdam for only a day and a half and then on Saturday I come home. I'm excited to see everyone I love, but I will miss Paris dearly. Now I have to brainstorm a way to move there. To start uploading photos (I've taken over 1,000 so far) would take forever on this train's Internet connection, so I'll just share with you my favorite of the entire trip. I met this group of American high school seniors attempting to do the infamous "jump in front of a famous monument" photo. But all they had was a point and shoot, so they were never going to make it work. I offered to send them this photo on Facebook, and I really hope they're as excited as I am about it.

Fashion obsession of the day

Oh Marchesa. You are killing me slowly with these amazing dresses. This black silk organza cocktail dress is a luxurious beauty. The ruched bodice is classic, while the ruffled skirt (that looks like spring tulips to me) is all drama. Now I just have to find a place to wear it (yeah right).

(Photo from Net-a-Porter)

Fashion obsession of the day

It is way too early to be thinking about swimsuits. But a ruffled bikini from Marc by MJ? How can I resist?

(Photo from Bloomingdales)

Beautiful weekend

This weekend marked my official return to the public market. I just love bustling open air markets this time of year. Everyone is so anxious for the warm weather to return and the produce is so fresh. Needless to say, there was lots of people watching this weekend with the gorgeous weather. I also tested out some road bikes since I can't use my pink cruiser when I race this summer. And lots of packing - including Brooklyn who obviously wants to come with me.

Fashion obsession of the day

Shorts and I have never been friends. Skirts and sundresses are my summer staples, and although there's nothing wrong with them, I've been longing to give shorts another chance. Well ladies, I found the perfect pair. At my biweekly trip to Anthropologie, I tried on these shorts in a "oh what the hell moment." Turns out they're the perfect length (that don't cut your thighs in half), comfy cotton, ass flattering and overall adorable. Welcome back, shorts.

(Photo from Anthropologie)

Fashion obsession of the day

I just die for this color combination. The details on this contrasting orange and turquoise silk racerback dress are so subtle and chic - the sweetheart neckline, piped black side slits and waist-cinching belt. This is the perfect dress to invest in for all those summer you'll be attending. Just be careful - you might look better than the bride.

(Photo from Shopbop)

Fashion obsession of the day

This lingerie inspired dress is what Courtney Love would have looked like if she stayed away from drugs. I've always had a secret love of the slutty Lolita look she made famous, but she was always such a hot mess. This look is the way it should be done - the nude color, the contrasting lace and cinched waist. Just skip the smeared lipstick.

(Photo from Nasty Gal)

Fashion obsession of the day

Whoa. This dress is beyond gorgeous. If I was going to get married tomorrow, I would wear this in a heartbeat. The crystal adorned corseted bodice, sexy shape and dramatic fan shoulder are details to die for. Yes it's luxury Wednesday, but if you ask me, $730 for this dress is a beautiful bargain - especially considering wedding dresses can cost an outrageous amount.

(Photo from Net-a-Porter)

Fashion obsession of the day

It's almost sandal season! Can you contain your excitement? (Obviously I can't.) The gladiator trend from last summer has spilled over into this season, and I have no complaints. But I wore out my Sam Edelman's from last year, so I must find a new pair to wear daily. These gold, back zip sandals from DV by Dolce Vita will make the perfect replacement.

(Photo from Nordstrom)

Beautiful weekend

Wow where did this weekend go? I feel like we lost an entire day - not just an hour. Friday night I went out on the town, but I was cranky and I'm not drinking right now, so I wasn't much fun. Saturday night I co-hosted a charity fashion show and Sunday a whole lot of nothing (except for baking these brownies). And I don't know about you but I am tired with a capital T. Hopefully we will all get back on schedule tomorrow.

Fashion obsession of the day

Isn't this dress just gorgeous? Mesh and lace cutouts like these are everywhere this spring and they're so chic and fancy.

(Photo from Bloomingdales)

Fashion obsession of the day

My new favorite Web site probably also has one of the best names, ever: Nasty Gal. Their edgy mix of new (and affordable) apparel and vintage pieces is perfect for the party girl in all of us. And guess what they have? Bunny ears! Ever since spotting them on runway at the Louis Vuitton show last year, I've been searching endlessly for a toned-down (and less expensive) version. But I probably only have a window of about three months to wear these until they show up in Forever 21 and are appearing on the heads of teenagers everywhere.

(Photo from Nasty Gal)