The Paris Diaries Chapter 2

I started the day off early with breakfast at Hotel Balzac and then off to a photo shoot. Paris was freezing today, the coldest day I will be here. The goal was to shoot this red dress in Place Vendome with my friend Katie. I will share those photos soon!

Skirt| Shoes| Sweater

We made it happen early, only to realize they didn’t turn on the Christmas lights at Place Vendome until after 10:30. Luckily, we returned at the end for a few more photos. We warmed up at a café nearby in between.

I checked out of the hotel and into one of my favorites on The Left Bank, Pavillon Faubourg Saint Germain. When I booked this trip, I knew I wanted this to be my base camp. The location can’t be beaten, and the hotel staff is lovely. It is becoming my home away from home now.

The hotel has an onsite restaurant where I enjoyed a lovely lunch before checking into my room. Don’t miss the chocolate mousse for dessert. A must!

After a quick turnaround, I headed back out to meet Janet Skeslien Charles of The Paris Library, and Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade. We connected during the pandemic over Instagram, so many of you read The Paris Library along with me. It was the first book I could get into after a book rut. This year, Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade was an EDP book club book.

We visited The Red Wheelbarrow, and I purchased a copy of Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade for her to sign and give to a lucky reader.

Afterward, we strolled and found ourselves at Angelina for hot chocolate and a chat. She gave me some great advice, and I heard the details of her new book!

This trip is going by way too quickly. With the short light window ending early, squeezing everything in is challenging. I am looking forward to a slower solo morning to stroll and shoot.

On my way back to the hotel, I happened to pass by this Christmas tree in the window. It has lived rent free in my head since January and I was hoping I would find it again.

For those requesting more holiday lights. Here you go!

Stay tuned for more Paris Diaries in your inbox tomorrow.

It is cold here! If you are headed to Paris in the next few weeks, here is what I recommend to pack in the winter.