Note 42 - Life in France
A day in Nancy wearing COS dress / Aeyde shoes / Aritzia bag / Celine Sunglasses
Bonjour!
Writing to you from my new home in France, where I moved just last weekend! It’s been a whirlwind of a week, and I’m still finding my footing with a new commute, a new role, and the experience of settling into a new country. But I know it’s only a matter of time before it starts to feel like home.
I’ve lived abroad before, but I have to admit that Paris feels a little more overwhelming than any other city I’ve called home or stayed in for extended periods. At the same time, I’m so excited to explore its hidden corners, meet new people, and embrace everything that makes living in Europe so special to me.
For now, here’s a little diary of my first week living outside of Paris. I can’t wait to share this new chapter with you here!
What I Wore This Week
Top - Aritzia / Skirt - Aritzia / Bag - Aesther Ekme
T-Shirt - Leset / Skirt - Doên / Ballet flats - Miu Miu / Bag - ATP Atelier / Necklace - Hart Jewelry
Here's what I wore during my first week at a new job while surviving the heatwave (because yes, it's been around 35°C every day).
For my first day, I wanted something that looked polished but wouldn't wrinkle or show sweat marks in the heat. I ended up wearing this halterneck top and matching skirt from Aritzia, both in their Crêpette fabric. It's one of my favourite materials for workwear because it stays looking fresh all day. I also liked that wearing a matching two-piece felt a little more interesting than just a dress, which is my default when it’s hot. To soften the look, I added my suede Aesther Ekme bag.
My second outfit was actually a combination I first put together in my Indyx app, and I was so happy to see it worked just as well in real life. I loved the contrast of the blue shirt with the cream skirt: it felt fresh, summery, and effortless while still being office-appropriate. I finished the look with my Loewe basket bag.
Finally, my last documented outfit consists of two true wardrobe staples: the Leset Margot T-shirt and the Doên Sebastiane skirt. It's one of those combinations that always works. To make it feel a little more special, I paired it with my favourite Miu Miu ballet flats and this classic crossbody bag from ATP Atelier.
My Tips for Dressing During a Heatwave
Prioritize natural fibres whenever you can. Cotton and linen are always the most breathable, but if you're dressing for work, don't be afraid to choose fabrics that resist creasing instead. Sometimes it's about choosing your battles. Linen is wonderfully cool, but it doesn't always look the most polished by the end of the day.
Flowy shirts, skirts, and dresses are your best friends. Loose silhouettes allow for more airflow and are much more comfortable than anything too fitted.
Choose breathable footwear. Even your most comfortable ballet flats can start rubbing when it's 35°C outside (speaking from experience!). If you can, opt for sandals and let your feet breathe.
Everyday Delights
New home
Moving in!
There have been so many highlights this week, but the biggest has to be discovering and finally moving into our apartment in Fontainebleau. I had only ever seen it in photos, so I was a little nervous that it wouldn't live up to my expectations in person, but thankfully, it's been quite the opposite.
The flat is incredibly bright, perched on the top floor, and full of beautiful period features. I can't wait to make it feel more like home once my furniture and personal belongings finally arrive. Until then, I'm more than happy admiring the huge windows and the beautiful chevron parquet floors; they're easily my favourite features.
Fontainebleau castle
Golden gate in Nancy
Beautiful French door
Discovering Nancy and then Fontainebleau has to be my second highlight of the week. We stopped in Nancy on our drive over from Germany, and I was immediately charmed by the city. Its grand main square, lined with ornate golden gates, was even more beautiful than I expected.
Then, on my very first evening in Fontainebleau, I spent golden hour wandering around the château and its grounds. Between the swans, the gardens, and the stunning architecture, it was the perfect introduction to my new surroundings.
One of the things I'm most excited about while living in France is exploring more of its towns and villages. There are so many beautiful places beyond Paris, and I really want to make discovering them a priority over the coming months. If you have any recommendations, please send them my way!
Baguette Jambon-Beurre on the go
The view from my desk
Celebrated France in the world cup with my team
My new favourite bookshop
My final highlight has been starting my new role in Paris and slowly getting to know my new surroundings. One of my favourite discoveries so far has been what I think will become my go-to bookshop for English-language books: Smith & Son in Le Marais. I love that they stock the UK covers in large paperbacks, which are my favourite book formats.
I also ticked off a French classic by trying my first jambon-beurre baguette, which was delicious!
Since I'm working in Le Marais, a neighbourhood I've always loved on previous trips to Paris, I'm looking forward to making the most of my lunch breaks by wandering its streets, popping into bookshops and cafés, and discovering all the little corners I've never had time to explore before.
This Week’s Edit
A little homeware inspiration. Moving into a new flat has filled my head with ideas for how I want the space to feel like home. Although my furniture and personal belongings haven't arrived yet, I'm already daydreaming about replacing my current bookshelves with the beautiful Kona Bookshelf from Ferm Living. It's so simple, minimal, and timeless, and I can imagine it fitting perfectly into my new home. For now, though, it's just a dream!
An Opinionated Guide to Paris, Hoxton Mini Press
Hoxton Mini Press does no wrong when it comes to guidebooks, so I’m thinking I need to have a look at their new Paris guidebook to inform my days in the city. With the current heat, I’ve mostly stayed outside Paris except for work, but I’m really looking forward to more comfortable days when I can explore a bit more!
Vi kommer alltid ha Paris, Veronica Maggio
Keeping with the Paris theme, I've been listening to this song by Veronica Maggio on repeat. In fact, the entire album is my favourite of all time. I played it every morning on my commute into Paris, and it never failed to put me in a good mood. I'm also especially excited because I'll be seeing her live for the third time at the end of the summer.
La Belle Mère (The Mother-in-Law), Moa Herngren
One final French-Swedish recommendation. This is the latest novel by Swedish author Moa Herngren. It hasn't been translated into English yet (that's due next summer), but the French edition has just been released, and it's been my train read this week. I've long been a fan of Herngren's work, from the TV series Bonus Family to her novel The Divorce. She has such a sharp way of exploring family relationships, always with warmth and humour. I haven’t finished it yet, but I can already recommend it!
Love, S.
