The new Fauna location
Happy Sunday! Am I the only one in disbelief at how fast the year is flying by? I feel like I blinked and suddenly we only have a few weeks left before the Holidays. On one hand, this makes me really happy because it’s my favourite time of year; on the other hand, I’m reflecting a lot on my year and questioning whether I’ve done enough. This probably explains why I’ve spent so much time journaling lately and making lists, trying to figure out my whole life. I thought it would be fun to show you my new journaling ecosystem. I’ve kept it quite simple, but it’s bringing me a lot of joy.
What I Wore This Week
Winter has officially arrived in Paris. As a Canadian, I’m used to cold winters, but the humidity here is something else. The upside is that I still get to wear leather boots and wool coats. But… layering is everything.
Outfit 1 is the perfect example of my winter style: a good natural-fibre knit, straight-leg jeans, and leather boots. I found this Dagmar knit secondhand in Stockholm this summer, and it’s become a favourite. There’s something about a turtleneck that feels so Old Céline / The Row coded, and I love tucking my hair into it. So chic and effortless!
The second picture is basically my winter uniform outside: a big navy wool coat and a cashmere triangle scarf. Winter can feel a bit boring fashion-wise because you end up repeating outfits so much. But I think that’s when you really discover your signature style and what makes you feel like yourself.
My Journaling Ecosystem
Ever since I discovered Papier notebooks in 2019 (my London era), they’ve been my go-to for journaling, and they still are. I love that you can personalize them with your name on the cover and choose dotted, lined or blank pages (always dotted for me). I get a new one every year because I love having a whole year captured in a single notebook. I use it to write down my daily thoughts, document my travels and keep track of everything going on in my life. It’s so fun to look back on.
One thing was missing, though: an analogue home for my “life lists.” That means books I want to read, releases I’m excited about, wish lists, blog ideas, a wellness tracker and so on. That’s where my Louise Carmen journal comes in. If you’re chronically online, you might know the lore around these leather notebooks. You can customize them with charms, initials and more. Mine is navy leather with a light pink elastic, engraved with my initials and the word “effortless.” It has one charm on the front, and I’ve also ordered an S initial charm for the side and a swan charm to make it even more me. It’s the Honoré model, which has a pen loop for my favourite Muji pens and a little pocket for treasures. I’ve only just set it up, but I’m excited to see how it evolves with me over time. I’ve watched so many videos of journal ecosystems, and it’s so lovely to see how everyone builds theirs specifically for themselves.
Louise Carmen Journal
Louise Carmen Journal
Louise Carmen Journal
Everyday Delights
The new Fauna location
The new Fauna location
One highlight from last week was trying the new Fauna location in Paris with my friend Martine. It’s the perfect spot for a Scandi breakfast! I loved how open and bright the café felt, and they had a lovely selection of traditional Nordic treats: cardamom and cinnamon buns and Danish breakfast plates. I went on my lunch break, and it really helped me disconnect from work. I loved it!
The Wax Child by Olga Ravn
New hair & favourite sweater by Totême
QD Hair salon in Le Marais
Another highlight has been reading. I’ve read so many good books lately, and I’ve really been in the mood for it. It happens to me every fall. Even though I’ve already finished my Goodreads challenge, I just want to keep going and work my way through my whole to-read list. Recent favourites include The Wax Child by Olga Ravn, which explores the 17th-century witch trials in Denmark, and Stefan Zweig’s The World of Yesterday. Both were amazing!
Finally, I wanted to refresh my colour, so I tried a new salon in the Marais. I was hoping for a darker blonde, but my hair was so bleached that it absorbed much more of the gloss than I expected, and now I feel like a brunette! I think the result suits me, but I’m still hoping it lightens up a bit as I wash it. Either way, it’s fun to experiment and keep yourself on your toes!
This Week’s Edit
Claudia Bimhra’s YouTube Channel
I wasn’t as invested YouTube over the past year, but this month it’s back in full force. Nothing feels cozier than sitting down to watch a vlog. One of the new channels I’m following is Claudia Bhimra’s, a co-founder of the Pages in Places book club. Her vlogs are about her life in Copenhagen, books, fashion and interiors!
Helene Schjerfbeck’s Art
The 2019 Royal Academy of Arts exhibition of the Finnish painter is still one of the most memorable exhibitions I’ve seen. I’m completely in love with her paintings and style, and I found a book from one of her exhibitions on Vinted, which has been a favourite this week. Hoping I get to see another one of her exhibitions at some point.
Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré
I’m a bit late to the game, but when my sister came to visit, we went to French pharmacies together, and she recommended the Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré, which is now my favourite evening moisturizer. I use the Mantle one in the morning, which feels a bit more ‘energizing ’, and the Rhode Barrier Butter when I need a little extra, but I love this one to finish my everyday evening routine.
Who else has noticed the new ‘Taffeta pants’ trend? I’m really considering these navy ones from Reformation, but I'm also wondering how the cropped length works in winter. Fashion problems, am I right?!
Love, S.
