Note 20 - The Paris Edit & Moving to France!
Dagmar jacket, Céline sunglasses, Rodebjer dress, Miu Miu flats, ATP Atelier bag
I’m moving to France!
This is what I was hinting at in my last post all about the ‘home’, and how excited I was to have a fresh start in a new country. It’s a one-year move, with the dream of heading somewhere else in Europe after that. A whole new chapter, perfectly timed with the final year of my twenties… and I couldn’t be more excited!
It’s all happening in five months, which means there’s plenty of time to prepare and to start that ever-growing list of everything I want to see, do, eat, and experience while I’m there.
I’ll be living in a small town not far from Paris, so what better place to begin than the City of Light itself? I’ve been twice, but never for very long, and most recently last summer, so I’ve already found a few spots I truly love. So come with me as we explore Paris!
What I Wore in Paris
VRG GRL set in Montmartre
Dagmar jacket, Céline sunglasses, Rodebjer dress, Miu Miu flats
Baum Und Pferdgarten dress, Aeyde flats at Musée de l’Orangerie
My trip to Paris last summer was with my very stylish friend Emily, so we put a lot of thought into our outfits and how we’d dress for different occasions. We were there at the end of May, when the days could be warm but the evenings were still a bit chilly.
One of my favourite outfits from the trip was a butter-yellow two-piece set from the Australian brand VRG GRL. I love that it ties at the back into an oversized bow, and since it’s made of cotton, it’s incredibly breathable. They have so many cool pieces at affordable prices, definitely a brand worth checking out if you want to wear something unique.
For a full day of wandering the city, I wore a tie-dye-style dress from Rodebjer that I found secondhand in Stockholm a few years ago, paired with my trusted Miu Miu ballet flats. I layered it with a Dagmar wool jacket I picked up on my very first day in Paris (at Le Bon Marché, which I’ll get to later)
And finally, for a museum day followed by a night at the Moulin Rouge, I chose my polka dot Baum und Pferdgarten dress and my most comfortable ballet flats from Aeyde.
All of this to say: dresses and skirts with ballet flats were my Paris uniform. With the right pair, walking 20K steps a day was no problem at all.
Everyday Delights in Paris
Mamiche bakery
Paris rooftops and the best sunset
Le Bon Marché
Some of my most magical Paris memories are tied to the sunrises and sunsets I saw on my very first trip. At the time, I was working in London with a team of French girls, and being around them made me want to experience the city for myself. So I booked a last-minute Eurostar weekend during fashion week and went.
It wasn’t exactly glamorous. I rented a tiny chambre de bonne (maid’s room) on Airbnb, climbed eight flights of the narrowest staircase imaginable, and shared an exterior bathroom with the neighbours and the pigeons (ah!). But what it lacked in comfort, it made up for in views: from my window, I could see the Eiffel Tower, and I still remember feeling completely amazed by the colours in the sky as the sun rose and set over the city.
Another thing I love about Paris is the pastries. There’s nothing more satisfying than a good, buttery croissant. I was lucky to grow up near an excellent French bakery, but where I’ve lived more recently just hasn’t compared. The idea of having access to truly great bakeries again makes me so excited. One I can’t wait to revisit is Mamiche in the 9th arrondissement, which is such a charming spot!
And finally, department stores. I’m a devoted department store lover, and one of my favourite things to do while traveling is explore them. I love wandering from the perfume counters on the main floor to the carefully curated fashion concessions upstairs. Le Bon Marché easily sits in my top three of all time (alongside Magasin du Nord in Copenhagen and Liberty in London). It’s also connected to La Grande Épicerie, which is exactly what it sounds like: a grocery store elevated to department-store status, filled with the most beautifully presented and delicious food you can imagine.
I’m already dreaming of slow mornings browsing Le Bon Marché, followed by picking up picnic essentials at La Grande Épicerie. And if you’re visiting, I highly recommend grabbing some French butter from Le Beurre Bordier. You can ask to have it vacuum-sealed so you can bring a little taste of France home with you.
My Paris Edit
Musée Rodin
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte
The Hoxton Paris
La Bonbonnette Wine Bar
Musée Rodin & Musée de l’Orangerie
If I had to choose only two museums in Paris, these would be it. I fell in love with the sculptures at Musée Rodin, as well as the architecture of the house itself. It feels surprisingly intimate for such a renowned museum. And then there’s Musée de l’Orangerie, home to Monet’s Water Lilies, which is truly something you have to experience in person.
Yes, it’s in every tourist guide, but for a good reason. If you love a classic steak frites, this is the place. I recommend arriving before it opens, as the queue fills up quickly. Totally worth it, especially for that sauce.
Whether you’re looking for a place to stay or just want a great coffee break in the heart of Le Marais, this is one of my favourite spots. It’s stylish without trying too hard and perfect for a pause between exploring and shopping.
Another gem in Le Marais. My friend and I stumbled upon it by chance, and the wine recommendations were so good that I ended up staying for a third glass, which doesn’t happen often. A very good sign!
Institut suédois de Paris
Jardin du Luxembourg
Photobooth in Montmartre
At le Moulin Rouge
I obviously had to seek out all the Scandi spots in the city. The Swedish Institute features a serene courtyard, a small museum, and a café so it’s the ideal spot to slow down and spend a few peaceful hours.
This was the picnic spot, enjoyed with a bag full of delicatesses from La Grande Épicerie. One of the most beautiful gardens in Paris, and the perfect place to sit and people-watch.
For anyone who loves capturing memories the old-fashioned way, there’s a vintage photobooth hidden in Montmartre. There are a few others scattered around the city too.
On our last night, we went to the Moulin Rouge and it completely exceeded my expectations. I’d been following one of the dancers on TikTok (Alligood Bun, who’s also Canadian), and seeing the show in person really highlights how hard these dancers work. It was spectacular, and absolutely worth experiencing.
Les Galeries Lafayette
Eiffel Tower by night
Places on my list to discover
And now for the places I’m dying to try when I get to Paris… Let me know if you have other recommendations I should add to my list by commenting on my latest post on Instagram (@effortlessedited)
Merlo Café - A new specialty café in Le Marais, my favourite neighbourhood
Recto Verso - Cute café and homemade pastries, what can I say…
Parcelles - I keep hearing about this Parisian bistro!
Maison Amat - A fun pilates studio that has been recommended a lot online
Wearing my AF Agger trench coat at the Arc de Triomphe
This Week’s Edit
The studded Uma flats from Aeyde
Aeyde is, hands down, my favorite shoe brand. I own several pairs now, and they’re easily the best shoes in my wardrobe. Beautifully crafted from the softest leather and they’re incredibly comfortable to walk in. Buying a pair (always wait for the sale!) truly feels like a treat. My latest obsession? The studded cream Uma flats in their classic Mary Jane silhouette.
The Arket Pillbox Hat on Carolina Storm
Instant coup de cœur for this pillbox hat from Arket, worn by Carolina Storm in her latest newsletter. I love seeing the return of more structured hats. They’re elegant, a little old-world, and they instantly elevate an outfit without trying too hard.
In Paris: 20 Women on the Life in the City of Light by Jeanne Damas
If you’re in the mood for a Paris-inspired read, I highly recommend this book by the ultimate Parisienne, Jeanne Damas. It’s filled with beautiful imagery and captures the spirit of Paris through the stories of inspiring women.
This outfit at CPFW worn by Andrea Glad
Copenhagen Fashion Week wrapped up this week, and this look worn by Andrea Glad really stood out to me. A ribbed sweater paired with a matching skirt feels effortlessly chic, while the accessories (the hat and scarf) pull the whole outfit together perfectly.
For more city guides, check out my latest one for Stockholm!
Love, S.
