Tourist Outfit

I recently read somewhere that when we travel, “we are all tourists, so get over it.” Honest and truthful. When I travel, especially to Europe/UK, I hate for people to know I am a tourists. I try to blend in as much as possible. One with the people. However, I have been told by my sweet, sweet husband that I scream American. Bah humbug! I don’t know what it is about the way we look, perhaps we do our make-up daily and that gives us away, but even I can spot an American from a mile away. Despite the bad portrayal we Americans get I always think we look put together and very maintained. It isn’t that I am not extremely proud of my heritage, because I am, but sometimes it is fun to play something else. Star in another role.

Even though it isn’t London or Paris a few weeks ago I was a tourist in New Orleans. I fully embraced my tourist persona and wore sneakers, comfy t-shirt, and breathable shorts so I could site-see all day without one single complaint. And it worked! Despite my efforts in the past to look fashion/cool to tour a new city I always lose site of what I am seeing because I am blinded by pain from those really uncomfortable shoes. Slowly but surly I am learning to embrace the comfortable look over the, “I totally live here and know all the cool cafes to eat at. Can’t you tell? Don’t I look like a local?” And you know what is even better? Half the time the locals know a lot of walking is involved and dress comfier than I do! If that isn’t enough to turn you into a comfy tourist dresser, maybe you are a lost cause. Just kidding! But I do recommend you buy a great pair of sneakers/flats (a pair that is comfy and cute) for this summers excursions! To make sure you are covered I found my 20 favorite pairs! I promise this will save your feet, your trip, and most likely your relationship!

scroll through and click the image to shop the sneaker

The Brightner

Ever since I was allowed to wear make-up I have enjoyed learning about it. It may be because my mother always did a fabulous job when it came to putting hers on and I always wanted to do the same. I was intrigued with what went where and the proper way of putting it there. I still remember when my mom finally told me I could start wearing make-up. I was in the 6th grade when she and my sister to took me for an appointment at Clinique. My mom always wanted us to know the appropriate ways of wearing make-up and a good skincare routine to take it off. I loved it from that moment!

While makeup and I have had out up’s and down’s, usually the downs include me refusing to wear it, I mostly get joy out of putting it on. I always tell myself it is my blank canvas for me to create. And while I was never any good at painting or drawing, this was my art. Because I have an interest in make-up I have recently tried learning all I can about contouring (video on creating the look). If I want to learn something, be it photography, video, a language, etc., I always start googling and researching. I am completely self taught in most avenues of my life and make-up is no different. When I wanted to learn more about contouring I ran to the Internet. Over the years I have watched some amazing videos on different ways to create the look.

One frustration I always had was finding the right brightening stick. In the videos all of the girls achieved this beautiful bright look with one product and mine always fell short. I would even buy the items they had and was never fully convinced they were doing what I wanted. Last year I decided to take a trip to Sephora and see what the deal was. Once there I was recommended the Nars ‘Immaculate Complexion’ Concealer. The stick was amazing and gave enough coverage to hide blemishes and last all day. I also bought it two shades lighter than my normal skin tone so it gave me the bright look I was after. If you are also after the contour look – thanks Kim K. – I highly recommend finding products which work for you. A few things I learned from my contouring research is it is key to have the right products, practice is your friend, and to understand that it takes quite a bit of time to achieve (the girl at Sephora said it should take 30 min. to blend), so be patient!

Things You Must Buy In Paris

photo via Carla Coulson

Bringing the perfect souvenir back from any vacation can be a struggle. You want it to last, revoke a memory, and be something you can share with others. A souvenir is something I think is a must when you travel. My dream is to have a home full of unique souvenirs from past travels around the world: A rug from Morocco, a painting from Venice, silver from Argentina, leather from Italy. The point is to find something unique to that place and try to find the perfect item which encompasses all that the city is. While my list below is personal to my taste, Paris is full of wonderful souvenirs. All you have to do is keep an open mind, a searching eye, and buy what hits your heart! And NEVER second guess your decision, because in the long run you will be happy you have it!

THE CLASSIC BALLET FLAT
One of the most quintessential french fashion staple is the ballet flat. French women have been wearing them for decades and always pull them while being effortlessly chic. Since Paris is the heart of the fashion world it would be hard to leave without a classic pair of your own! Try Repetto – they make the perfect pair!
photo via CNTraveler

CHANEL
Okay, so this is a little more out of reach but wouldn’t it be fun to leave Paris with a new something from Chanel? I have to admit, I have been to Paris quite a bit and never walked away with something from here, but this summer I plan to change that! I actually really want something vintage Chanel! I have this dream of me walking into a little side shop and finding the perfect vintage bag! If you a Chanel bag, shoes, or clothing isn’t your thing, check out their make-up, perfumes, or skincare! At least you will feel more Parisian every time you wear it!

photo via interiorsbystudiom

LADUREE
I know what you are saying, “my macaroons wouldn’t last long enough to make it home!” And I definitely agree but they have loads of cute little accessories sure to commemorate your trip to heaven!

photos by molly miller

HERMES
While this is similar to Chanel I actually am not recommending buying a bag here! I think their scarves, bangles, and perfumes are the perfect souvenir! My mom bought a bangle on our last trip their and every time I see her wear it I think of Paris! It immediately brings back happy memories.

FRENCH COOKING EQUIPMENT – Crepe Spreader or other fun utensils
I actually got this idea from a trip I took to Gruyere Switzerland. While there my sweet husband popped into a cooking store and bought my mom something so she would remember the trip. Isn’t he sweet? That aside it brings back wonderful memories every time I walk into her kitchen. It also makes cooking just a little bit more enjoyable.

photo via etsy

FREDERIC MALLE
The God, the myth, the legend! Frederic Malle scents have been on my wish list for years! Not only are they the perfect souvenir but you will be smelling like a Goddess for months to come! If you don’t want to travel with the perfume, check out his candles! TO.DIE.FOR. And every time you light it, you will think of your trip in Paris.
photo via vogue

MERCI – anything and everything
I recently discovered this store online and have been swooning ever since! I can not wait to see it for myself this summer. Everything from the striped shirts, to the cooking utensils, to the design are awe-worthy! Even if you don’t want to buy something be sure to check out their cafe! It is sure to add a special memory to your Parisian adventures!