Cupcakes and Cashmere jacket (c/o Shopbop)
Monrow dress (c/o Shopbop)
Christian Louboutin heels
Celine bag
Rayban sunglasses
CC Lifestyles necklace (c/o)
Delphine Pariente ring (similar)
Madewell rings
CC Lifestyles earrings (c/o)
Location: Place Dauphine – Paris, France
It comes on every year like clockwork; a familiar tugging feeling that turns into a long, dull ache. An old friend once called it a Paris craving, and I can’t think of a better way to describe it. I had never once been homesick, until I went to Paris for the first time. My parents will attest to this; I was always sad at the end of holidays, not eager to reclaim my own bed. When I was old enough to travel without them, they had to command me to call home at least once, knowing full well that if it wasn’t mandatory, I never would. I didn’t know that you could love a place, that an intersection of longitude and latitude could leave an inedible impression on your heart.
But I know that now. I know it because every year in January, when the weather is dismal and I spend most of my time at home, listening to old songs while I work on my latest writing project, Paris comes back to me. I dream of early mornings spent at Place Dauphine, sitting on a heated terrace sipping an espresso I have to fill with sugar to make palatable… but always drink, anyway. And I long for afternoons whiled away in free museums, even though the collections in them are often dull. I miss the smell of freshly baked baguettes, even though when we are in Paris, I almost never eat them. My mind wanders to flower shops. And rooftop views. And the photos we still haven’t taken. I reflect on all of the garbage and urine on the streets and still, I desperately want to go back.
That is the essence of a Paris craving – being overtaken by nostalgia for everything, even the worst that the city has to offer.
In late May, I wrote about how I thought I might be ready to let Paris go… at least for a little while. I hoped that, for once, I meant it. But January is here again and my annual Paris craving is back. A little voice in my head tells me that we can discover cities like Madrid and Krakow some other year, because they will always be there… conveniently omitting the fact that Paris isn’t going anywhere, either. I am doing my best to remain firm in my resolve that we will spend 2018 exploring new places. But a Paris craving doesn’t make that easy.
Tell me, is there a particular city you want to visit again and again?
This is pretty much exactly how I feel about Edinburgh. I never tire of it and just want to go back again and again (especially each fall, when the urge is really, really strong). I’m committed now to making sure I take Eleanor there…but I also know I’ll have to be more flexible in my travel destination moving forward so that we can take her to as many new places as possible so she can discover her own dream travel destination.
Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
I suppose I’m not at all surprised to hear you say you are missing Paris, but what is the harm in wanting to return to the place you love?
I love this simple combo of grey and leather and pearls, and one of these days when I get myself out of denim, this is a look I’m going to replicate.
Chic on the Cheap
For me, Barcelona is that city – I’ve been a few times and I don’t think I could ever get sick of it.
I do love Paris though – I’m off there next weekend, which I’m excited about.
Oh my gosh, yes – I get what you mean! We’ve never actually been able to live there like you’ve lived in Paris, but my husband and I have always had a special thing with Budapest. He’d just been there when I first met him, and he was so enamoured of the place that he was swearing to name his firstborn son Vörösmaty – after one of the tram stops there! (Oktogon was a close contender.) Then we returned together, and discovered treasures like the Serzeny Spa, where you run outside in your flipflops and swimsuits to sit in hot thermal pools flanked by stone ladies with urns that gush water, while old men sit in the pools and play chess… It used to be the Paris of Eastern Europe, back in the day, and there’s just something about the fading grandeur of the place that calls to us. So yes, I get it – and I totally don’t think it would be admitting any kind of defeat if you end up going back to Paris this year after all. I mean, it makes you happy, right?
Oh Cee, I love that you’re craving a bit of Paris! It’s only natural, I think, after all distance makes the heart grow fonder and Paris stole your heart a long time ago. I hope you’ll get the chance to visit soon. Do what makes you happy, I say! 😉 As for your outfit? Wore something similar last week, except I did booties, not heels and must say… it’s my new fave look. Dresses & moto jackets are made for one another and you look beautiful in your combo!! Wishing you a lovely week friend!! xo
http://www.girlandcloset.com
I have never been to Paris, and I have lots of people who have gone there and honestly don’t like it, but I do know what you mean. As far as I can remember you are in love with the city, you always talk for it with such love it’s inspiring.
I have a particular place which I’d love to visit again and again, it is a cabin in the woords, but not the horror ones, a very nice and beautiful one situatied in the middle of the woods.
I love this chic outfit, the pearls give it sophistication <3
I LOVE Paris, but my heart place is Byron Bay in NSW, Australia. I’ve only been there once, in 2010, but as soon as we pulled into that town (we visited half a dozen places during that 2.5 week long trip), I knew I was home. I think about it every single day. A 24 hour flight to go back won’t be in the cards for a while, but every year, also around this time, I have my craving for it. Maybe someday we’ll even get to live there.
I really like this set. I can not look at your shoes
http://moda-na-obcasach.blogspot.com/
I think all of our minds crave Paris. It’s such a glorious place Cee! What a beautiful mind trip.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/