Texas to Paris
I have only ever lived in a 75 mile radius from where I grew up in Fort Worth, Tx. My senior superlative was “Most Likely to Stay in Fort Worth” which has always kind of pissed me off because I have so many cooler things about me above the fact that I went to college and grad school in DFW… clearly still salty about it. But truly I adore Texas, am so proud of where I come from and have not had the desire to be a member of any other state, so I get why the vote stuck. But running hand in hand with my love for my home is a dream for a radically different life.
Tucked away in a cabinet in my childhood bedroom sits a handwritten and illustrated book titled “Penelope in Paris.” The main character Penelope is a fluffy pink poodle with a little black ribbon on the top of each ear. In the story, Penelope is invited to Paris Fashion Week to see the “Paw-da” and “Dooney and Bark” runway shows, even hoping in to walk the stage at the tail end of one. What an icon. I made her up when I was at art camp the summer before I entered fourth grade. How I knew about Paris Fashion Week at this time is anyone’s guess, probably too much MTV. Over the next several years I’d draw Penelope on EVERYTHING, even getting in major trouble with my science teacher for drawing her on the bathroom stall in 5th grade. It was an overreaction, it was done in pencil.
Penelope was my “spirit animal” - a projection of my dreams of being involved in fashion, art, creation, and most importantly - Paris. It would be total overkill to go into detail about the next ten years of trips to Paris, starting my art entrepreneurship, falling in and out of love with different careers, boys, hobbies, and myself. At this point in my life, I have never felt closer to Penelope. I move to Paris in two weeks with a brand new design business, like 11 hand-drawn silk scarves, too many shoes, and a one-way plane ticket. That little pink poodle I doodled at art camp is about to find some substance in this universe through my experiences, though I think she was always already here. Maybe the sequel to Penelope in Paris will be when she meets Saree in Paree.
Lucky Me: How the LUCKY Scarves Were Born
Early this year, I made the decision to move to Paris, the city that has captured my imagination since I was a child. This lifelong dream fills me with excitement, but I have also been feeling a considerable amount of internal pressure to make sure that this entire experience turns out perfectly. In recognizing that nothing in life is truly perfect, I have been actively trying to allow the experience to unfold naturally and manifest in the way it is "supposed to be," without my constant need to control every single moment. To help distract from my anxiety and to cultivate a sense of calm, I found myself reflecting on some of my long-held superstitions, which I regard as completely lighthearted yet oddly comforting, as they seem to have brought me good luck over the years. For instance, I always find myself glancing at the clock when it shows 11:11, which then grants me the opportunity to make a wish. I often come across pennies that are heads up, and I have developed a habit of placing them in my left shoe or left pocket (though I have no idea how that part of the ritual began, I've been doing it for as long as I can remember).
With the move to Paris on the horizon, I wanted to create a special object that I could take with me to symbolize my aspirations and bring me good fortune. This desire inspired me to consolidate all of my lucky charms into a cohesive pattern. This year has also been a time of change for me, as I decided to leave my job as a counselor to fully pursue a career in graphic design, specifically focusing on surface pattern design. With patterns prominently on my mind, I sought to create a high-quality object that encapsulated my journey. While researching potential manufacturers, I discovered a company renowned for producing beautifully crafted silk scarves from various artists' designs. From that point onward, I dedicated months to perfecting my drawings, ensuring they captured the emotions and intentions I wanted to carry with me as part of my good luck charm. Overwhelmed with pride for the final result, I ultimately decided to launch a small collection of "Lucky Charm" silk scarves. These scarves come in four unique patterns and four versatile sizes, and they are simply gorgeous. I have already felt the comfort and good fortune that these scarves have brought me, and it is my greatest wish that they do the same for you.
Paris Avec Moi // Mini Guide
I just returned from my latest (and hands down the best) trip to Paris with Le Sol Travel. In reminiscing on my most recent adventure in my dream city, I am left in awe of the impact that Paris has had on me from an early age. As a little girl, I remember writing and illustrating a book about Penelope the Poodle and her mishaps while on her way to a Dooney and Bark fashion show in Paris. As we can see, I remain on brand. My love and admiration for this city grew so much this latest trip. My French was just passing enough to engage in all my fave activities (ie spending $$) and I was mistaken for a local, not to braggg. Our trip was made so special due to the work put in by my loves at Le Sol. Le Sol Travel curated the most gorgeous itinerary for our 5 days in the City of Lights, and I felt I had to share it here!
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La Samaritaine
Le Bon Marché
Galerie Vivienne
Marché au Puces Saint-Ouen
Chez Sarah
Les Bouquinistes de la Seine
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Bar Hemingway, The Ritz
Bambino
Montezumba
Frenchie Bar à Vins
La Palette
Lapérouse
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Jardin du Luxembourg
Tuileries Garden
Place Vendôme
Palais Royal
Les Marais
Saint Germain de Prés
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Musée De l’Orangerie
Musée d’Orsay
Musée Rodin
Musée National Picasso-Paris
Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris
Petit Palais
Le Uniform
The current trends in fashion are so beyond up my alley that they are parked in my driveway. That is a lame metaphor, but you’re picking up what I’m putting down. From ballet core to silky bows on everything, my current uniform brings some of the biggest trends together to an easy to duplicate uniform.
Tulle Skirt - ballet core at its finest, a good tulle skirt is a staple that can be incredibly versatile imo. I have styled mine in every capacity from fancy to chill. Throw on a graphic tee + boots for a laid back vibe, or a pair of pumps + cashmere sweater for a night at the ballet.
Oversized Blazer - Paris was swimming with babes in oversized blazers this fall. I have found so many gems in thrifts and consignment shops that my closet is now exploding with blazers. I like to belt mine from the outside to give a bit more of a silhouette.
Ballet Flats - Always an elegant addition to pull together a look, the perfect ballet flat has to be the classic Chanel cap toe flat. It elevates any look to model off duty vibes (always the goal).
Great Bag - As with a great quality pair of ballet flats, a great quality bag frames a look and pulls everything together. I always wondered about the old fashion rule of matching your shoes and bag but now I understand that these items are like the guiding line in a painting, helping the viewer’s eye to have a cohesive place to land on.
Bow, Sunnies, Pearls, Etc. - as the icing on the cake, thoughtful accessories seem to add a finishing touch.
With Le Uniform, it is incredibly simple to swap out an element here and there to take your look to another level. The best part is not having to put a load of thought into getting ready and trusting that you feel put together because you have a no-fail formula. This is the uniform I rotate on the daily and it has allowed me to bring back a bit of playfulness to the getting ready process that I used to dread.
10 Timeless Pieces to Dress Like You Belong in a Mansion
A tailored blazer - perfect for dressing up any outfit and adding a touch of sophistication
A silk dress - a timeless classic that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion
A trench coat - a must-have for any "old money" wardrobe. Opt for a neutral color like beige or navy for maximum versatility
Straight-leg trousers - a staple for any sophisticated wardrobe. Opt for a high-waisted pair in a neutral color like black, camel, or navy
A silk slip skirt - perfect for pairing with a blazer and tennies or dressing up with a pair of pumps
A pair of loafers - comfortable and chic, perfect for a day of running errands or a casual brunch
Pearl earrings - a classic accessory that adds a touch of elegance to any outfit
A simple leather handbag - perfect for carrying your essentials and adding a touch of sophistication to your outfit
A silk scarf - a versatile accessory that can be worn in a variety of ways and adds a touch of refinement to any outfit
A pair of vintage-wash jeans - perfect for a casual weekend look or dressing down a blazer or silk blouse
Remember, the key to achieving the "old money" style is to invest in quality pieces that will last a lifetime and stick to classic silhouettes and neutral colors. With these ten pieces in your wardrobe, you'll be well on your way to looking like you belong in the pages of a Yale Alumni mag.
Old Money Style: A Guide to Look Like You Inherited a Fortune
Ah, the "old money" style. It's all about looking like you come from a long line of aristocrats without actually having to be one. So how can a babe achieve this refined and timeless look? Well, here are some tips that will have you looking like you stepped out of an Ivy League yearbook in no time:
Invest in quality pieces
You know what they say, "buy cheap, buy twice." So, instead of buying that $10 shirt that will fall apart after one wash, invest in high-quality pieces that will last you a lifetime. Think cashmere, silk, and linen.
Stick to classic silhouettes
Forget about the latest fashion trends, the "old money" style is all about timeless elegance. Stick to classic silhouettes like a tailored blazer, a shift dress, a trench coat, and a pair of straight-leg trousers. Bonus points if you can borrow them from your grandma's closet.
Embrace neutral colors
Colors are so overrated. Embrace the timeless elegance of neutral colors like navy, beige, black, and white. You'll look like you belong in a museum exhibit, in the best possible way.
Accessorize wisely
Accessories can make or break an outfit. Stick to classic pieces like pearl earrings, a simple leather handbag, a silk scarf, and a pair of loafers. They'll add just the right amount of sophistication to any outfit. And, who knows, maybe one day you'll inherit some antique jewelry from your great aunt.
Pay attention to fit
The "old money" style is all about looking like you were born with perfectly tailored clothes. Take the time to find pieces that fit you well and flatter your body shape. You don't want to look like you're drowning in fabric or suffocating in a too-tight dress. Even a less expensive garment can be perfect when taken to a good tailor.
Keep it simple
Remember, less is more. The "old money" style is all about understated elegance. Avoid anything too flashy or over-the-top and instead opt for simple, classic pieces that will never go out of style.
Be confident
Confidence is key when it comes to pulling off the "old money" style. Own your look and wear it with pride. After all, you may not have been born into an aristocratic family, but you can certainly dress like you were.
In conclusion, achieving the "old money" style is all about looking like you were born into a life of luxury without actually having to be. Invest in quality pieces, stick to classic silhouettes and neutral colors, accessorize wisely, pay attention to fit, keep it simple, and most importantly, be confident. Before you know it, you'll be the talk of the yacht club.