Post-Paris: the comedown
At the Hermès re-see in Paris
More than a week after returning from Paris, I still feel jet-lagged. Despite spending USD$75 on Athletic Greens and not having nearly as packed of an itinerary as most other fashion people, I can’t help but feel like I need to hibernate until next February.
Alas, this is fashion, and there is no room for holiday at present. Instead, allow me the opportunity to debrief you on what I gathered from my time in Paris. I’ve spent the past week mulling over what exactly I thought of it all, from the shopping to the shows to the beauty to the food. Surprisingly, none of the links here will relate to anything I saw - I’m hoping to provide more wallet friendly options as an antidote to high fashion.
Details at CHANEL SS23 (photo via Vogue Runway)
I have one word for you: barrettes. CHANEL models donned eponymously embellished versions on the runway, Parisians sported them on the streets. How effortlessly chic is the action of sweeping back one’s hair, seemingly intending to secure it in a ponytail, only to fasten over it a large tortoiseshell barrette instead? I was skeptical at first - I have thick Asian hair that failed to uphold the infamous TikTok claw clip twist. How could there be a barrette large enough for me? It was a gamble ordering online, but I found this one worked for my hair. I’ve been wearing it nearly every day since.
White denim was my Baader-Meinhof moment of PFW. Once they were pointed out to me, I saw them everywhere. This is so silly - there’s nothing new here. It’s just that everyone had such perfectly baggy white denim in a perfect shade of off-white with a perfect low-rise fit, I couldn’t help but do some digging for my own pair. I regret to inform you that most of my white jeans are either high-waisted or flared, and what I’m searching for is more of a carhart type of bagginess for everyday wear. I love these carpenter pants - I ordered them a size up so they’d sit extra low. Hemricourt makes the perfect structured denim jackets to pair.
Perhaps not seen on the runway, but rather in the privacy of one’s own home, is Europe’s penchant for luxurious home uniforms. You may have seen countless fashion figures posting their hotels (“thank you, Plaza Athenée” - on a sub note, does this simultaneously thank the Sultan of Brunei? Questionable), and often they’re wearing some sort of impeccable garb with the intended purpose of getting ready and lounging at home. For example, I’m continuously inspired by Diana Bartlett - a post from September featured a snippet of a dressing gown in the most perfect baby blue pinstripe from Alex Eagle Studio, and I’m determined to own it. At a steady 475 pounds, I might have to sleep on this purchase.
As we gravitate towards more goods for the home, it is common knowledge that no Paris trip is complete without a trip to a French Pharmacy. I brought back a La Roche Posay Cicaplast B5 spray (supposedly not available in North America, but viral on social media). It’s still sealed, but will report back shortly. My skin definitely would not have survived without my Skinceuticals LHA cleanser - I’m late to the game, but there’s nothing like it for the congestion that builds up on my skin. Especially with travelling.
I know most shows were SS23, but I’m ready to embrace the beauty trends I saw on the runway right now. While you were all bleaching your eyebrows with concealer, the Hermes re-see made me most excited for their limited edition lipstick collection, and the CHANEL runway had me dying to try a dark lip. For winter I’m feeling berry hues, such as this one from Saie.
In the fragrance department (oft forgot by mainstream fashion coverage, but no less important as a major income driver for many luxury brands), I had the privilege of stopping by the Nonfiction popup in Le Marais. I’m not really into anything gourmand or strong - I prefer musky, woody, and mildly fruity combinations (read: orange peel or fig). Nonfiction is a Korean brand whose scents sport tranquility-inducing names such as ‘Gentle Night'‘, ‘For Rest’, and ‘In the Shower’. Each of their six existing fragrances evokes calm, intimacy, and a sense of introspection, pun intended. My personal favourite is Santal Cream, a harmony of sandalwood, vetiver, fig, and fresh cardamom.
The view from the best table at Cafe de la Poste
I’m almost done, I swear. Everyone was at Early June this past trip, and for good reason. Our Airbnb was conveniently located across the street, but next time you’re in Paris it’s a must. Go early, put your name down, and grab a drink along the canal while you wait to be seated. Other food highlights included Recoin in the 11th, Cafe Voltaire, and Chez Alain Miam Miam.
After a week of eating mostly bread and cheese (which I loved, wholeheartedly), I felt my body craving a reset. I made this stew with ingredients I mostly had in my pantry, and then some:
Ingredients:
1/2 large onion (or 1 regular sized onion)
3 large garlic cloves
3 medium potatoes, diced
5 small carrots, scrubbed and not peeled, diced
3 celery stalks, chopped
2-3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp turmeric
1 bay leaf
1 cup lentils
4-6 cups of broth (6 for more liquids, I usually play around with the ratio)
1/2 bunch kale, washed and torn off the stems (discard the stems)
Method:
Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to a large pot or dutch oven, and allow aromatics to sweat over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, until the onions turn translucent and start to soften.
Add the turmeric, bay leaf, olive oil, and lentils, and stir to combine. Add the broth and bring to a boil.
Boil for about 30 seconds, then bring the stew to a simmer over medium-low heat. Simmer covered for 30 minutes.
Add the kale and cook uncovered for about 5-10 minutes, until the greens wilt and combine with the stew. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil.
Next week will be a little more beauty focused: I have upcoming a facial with Toronto skin legend Vee, so many empties to discuss, and a few hacks as the weather gets colder.