As excited as I am about next week's holiday in French wine country and at the seaside, Paris is by far the bit I get most excited to pack for. There is an energy and sense of style like no other, and I can't help but feel inspired whenever I am in this wonderful city.

To help differentiate myself from the throngs of tourists in this peak season, I plan to keep away from the museums and tourist attractions, just eating at burger trucks and our favorite hole-in-the-wall taco place, strolling the streets and soaking in the joie de vivre - and I plan to pack accordingly. While I greatly admire the Parisian who can somehow maneuver the steep streets of the 18th and the city's cobblestones while in three-inch heels and balancing her of-the-moment designer bag on her delicate wrist after dropping €20 on her café et croissant, I must admit to being a bit more practical.

I'm thinking, casual, classic French with some fashion-forward updates (picture Coline, but painfully less cool). A spritz of my favorite Chanel, a hands-free bag for making full use of my new DSLR and the perfect soundtrack for people-watching in the park, and I'm set. Well, with a good hat and umbrella for those notorious grey and rainy Paris days, of course (yes, even in the summer). Now to just practice my French and that aloof city attitude...



Style photo credits, top to bottom: Et Pourquoi Pas Coline, unknown via Pinterest, Andy T. on Lookbook.nu

We are finally booked for France! Between being frugal to save for Berlin and fretting about not having a proper holiday in forever, we took until the very last minute to decide that this was one trip we could not pass up (no matter how it may push back our Berlin move date). I mean, a two days of parties to celebrate our friends' wedding on their vineyard just outside Bordeaux, some much-needed relaxation time on the coast (seriously, this California girl is having major summertime withdrawals not being close to an ocean anymore) and of course, a conveniently located few days in the middle because, really, Paris is always a good idea, n'est-ce pas? How could we say no?

So I'm counting down the days (11, to be exact) I have to pack a fabulous French wardrobe full of wedding-worthy dresses, seaside stripes and fashion-forward pieces appropriate for every city on our itinerary, not to mention scope out some great places to eat along the way.  I'm just thankful I don't have to restrict my baggage - the back of our car will fit a lot of shoes!

If you can believe it, this blind-as-a-bat daily glasses-wearer has gone three years without getting her eyes checked! Mostly because I love all my frames so much (yes, I have, ahem, five pairs) and resisted having to change them, I gave in to take advantage of a coupon to a local shop for a free box of contacts for summer. So with my new Rx in my hot little hands, I am finally ready for something fresh and new!

Seeing that Warby Parker frames are so affordable and its selection is so extensive - not to mention that the quality and customer service is stellar -  it's hard to pick just one (or two, or three..) new frames. The only downside: they are only in the US, so clearly I cannot take part in the awesome home try-on program. So I just have to go with what I know works for my face and hope for the best. I think I've narrowed it down to the ones below... What do you think?

big & bold:  crosby // duckworth // preston

sleek & classic:  sims // ainsworth  // arthur 

Now if only Warby Parker would start selling in Europe... (hint, hint, guys!)



photos of me by Christie Dietz 

This week, we got a sneak preview of summer with sudden temperatures of the 'threatening to melt' variety and when I was not in a state of heat-induced delirium, I was actually reveling in the sun on my bare skin and the need to finally break out my sunnies (Germany is notoriously overcast, and this from an SF bay native). It almost made me feel like I was a California girl again. Almost.  

Happy first day of summer everyone! Here's to more fun, sun and some seasonally-appropriate holidays. I don't know about you, but the beach is calling to me...

blanket / necklace / hat / eyeglasses / round sunnies / square sunnies / bag / margarita / sneaks / shorts / tee

While it is finally starting to warm up here like proper June weather, the threat of rain and thunderstorms is always looming overhead, usually just as I am about to put on some cute suede sandals and am forced to throw on water-worthy sneaks instead. It's no wonder my day-to-day footwear is not representative of my extensive shoe collection!

Here are a few things on my radar this week:

Jimmy Kimmel is just killing it with these (and another).

This also made me laugh this week.

Wise words on enjoying the good things you have...

... and this is the ultimate good thing I know I would enjoy for a lifetime (countdown to my birthday has undoubtedly begun).

Daydreaming about going here next month.

Been on a crafty streak ever since I took this on. Think these jeans might be my next DIY.

While its customer service has been a bit shoddy, I still can't get enough of semi-new European brand & Other Stories - especially its gorgeous collab with Alyson Fox and the fact that it's currently having its first sale ever.


Happy Friday and a wonderful weekend to all!

The annual Wiesbaden Wilhelmstraßenfest marks an important anniversary for us: three years since making our very first friends in Germany. With our life-long friends and relations half a world away, they have become a kind of family to us, sharing Thanksgivings, Christmases, New Years and all kinds of significant celebrations with us. It is bittersweet this year, as it is likely the last time we will enjoy this festival with the people who have really made Wiesbaden felt like home.

So I wish a very happy anniversary of friendship to those we have now known for three years, those we met at the 2011 Wilhelmstraßenfest and all the friends we have made in between. I am so thankful for everything that they have brought to our lives and will miss them terribly once we head to Berlin. The expat life is never an easy one, but the fulfillment we have gotten from knowing such great people has made all the hardships worth it.

Here's to our final fest season in Wiesbaden - bring on more Erdbeerbowle!

You're welcome.