As Sinatra said...

I love Paris!

The lovely view from my window in Mimi's apartment in Le Marais, a historic district just steps away from the Hotel de Ville (City Hall) in Paris.

This week I spent four days in the city of lights and quite simply had the time of my life. I stayed with Mimi, a friend currently completing her law school degree in France, and she was the perfect hostess for my wide-eyed tourist self. We museum-hopped, sat in countless cafes sampling French delicacies, and tried our hand at vintage shopping, Paris-style. I am so fortunate to have had such an incredible woman and friend show me around the city and make me feel so, so welcomed. Thank you for everything, Mimi!

In front of the Fontaine Saint-Michel on a beautiful Friday morning.

I was also able to spend a significant amount of time with my cousin Shaya, a Paris native almost exactly my age. She and I explored the Latin Quarter on Friday morning before her afternoon med school classes, strolling through the cobble-stoned alleyways, snapping photos of the local landmarks, and popping into the occasional cafe for snacks and libations.

Just before we ducked into a richly decorated cafe, tucked neatly into a quiet corner of the Latin Quarter, for some early afternoon cocktails

Entering the Jardin du Luxembourg, the second largest public park in Paris

Two happy cousins with the Luxembourg Palace in the background
(Outfit: Pants - Anthropologie, flats - Cole Haan, jacket - thrifted, necklace - gift from Shaya, scarf - borrowed Burberry)

After a fabulous morning of cousin bonding, I met my friend Marina at the Saint-Germain-des-Pres metro stop for an afternoon of exploring. She is quite the French history buff, and I enjoyed hearing the stories to accompany each historic site we visited, from the Louvre to the Musee Carnavalet.

Along the way, we completed the obligatory Laduree vs. Pierre Herme macaroon taste test. To each her own, but Pierre won this round in my books!

The Musee d'Orsay, an old railroad station and current museum housing Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces. I've found my favorite museum! Simply stunning.

Finishing up our sightseeing, Marina and I swung by Mariage Freres for some afternoon tea. Marco Polo Rouge, anyone?

The next morning, Mimi and I began our weekend in gastronomic heaven -- with some yummies from my new favorite bakery in Paris, Miss Manon in Le Marais.

Mimi and I walked all over the city -- including through the Tuileries, where we spotted some changing rooms set up for Paris Fashion Week! But this sculpture of Theseus caught my eye, as he always reminds me of my favorite classicist :)

With Mimi, overlooking the Seine on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon.
(Outfit: jacket, purse, and scarf - thrifted, shirt - a boutique in NYC, jewelry - vintage/J. Crew, pants - James Jeans, sunglasses - Ralph Lauren)

Walking along the Seine, from the Tuileries to the Champs-Elysees

Inside the Musee d'Orsay. The special exhibit, Impressionism in Fashion, was stunning. Period dresses and accessories were shown alongside the paintings depicting the exact garments! So incredible.

On my last day in Paris, Mimi and I met up with Shaya and her mother, Sherry, for a delicious French brunch at the Marche des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris. Sharing delicious food and laughter with familiar faces was the perfect way to wrap up my latest adventure.

Some of the goodies from my trip -- Alain Manoukian scarf from Sherry, macaroons from Mimi, Fragonard perfume, and Mariage Freres tea. Those macaroons will be gone momentarily, but I love knowing I'll have some reminders of my trip to treasure for years to come.

It was a truly magical weekend -- thank you to everyone who made my trip such an unforgettable experience!

Laur