All I Want is Everything

“The Parisienne thinks she’s a role model. She can fill blogs and books with life advice. If fact, she loves being asked what she thinks.”

(How to be Parisian, page 6)

 

Other blogs tell you what to get your friends and family for Christmas. This blog is telling you what to get me.

1. My favorite new fall show “Scream Queens” has me pining for pastels and faux furs. If I get this two-tone makeup bag, can I be Chanel No. 7?
2. I’m somewhat of a Francophile (in case it wasn’t obvious). The Too Faced Le Grand Château is the dollhouse of my dreams, only better. It comes with 18 eyeshadows, two blushes, and a mascara. It will look so perfect on display in my bedroom!
3. This Rifle Paper Co. Alice in Wonderland calendar will also be a dreamy addition to my bedroom alongside my collection of other Alice trinkets.
4. Limited Edition Alice in Wonderland Moleskine journal for getting lost in my thoughts.
5. I’ve been wanting Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari for a while, but a two-day binge of his Netflix original series “Master of None” has me begging for more of his clever thoughts!
6. One of my favorite blogs and Instagram feeds in one place: See San Francisco: Through the Lens of SFGirlbyBay. Victoria Smith’s outlook on my hometown has me looking for magic on every street corner.
7. Cozy and chic earmuffs that I can plug in into my iPhone! Juicy Couture will always know the way to a girl’s heart.
8. LUSH Honey Trap lip balm just sounds gansta, but I’m sure its really sweet inside.
9. How cute is this little Opening Ceremony bag charm?

Lanvin sample set

Lanvin sample set.

A few months ago, I wrote about my mission to find my signature scent before I turn 30. No luck yet, but I did receive this gorgeous and thoughtful gift for my college gradation. It’s a collection of travel sized perfumes by Lanvin. I can’t wait to see how I like them, but the packaging is almost too perfect – I feel guilty opening it!

Beauty secrets revealed

“Parisiennes will have you believe that they are born with perfect skin and delightfully messy hair. That from the cradle onward they exude a scent worthy of Chanel No. 5. That these ‘natural’ attributes are a heritage that cannot be explained.

They are all lying.

Au naturel is the fruit of hard labor; meticulously passed down from generation to generation. What follows is a series of unusual tips that could be summed up as follows: how to take care of yourself while giving the impression that you don’t take care of yourself. It is the art of beauty–the Parisian way.”

(How to be Parisian, page 32)

French beauty mantra: less is more.

In my efforts to become more Parisian, I’m hopping on the “no makeup” makeup look bandwagon. Luckily, this look is really trendy right now. These steps are a combination of rules from the book, along with my personal recommendations:

1. “Start with a moisturizer to smooth your skin. Then hide any imperfections with concealers or a BB cream.” Use whatever moisturizer to fits your skin type. The book suggests BB cream because Frenchwomen avoid foundation. They believe in letting your natural skin shine through. Lately, I’ve been skipping BB cream for Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint. It’s a super thin formula that evens out discoloration and leaves a dewy, radiant finish. To conceal the “designer bags under my eyes”, I dab a little bit of Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Waterproof Concealer By Tarte. Eyebags have been such a problem for me because I’m always up late doing homework. This concealer is my holy grail right now because it doesn’t look cake-y over BB cream or skin tint.
2. Hypnôse by Lancome is recommended by the book itself. I love this mascara because the wand really helps to define lashes and make them look fuller without clumps.
3. Brighten up your cheekbones with a dab of color. Cream blush has the most subtle effect. All you have to do is rub it in with your fingertips for a natural-looking flush.
4. Polish off with a bright red lipstick and the signature Parisian pout.
5. “And, of course, a touch of perfume on your hair, behind your ear or on the nape of your neck, never did anyone any harm…”

The most important beauty lesson I’ve learned from How to be Parisian is that you don’t have to strive for perfection.They cherish all the things that make them different. They don’t hide behind a veil of makeup or obsess over plastic surgery. They take care of their skin, get a good night’s rest and surround themselves with people who make them happy. Parisians know au naturel always wins. That natural glow is as real as it gets. I think that’s why we’re so in love with them.

The signature item

“The Parisienne’s signature item is that vital detail that brings her outfit together, from head to toe.

You don’t have to spend a decade’s worth of salary on your wardrobe, or flaunt designer brands the whole time. All you need is one signature item: the one you wear when you need to feel strong.”

(How to be Parisian, page 30)

My vintage Chanel flap bag and my leather Dolce Vita skirt.

I never really understood why people always said “Confidence is sexy,” or “Confidence is the best accessory.” I have always interpreted confidence as arrogance. Now I realize it is not arrogance, and it is something I admire about others. A confident person probably walked out the door this morning feeling their best and ready to take on the day’s challenges. But what’s their secret? A respectable upbringing? A healthy breakfast? More than 4 hours of sleep?

It could be any of those things. Or maybe they have a secret weapon: a signature item.

How to be Parisian dictates several times that designer items are gaudy and to steer clear of them. But the book also says that Parisians always break the rules. My signature item is my vintage Chanel flap bag. I bought it second-hand, and I love the look of it’s worn-out leather. It looks as if it has been passed down for generations. Chanel flap bags appreciate in price every year, so I’m glad I was able to get my little hands on this classic. I hope I have a daughter one day so that I can pass it down to her. Hopefully, she won’t sell it on eBay to make a quick buck. (I may have to take it to the grave.)

While my Chanel bag looks great with almost everything, I save it for special occasions, or times I “need to feel my strongest,” like when I know I’m going to run into my worst enemy. Because its such a classic item, I feel like a lady who has my sh*t together.

The next item in my closet that makes me feel special is my leather Dolce Vita skirt. The shape makes it chic, while the texture makes it bad-ass. I paired my skirt with my purse to an interview for a fashion PR internship. I was hired on the spot. I’m pretty sure my outfit–I mean, my confidence–got me the job.

Find your fragrance

“Find “your” perfume before you turn 30. Wear it for the next 30 years.”

 (How to be Parisian, page 3)

Perfumes, old and new.

Finding your signature scent is essential because it is how people will remember you. When you leave a room, your scent lingers. Therefore a memory of you lingers. When greeting friends with a hug and kiss, one whiff of your scent will make them fall (even more) in love with you. Most importantly, if another person encounters that scent, they will always think of you. A Parisian should always be unforgettable.

Personally, I have difficulty committing to one perfume. I have been gifted a variety of perfumes over the years and I adore them all. I use a different scent for different moods and occasions. But I still want “the one.” I am actively searching for the one perfume to wear for the next 30 years. Ideally, it would be something light and floral, a little luxurious, and definitely a scent that isn’t worn by anyone else I know.

Which perfume should I spend the rest of my life with? These three are my front runners:

1. Viktor and Rolf “Flowerbomb”: I fell in love at first whiff from a sample in a magazine. However, when I got the full bottle, I found it to be way too subtle. Flowerbomb is the most youthful smelling scent between these three options, in my opinion. It’s comparable to Vera Wang “Princess”, but more appropriate for my age group. Sephora employees always says guys like Flowerbomb compared to other perfumes–which is always a plus in my book.
2. Gucci “Flora”: Flora is significantly more affordable than the other two perfumes I love. As far as scent goes, I think it’s almost perfect– light and feminine, just how I like it. However, I am hesitant to commit because the scent fades easily.
3. Balenciaga “Florabotanica”: Florabotanica is a little edgier than the others, and a little more expensive. I would bathe in it if it wasn’t $100 per bottle. It’s just as feminine as the others, but the velvety undertones give it a sexier vibe. The unique, futuristic packaging makes Florabotanica even more attractive. The fact that the scent may come off as too bold, as well as the retail price, are my only hindrances.

Flowerbomb, Flora, and Florabotanica are all at my taste level in terms of popularity, luxury, and scent. They all have their imperfections, as well. I’m 22 now, so I’ll be spending the next eight years experimenting and finding “my” perfume.

What do you look for in a perfume? Do you have any other recommendations for me to try? Have you found your signature scent, yet? Leave me a comment–I’d love to know what you think!