How I found myself in Paris: experiences, adventures, and insights
01
Introducing Valerie’s Granddaughter
I have been obsessed with Paris since I was a young teen in the 80s (hello GenXers!), and my grandmother nurtured that passion along with my budding interest in fashion, shopping, and looking like all of the women I saw in the glossy pages of magazines.
02
My first time in Paris
By myself? As I wrote in my intro story, embarking on a solo journey to Paris at 50 wasn’t the original plan. Not even something I wanted. Definitely not what I had envisioned. Determined to fulfill my dream of Paris, I resolved to go anyway. Solo. As a woman at a certain age. Bon voyage!
03
Just you?
Yep! Just me! I encountered lots of interesting, enlightening, and confidence-building experiences on my first solo trip. But I was unprepared for the sheer number of times I had to reaffirm that I was indeed solo. Not from Parisians. But other Americans around my age.
04
Cultivating a Parisienne State of Mind
I was ready. For months before I embarked on my first trip to the Paris in my dreams, I had thoroughly researched what to wear in Paris, purchased items that copied the looks, and carefully packed more options than needed. Sure, I can look like a Parisienne, but how do I feel like her?
05
Fashion vs Style
Yes, there’s a difference! Coming soon…
06
Nurturing my Paris obsession
Reading, absorbing, and planning the next trip. Coming soon…