The Magnificent Macaron

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Paris with a Friend

Well it's settled. Paris with a friend > Paris on your lonesome. This week I had the pleasure of exploring Paris with my partner in crime (the crime being fabulousness...), Sarah!

I met Sarah at admitted students weekend last April. We judged each others outfits, gave approving nods and went our separate ways. It wasn't until April of this year that I realized want a gem I had on my hands.

Here are some highlights of our great Parisian adventure together. I promise to spare you most of the details about the hours we spent discussing shoe choices since our friendship was built on the fact that we are two of only a handful of people who find joy in this.

Shopping

We. Love. Shopping. That's why we weren't about to let the fact that we were in France get in the way of having a Black Friday shopping day. To our absolute delight we discovered that a few stores here had gotten in on the Black Friday bandwagon themselves. Most notably, Zara. We rewarded them by buying matching sweaters. After doing some further damage at Mango and BHV, we found ourselves at Merci. Kind of like a French Anthropologie on steroids.

A Paris-Perfect Shopping Outfit:
J.Crew Silk Snood
J.Crew Silk Shirt
J.Crew Long Field Jacket
Target Mossimo Jeans
Cole Hann Shoes

Eating Out

While I wrote an entire post about the joys of eating out alone, it's true that fantastic meals are best shared with friends. Sarah and I had 3 fantastic meals and a bunch of other really great ones.

The first was at a cozy place called Le Campanella. We kind of stumbled on it after seeing the Eiffel Tower. The food is classic French but seemed to cater to our American taste buds (in other words it was all well salted). The English menus and servers were also a delight.

Our second fantastic meal was at Caillenotte. I remember it being fantastic, I just can't remember why. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing.

Our last and probably most fantastic of fantastic meals was at Vivant Table. We opted to go all out and have the 5 course tasting menu. Other people ~~trolls~~ on the internet had informed us that the service may not be so good, but we couldn't disagree more. They were happy to accommodate the menu to cater to my vegetarianismsm, which is usually scowled at.

Eating In

I like to call this, the Sarah and Ashley model. We had a few expensive meals and several very inexpensive meals at home. These included lots of wine, lots of cheese and How I Met Your Mother--the trifecta. Plus, Sarah found us the perfect Parisian Air BnB, so who would want to leave?

Isn't she gorgeous??

The perfect outfit for sitting on a Parisian Balcony:

J.Crew floppy

J.Crew Silk Blouse (note Sarah's version is from retail, but now it's only available at Factory)

Galleries Lafayette Scarf

Target Jeans

J.Crew Bangles

The view from our balcony

The view from our couch.

Sightseeing

Since Sarah used to live in Paris like me, we didn't have to do a lot of sightseeing, but it is Paris after all so why not?

Of course we wanted to see The Eiffel Tower at night. This is probably something no one will ever get tired of.

Sarah's Eiffel Tower Outfit

Gap Leather Jacket

Ann Taylor Silk Blouse

J.Crew Marino Wool Asymmetrical Side Zip Sweater

Target Leggings

J.Crew Darby Loafers

Limited Leopard Infinity Scarf

Tiffany Pearl Earrings

J.Crew Bangles

We also wanted to do something a little more unique, so on Thanksgiving we took a tour of the catacombs. Cue joke about being thankful to be alive!

Fancy French Pâtisseries

I think you can probably tell by now that we don't like food very much. Even so, we mustered up the strength to go to two fancy pastry shops--Angelina and Ladurèe.

And that is how we spent Thanksgiving in Paris. It could not have been more fun!

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Confessions of a McAddict

Let's talk about McDonalds. I love it so much. I'll tell you why: consistency, proper salt usage and a corporate structure that demands a certain level of customer service. OH, also wifi!!

Since coming to Paris I've had McDonald's 5 times. That's a lot for a vegetarian. Especially since I can count on one hand the number of true meals Ive had at McDonalds in America. Sure I've stumbled into the Adams Morgan McD's at 2am and demanded they give me all of the fries and all of the McFlurreys. I've also restumbled in at 10am and tearfully begged them to make me an egg McBiscuit and the largest coffee they can find.

In Paris, I legitimately have gone to McDonalds for a proper dinner. I can't speak more highly about this experience, well actually I can because I'm a perfectionist. I criticize out of love and admiration. Here's how it goes:

Step 1: Walk in. Identify "Easy Order" Machines

Step 2: Privately browse all of your dining options in the language of your choice.

Step 3: Pay at the machine.

Step 4: Wait for good looking French person to call your number. This is where the only kink happens. They call your number in French! Meanwhile, I've already told the machine I speak English. C'mon McDonalds, you're better than this. To rectify this situation I just show them my receipt every time they call any number. As you can imagine, they love this.

Step 5: Enjoy delicious meal!

Don't forget the macarons!

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Northern Ireland

On my last full day in Dublin I took a day trip to Northern Ireland. This was one of my favorite days in Europe so far.

The tour stated at the wee hour of 6:30AM. By 8:00AM we had crossed the border into Northern Ireland. And finally I got the coffee break that was promised to me.

Our next stop was a coastal town that I can't remember the name of. I was still disoriented from my lack of coffee access.

Back in the bus and on to Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.

I crossed this bridge guys! Still a little faint thinking about it.

Next we headed over to Giant's Causeway, a coastal structure that looks cool because a volcano erupted--NOT because the Irish people built it to attract tourists, said our tour guide a few too many times...

Next we quickly stopped to get some pictures of a castle. Notice the adorable sheep? Bhaaaaaa.

Our last stop was Belfast. I couldn't help but look for SAMCRO the entire time; sadly no sightings.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

72 Hours in Dublin

Where to stay:
Hampton Hotel. Great deals can be found on Jetsetter. My rate was about $120 / night for weekend nights which is fantastic given Dublin is one of the most expensive cities in Europe.

When to go:
I highly enjoyed my stay in mid November. The city is beautiful during fall and yes it is cold, but not unbearable. Hotels and flights are also less expensive because it is considered off-peak.

Day 1
What to Wear:

Mu Du Floppy Hat
J.Crew Factory Gingham Shirt
J.Crew Pixie Pant in Leather Stripe
J.Crew MacAlister Wedge Boots
Bonita Layla Coat

What to do:
Arrive at DUB Airport. Unlike many major cities, Dublin's airport is actually somewhat close to the city center which makes flying in and out a breeze.

The best way to get to your hotel is probably to take Air Coach--a bus that connects the Airport with the city center and major hotels. A round trip ticket to the Hampton Hotel is €14.

After checking in to your hotel it is most likely time for a snack. By snack I mean beer. This can be achieved in the hotel bar which is actually quite nice and not very expensive. Try the clonmel 1650-an Irish lager.

Next head over to St. Stephens Green. it's a gorgeous 20 minute walk from the Hampton. You will most likely fall in Love with all the colored doors on the way like I did.

Stroll through St. Stephen's green now.

If it's winter time you can grab a hot chocolate or better yet, mulled wine, from the Christmas Market.

Now it is time for dinner. If you're a vegetarian like me, God speed. You're better off if you eat fish so go for the fish and chips from a nearby pub. I suggest Kehoe's.

Last thing you need to do today is find some Irish music. You can find live music at most pubs or you can head over to Grafton street where there are local musicians playing on the street. They are actually pretty good too.

Day 2

What to Wear:

Nice Things Sweater

J.Crew Factory Flannel Shirt

J.Crew Minnie Pant in Stretch Twill

J.Crew Mirror Perforated Loafers

Boots Seventeen Stay Pout Lipstick in "rule breaker"

Sony Camera

What to do:

Start your day with a traditional Irish breakfast. Vegetarians can skip the sausage, bacon and black and white pudding. How they get meat into a pudding, I do not know.

Next head over to Temple Bar Square. This is a fun and quirky little neighborhood. It's a 30 minute walk from the Hampton but the best part about Dublin is all the funky stuff to look at so take your time and enjoy the walk.

Temple Bar is a great area to grab lunch. I suggest Hippety's Cafe which has great fresh and local food and a cozy atmosphere.

Did I mention Day 2 is long and action packed? That means eat often! Now you are off to O'Connel street for a leisurely stroll. Head over to O'Connel Bridge and walk North up O'Connel Street.

The view from O'Connel Bridge.

I personally loved the Dublin Writers Museum but I recognize that it may not be for everyone. They have a great audio tour but the actual contents are a little dull.

Now head back down O'Connel Street for a wee bit o'shopping. Start with George's Street Arcade, which is Europe's oldest shopping arcade. Then head over to The Loft Market. The Loft Market houses several Irish designers and vintage collectors. I am kicking myself for not buying a handmade skirt made from Irish wool. Ugh. Student life.

You have got to be exhausted by now. Also it's probably dinner time so I suggest heading back to the hotel and enjoying a casual dinner. The Hanpton features live music most nights. Plus you need to rest up for Day 3!

Day 3

What to Wear:

Zara Coat

J.Crew Toothpick Jeans

J.Crew Tissue Tee in Navy

Cath Kidston Plimsolls

What to Do:

Having lived in a big city for 10 years I sometimes crave country life. In the sense that I want to gawk at it and take photos and then return to the conveniences of city life.... So for Day 3 I suggest heading out and seeing the Irish Country side.

I opted to book a tour with Irish Day Tours. I booked the Giant's Causeway tour which takes you all over Northern Ireland. I highly recommend it. Since it was such a long day and technically it's a whole new country it deserves its own blog post. For now I'll leave you with a few teasers.