it’s not easy being fabulous
not for me, anyway! i don’t know what it is about city life but whether it’s new york or paris, it’s on as soon as you step out the door. i wish i were one of those women who looks put together all the time but truth is it’s a lot of work just to get by in paris!
being home for the past day has been a real recalibration that was not a nano too soon! it took 2 trips to the beach and 3 showers but i’m finally unwinding.
this is an old photo but it reminds me of the cross between my two lives and how they complement each other. paris and miami couldn’t be more polar opposite and i love both so much.
the good news is that i don’t have to think about fashion, except what bathing suit to wear
in 24 hours all has changed, and this is my champs-elysées
and the infinite world of detail has given way to a different kind of infinity
now just zoning out and trying to slide in between the two worlds. the sound of french accordion music in the metro has been replaced by the buena vista social club, and watching the sun go down will be on lincoln road instead of from my parisian balcony on rue des ecoles.
the best part is knowing that paris is not very far, and all happening right now, there for the taking whenever you’re ready to go! i’ll be going in august and/or september. you know i want you to come too!
ps: just found these great resources for next time!
http://www.stephmodo.com/2009/04/what-to-wear-to-paris.html
the paris apartment 
Chessa replied:
I love those photos of Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette. I still have the W issue where they were featured. sigh…so rich!
welcome home! I hope you feel rested now and can get ready for your trip to NYC:)
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April 28, 2009 at 11:05 pm. Permalink.
stilettoheights {Jennifer} replied:
I swear, I think I could watch the Dunst version of Marie Antoinette on mute and on constant repeat and still get something out of it each and every viewing…
I too wish to be one of those “put together” women…I remember I used to be one, during my acting days, but now a a full time artist it is just too easy for it to be casual friday each and every day.
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April 28, 2009 at 11:50 pm. Permalink.
Stephanie replied:
I love the photo of the palm trees and that sea is sooooo beautiful. I think Miami is a casual art deco French riviera…at least it is as seen through your lens. Thanks for the photos and welcome home!
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April 29, 2009 at 12:26 am. Permalink.
theparisapartment replied:
thank you, it’s good to be back on the continent!
i’m psyched to be back in the us of a for the RHONYC marathon right now!
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April 29, 2009 at 1:50 am. Permalink.
Megan replied:
Your version of the champs-elysées is not too shabby. I love Paris, but Miami is a good plan B.
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April 29, 2009 at 2:41 am. Permalink.
Write Girl replied:
I want to go to Paris. I must brush up on my French though…so beautiful!!!
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April 29, 2009 at 3:10 am. Permalink.
Stephanie replied:
I can relate…sort of! I divide my time between the Miami area and a small Caribbean island. The more time I spend in both places, the more different they become.
Isn’t it satisfying to have a taste of two worlds–Paris and Miami!!
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April 29, 2009 at 3:28 am. Permalink.
Gina Cartwright replied:
Oh my gosh! Jen and I are planning a trip to Paris in Sept with our husbands. Could it be possible you will be there at the same time?! That would be wonderful! Keep us posted!
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April 29, 2009 at 4:16 am. Permalink.
Linda replied:
I now live in France and never look put together. I think it’s because, deep down, I am an American and would rather be comfortable than fashionable. I have gotten into scarves though.
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April 29, 2009 at 4:36 am. Permalink.
Vicki Archer replied:
Glad you are home and relaxing – even for a minute, xv.
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April 29, 2009 at 6:15 am. Permalink.
YSLGuy replied:
I agree. I always attempt to look pulled together when I leave (at least in my head)
One of the things I love about Miami and South Beach is the level of casualness, but still people manage to look effortlessly chic. They come off the beach, throw a sarong on, a big beachy hat, jewelry and look ready for dinner
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April 29, 2009 at 1:58 pm. Permalink.
A Gift Wrapped Life replied:
Lucky, lucky girl…..both sound really good right about now. It’s probably gorgeous there in Miami, head to the beach. No dressing up required.
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April 29, 2009 at 2:21 pm. Permalink.
Marta replied:
Haha I know what you mean about Paris… I really can’t be bothered to get all dressed (up) down just to go to the boulangerie because maybe Mark Ronson, Clemece Poesy or Kate Moss will be on the street… Ouf, it’s hard to be fabulous.
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April 29, 2009 at 2:25 pm. Permalink.
theparisapartment replied:
ouf! i guess i’m just a casual american after all but a few pieces did stick: navy and white horizontal stripes in any thickness, le chignon, ballet flats, a trench, and scarves, scarves, scarves! oh, don’t forget your je ne sais quoi and panache!
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April 29, 2009 at 3:07 pm. Permalink.
Rebekka replied:
I’m super jealous of BOTH!
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April 29, 2009 at 3:36 pm. Permalink.
Federica replied:
Marie Antoniette is one of my favorite movie ever! I just found your blog, it’s all great!
Have a nice week!
Greetings from Italy!
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April 29, 2009 at 4:00 pm. Permalink.
Vicki replied:
Relax and catch your breath C!!! And you are fabulous!!!
Enjoy!!!
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April 29, 2009 at 4:25 pm. Permalink.
Casey replied:
Hi Claudia,
I am actually staying at the Rue des Ecoles apartment that you just left! I love it and can’t believe I am here! This place is just as amazing as you described it to be. I am glad that you are home and relaxing. I am here deciding between fashionable and comfortable shoes.
Tomorrow I am going to search out that old map store you talked about in the Marias. Thanks for all of the insight!
Casey
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April 29, 2009 at 9:53 pm. Permalink.
Ms. Jenn replied:
Wait, what?! How did I miss the part about you living in South Florida! I thought there were no other bloggers I followed from where I live. (Out of 250+ on my reader, it seems they are all from Toronto, NY, Paris, Sydney, Portland, or LA.) This is very exciting news to me. I hope that at some point, we could find other bloggers down here and do a meet-up. Welcome back to the MIA!
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April 29, 2009 at 10:35 pm. Permalink.
renee finberg replied:
you are just non stop fabulous.
how is it being home now ??
xxx hugs too !
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April 29, 2009 at 11:38 pm. Permalink.
theparisapartment replied:
casey, i can’t believe you’re there, what a coincidence! you’re gonna love every minute of it!
and miss jenn, i’m a 100% florida devotee. by the by, miss renee right above is here too. check out her blog. i’d love to get local bloggers together, there are lots of great gals down here. do you know fabulous fifi?
oh, and renee, being home is a miracle. within 24 hours i was transformed. i swear it’s the ocean. i was a disaster when i arrived (and was for most of paris), and am totally repaired now!
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April 29, 2009 at 11:59 pm. Permalink.
FrenchBlue replied:
Dewy dew drop….
Welcome home!
I hear you! Paris is like being baptized & the Ocean is like the holy water they pour on you… both are our blessings…this is why you are the dewy dew drop…and I know I need both too~
xoox’s
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April 30, 2009 at 1:12 am. Permalink.
a la parisienne replied:
Glad to see you made it home safely! Oh, Miami looks so beautiful. We have some friends there that have invited us to visit just whenever…These pics make it very enticing…
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April 30, 2009 at 2:09 am. Permalink.
Betsy replied:
Love your book and your former shop. SO glad you now have a blog!
Betsy
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April 30, 2009 at 2:58 am. Permalink.
Kim Kasch replied:
So much fun – so little time.
And, my Mom’s name was Antoinette, my daughter’s middle name is Marie – put ’em together . . .
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April 30, 2009 at 4:21 am. Permalink.
kayellen replied:
Beautiful Claudia!
Thank you the journey tonight before I head off to sleep:)
Maybe I dream of both! heehee
Take Care,
Kay
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April 30, 2009 at 6:50 am. Permalink.
Stephanie replied:
Isn’t it amazing how air travel closes the gap between two totally different worlds? Amazing. I love this post and the comparisons between the two.
In addition, I’m ready to hit Miami for the first time!
xo
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April 30, 2009 at 2:36 pm. Permalink.
corine/hidden in france replied:
I like your Champs Elysées.
The best thing about living in LA is that I get to be frumpy. When I get to Paris I feel the pressure of looking a certain way immediately.
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April 30, 2009 at 4:40 pm. Permalink.
theparisapartment replied:
hey guys, i’m finally back to full reset and hope if you need to get away you’ll come to miami and find me!
with my new found energy i think i’ll crack open the pics and resources tonite!
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April 30, 2009 at 11:04 pm. Permalink.
Noel replied:
I am dying over that lavender rose you took a photo of. It is soo pretty Dew Drop! I’m working on a Marie Ant. Shoe right now! I love it, your pictures helped me for some inspiration. You descride coming home from Paris so well.. it gives me a hole in my stomach. ;O
xoxooxox
Lil’ Dew
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May 1, 2009 at 2:42 pm. Permalink.
sherri replied:
Oh this is making me dream of Paris!
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May 1, 2009 at 8:30 pm. Permalink.
Ms. Jenn replied:
No, I did not know of them, but I do now! We should try to organize a meet-up in the next month or two. What do you think?
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May 3, 2009 at 12:49 am. Permalink.
theparisapartment replied:
definitely!!!!!!!!!!
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May 3, 2009 at 3:52 am. Permalink.