Curating My Parisian Life: Style, Textiles, and Timeless Comforts

Bonjour, mes amis!
Paris has a way of turning the simplest moments into something extraordinary, and New Year's Eve was no different! I met a friend for a creative day exploring Le Marais, followed by the discovery and a cozy French seafood dinner with friends. 

Capturing Perfect Moments with My Leica
My first stop was a lighting store to find a softbox for my apartment—perfect for enhancing natural light in my YouTube videos. As we wandered the streets, my friend became an impromptu photography subject. I captured his striking features with my Leica camera, even in the gray, cloudy light. The results? Stunning portraits that genuinely showcased the richness of his skin tone and character. It reminded me how vital good tools and techniques are in photography. I'm not going to post him here because he's shy! But, also he is using the images for his LinkedIn page. So, I'll let him share them first! Here are some other photos I captured near the Seine. 

The Cathedral of Notre Dame peeking out (at left).

Discovering Vibrant Textiles in Le Marais
We continued our exploration and stumbled upon a boutique showcasing velour textiles that instantly caught my eye. I've been considering incorporating more color into my apartment, and the shop, En Fil d'Indienne's vibrant offerings were irresistible. The owner explained that the fabrics were a blend of French craftsmanship and Indian textiles, with options ranging from matte cotton velour to luxurious silk velour with a luminous finish. Naturally, my preference leaned toward the silk—because nothing says elegance quite like that subtle shimmer.

This gorgeous visually staged bed was by far my favorite part of the store. Don't you just want to jump in!

Pillows for everyone! The fabrics are quite stunning and some are designed in 100% cotton or a cotton and silk blend. They feel like a soft velour to the touch. I definitely want to accessorize my home with some special pieces.

I loved that some of the pieces can be used as you wish. This piece was made by hand, by one person from several saris stitched together. I can absolutely feel the love that went into this.

And it was reversible!

Here is their card for more information!

The Importance of Investing in Quality
This experience made me reflect on the importance of investing in quality, natural fibers. Choosing beautiful and sustainable materials feels like a win-win, whether for your wardrobe or home. After all, we spend so much time in our beds; why not envelop ourselves in fabrics that nurture comfort and style?

Adding Parisian Touches to My Home
The day ended with plans to infuse more personal touches into my space, from colorful pillows to a possible silk comforter. Romanticizing your home is essential to creating a life you love, and I've always believed that your bed and sofa should be the most comfortable places in your home. It's about adding those Parisian touches that make it truly mine.
​
Why Parisian Boutiques Are a Treasure Trove 
If you're looking for unique pieces, Paris's small boutiques are a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind finds. Sometimes, you might even feel like you're the only one who owns a particular piece, and isn't that the essence of luxury? These intimate shopping experiences remind me why Paris is a haven for thoughtful, curated living. 

Ending the Day with Fireworks and Gratitude
The day ended with a spectacular raw seafood platter, and fireworks lit up the Parisian sky. When my friend invited me, she told me it's typical for French people to have a seafood platter for NYE. According to Forbes,  "A typical French household buys over nine pounds (four kilos) of oysters in a year. Half of that is consumed over Christmas and New Year."

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/karlsson/2023/12/28/french-christmas-and-new-year-is-a-celebration-of-food/ 

My favorites were the langoustines, escargot, and even the fresh scallops - which I didn't think could be eaten raw. Then, we walked up to Porte Maillot in Neuilly-sur-Sienne for fireworks - fabulous! 

Reflections on the Year Ahead
​As I reflected on the year ahead, my heart swelled with gratitude for this city, my friends, and the promise of new beginnings. The only thing that could have made it better? Having my family here to celebrate in this enchanting place.

How did you spend your New Year's Eve? Share your moments in the comments! How do you bring luxury and personality into your home? I'd love to hear your thoughts!