...more about Paris later.

A funny conversation happened today between Lisa and I.  It's this kind of exchange that led us to start this blog, and I can't think of a better way to get our heads back into the blog than to share it with you for a good giggle.

Scene:  Jen in Nordstrom, Natick Mall.  Lisa at work.  12:12pm.  Lots of texting.

J: "Question: do I get a Louis Vuitton Damier Neverfull bag (that's the lighter, checked LV logo) or hold out for taupe, Hermes Garden Party bag?  Champagne problems.  Or a white Goyard."

Louis Vuitton Neverfull - Image from pixelsthoughsandwords.com.

Hermes Garden Party bag - Image from polyvore.com.

Goyard Tote - Image from iposhmoda.com.

L: "You don't strike me as an LV girl.  White Goyard....purrr.  Garden party is lovely.  Will you be comfortable putting it down on the grass/sand/cocktail-filled table at the Ramp (my summer 'kitchen')."

J: "Why yes, that's exactly where it's going."

L: "I live for these kinds of dilemmas....Don't do LV."

J: "I hear u, but was tempted in the mall.  Plus, it's easy.  Hummm.  Thinking hard.  Might have to visit Goyard.  Doing recon.  Neimans having a good sale.  Got Tory (as in Tory Burch) white cropped pants for $64.  Not that I needed them (more white pants)."

Tory Burch Cropped Pant - Image from toryburch.com.

L: "Does Isabel Marant make bags?  Her new line went up in the window the day before we left (Paris) and it was stunning."

J: "Having purse dilemma.  Hummmm. Will research.  (Dear husband) putting pressure on me to pick birthday gift.  Also, have my Vanessa Bruno (tote purchased in Paris) which would b perfect for Ramp."

L: (Referring to the Tory Burch Pants) "Oh you stinker.  Did they have other sizes?  I could always use a good pair of white cropped."

J: "I think they had a 28 in the white cropped."

L: (Back to purses) "I saw this darling bag on a couple of women in Paris.  Leather, with the big zipper and 2 luscious tassles hanging off.  Don't know the maker." (Back to pants) "I could use a 28.  Will call my friend Deb at NM."

J: (Referring to purse) "I think I saw one.  Can't recall maker." (Referring to pants) "Want me to sneak back to Neimans and get them?"

L: "Yes, if u have time.  Thx."

J: "Grabbing salad.  Will head down after."

L: Texted lots of hearts.

L: (Back to purse conversation) "Chanel bag perhaps?  Has nothing to do with summer.  Just sayin."

J: "Looked at those.  A little dressy.  Want something more casual.  Looked at some Pradas too.  Meh.  Should have gone to Apres Midi du Chien (a Parisian brand of bags). Damn it."

L: "Yeah..."

Scene: 1:06pm.  Neiman Marcus.

J: "At Neimans.  Someone has them on in the dressing room.  Am stalking them (not REALLY stalking).  Stay tuned."

L: "That's my girl!"

J: "Got them!  Hahaha.  I will warn you they might be big on you."

L: "I'll give them a try!  You are awesome.  I can swing by today btw 5-5:45."

J: "K.  I'll be home. Perfect."

Just like our blog states, we are: "Two friends, with hours of phone calls and dozens of emails about fashion, outfits, and attire..."  This is what we do and have done dozens of other times - we talk fashion and accessories.  We research, rationalize, and reason.  And that's what we'll continue to do. Welcome back. ~ JH

Where does the time go?

Here we are, a solid 12 days from the last post.  Yes, Lisa and I are back from Paris.  Yes, we had a good time, both together and with our families.  

But honestly, with the events unfolding back in Boston, both at the Boston Marathon finish line and in Cambridge and Watertown later in the week, our heads and hearts were back here in Boston.  Thank goodness for CNN International; we could keep up to date.

On Tuesday, April 16, Lisa and I met at 9:00am outside of the St. Germain des Pres metro stop in Paris.  We left our families behind for a solid day of shopping.  But before we headed out, we stood together and talked about home, the Marathon, and what had happened.  We were both in a state of disbelief, wondering how this could have happened in our hometown (which, after living here for 18 years, I consider it my hometown; Lisa's a native).  And over the course of the day, we checked Facebook and our CNN apps for updates.  Yes, we shopped and covered lots of square miles.  But it was tempered and a little less giddy than it would have been otherwise.

The next few days were spent sightseeing, walking, enjoying the glorious weather and spending time with our families.  During my 'free time', in which I would have blogged and taken photos, I was consumed with watching the news, and writing about fashion and trends seemed more than a little trivial.

We are getting our feet back under us and will come up for air soon.  We are looking forward to sharing our finds and fun.  

Image from time.com.

Until then, give a big hug to Boston. ~ JH

...hoping for Parisian inspiration.

Honestly, it's been a tough spring for shopping for me.  I've been uninspired and am hoping this trip to Paris will reinvigorate my sense of style.  But I also wonder if I've been holding back; with this trip on the horizon, have I just been playing a wait-until-Paris game in my head?  We shall see.  Until then, some images to inspire! ~ JH

Image from pinterest.com.

Image from thesartorialist.com.

Image from frenchandsparrow.com.

Image from thesartorialist.com.

Image from pinterest.com.

Image from pinterest.com.

Image from pinterest.com.

...packing for Paris in April.

Oui, again.  And I cannot wait!  Not only to have another trip over there, but guess who will be there at the same time?  Yes, my partner-in-crime and co-blogger, Lisa!  Incroyable!  We have one entire day set aside to shop together, sans mari ou les enfants. That might seem like a lot of time, but for Lisa and I, it's as quick as a heartbeat.  We are planning and strategizing.  We will definitely keep you up to date on our adventures.

But, back to packing.  I actually pulled up last year's posts on daywear and evening wear to re-check what I had packed then.  Turns out that it's going to be a lot of the same ideas.  

For daywear:  It's tricky.  I like to look polished; after all, you never know where wandering might lead you.  The weather will change from 40s and raining to 60s and sunny.  Definitely sticking with my trench (I have a new one from J.Crew.  Check it out.) for outerwear. I will also pack an assortment of Eric Bompard sweaters along side Vince cotton tops to go on top of a variety of AG jeans and Michael Kors pants.

For evening wear:  I think I'm going to stick to the formula of pants + silk top + heels + clutch + jewelry = dinner outfit.  It's easy to pack and wear.  Of course, I don't see myself bringing less than 3 pairs of shoes to interchange between dinner outfits, but one can always dream, right? And, even though I usually bring a dress, it's more often than not left in my suitcase the entire time.  

I put together a Polyvore set with actual outfits I will be taking.  I think I'll be good to go.  Stay tuned for our findings in the City of Lights! ~ JH

W2WW - Packing for Paris

Diane Von Furstenberg chiffon top / Tory Burch cashmere cardigan / Vince top / Vince linen top, $320 / Vince top / Michael Kors t shirt / J.Crew coat / Vince cropped legging, $1,540 / AG Adriano Goldschmied jeans / Vince stripe pants, $370 / AG Adriano Goldschmied / Reiss tapered pants / DL1961 Premium Denim straight leg jeans / Jimmy Choo snakeskin pumps / Manolo Blahnik pumps / Isa Tapia strappy shoes / Tory Burch leather heels / Pretty Ballerinas ballet flat shoes, $195 / Lauren Merkin black clutch / Longchamp nylon tote bag / Cartier stainless steel watch / Gold earrings / Hermès black jewelry / Necklace / Morra Designs disc earrings / Love Quotes Scarves oversized scarve / Banana Republic cotton shawl

...you keep losing items of clothing.

Seriously, did I hit 40 and start losing my mind?  Don't answer that! Over the past few weeks, I've been cleaning out my closets (I have several TINY closets in which to store my habit, er, clothing) and switching over clothing from winter to spring.  There are 2 items missing that are 'work horses' in my spring wardrobe.

Missing Item #1:  Pair of Pretty Ballerina snake-skin ballet flats.  

Image from prettyballerinas.us.

Super neutral, spring staple.  I went to put the box in my bedroom closet and found it to be empty.  Where are they?  Puerto Rico?  Jamaica?  I wasn't too concerned though, because Pretty Ballerina makes the same style of ballet flats in the snake skin still.  And mine needed replacing to be honest.  

What is Pretty Ballerinas?  From their website, I quote "Pretty Ballerinas is a brand of ballerinas and flat shoes launched in 2005 via its own website, PrettyBallerinas.com.  Although the name is relatively new, the shoes have been made in the same village on the Mediterranean island of Menorca by the same family since 1918.  Each shoe shape is named after a female screen or music icon to help customers remember which shape suits them best."

There are 2 store fronts in New York city (1034 Lexington at 74th and 27 East 67th at Madison) and a new one in Beverly Hills.  If you are in the area, I highly recommend stopping into one.  I ordered the same pair of shoes that I'm missing, and they should be arriving today.  Phew.

Missing Item #2:  Vince Linen Sweater.

ANOTHER staple missing?  Where is this one?  This would be a loss because I LOVE it, and it looks great over my Vince leather leggings.  I've searched everywhere and cannot find it.  

Image from lastcall.com.

In a vain effort, I started a massive internet search to see if it could be found or replaced by something similar.  I googled 'Vince Linen Sweater', and after searching through dozens of the wrong items, found it.  On a site that I didn't know existed.  Lastcall.com.  By Neiman Marcus.  Lots of stuff out there.  It looks like they have a lot from their CUSP stores out there from prior seasons.  But who cares?!  My sweater was out there!  I ordered 2 sizes and they will arrive this week.  YIPPEE!  

In the meantime, if you find either of these items, please return them to me.  I miss them a lot. ~ JH