Ya girl’s head has been down focused in formation, but I managed to have a few outings before I head to the states Tuesday. I hosted my good friend and New York celebrity hair stylist Nadia Vassell a few weeks ago and I managed to show her a few of my tried and true Parisian spots. She was here for the annual Natural Hair Conference that I was unable to attend due to my formation.
She and I were able to hang out with a few times before she returned to New York. I took her to Café de Flore Saint-Germain-des- Prés which is the best café to people watch from. She and I both had their signature hot chocolate with chantilly cream while we waited for Relais d’entrecote to open for dinner around the corner.
Would you believe that Relais de l’entrecote opens at 18h45 and people start queuing at 18h? It’s pretty nuts. Like why are we doing all this for steak and French fries? In any event, Relais is an institution so it was a must that she experienced it considering that it was her first time visiting Paris. I didn’t get a photo of the steak and fries but I did manage to take photos of our dessert. I’ve never done dessert at Relais so I was pleasantly surprised with their strawberry tart.
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Before Nadia left I made sure to take her to my favorite French brasserie, Thoumieux in the 7th. This place never disappoints and is always a vibe. The service is exquisite and the food is always on point. Because I’m a creature of habit I always order the same thing, truffle blinis, steak and mashed potatoes. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it is pretty much my attitude towards ordering the same thing at my favorite restaurants.
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One of our Paris Chic Code girlies decided to move back to the states and we met her for dinner before she left. We went to Italian restaurant Da Aldredo in the 8th which was recommended by our girly Lindsey. I had a lovely beef carpaccio and a veal truffle tagliatelle dish that I don’t have a photo of because I devoured the dish in a New York minute. I did manage to get a photo of Essie’s dinner which was also delicious.
I was sad to see Essie leave us but something tells me she’ll be back. Sometimes you have to go home to regroup and forge a new plan. Paris isn’t going anywhere, so whether she returns next year or in 2034, Paris will receive her with open arms. As will I.
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Last week I was invited to a private event at renown French cosmetics brand Maison Guerlain. In collaboration with jeweler Phillipe Ferrandis, the event showcased whimsical jewelry pieces created exclusively for the house. Guerlain treated us to light refreshments as the event was held before the flagship Champs Élysées boutique opened for business.
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The pieces were giving very much Bal Harbour housewife and were a bit mature for my taste. Paris Chic Code Muva Marcia would've loved these pieces. The ladies at the event were gushing all over them. I’m not in my Bal Harbour housewife era but when I am I’ll be sure to invest in colorful chunky jewelry because apparently that’s the chic code.
The highlight of last week was the Hermès sale! Y’all know I’m in my Hermès ready-to-wear era so I’m always on the hunt for a silk piece to add to my collection. If it’s silk or cashmere it’s getting copped, PERIOD. I had a modest budget so I couldn’t really “Fck It We Ball”, plus Hermès ready to wear is pricey, hell. These days I’m happy if I’m able to score a birthday dress since my tradition is to wear Hermès on my birthday.