I have a friend who just moved into a new apartment and she was stuck in design limbo.

Design limbo = that place between throwing things together you already own because you’ve had them forever and wanting to create a beautiful new home.

She was lost in the sense of enormity of the project and conflicted by the “should’s” and “shouldn’ts”.

So, like most, she did nothing until she eventually called upon my help.

Together, we went inwards, identified what she wanted her new home to feel like and unleashed her inner designer.
I’ll share with you the same tips that worked for her, so you too can learn to design from the inside out.

You can read all the design “how to’s”, but until you discover your own inner designer you will be creating a space based on the formulaic rules that apply to anyone.

And let’s admit it, you’re not just anyone! You are uniquely YOU and you deserve your home to be a true representation of who you are.

When designing, I’ve found there are three inner categories to explore. We’ll go through all three and I’ll give you a quick challenge for each one.

#1 – Patterns

Each of us has routines and preferences that make up our unique pattern.

For instance, when you are sleeping, how do you lay in bed? I tend to lay on my side and love the ability to both curl up next to the wall as well as reach over to grab my notebook in the morning. So, this means I place my bed next to the wall with a small nightstand on the other side. My nightstand needs to have enough space for a lamp and some books. That means I actually chose a nightstand that is a small bookshelf.

Another example might be a habit you want to implement. For instance, what if you would like a daily movement practice and can’t seem to make it consistent? You can think of an existing habit and add a design trigger to it. Such as, you always wake up, go to the bathroom, and get a glass of water. What if you put a water bottle and your work out shoes right outside of the bathroom? That way, every morning you wake up, go to the bathroom, and put on your workout shoes and fill up your water bottle!

The idea is to identify a personal pattern and design your space based on that.

:: Your Pattern Mission… should you choose to accept it ::
Think of one preference or routine you have when you first wake up in the morning and then one way you can adjust your design around your personal pattern.

#2 – Atmosphere

Atmosphere is all about how you want your home to FEEL.

Maybe you see a modern, sleek photo in a magazine and you try to replicate it for your home. Afterwards, you love to show off your handiwork, but it doesn’t actually make you feel cozy and homey.

What if you designed the other way around? From how you want your space to feel.

Atmosphere is especially key when your home isn’t ideal. Maybe it’s not your dream home in terms of size, amenities or layout. Does that mean you still have to dread coming home? Nope! You can still create a space that you love to come home to.

:: Your Atmosphere Mission… should you choose to accept it ::
Write down how you’d love your home to feel when you wake up in the morning. You can start out with a few, but then pick just ONE of those feelings, head to your bedroom, and decide on one thing to remove or add to make it feel that way.

#3 – Aesthetics

Most people jump to this part and skip over the previous two steps. But, by completing them, you have a much easier and more satisfying experience choosing a style to guide your design. So be sure to complete #1 and #2 first.

Now that you know what your patterns are and the atmosphere you want, you can choose textures, colors, and overall styling to match.

If you don’t spend much time at home and you want to feel refreshed, as though you clear the slate when you get home, maybe you choose whites and aesthetics with simple curves. A simple sanctuary without many distractions.

Or if your home is your place for creativity to blossom and you want to feel inspired and alive. Bright colors, organized craft materials with some art on the walls, might be more of your aesthetic style.

The key is that it is an extension of who you are and how you want your home to feel.

:: Your Aesthetics Mission… should you choose to accept it ::
In 1-2 sentences, summarize your aesthetic style similarly to the examples I gave above. Then, have some fun by making a Pinterest board. This can be a great way to play with possibilities on a small scale.

Go forth and unleash your inner designer!
Create a home that looks + feels like an accurate picture of who YOU are.

And if you’re up for it, share your design findings in the comments!

xo
Christina

Photo by Aurélie Jouan

What we wear matters.

When you choose to gallivant to the beach in that fedora and pair of saltwater sandals, you’re making a statement and showing off a part of your personality. Yet, from hat to shoes, what we choose to put on everyday affects a lot more than our outward appearance. How you feel in those clothes matters too. If you’ve ever spent a winter season in a wool sweater you know what I mean.

My husband and I recently moved into a new home and I figured this was the perfect time to cast a critical eye on my wardrobe and give my closet a major overhaul. The mission wasn’t about paring down or finding the right hangers and shoe-boxes though goodness me, I do love an organized closet.

Before we packed up the boxes, I finally fessed up to the truth I’ve known for years — what I wear dramatically affects how I feel both on the inside and out.

My closet project began with a simple mandate: Discard anything uncomfortable to the touch or uncomfortable to wear.

A gorgeous coat with the roughest collar on earth? Into the pile. An oh-so-cute skirt that’s oh-so-hard to move in? Into the pile. A button up shirt with the tendency to come frequently unbuttoned? Definitely into the pile. From itchy to ill-fitting, I gave it all the final heave-ho.

At the end of my culling mission I was left with clothes that fit well and felt good: not only can I move freely in everything, all the pieces are all made of textures and fabric that feel good on my skin. Win-win.

But I couldn’t stop there. The clothes felt good to the touch yes, but now I wanted what I put on to feel good to my heart too. What I did next has been the hardest and most gratifying thing I have ever done for my wardrobe. So, what I did I do?
I eliminated my attachment to fast fashion.

Fast Fashion: the cheap, of-the-moment-garments that many large retailers churn out at a frenetic pace.

Like most people on the planet, I’ve been tempted to purchase those trendy pieces a time or two (or twenty). In my college days, when I couldn’t afford the nicer retailers, many an outfit included those easy-to-layer basics or that must-have seasonal item from Target or Forever 21 since it was affordable (read: too cheap to pass up). Scoring a pretty summer dress for the price of a large latte felt like a steal! Even as I started to earn more money as a college grad I still gravitated to those retailers since trying a new trend wouldn’t break the bank.

But as I went through my closet this time I finally got real with myself. It had always felt like a steal because in a way, it was stealing. The unsafe factory conditions steal the childhood from the young factory workers; all that dye run-off steals clean water from our environment; and so on. I care about safe working conditions for all employees and proper earth stewardship. If what I wear expresses who I am, then who am I to be wearing something that stands only for a brand’s bottom line?

To set the record straight, I’m not a total purist. Yes, I still own and wear things from the brands I’m criticizing. I don’t have that perfect wardrobe – yet. But as I make new purchases in the future, I’m committed to the idea that what we buy matters, just like how we feel matters: whether in our hearts or on our skin, or both.

With that in mind I set about discovering companies that are doing it right. Their collections are on trend, beautifully made, and produced with an eye on ethics and sustainability. Below, I’ve curated a list of some of my new favorites to share with you. These companies are working hard to change and improve the clothing industry. They are telling the real story of where our clothes come from and bringing transparency to the manufacturing process. They are increasing the use of sustainable materials and supporting fair and safe labor practices. They make quality items that feel good to the touch, and good to the heart.

Some things to note:
You may see companies state that they are GOTS Certified. But just what is GOTS?

GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard, which is a basis for evaluating companies on the quality of their products through the entire textile supply chain, from raw materials to manufacturing and labeling.

Why is organic cotton so special? There are never any pesticides or herbicides used in organic cotton. And that matters because those pesky products can end up in our water supply or on our skin.

When looking at the textiles, note if the garment is made with naturally occurring and thus more sustainable, fibers. For example, choose clothes made of materials like cotton, silk, bamboo, and wool.

Founded by Kirsten Dickerson and Sophia Lin, Raven & Lily employs marginalized women from Cambodia, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, and the United States at fair trade wages and gives them access to a safe job, sustainable income, healthcare, education, and provides a real chance to break out of poverty. Raven + Lily is a B Corporation and member of the Ethical Fashions Forum’s “Current 10 Founding Source Partners”. They are also certified by “Green America” as an environmentally and socially responsible business.

Raven + Lily Favorites:
Alem Triangle Tassel Necklace
Srey Taupe + Black Braid Print Tank Dress

For more jewelry and accessories that support marginalized women see 31Bits.

The word cuyana means “to love” in Quechua, a native South American language. Each piece Cuyana makes is imbued with their love for quality, timelessness, and beauty and the hope that your closet fills with only items you truly love. Each collection carries the story of the country where it as made and the artists who made it. With a focus on quality materials and craftsmanship, Cuyana’s motto can be summed up with the idea that we should focus on having fewer, better things.

Cuyana Favorite: City Walk Panama Hat in Black

For more sustainable head ware, see Yellow108.

Inkkas is a shoe company founded on the principles of fair trade, authenticity and social consciousness. This socially responsible B Corporation produces from a family owned and operated workshop out of Lima, Peru. Using recognizable South American textile designs, each pair of kicks is made to order by hand from locally sourced materials. Sales directly support the Peruvian artists and makers with a portion of profits donated to the OneShoeOneTree Project, which in partnership with Trees for the Future, efforts to repopulate areas of deforestation by planting one tree for every pair of shoes sold.

Inkkas Favorite: Slate Slip-on

For more shoes with a conscious see TOMS.

Ricefield Collective is an ethical fashion start-up based in Ithaca, New York and Ifugao, Philippines that features hand-knitted accessories using locally sourced natural fibers. This budding business is passionate about preserving a way of life for the women of Ifugao who’s families have been on the land (a UNESCO heritage site) for over one thousand years. Each sale of a knitted hat directly benefits the women and their families, enabling them to continue their precious way of life. It may be a bit too hot in the Northern Hemisphere to wear these knits now, but they would be just perfect for stocking stuffers or holiday gifts come wintertime. Think Christmas in July! Watch the Kickstarter video that started it all on their website here.

Ricefield Collective Favorite: Seedling Slouchy

For more fine accessories that support a fading way of life, see MYak.

BeGood Clothing was founded on the idea that creating a premium product and minimizing environmental impact need not be mutually exclusive. To that end, BeGood has set out to design and produce sophisticated, high quality basics made of clean materials like !00% organic cotton. In addition, BeGood partnered with the non-profit organization, Evidence Action, to provide purified water across Kenya and Uganda. For every sale made, BeGood will make 12 gallons of water safe to drink in places where contaminated water is the norm. To sum up their mission, BeGood strives “to make the responsible choice, the desirable choice.” They’ve nailed it.

Favorite: Market Blouse in Navy
(enter code: 645×97 to get $15 off your first order!)

For more GOTS certified and ethically minded sophisticated basics, see Return This Way and The White T-Shirt Co.

Ok, it’s your turn. How can you incorporate more mindful fashion choices into your wardrobe? What are some of your favorite sustainable and ethical clothing and accessories companies?

xo
Natanya

Package designs are successful when they truly stand out.

The tricky part is determining what standing out means for your audience. To me, the products that stand out the most are the ones that take a confident stance on being beautiful things unto themselves. They don’t try to sell themselves too hard with giant product claims and flashy colors. Instead, they are like decorative objects. They are things you want to display proudly in your home. Or better yet, they feel like special gifts.

I tend to think that simple, understated design is the best way to communicate elegance and quality. My favorite package designs use ample white space and a few carefully selected elements. This doesn’t have to translate to austerity or coldness. Quite the opposite. Minimal design can evoke warmth and character just as powerfully as busier designs.

The principles of simple package design can apply to anything you’re trying to sell. Ask yourself: what’s the single most important thing your product should communicate? Focus on that message and let it breathe.

Use design to evoke core feelings like tranquility, sassiness or humor. Add subtle touches that surprise and delight. Refrain from saying so much that you mask the core beauty of your offering. In other words, don’t make a product, make a special thing that you want to look at again and again.

Here are a few of my favorite minimal designs. Their simplicity is what makes them most memorable.

Common Good
Cleaning products should feel clean. These labels are so simple and charming. The clear bottles and the bright white says pure and environmentally safe without having to actually say it.

Jamie Oliver Sea Salts
I love the authentically handwritten typography and the little touches of illustration. These packages are like fun gift bags for a foodie party that I can’t wait to join.

Mast Brothers Chocolate
This packaging really feels like a gift. Each flavor has it’s own unique pattern, and they’re all gorgeous. But there’s something special about the absolute simplicity of these wide blue and white stripes. They really evoke sea salt without having to illustrate it.

Kings County Distillery
You can’t throw a rock in Brooklyn without hitting some kind of artisanal distillery. There’s something nice about how little this bottle is trying to be anything other than that: a local, hand-crafted product.

Juice to You
This label lets the beauty of the juice shine. The color is enough to clue us into the ingredients, and the basic claims (organic and raw) are present without being overbearing. The choice of a glass bottle over plastic adds a more premium and local vibe. I feel healthier just looking at this bottle.

Bar Gelato
Here’s another case where the beautiful product is the hero. But these labels add rather than distract from the cute gelato pops. The scalloped edge and the italian typography adds just enough nuance to make these pops feel sophisticated without compromising on fun.

Mii Cosmetics
The pink in the logo is powerfully set against classic black and white. The girly script, the clean sans serif and the casually drawn logo all add up to an approachable but sophisticated look.

Life NK
I love how the bear and the colored circle tell a different story for each product. There are a million ways to reinvent these stripped down elements to keep them fresh and distinct. This is a perfect example of minimalism not taking itself too seriously.

~

I would never advocate for minimalism just for the sake of it. The design approach should always serve the brand.
But if you’re packaging a product—whether it’s an ebook, a workshop or a physical object—a minimal approach is a good place to start. Strip your message down to the barest essentials, and then polish those elements so they shine like gold. Add more information as needed, but don’t oversell.

The browsing experience should feel like a breath of fresh air, not like a trip to the bargain basement.

Aspire to make something that people genuinely want to integrate into their lives. If the presentation of the product is cluttered, it will feel ordinary, and the key messages will get lost.

Confident simplicity is a useful selling tool. There’s no right and wrong way to design a package, but the goal should always be: stand out in an authentic and artistic way. Sometimes that means saying less and showing more.

What are some of your favorite minimally designed packages? How can you use this concept of minimalism to bring more beauty and simplicity into your own life?

xo
Rebecca

With the future looking bright for digital, we’ve heard rumblings that the days of print are over.
We beg to differ.

Print will never be replaced.
It won’t die.
Because there will always be a group of loyal fans (like us), who are madly in love and will go kicking (and screaming) before we let that happen.
Not to be dramatic or anything.

And with the launch of so many exciting, beautifully designed and well curated independent magazines over the last handful of years, it’s hard to believe that anyone could think the days of the printing press will soon be in our rear view mirror.

Below is a lengthy list of a few favorites, sorted by interest.

Long live print!
xo

FOR THE FOODIE
If you like SAVEUR, you’ll love:

Cherry Bombe
A bi-annual magazine that celebrates women and food. I mean . . . does it get any better? We think not.

Remedy Quarterly
A beautifully simple magazine based out of Brooklyn, New York. Each issue adheres to a theme and houses a collection of food stories and the recipes that inspire them.

Gather Journal
Another bi-annual, recipe-driven, food magazine dedicated to the many aspects of gathering: to dine, to drink, to harvest,  to cook. The photography is off the hook!

FOR THE DESIGN-SAVVY
If you like DWELL, you’ll love:

Mjolk Book
An absolutely gorgeous “book” out of Canada featuring workshop tours, interviews and stories from some of the world’s best designers and makers. A must read!

Inventory
A carefully considered publication that offers a unique and global perspective on design, craftsmanship and culture. A staple for any design enthusiast.

Works that Work
Leave it to the Netherlands to create a beautiful international magazine. In-depth essays and stories connected by the theme of unexpected creativity that improves our lives. A stunner.

FOR THE TRAVELER
If you like AFAR, you’ll love:

Renegade
An alternative travel magazine out of the UK., celebrating the best travel writing that aims to show the world as it is, the light and the dark together. This one’s a beauty.

Cereal
A heavenly quarterly travel and lifestyle magazine based in Bristol, UK. Their minimalist aesthetic and thoughtful articles are intoxicating to the senses.

Boat
For each issue, the Boat team physically moves to a new city for a few weeks setting up shop and working with locals to create the content. It’s simply genius (and one of our all-time faves)!

FOR THE HOMESTEADER
If you like KINFOLK, you’ll love:

Wilder
If you’re a gardener, or just someone enthralled by the natural and growing worlds, this is your publication. A mix of culture, travel, food and design for this new generation of growers.

Hearth
Created by two sisters, Hearth Magazine is a place where real stories come to be told. Featuring artists and artisans that value the art of living and tradition. A newbie, but worth checking out.

Sweet Paul
A lifestyle magazine for those looking to make simple, elegant meals and stylishly easy crafts for the home. They help you create beautiful style for life’s every day occasions.

FOR THE LIFESTYLE ENTHUSIASTS
If you like ANTHOLOGY, you’ll love:

So It Goes
A bi-annual magazine that champions original voices across seven chapters: The Actors, The Directors, The Artists, The Collection, The Musicians, The Places and The Writers. Lifestyle at its best.

The Gentlewoman
This magazine has a bit of a cult following. Its photography and writing are of the highest quality. They are all about celebrating modern women of style and purpose. It’s an incredible publication!

Oh Comely
Oh Comely is a lifestyle magazine with a life. Inside the pages are adventures exploring freedom, stories from people with tales to tell, recipes to warm your heart, and crafty things to make. So good.

FOR THE FASHIONISTAS
If you like VOGUE, you’ll love:

Acne Paper
This might be our all time favorite publication. Its large uncoated style format, simple yet distinguished cover and artful prose – Acne Paper is something timeless, something nostalgic yet refreshingly modern.

AnOther
With their blend of high fashion and world-class photography combined with features on the arts, politics and literature, AnOther is one of THOSE magazines. Even after you’ve read it, you can’t bear to part with it.

Lula
More coffee table art book than magazine, Lula is whimsical and ethereal in tone, mixing high fashion and interviews that feel like late night chats with people you wish you knew. Another one you won’t want to part with.

And if you’re looking to discover even more great ‘zines, we highly recommend checking out Stacks Magazines  (you’re welcome).

What are some of your favorite independent magazines? We’d love to add them to our list!

xoStephanie

With the long days and frequent getaways, we find ourselves, as many do, reading more during the summer months.

Our Guest Editor in Residence, Kate Ellen, put together a few tips to get the most out of your summer reading, followed by some recommended reading picks to get you started.
Hope you enjoy!

TIPS

1. The First 100 Pages. If the story hasn’t grabbed me in the first 100, making me want to cancel plans to stay coiled up and flipping pages, then it isn’t the book for me.  Hey, I’m a busy lady! I’m not about to trudge through something that doesn’t light me up.

2. Have No Qualms about reading more than one book at once.  Sometimes I read one dense/heavy book at the same time as something light/comical, just so I can balance out the light and the dark of it all without going mental or giving up on a tough story that deserves the read.

3. The Perfect Location is key. Unlike in the colder months, you have many more awesome locales to read in that will add to the joy of your book. Dig your toes into the warm sand at the beach, splay out on a blanket in the grass, or catch some warm rays on your porch. Promise, it’s better this way.

4. Reread. Use the extra time to pull one of your favorites out and re-read; I love to reconnect with characters to see how perspective changes (or doesn’t) as life goes on outside the book.

SUMMER READS

BEST MEMOIR
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
by Cheryl Strayed

I ripped through this incredibly honest and moving memoir that tells the inspiring story of a young Cheryl Stayed in the aftermath of her mother’s death, a young divorce from a sweet man, and a self-destructive downward spiral. Without any experience, she finds redemption and peace by hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Mojave to the Oregon border by herself.

Nature has always been a very important part of my life; when I’m in doubt, sad, feeling lost, confused, or weak all I need to do is go solo in open space and everything seems to shift back to where it should be. Gratitude, humility, forgiveness, belief in my own tenacity and reliance. All senses are firing at once—quiet sounds, sunshine, decay, growth; the feel of sweat on my skin. It makes complete no-brainer sense to me that Cheryl could not heal without it. Being alone in nature brings you to the interesting realization/truth that you are at once super important and not important at all. Wild made me get out my backpack and go outside, I’m sure it will likewise inspire.

*Note: Wild being released as a motion picture this Christmas starring Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl.

BEST LOVE STORY
South of the Border, West of the Sun
By Haruki Murakami, Philip Gabriel (Translator)

This Japanese author is known for his surrealist/ magical realism style, but this is a straight-forward love story. It tracks the connection of two only-children who find refuge in each other as adolescents and then reunite in their 30’s. The writing is lucid and dreamy, and Murakami expresses moods and sentiments about the heart that are so exactly what I have felt before but could never find the words to describe. It’s powerfully reassuring that these feelings can be named and even more comforting that they are universal.

BEST LAUGH OUT LOUD BEACH READ
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and Other Concerns)
By Mindy Kaling

Loquacious comedian Mindy Kaling (The Office, The Mindy Project) writes hysterically about her awkward youth, her progress into professional comedy writing, and other ramblings peppered with solid bits of weird wisdom. I loved her list of ‘Best Friend Rights and Responsibilities’ that nails it with examples like “If you’re depressed, I’ll be there for you. I will hate it and find you really tedious, but I won’t abandon you,” and “I will hate and relike people for you.” She also describes the difference between dating boys and men, women in comedy, and recaps some of her favorite comedy moments of all time. A light, funny, smart breeze of a book that you can plow through, as Mindy herself acknowledges in her FAQs, “This book should take you two days to read… If you are reading this book every night for months, something is definitely wrong.”

BEST CLASSIC
Lolita
By Vladimir Nabokov

A contender on many Top 100 Book lists is the controversial story of Humbert Humbert’s twisted obsession with far-too young ‘nymphet’ Dolores ‘Lolita’ Haze after becoming her stepfather. It tracks the doomed and inappropriate love affair of the pair who are delusional and full of madness. Generally there are camps of people who either think it an erotic/exploitative story glorifying Humbert’s horrific nature, and those who think it is proof of Nabokov’s fierce abilities as an ironist. I’m in the second camp, and I loved taking my time to digest the depth of his writing, making it a great classic for the slower summer months.

BEST BIOGRAPHY
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
by Laura Hillenbrand

It’s the absolute perfect time to read this incredible chronicle of track Olympian turned WWII airman Louis Zamparini who passed away at age 97 this month. Angelina Jolie will be making her directorial debut with his unbelievable story this Christmas based on the interviews and deep, subterranean-like research that author Hillenbrand brings to life. It is one of the most horrifying and triumphant books on the realities of war and one man’s spiritual tenacity in the face of it. Not only was this book profoundly moving, but I also learned a ton about WWII in the Pacific. It sounds super heavy, but somehow every excruciating, terrifying experience is overcome as Zamparini finds a way to survive no matter what. His unbreakable spirit is viscerally heartening and will undoubtedly fill you with awe.

As avid book lovers, we want to know, what are you reading this summer? Do tell!

xo
Kate

The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

Le Citizen Hotel

This eco-friendly boutique hotel (there are only 12 rooms) was renovated in 2010 and features quality features and impeccable style at an affordable price. Sounds amazing, no? From the luxe linens and complimentary iPad loaned to you for the duration of your visit, there’s not much to want for at Le Citizen. It’s located in the heart of Canal Saint Martin, a central and trendy area of Paris. It is near all sorts of cafe’s and shops. With a home base like this, why would you ever want to leave?

Ladurée

Oh you sweet, sinful, dainty little macarons! I’ve always had a non-discriminatory sweet tooth, but nothing quite comes close to a perfectly crafted macaron. So of course, my first stop in Paris will undoubtedly be to Ladurée. This infamous Parisian bakery has been cranking out their luxurious brand of sweets since 1862. It wasn’t until 1930, when the grandson of the founder had the idea for the macaron, that they rose to fame. Now in fact, they sell on average, 15,000+ macaron’s per day! Can you imagine? I can’t wait to get my hands on an orange blossom or rose petal macaron!
Check out the video below for a little more confectionary inspiration (and some sugar plum dreams).

7L

This is no ordinary bookstore. This is Karl Lagerfeld’s bookstore. Fashion + photo + design. You KNOW it’s gonna be good. The legendary designer, who has created for the likes of Chloe, Fendi and Chanel, opened the shop in 1999 and the following year, his Editions 7L publishing company. Leave it to this mega multi-hyphenate (designer + photographer + publisher + film director) to create a curated book store all his own. I can only imagine the beauty that lay inside these doors!

The Tuileries Garden

When I think of iconic Paris, I think of the Tuileries Gardens. I’ve seen so many images of these beautiful grounds, whether in Fashion Week snaps or in films, that I simply can’t wait to go. I’d love to take a little picnic, some vino and just sit and people watch. And maybe check out the ferris wheel, if I’m feeling brave. There’s something magical about this part of Paris, just from the look of it. I have a feeling I’m going to fall madly and deeply in love.

The Broken Arm

I love a good coffee shop (even though I don’t drink coffee). When combined with a boutique? Even better. This café meets fashion concept store is located in the Marais. The airy and bright space, overlooks a park and has complimentary WiFi if you choose to work + sip a latte. Or better yet, venture into the shop and check out some curated French + UK labels like Carven, Christophe Lemaire and Kenzo. Check out their Facebook page for more info. Can’t wait to stop by here next spring!

I’ve got (more than) a few months before my trip to Paris, but the planning is already beginning. What should I absolutely not miss while I’m there? Leave me a note below!

xo