11 Style Staples

February 21, 2021April 25, 2022by shakespeareloveschanel3 Comments

This month I’m celebrating my 3rd blogiversary! To commemorate the occasion, I’ve put together this special post. Lately I’ve been looking back at blog photos from the past 3 years, seeing how my style has evolved, and what items I’ve reached for again and again.

I would describe my personal style as a mix of classic elegance and casual chic. I love all black outfits, neutral palettes, and timeless prints like polka dots, stripes, and plaid. However, I also love floral prints in the spring and summer and the occasional pop of color (such as a bright jacket or red lipstick).

Though I tried to narrow it down to 10 things, I just couldn’t—all the items on this list are such go-to pieces for me. So without further ado, here are my 11 Style Staples.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.

Note that if an exact item is no longer available for purchase online, then I link similar options.

1. Classic Coats in Neutral Colors

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: a classic camel coat is such a wardrobe essential. There are a variety of different lengths, silhouettes, and fabrics, but they are so versatile and can be easily dressed up or down.

A beige trench coat is another wardrobe staple; the one I’m wearing above I’ve had for more than 6 years. I personally recommend one that is water resistant and has a detachable hood, that way it’s also practical for rainy days. I’ve worn mine to work countless times and have brought it along on numerous trips abroad.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the necessity of a black coat! Whether a classic black pea coat like the one I’m wearing above or a cozy puffer jacket for rain and snow, it’s great to have a versatile black coat that will fit your needs and lifestyle.

2. Denim Jackets

A denim jacket is a perfect, casual layer that looks just as cool over dresses as it does with leggings and jumpsuits. Mine is the Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Jacket from Levi’s.

3. White Blazers

A white blazer is something I reach for often during the spring and summer. It’s one of those pieces that can be dressed up for a professional business setting or can be dressed down with jeans. I also like white blazers that have a fun print, like the checkered one I’m wearing below.

4. Jumpsuits

Though jumpsuits can be tricky in terms of length and sizing, when you find one that fits you well, I think they’re such an effortless piece to have in your wardrobe (you can just throw it on and go!). I personally have a long torso, so I often have to go one size up in jumpsuits to accommodate that.

Though I love my black jumpsuit and have worn it in so many different settings (work, travel, events), I also really like a jumpsuit with vertical stripes (as shown below).

5. Turtlenecks

Living in the Pacific Northwest, I could arguably title my everyday wardrobe “An Ode to Turtlenecks” because of how often I wear this cozy staple. Pretty much from late September to early May, my various turtlenecks will be on rotation.

A simple black turtleneck is likely the most-worn item in my wardrobe because of its versatility—it can be paired with skirts, layered underneath dresses, or worn with pants/jeans.

I also love a sleeveless turtleneck as the perfect transitional piece during early fall or late spring, when the weather is just starting to change.

6. Black Skinny Jeans

I know the kids these days are saying that wearing skinny jeans makes you so-called “old” (and perhaps the fact that I’m using the phrase “the kids these days” and this emoji 😂). However, I personally LOVE my black skinny jeans and firmly believe in wearing what you love (no matter the trends or the opinions of others). My favorite pair of black skinny jeans are the high-waisted Jamie style from Topshop.

Do I also own other styles of denim? Of course. But I still love my skinny jeans 😉

7. Distressed Denim

This segues nicely to my next item: distressed denim. I usually pair distressed denim with something like a blazer (above) or silk top (below) to achieve that casual chic balance.

8. Straw Hats

Whether a large statement hat like I wore to our local lavender fields last summer or a classic Panama hat that I always bring along on trips (shown below), a straw hat is a timeless accessory that is both practical and chic.

P.S. My large straw hat above is from my blogger friend Amanda’s adorable online boutique, Confête. She’s also based locally here in Portland and curates such a charming collection of dresses and accessories.

9. Black Ankle Boots

So what about footwear? My personal go-to styles are black ankle boots. I’ve mentioned this before, but I especially love the brand Blondo Waterproof because their boots are stylish, comfortable, and (of course) waterproof. Waterproof shoes are a huge asset when you live somewhere as rainy as the Pacific Northwest!

10. Quilted Handbags

As for handbags, I really love the elegant aesthetic of quilted leather. Considering the name of my blog, it’s no surprise that Chanel is my favorite. The Classic Flap (pictured below and top left) is a timeless design that has been around for decades. It’s an investment piece to be sure, but it’s one of those iconic accessories that has withstood the test of time.

The Chanel Boy Bag (pictured top right) is what I would call a modern icon, as it’s one of the most popular Chanel bags since its debut in 2011. I have the chevron, mixed-leather style from the Spring/Summer 2016 collection, which I purchased pre-loved from The RealReal. The thicker chain strap, chevron quilting, and rectangular lock give it a more modern vibe.

If you’re looking for quilted handbags at more affordable price points, I definitely recommend Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, and Rebecca Minkoff. These brands regularly have sales on their websites, and Nordstrom Rack often has great deals on them as well. Pictured below is a cute little Kate Spade backpack with leather quilting that I purchased on sale about a year ago.

11. Black and White Prints

And last on this list—but certainly not least—are black and white prints. Whether classic tweed or playful polka dots, there is something timeless about a black and white print that makes it one of my favorites to wear.

*Similar polka dot dresses linked here.*

Though we still have lots of rain ahead of us here in the Pacific Northwest, I’m looking forward to sunny days this spring! ☀️

Blogging has been such a positive, creative outlet for me these past 3 years, and I feel truly grateful for that. I’m also grateful for each of you, whether you’re a recent follower or have been here since the beginning.

Though my blog is a lighthearted space to discuss things like fashion and books, I know this last year has been tough on us all in so many ways. My heart goes out to everyone who has experienced difficulties, pain, and loss. I hope you are staying safe and healthy during these uncertain times and have still found moments of joy and peace. Now, perhaps more than ever, it’s so important to cherish the people and passions that give our lives meaning ❤️

fashion, Pacific Northwest, Portland, Travel Oregon

Walk Among the Flowers: Two Portland Gardens to Visit This Summer

June 25, 2020June 26, 2020by shakespeareloveschanel2 Comments

“Everything is made out of magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us. In this garden – in all the places.” —from *The Secret Garden* by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Though this summer looks a lot different than years past, there are still things I’m looking forward to: more sunshine, outdoor adventures, and wearing some of my favorite sundresses.

As states have slowly opened up and eased restrictions, many of us are planning local summer getaways and outdoor pursuits. In this post, I’m highlighting two historic gardens in my hometown of Portland, Oregon. Both of these gardens I visited myself last week and are absolutely stunning this time of year. Keep in mind that there are some changes and safety precautions that have been made because of the current pandemic.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.

Note that if an exact item is no longer available for purchase online, then I link similar styles.

Portland International Rose Test Garden

Up first is the Portland International Rose Test Garden, which opened over a century ago in 1917. It’s the oldest public rose test garden in the US and a lovely example of why Portland is often called the “City of Roses.” While it’s open year round, the best months to visit are May through September.

Outfit details (and similar styles) are linked here. These Cole Haan mules are a recent purchase, and they’re currently on sale on Nordstrom Rack’s website.

This garden has free admission, though keep in mind it can get quite crowded on sunny weekends. I visited on a weekday afternoon, and while there were other visitors there of course, it wasn’t hard to maintain social distance and keep at least six feet away from others.

Portland Japanese Garden

Just across the street from the Rose Test Garden is the Portland Japanese Garden. This majestic space, with its lush greenery and Japanese aesthetics, was designed back in 1963.

It re-opened a few weeks ago, and they’ve done a wonderful job with extra precautions and social distancing. To limit lines and capacity, they only allow a certain number of tickets for each time slot (which you can purchase in advance online).

Their website requests visitors to wear face coverings (we chose to wear our masks throughout the garden). However keep in mind that in accordance with the Governor of Oregon’s orders, face coverings are required in all indoor spaces. While the majority of the garden is outdoors, they do have some indoor areas.

We visited on an overcast, mild Sunday afternoon, and I was glad I wore jeans and a long-sleeved blouse. Though Oregon summers can be very warm and pleasant, we still have plenty of summer days that are cloudy and/or rainy.

Outfit details (and similar styles) are linked here. These black Topshop jeans are such a classic staple in my wardrobe!

2020 has been a difficult time in so many ways, yet visiting these gardens provided a much-needed dose of tranquility and splendor. And like The Secret Garden quote says at the beginning of this post, magic is “all around us. In this garden – in all the places.” We just have to remember to look for it.

Have a great weekend, loves! Stay safe and stay well ❤️

literature

What to Read While in Quarantine

April 30, 2020May 7, 2020by shakespeareloveschanel10 Comments

“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” —Mason Cooley

Our world has changed so much the past few months. To slow the spread of the coronavirus, we’ve been at home for over a month (the stay home order began here in Oregon on March 23rd). Depending what country you live in, perhaps you’ve been at home even longer than that.

I’m so grateful to all the healthcare professionals and essential workers here in the US and around the globe, as they work tirelessly to serve and protect others. It’s undoubtedly a difficult time for everyone, in ways we may not even realize. I’m truly thankful to be safe at home with my family.

Books have been an escape for me since I was a kid. No matter what was going on in my life, I could always get lost in a story. I majored in English in college and then went on to an MFA in Writing, so it’s safe to say I’ve read a lot over the years.

When I first started thinking about what to put on this list, I was unsure where to start. Do I choose something from every genre? Do I share only contemporary books or mix in a few classics? That led me down an endless rabbit hole, so then I simply asked myself: what have I been reading lately?

In this time of uncertainty, I’ve found myself primarily reaching for beloved books or favorite writers, the ones I knew I could count on—the ones who’d been there for me, in other times of turmoil throughout my life. In this time of much-needed escapism, these books transport me to other times and other places, and make me feel inspired even in the face of adversity.

Almost all of these are works of fiction—all but one. But that one feels so perfectly timed for the current state of our world that I simply had to add it.

On a slightly different note, I wanted to provide a link to our local independent bookstore here in Portland, Powell’s Books. I’m not sponsored by them or anything like that, I’ve just honestly been a customer of theirs since I was a kid. Their locations have been closed during this time, but their online store remains open for orders. This is such a tough season for local shops and small businesses, and, if you’re able, I encourage you to support local businesses in your communities.

Without further ado, “What to Read While in Quarantine: Hope, Love, Loss, and a Bit of Time Travel.”

There are two historical fiction novels on this list: The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See. Both are beautifully written stories set in World War II, so if you enjoy that era, I couldn’t recommend these two more.

Both novels have strong female protagonists and have overarching themes of love and loss. They do an incredible job with descriptive, elegant language that paints such vivid imagery. I particularly admire the way both novels discuss familial relationships, abandonment, and complex family dynamics during times of great hardship.

All the Light We Cannot See is also an exceptional example of finding light in times of darkness, something that feels especially relevant this year.

Up next is the only work of nonfiction on this list, Everything is F*cked: a Book About Hope. (I paired it with a bottle of whiskey as a quarantine-worthy gift for my best friend’s birthday). This book is from Mark Manson, the bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, and is written in the same candid, witty style.

Though I’ve just started reading this, I knew it had to make the list because of our current world crisis with the coronavirus. Manson does such a great job of questioning the anxieties and hopelessness we often feel in our modern world, with his signature curse words and straightforward manner. He’s one of those writers that literally makes me laugh out loud, and these days we all could use a little extra humor.

If you want to dip your toes back into some classics without committing to a giant tome, these two novels are on the shorter side (at least when compared to a lot of classic lit).

The Great Gatsby is something a lot of people only read once in a high school English class, and this great American novel is well worth revisiting as an adult. I try to re-read it every few years, and I honestly gain something new with each read through. This tale is such an iconic portrayal of disillusionment and longing that is just as relevant now as it was almost a century ago.

Pride and Prejudice is arguably Jane Austen’s most famous novel and is equal parts charm, wit, and poignancy. Even though the 19th century customs of the English social hierarchy might feel very foreign to a modern reader, the complex portrayal of relationships (both familial and romantic) feels ageless.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (AKA Sorcerer’s Stone here in the US) is, of course, the book that started the international phenomenon. I included it on this list because Harry Potter got me through some very dark days in my childhood and no matter how old I get, the Wizarding World has never lost its wonder or appeal.

The photo above is when we visited the Harry Potter Studio Tour at Warner Bros. in London, back in 2017. I’m standing in the Great Hall, where every single movie was filmed. I might be pushing 30 now, but my love for all things Harry Potter will never cease!

It’s been so fun to revisit the Harry Potter books and movies during this past month at home. After all, if there was ever a time for a bit of escapism and magic, then this would be it.

The final two books on the list are The Time Traveler’s Wife and Outlander. Though both of these novels have time travel as a pivotal element, they’re quite different in most other regards.

I’ve mentioned The Time Traveler’s Wife on the blog before, as it’s one of my all-time favorite novels. I’ve read it many times and, though I do love the star-crossed lovers Henry and Clare, something I’ve long admired is the novel’s structure.

Back in college when I was studying literature, my professors talked a lot about “form contributing to content.” This novel is a prime example of such a notion, as it doesn’t follow a typical chronological timeline. Instead, each section is labeled by its date and point-of-view because the story is told in first person from Henry and Clare’s unique perspectives.

Much in the same way that Henry skips around in time and has no control over what day or year he suddenly finds himself in, we the reader also bounce around in time. One section Clare may be a little girl, and in the next she might be in college or getting married. In this novel, the way that the story is told mirrors the concept of time travel.

As for Outlander, I’m the first to admit that I’m late to the party on this one, but after binging season one of the hit TV show on Stars, I knew I had to read the sensational novel that it’s based on.

Though this novel is quite long at over 800 pages, Diana Gabaldon’s writing is so elegant and descriptive that the page number becomes irrelevant. I love how this story defies genres, since it really has a bit of everything in it—historical fiction, romance, sci-fi, fantasy.

I also find the protagonist Claire Randall to be such a strong and compelling female lead (yes, another main character named Claire, though with a different spelling!). Though some might dismiss this book as “airport fiction,” I truly enjoy the genre-defying storyline, beautiful writing, and historic detail. (And who doesn’t like reading a good love triangle from time to time? 😉)

This list, of course, is personal—I wanted to share books that have been a source of comfort and inspiration to me recently and over the course of my life. If there are books or films that you love, that hold a special place in your heart or bring back happy memories, then that’s what I encourage you to enjoy during these weeks at home. On days when I’m feeling blue or unlike myself, these books have brought encouragement and joy.

And isn’t that part of why we as humans love stories? To find meaning, to connect, to be uplifted?

I’ve always been a bookworm, but I honestly haven’t read this much since grad school. I’ve revisited old “friends” like Elizabeth Bennett, Jay Gatsby, and Harry Potter and discovered a few new ones. I hope these stories provide some escape for you, as they have for me, along with some gems of wisdom and inspiration that—even in times of great darkness—there is always hope and light.

Perhaps Dumbledore said it best in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Stay safe and stay well ❤️

Travel

Roses and Roller Coasters

January 17, 2020January 23, 2020by shakespeareloveschanelLeave a Comment

Rose Bowl

Being a third generation Duck and a proud alumni, it was such a treat to kick off 2020 with my husband at the Rose Bowl and cheer on our Oregon Ducks to victory! It was such a close game between the Ducks and the Wisconsin Badgers, but the Ducks won by one point!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.

Note that if an exact item is no longer available for purchase online, then I link similar styles.

We flew into Burbank the day before the game on New Year’s Eve, and stayed at the Marriott Courtyard in old town Pasadena, which was an ideal location. It’s a short walk to the shuttles that can take you to the stadium on the day of the game, and it’s also only a couple blocks away from the famous Rose Bowl Parade.

It was really special to catch up with my aunt and my cousin at the game! They live in a different state so we don’t get to see them very often (my aunt is also an alumni of the University of Oregon and a lifelong football fan!).

Disneyland

We spent the day after the game at Disneyland. I hadn’t been since I was 14 and I’d never been during the holidays, when the whole park is decked out in holiday style.

However, I must admit that the thing my husband and I were most excited about seeing at Disneyland was Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. I have very fond memories of watching the original trilogy with my parents when I was a kid and building the Millennium Falcon out of Legos with my little brother.

So… was it worth all the hype?

YOU BET IT WAS!

*Cue Star Wars Theme Song*

Disney definitely knows a thing or two about bringing a fictional world to life, and the attention to detail at Galaxy’s Edge on both a large and small scale was truly astonishing. The full-size R2 droids (like the one above) would suddenly start beeping as if to say a cheerful hello, and Stormtroopers “patrolled” the area in full regalia, much to the delight of passersby.

We didn’t know about making reservations at Oga’s Cantina in advance, but luckily when we walked by the line wasn’t long and we waited less than 10 minutes before being taken to a shared table (when we walked by later on, the line was huge and we overheard that the wait was 45 minutes).

Keep in mind that the majority of the tables are bar counter height and are for standing (there are some seated booths, but definitely limited availability). The Cantina serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (and yes, minors are allowed. This is Disneyland, after all). My bright blue drink was called “Jedi Mind Trick” and was grapefruit-flavored and pleasantly tart.

Though we were lucky with a short wait time at the Cantina, we did not get so lucky with the Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run ride. Though we purchased the MaxPass so we could reserve a time slot for rides in advance and not have to wait in the regular line, unfortunately MaxPass is not available for any attractions in Galaxy’s Edge.

So we waited. And waited. And then waited some more. In total, we waited almost two hours, which–albeit long–isn’t the worst Disneyland line I’ve ever heard of.

When you finally get inside the ride itself, you’re divided into groups of six before being taken into a small room that looks just like the Millennium Falcon’s cockpit. Each person has job responsibilities for operating the Falcon (pressing certain buttons when they light up, etc.). The flight simulator does not use 3D glasses, but the room does shake and move to make you feel as if you’re truly flying Han Solo’s famous spaceship.

As much as I love roller coasters, I do sometimes suffer from motion sickness. I’m particularly sensitive to 3D rides, virtual reality, and immersive flight simulators with TV screens.

Thankfully, I was only a little bit dizzy after this particular ride, and I personally think it helped that I sat in one of the back seats and not right up front, which would’ve put me closest to the screen.

All in all, it was quite the fun ride, with hands-on and immersive features. But was it worth the long wait? That’s debatable. Flight simulators are not my personal favorite due to the motion sickness factor, so I’m admittedly a bit biased.

My husband and I both preferred Hyperspace Mountain, which is a ride on an actual roller coaster. I always prefer a real roller coaster over a simulated one!

Sleeping Beauty’s castle is beautiful at night, especially with the icicles and holiday decor. The fireworks show at 9:30pm was definitely worth staying for (they also had artificial snow falling at the end!). ❄️

We ended up spending almost 13 hours at Disneyland, with our final ride of the evening being Indiana Jones (always a fan favorite!).

I will say that the park was extremely crowded that whole day, though we knew it would be because of winter break.

A few things I learned:

You can make dining reservations up to 60 days in advance, and if you’re going during a busy season, I would definitely recommend lunch and/or dinner reservations.
The MaxPass is soooooo worth it. The Disneyland app is super handy and makes it very convenient to reserve time slots for rides on your phone. It saved us SO MUCH time, and we actually got to go on all the rides that we had hoped to.

Clothing Layers:

Universal Studios

Not gonna lie, the main reason we went to Universal Studios was to finally see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We visited Universal about six years ago, but at that time the Wizarding World was a few months from completion.

Not sure whatever happened to my Hogwarts letter, but I was like an excited little kid as we strolled through the village of Hogsmeade. Its cobblestone streets and familiar shops (like Ollivander’s and Honeydukes!) transported me to the magical times of my childhood when I would stay up all night reading the latest Harry Potter book.

We had purchased the Universal Express Pass in advance and got to skip the line and go on our first ride of the day with no wait time at all! It was the Flight of the Hippogriff ride, and–while it’s a fun little roller coaster with some sharp twists and turns–was extremely short in length.

We then rode Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which is a motion simulator type ride inside Hogwarts castle, but with a bit of a twist. Some parts of the ride use screens and movement to mimic the feeling of flying, and other parts of the ride utilize real objects and various special effects.

I was a bit apprehensive about this particular ride because of the motion simulator aspect, but I found that the combination between screens and real objects actually made it easier for me to handle (as opposed to other rides where you’re staring at a screen the entire time). I was a little dizzy by the end, but the thrill of the ride itself far outweighed my slight discomfort.

Afterwards we stopped for a refreshing glass of Butterbeer (which actually has no alcohol in it and tastes like frothy cream soda).

After more rides in other areas of the park, we had lunch at the Three Broomsticks, which was a busy restaurant straight out of the pages of Harry Potter with the antique feel of an old British pub.

Though the waiting area to pick up your food was a bit chaotic, our meal was well worth the chaos. My husband loved the sauce on the ribs, and my beef roast was excellent!

Shop my outfit here.

And this wouldn’t be a style blog without a bit of outfit inspiration! I call this look: Hogwarts, but make it fashion. 😉 Being comfortable and casual was key for our busy day at Universal, but I also wanted to show my Ravenclaw spirit with a classic scarf.

Pro tip: I ordered my officially licensed Harry Potter scarf on Amazon the week before our trip! Definitely a more cost effective option than buying one there. #RavenclawForLife

Griffith Park

We began our last full day in Cali with a short hike at Griffith Park. I really wanted to see the sprawling views of Los Angeles and, of course, the iconic Hollywood sign.

After doing some research online, we decided to do the Mt. Hollywood Trail near the Griffith Observatory. We wanted something shorter and moderate, and this route fit our needs perfectly.

We parked on the street on Western Canyon Road (the Observatory parking lot was full and to park on the street the cost was $10 per hour). We walked about 15 minutes uphill from our car to the West Trail, which eventually merges with the Mt. Hollywood Trail. This part of the West Trail is fairly steep, but only took us about 10 minutes before it leveled out quite a bit.

When we reached the Tiffany & Co. Foundation Overlook (there’s a rectangular stone monument there with that name inscribed next to some stone benches), we stopped for photos. You can see the exact view from this spot in the photo below.

And look! To my right is the Hollywood sign!

*Cue that Miley Cyrus song*

Originally we’d planned to continue onward and hike to the top of Mt. Hollywood (which is about 2.5 miles round trip from the Griffith Observatory parking lot). However, based on our time frame for the day, we decided to head back down and check out the Observatory.

La La Land is one of my favorite movies so it was fun to see this memorable location from the film. It was a pretty busy day, but the entrance to the Observatory is free, so we perused a few of the exhibits and enjoyed more panoramic views of LA from the back deck.

In total, between our hike and our time at the Observatory, we were in Griffith Park for a little over two hours. Of course, one could spend an entire day exploring the longer trails, but for us, this was perfect.

Ladurée

Ladurée is a famous Parisian macaron shop, and if I’m in a city that has one, you bet I’m going to go there for afternoon tea! Their location in Beverly Hills is small but beautifully decorated, with pastel furniture and macarons to match.

It has a far smaller capacity than the Paris shop on the Champs-Élysées (you can read more about that location in my Paris post from our trip last year). It was still a lovely place to enjoy tea and macarons after our morning hike.

I highly recommend their signature tea, Thé Melange Ladurée. It’s a black tea and is one of my all-time favorites (I love the sweet spices, subtle rose flavor, and hint of vanilla). It pairs perfectly with their rose-flavored macarons!

All in all, we had an amazing week, and the weather was so sunny and beautiful (a welcome reprieve from the dreary winter rain for us Oregonians!). My husband and I love to travel together, and we’re always thankful for every opportunity that we get to do so. It was such a great way to start this new decade! ❤️

Wishing you all a happy and blessed new year!

fall, fashion

Fall Fashion Favorites for Now and Later

November 13, 2019November 13, 2019by shakespeareloveschanel2 Comments

“When clouds are seen, wise men put on their cloaks; when great leaves fall, then winter is at hand…” –William Shakespeare

It’s been awhile since I shared a Shakespeare quote on here, but this one felt appropriate for today’s topic. Though it is very much still fall in the Pacific Northwest (a mix of crisp, sunny days and long stretches of rain), winter is on the horizon.

As such, I’m sharing five fall fashion favorites that you can wear now but also transition into the colder months ahead.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.

Note that if an exact item is no longer available for purchase online, then I link similar styles.

1. Camel Coat

Shop this look here.

First on this list is a classic camel coat. My Calvin Klein version is a soft wool blend that I purchased last year, and I’ve gotten so much use out of it. There’s a ton of options out there that vary in length, cut, and color–from light beige tones to warm shades of caramel.

I styled mine with a polka dot dress for my friend’s recent baby shower (shown above), which was perfect for the mild fall afternoon.

However, you can also effortlessly layer it with turtlenecks and knit sweaters for colder days (or even snow days!). It’s truly a chic, timeless staple that always elevates an outfit.

2. Wool Fedora

Shop this look here.

Wool or felt fedoras have been really popular the last few years, and I think they’re a fun accessory for fall and winter (a great option to keep your head warm if you don’t feel like wearing a beanie!).

Shop this look here.

I personally prefer the more structured, less floppy versions. I also like ones with less embellishments and in neutral tones, that way they’re more versatile.

3. Turtlenecks in Neutral Colors

Shop this look here.

I’m one of those people who’s almost always cold, so turtlenecks are a must-have during the fall and winter months! They’re the perfect layering piece, whether you’re going with a sleeveless turtleneck for temperate days or a long-sleeved wool blend for cold winter nights.

Shop this look here.

Turtlenecks in neutral tones are especially versatile for layering–that way you have countless ways to mix and match with your favorite coats and scarves!

4. Faux Suede Jacket

Shop this look here.

I’ve seen so many amazing faux suede jackets recently that feel soft and luxurious, but are at great price points. The faux suede trench pictured above I purchased a couple months ago at H&M, and the warm cinnamon color has been so perfect for fall.

Shop this look here.

I also love faux suede moto jackets (this one was a TJ Maxx find from last year, but I linked a ton of similar styles in a variety of colors). There’s something effortlessly cool about the moto style; it looks great with pants of course, but also works well with a dress or skirt.

5. Off-the-Shoulder Sweater

Shop this look here.

Last but certainly not least is the off-the-shoulder sweater. The exposed skin gives it a playful vibe, but also reminds me of elegant off-the-shoulder styles that ladies would wear in the 1800’s.

Both of these sweaters are from H&M; they’re actually the same sweater, just in different colors. 😉 Pro style tip: if I find an item I really like I often purchase it in more than one color!

This particular H&M sweater is super cozy, and because of the ribbed knit at the top, it’s very adjustable–it can be worn with just one shoulder showing or with both! It has a fall or winter feel, depending on what accessories you style it with.

What are your go-to items for fall and winter? Or are you still in search of that perfect camel coat or cozy sweater? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great week, loves! Thank you for stopping by ❤️

fall, fashion, Pacific Northwest, Portland

All the Fall Things

October 23, 2019October 23, 2019by shakespeareloveschanel4 Comments

“I can smell autumn dancing in the breeze. The sweet chill of pumpkin, and crisp sunburnt leaves.” —Ann Drake

I know, I know–pretty much everyone and their mother has been at the pumpkin patch lately 😉 (I, too, went with my mama last week on a glorious fall day, and we had a blast!)

Fall is in full swing, and that means shorter days, cozy scarves, and more pumpkin spice than one can possibly know what to do with.

But all jokes aside, fall in Portland is truly a beautiful time of year. Sure, there’s no shortage of rain, but that makes the colorful leaves and sunny days even more vibrant.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.

Shop this outfit here.

Today I’m sharing a cozy chic fall outfit that’s perfect for picking pumpkins (or even just heading to a coffee shop for a PSL, if that’s more your thing ☕️).

Shades of rust and cinnamon are two of my favorite tones for fall. I styled this outfit around my rust-colored sweater, opting for accessories in neutral tones like my beige wool fedora and a classic Burberry scarf. I’ve had my Burberry scarf for many years, but it’s truly one of those investment pieces that can be worn year after year.

*If an exact item is no longer available, then I linked similar options in the LIKEtoKNOW.it app or through their website!

The wool fedora has been a really popular fall fashion accessory the past few years and is still going strong. I personally prefer the more structured styles, and though sometimes they give an Indiana Jones vibe, I dig it (pun intended 😉).

My mom and I visited Plumper Pumpkin Patch, which has some lovely views of the surrounding hills and is located about 20 minutes outside of Portland. 🎃 Some local pumpkin patches are only open weekends, but Plumper is open daily through October 31st from 9am to 5:30pm.

My mom wanted a variety of pumpkins to decorate the entryway of her house, and I helped her choose different sizes and colors for a fun, fall aesthetic. I always buy some mini ones for decor inside the home as well!

Another reason I love this time of year is because I LOVE horror movies, and I especially enjoy watching them throughout October in anticipation of Halloween! This year my husband and I have been on a Stephen King kick. These are the King film adaptations we’ve watched so far this month:

We watched Netflix’s recent film In the Tall Grass. There were some plot holes, but I liked the general premise: they took something commonplace like a field of grass and turned it into something eerie and strange. Patrick Wilson is one of the main characters (he’s awesome in The Conjuring movies, which I highly recommend).

We also watched Gerald’s Game, the story of a husband and wife who are trying to rekindle their marriage and travel to their vacation house for a getaway. Things go very awry when the husband has a sudden heart attack, leaving the wife handcuffed to the bed. This film has a lot of psychological elements, especially regarding the wife’s childhood, though I personally would categorize it as more of a thriller than a horror movie.

We re-watched King’s iconic horror story The Shining, in preparation for next month’s much-anticipated sequel, Doctor Sleep, which stars Ewan McGregor. This time I payed closer attention to the little boy Danny and his supernatural abilities, whose character will be the adult protagonist in the sequel.

Also, we did see It: Chapter 2 last month, but honestly found it to be less scary than the first installment. I thought they did a great job with casting and the characters’ backstories, but we found the first one to be far more terrifying (I still can’t get the simultaneously maniacal and hilarious image of Pennywise dancing in Chapter 1. If you’ve seen it, you’ll know what scene I’m talking about).

What’s your favorite horror film? Do you have certain traditions for fall or Halloween?

P.S. If you noticed that this blog post’s title is a play on words of the classic Blink-182 song “All the Small Things” then 10 points to Gryffindor! 😉

Pacific Northwest, Portland

A Night Out in Portland

September 6, 2019October 23, 2019by shakespeareloveschanel4 Comments

I’ve worked in downtown Portland for years, and I often get asked about recommendations for a night out. So in this week’s blog post, I’m sharing where we ate, drank, and were merry when an old college friend recently came to town.

There are so many amazing bars, restaurants, and local hot spots in Portland, and in future posts I’ll detail some of my favorites by category. But for the purposes of this post, I’m sharing our stops on a single night out in the downtown area near Pioneer Square–from happy hour drinks to late-night treats.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.

Shop this look here.

One of my favorite little bars is Barlow, whose Jazz Age vibe appeals to my personal love for all things Gatsby. I enjoy the “Summers Ago” cocktail (pictured above) because it combines local marionberries with lemon and vodka to create a drink that’s the perfect mix of tart and sweet.

We started here for happy hour and then walked next door to Barlow’s sister restaurant The Picnic House.

Their meat and cheese boards are incredible and were such great options for sharing with our out-of-town guests.

I’m always a sucker for a great charcuterie board, and I love that theirs includes deviled eggs. When we first tried out this particular board months ago, we were a bit leery of the “edible duck fat candle” that is also included. This time around we knew what to expect, and it’s actually quite delicious to spread on the bread!

We also enjoyed the sausage trio, and each meat is sourced locally. Here in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest region, we pride ourselves on our local food!

My husband usually orders their fried chicken (shown above) and it’s soooooo good.

I’m a big fan of rosé, so we ordered the rosé flight and highly recommend it! Three of the wines are from the West Coast, and one is from France.

Shop this look here.

Our next stop was Departure, a rooftop bar on top of The Nines hotel just a few blocks from Picnic House. It’s a popular spot amongst tourists and locals, and for good reason: it has some of the best downtown views in the city.

Though definitely bring a light jacket or coat, especially in the evening. Even in the summer, it can get quite windy! (As illustrated above lol 😂)

My favorite time to go is just before sunset, which was when we arrived. We got lucky and snagged a corner table as a group was leaving. It was the perfect spot to hangout because we were on the corner of the balcony, which provided panoramic views of the Portland skyline.

Our last stop of the evening was for late night food at The Original, a “dinerant” once featured on the Food Network’s TV series Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. It’s located just a few blocks north of Departure on 6th and Oak.

Most of us ordered milkshakes or floats, and as you can see we definitely enjoyed them!

My friend ordered a crispy fried chicken sandwich. I had a bite, and it was excellent!

They also serve various pastries and desserts, if you’re in the mood for something sweet other than a shake or float.

One thing that was a priority when planning our route for the night was making sure everything was within walking distance of each other. From our starting point at Barlow to our final treats at The Original, the distance is only about nine blocks.

Cheers to a memorable summer evening, filled with old college stories, amazing views, and delicious food and drink! 🥂

Have you been to Portland? What’s your favorite spot for a night out?

Let me know in the comments! Thank you so much for stopping by ❤️

fashion, Travel

Let’s Go to San Francisco

July 28, 2019July 28, 2019by shakespeareloveschanel2 Comments

“The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”

This quote is often attributed to Mark Twain (though the internet can’t seem to confirm that either way). Regardless, whoever said these words was well aware of San Francisco’s temperamental summer climate.

Having grown up in Portland, Oregon, I thought I was accustomed to unpredictable downpours and sudden shifts in temperature from one day to the next. But San Fran takes this to another level, and even during our quick weekend getaway, we discovered for ourselves how dramatically the weather can change from one hour to the next. Even different neighborhoods within the city often have remarkably different weather (more on that later).

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.

Friday

Shop our matching tees here.

First of all: would it even be a girls’ weekend if matching tees weren’t involved? The best part is that when we ordered these from Etsy, there was never any discussion about whose shirt would belong to whom. When you’ve been BFFs for 13 years, you just know who the troublemaker is 😉 These fun tees are linked above, and we highly recommend the Etsy shop Lovemighty (our shirts are great quality and arrived so quickly!).

We flew out of PDX after work, and the flight to San Fran from Portland is short and sweet. We took an Uber straight to our hotel, the Westin St. Francis at Union Square.

This historic hotel has hosted multiple US presidents and even the Queen of England in 1983! We loved the location, with lots of restaurants and stores within a short walking distance.

After a yummy Italian dinner at Cesario’s, we perused the area around our hotel to get our bearings and see what was nearby. We then called it an early night, knowing that Saturday would be packed with sightseeing.

Saturday

Shop this outfit here.

Though the weather might look sunny and warm, don’t be deceived by those blue skies in the photo. It was comfortable at times, but quite chilly when the wind picked up. I was certainly glad I’d layered a long-sleeved tee underneath my linen blazer, but to be quite honest, I should’ve brought along an additional jacket or scarf!

Our first stop that morning was to Mr. Holmes Bakehouse for pastries (and, of course, to take pics with their famous neon sign!). ✌️

Unfortunately they were sold out of their signature “cruffins” (a croissant/muffin pastry), so instead we purchased some of their croissants. I got the raspberry rose flavor, and it was as pretty as it was delicious!

Next up, we walked about one and a half miles to the Painted Ladies, the iconic Victorian homes made world-famous by the opening credits of Full House. I grew up watching Full House and was a huge fan of the Olsen twins as a kid, so I truly enjoyed getting to see this California landmark in real life.

But as any true Full House fan knows, the actual “Full House House” is not one of the Painted Ladies. Instead, the home that was used on the show for the exterior shots is actually located 1.2 miles away from the Painted Ladies at 1709 Broderick St.

On our way to the “Full House House,” we stopped for some lunch and sangria at the Spanish restaurant Barvale. We shared their amazing steak and eggs!

Afterwards, we decided to make the long trek to the Presidio of San Francisco and see the Golden Gate Bridge. Keep in mind we were walking everywhere, and the hills in San Fran are no joke!

This pic was taken shortly after we’d entered the Presidio, which is a 1500 acre National Park.

The Presidio still has over 400 historic buildings, from the nearly 150 years it served as a US Army Post.

As you can see, when we reached the beach, the fog nearly obscured our view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Even though we’d had plenty of sunshine as we journeyed through the city, the weather couldn’t have been more different by the bay!

I was a little disappointed to not get the Golden Gate views I’d hoped for, but as I’ve said on previous travel posts, c’est la vie! It was a lot windier by the water, so we decided to take an Uber over to Fisherman’s Wharf for some seafood.

And look! At Fisherman’s Wharf, there were blue skies. I’m not exaggerating about the weather varying greatly from one neighborhood to the next!

Fisherman’s Wharf is admittedly filled with tourists, but we still felt that it was definitely worth the visit! We perused several shops (and also bought a beanie because my ears were cold 🥶) before eating yummy clams and appetizers at Cioppino’s.

We also stopped at Ghirardelli Square. Once the headquarters of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, the square now has a variety of shops and restaurants.

Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop had a veryyyy long line, so we instead stopped at the nearby Cheese School of San Francisco for a glass of rosé. Their charcuterie boards looked incredible, but we weren’t hungry again quite yet.

However, after perusing some more shops and working up our appetites, we decided we couldn’t pass up a burger at the only In-N-Out in San Fran!

The only locations in Oregon are about a 4 hours’ drive away from Portland, so pretty much every time I’m in Cali, a stop at In-N-Out is a must.

San Fran has a lot of really cool murals and street art, and these two were some of my favorites that we stumbled upon throughout the day.

After miles and miles of walking (and all the incredible food and wine along the way!), we headed back to our hotel for the night. We joked that we must be getting old since we passed on bar-hopping, but after exploring the city primarily on foot we were exhausted.

Sunday

Sunday morning greeted us with mist and fog, though I’ll admit that it looked pretty cool contrasted with the green copper of the historic Sentinel Building.

I’d learned my lesson from the day before and dressed in warmer layers, thankful I’d packed my wool moto jacket (and remembered to grab my beanie!).

We perused Chinatown on the way to our lunch destination and this bright blue dragon caught my eye.

Don Pistos came highly recommended, and it certainly did not disappoint! I looooove tacos, so I’ve eaten my fair share over the years, and these were among the best I’ve ever had.

I had the carnitas, and the pork was so flavorful and cooked to perfection.

Shop this outfit here.

After lunch, we walked to the Ferry Building, a busy place where you can catch a ferry (go figure 😉), but also buy a variety of goods and foods in a large, indoor marketplace.

We had some tea and pastries for an afternoon snack and ambled leisurely through the various shops.

And, as you can see, the weather had cleared to become a glorious afternoon! ☀️

It was such a pleasant stroll back to our hotel to pick up our bags, as it was just about time to head back to the airport.

After we arrived at the airport, we saw that our flight would be delayed by a couple hours. Not long after, we checked the departures monitor again to confirm our gate, only to discover that our flight had been cancelled!

Thankfully, we were able to get on the last available flight back to Portland that evening and still make it home Sunday night.

We had such a fun weekend, and it was so nice to have one-on-one time with my bestie. We’ve been friends since we were 15, were roommates in college, and were maids-of-honor at each other’s weddings.

I’m truly grateful for our friendship and all our adventures together ❤️ Cheers to more girls’ trips to come!

fashion, Paris, Travel

Take Me to Paris

June 30, 2019April 14, 2020by shakespeareloveschanel11 Comments

We celebrated my mom’s 60th birthday with a much-anticipated trip to Paris! It had been her dream to see the Eiffel Tower since she was a little girl, and this bucket list trip had been in the works for many years. My husband and I were in charge of the planning, and it was such a joy to see my mom experience the City of Light for the very first time. (Our matching “Take Me to Paris” tees I found on Nordstrom Rack’s website last year and saved them for the trip!)

In this post, I’m going to share where we stayed, places we ate, and everything we managed to fit into five and a half days. If there’s something I particularly enjoyed, I’ll let you know. If there’s something that was disappointing or “just okay,” I’ll let you know that as well.

Towards the end of the post, I’ll also be sharing the details of various outfits—from casual chic daytime looks for museum hopping to classy evening attire.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.

Friday

We flew into Charles de Gaul airport on a Friday afternoon and—because we were a group of five—decided to share a cab to our hotel. There was a decent amount of traffic going through Paris, but we’d expected that based on our arrival time.

We stayed at the charming Hotel Le Clément, in the 6th arrondisement (also known as the Latin Quarter because of the historic universities in the area, and that the academics spoke Latin here during the Middle Ages). This is the second time I’ve stayed in the Latin Quarter, and I very much like the location—it’s within walking distance of sites like Notre Dame and Sainte-Chappelle and has lots of great little shops, restaurants, and cafes in the area.

That night we ate dinner at one of our favorite spots from a previous Paris trip, a restaurant called Au Pere Louis.

We then surprised my mom with tickets to the top floor of the Eiffel Tower (something we’d booked about five weeks earlier).

I will never forget the look of awe and wonder on my mom’s face as she stood beneath the 984-foot Tower and gazed up at the golden lights.

I also won’t forget how windy it was at the top! I wish I’d brought a beanie and a thicker sweater!

Saturday

We ventured out to Versailles that morning, via the RER train line. We started at the Petit Trianon (above) and then visited Marie Antoinette’s rustic Hameau de la Reine (“The Queen’s Hamlet,” pictured below).

This charming farmland served as a playground of sorts for the Queen and her close friends—though it wasn’t entirely for show, as the Hamlet was actually capable of producing dairy products for the Queen.

We then made our way through the vast estate–so many beautiful buildings, landscapes, and foliage!

We decided to skip the Grand Trianon and walked over to the Grand Canal area to break for lunch. We ate next to the Canal at La Flottille restaurant and enjoyed a bottle of white wine as we watched people row in the little boats or relax on the grass.

We paid the extra fee to go through the Gardens, part of which is pictured above. Our museum pass covered the entrance to the rest of the grounds, just not the Gardens because of the Musical Fountains Show that’s held on certain days. (More info on that here)

After we finished touring the Gardens, the line to get into the Chateau was extremely long (we’re talkin’ Disneyland long), so we decided to return later that week to tour the Chateau. The jet lag was starting to hit everyone pretty hard, and we wanted to have enough time to power nap and change into our formal clothes for our river cruise on the Seine that evening.

The river cruise dinner was one of the highlights of our trip. We booked through the company Bateaux Parisiens, and I truly can’t recommend them enough!

We went to the 8:30 dinner, so we got to see the city at dusk (which is magical). The soft pastel colors of the sky behind Notre Dame is something I will never forget.

We splurged for the pricier seating area so we were at the very front of the boat right next to the large glass windows (as you can see below with the picture of my mom and her bday candle).

Our view of the sites and the Seine was truly incredible, and the live music and singing provided a lovely ambiance (one of the singers sang a sweet version of Edith Piaf’s classic“La Vie En Rose.” A song that always makes me think of Paris!).

The service was impeccable, and the food was fabulous! My husband was brave and even tried the escargot for his appetizer! (Above photo. More food pics shown below.)

Sunday

The next day we visited two museums—the Musee de l’Orangerie and the Musee d’Orsay.

The d’Orsay has a great selection of Van Gogh, but the l’Orangerie is my personal favorite because of Monet’s Water Lilies (shown above and below). There’s something soft and dreamlike about the Water Lilies that I find truly mesmerizing.

Between museum hopping, we took a pleasant break in the Jardin du Tuileries (“Tuileries Garden”).

It’s the perfect place to stop and relax (as my brother and my husband are illustrating in the above photo 😉).

After the Tuileries, we walked the short distance to the Louvre Pyramids to take the obligatory tourist photo “touching” the top of the pyramid (my mom’s pic turned out so cute!).

That evening we attended a show at the famous Moulin Rouge. Some people might argue that it’s just a tourist trap, but I’ve seen this show before, and I honestly enjoyed it just as much the second time around!

In addition to the iconic can-can dance, the show included some stunning acrobatic acts (juggling, swimming with snakes, roller skating, etc). *Note that no photos are allowed during the show.

Monday

Monday morning we visited what is quite possibly the most colorful street in Paris, the Rue Crémieux. Though it’s a favorite spot for bloggers, photographers, and tourists, keep in mind that this street is residential and people do indeed live there. As such, we were as quiet and respectful as possible while visiting this area.

We then ventured over to a world famous bookstore that was a bucket list visit for me, the iconic Shakespeare and Company.

It’s a small bookstore that’s been visited by world-renowned authors over the years, so if you’re a book-lover like me, this is a must stop while in Paris. It’s pretty cramped and crowded inside, and they don’t allow photos, but it’s definitely worth perusing this adorable shop.

I purchased a beautiful leather-bound copy of Romeo and Juliet. And also a coffee mug—which is one of my favorite souvenirs to buy while traveling because it’s something I can enjoy when I’m back home and be reminded of my travels!

Due to the terrible fire that ravaged Notre Dame in April of this year, we were unfortunately unable to visit this 856-year-old church (which is just a short walk from Shakespeare and Company). The bridge adjacent to Notre Dame was barricaded (not sure how long it will remain that way), so we onlookers could only view the church from afar.

After Notre Dame we had planned to tour inside the nearby Sainte-Chapelle (which was once the royal chapel), but the line stretched around the block so we rearranged our schedule a bit and instead decided to go see the Arc de Triomphe and wander around the Champs-Elysees.

That’s definitely something I’ve learned over the years whilst traveling: be flexible with your itinerary if you can! Sometimes it’s better to swap one site for another and come back later to see if the line is better!

On our first trip to Paris, my husband and I climbed the steps to the top of the Arc de Tripmphe. It’s quite a climb (284 stairs to the top) but is well worth the panoramic views of the city. This time around we were on a bit of a time crunch, and our group collectively decided not to climb it.

On the Champs-Elysees we ventured into the massive Louis Vuitton store and then had tea at one of my favorite sweet shops, Laduree, which is world-renowned for its macarons.

We had just a short wait to sit in the restaurant area and very much enjoyed the beautiful decor and our yummy macarons (last time my husband and I ate at their bar area in the back because the wait for the main dining area was veryyyyy long).

Laduree also has their famous little key chains that are perfect gifts or souvenirs!

That evening we had dinner at 58 Tour Eiffel, which is on the first level of the Eiffel Tower. If I can give you one piece of advice if you plan to eat dinner there: give yourself plenty of time to arrive.

We were all dressed up for dinner and thus decided on a cab from our hotel to the Tower, instead of taking the Metro. Even so, by the time we got through the Eiffel Tower security, checked in at the restaurant’s booth on the ground floor directly beneath the Tower, and then waited in line for the elevator, we made our 6:30 reservation with just a couple minutes to spare.

However, the multiple lines and logistics were well worth it! We’d booked a window table about five months before our trip, and the views of the city were magnificent (shown above: our window view of the carousel, the Seine, and the Trocadero).

Eating dinner on one of the world’s most iconic landmarks is one of those “pinch me if it’s real” type of moments, and it was something that we all enjoyed. The food was excellent, and the dinner service runs seamlessly, with each course coming out in a very timely fashion.

After dinner, we headed over to the Trocadero (located directly across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower) to take photos during the hour before sunset, when lighting is at its best. This is a very popular area for photos and it was quite busy at that time of day, so my advice is to just be patient and realize that there are likely going to be other tourists in the background of your photos.

Shop my outfit here.

I’m also gonna let you in on a little blogger secret: the Louboutin shoes I’m wearing in this picture? I packed them with me in a bag and put them on immediately before pictures! 😉 (I actually wore ankle boots to dinner!) The reason for this: I knew that even with the cab we’d have a decent amount of walking to get up to the Tower and then there would be the walk across the bridge to the Trocadero for photos. I love my Louboutins, but they are not meant for long distance walking! 👠

After photos, we watched the sunset and stuck around for the first light show of the evening at 10pm (the twinkly lights of the Eiffel Tower at night are a must see!)

Tuesday

We started our day with a visit to the Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Garden). The French Senate resides in that beautiful building in the background, but the park area is open to the public, free of charge.

It showered a bit while we were at the Garden, but a little rain couldn’t phase these Oregonians! (If you don’t know much about the state of Oregon, let me tell you: it rains a LOT here). 🌧

Afterwards, we took the Metro over to Sainte-Chapelle and—to our pleasant surprise—the line to get inside was extremely short!

Sainte-Chapelle is one of my favorite churches, and it’s because of the vibrant stained glass windows. I love how each panel of stained glass illustrates different scenes.

The scenes begin with the Creation story in Genesis, continue on through the New Testament, and then go beyond Biblical times to tell the story of how the Crown of Thorns relic that was once kept in Sainte-Chapelle ended up in Paris via King Louis IX.

The Crown of Thorns that is claimed to be the very one that Jesus wore on the cross resided in this chapel from the 13th century until the French Revolution. In 1806 it was moved to Notre Dame’s treasury and was one of the relics saved during the recent Notre Dame Fire.

After Sainte-Chapelle, we took the Metro over to Montmartre and climbed up the many stairs to Sacre-Couer. This Romanesque-Byzantine style church sits on a hill that overlooks Paris, providing a stunning panoramic view of the city.

Something amazing about this particular church is that during World War II the area surrounding Sacre-Couer was bombed 13 times, and yet there were no casualties. The only damage to the church itself was that the stained glass shattered (and was rebuilt after the War).

Wednesday

On our last full day in Paris we took the RER train back out to Versailles, this time to tour the Chateau itself. The line was far shorter than it had been on Saturday afternoon, and it took us about half an hour to get inside.

The Chateau of Versailles is stunning and opulent, with the most ornate decor imaginable. From the artwork to the French Baroque architecture, this palace is truly a sight to behold.

It does get quite crowded in certain areas (especially the famous Hall of Mirrors, shown above), but is well worth the visit.

We had lunch inside the Chateau at Angelina, a famous French tearoom that has multiple locations throughout Paris. Their Mont-Blanc pastry is their trademark dessert, but it is the Mont-Blanc tea that truly has my heart. Without a doubt, it is my favorite tea in the whole world (and unfortunately they don’t ship to the US 😭).

Angelina opened its first location in 1903, and according to their website, a famous visitor from those early years was none other than Coco Chanel herself.

After lunch, we ambled outside to the large Orangery, which was one of my favorite spots on the estate. The elaborate landscape and darling orange trees made for a pleasant stroll in the early afternoon sunshine.

Later that day on our leisurely walk to the Louvre, we stopped at the Bar du Marche on the Rue de Seine and ate some of the best hot dogs we’ve ever had in our lives.

The French hot dog is different than the American hot dog, as it’s served on a baguette with lots of cheese baked on top (and I’m not talking that fake dipping cheese you’ll sometimes see paired with pretzels at American sporting events. I’m talking authentic French cheese in all its gooey glory).

We sat outside enjoying our hot dogs, drinks in hand, and toasted to our last night in Paris and a trip well spent. However, the night was young, and we still had one more museum on our list: the Louvre.

I’m no art expert, so if you want a thorough rundown of this vast museum, you’ll need to look elsewhere (though we highly recommend following the path that Rick Steves outlines in his Paris guidebook! It helps you find all the notable works of art and provides some brief context and history).

Winged Victory of Samothrace

Venus de Milo

Another gem of wisdom from the Rick Steves guidebook that we utilized on both of our Paris trips: visit the Louvre in the evening because it’s less crowded.

On Wednesdays and Fridays (except holidays), the Louvre has extended evening hours (open until 9:45pm). We’ve had great luck visiting this world-renowned museum during that time frame (you can actually get fairly close to the Mona Lisa instead of just viewing her from the back of the room!).

Though if I’m being perfectly honest, I find the Mona Lisa to be a bit underwhelming, and I find the story of why she became so famous in the early 1900’s to be a far more interesting tale (She was stolen from the Louvre in 1911 and then recovered two years later!).

What I Wore

Shop this outfit here.

For wandering around the vast estate of Versailles: I wore a casual chic look in neutral tones, with a classic beige trench coat thrown over my otherwise monochromatic look. These layers were perfect for all the walking we did and the variety of weather (a mix of sun, clouds, and a few scattered showers).

As I’ve mentioned in other posts before, I LOVE boots by Blondo because they’re comfortable, stylish, and waterproof! We averaged over 12 miles of walking almost everyday in Paris, and my feet were comfortable in these boots the whole entire time (*not an advertisement or sponsored, just my honest review!).

Shop this outfit here.

For our visit to the Rue Crémieux and afternoon tea at Laduree: This was one of those days we did a large variety of sightseeing, so I wanted my outfit to transition well for different settings, and a striped blouse with black skinny pants accomplished that.

Shop this outfit here.

For dinner at 58 Tour Eiffel and sunset photos at the Trocadero: I wanted something that was more timeless than trendy, and that was elegant, but not ballgown fancy. This dress is currently on sale on Nordstrom Rack’s website for under $50 and comes in blue, black, and red (some sizes are already sold out!). I’m wearing the blue color.

Shop this outfit here.

For touring the Chateau of Versaille and lunch at Angelina: I wore a lace top, my fave high-waist Levi’s, and white Jack Purcell sneakers. I love the contrast of the classic white lace with distressed denim (this top was an H&M sale find from earlier this year, and I linked similar styles above).

Shop this outfit here.

For a casual dinner and visiting the Louvre: My “J’adore Dior” tee was a vintage find from the RealReal several years ago (reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw’s Dior tee that she wore on Sex and the City). I paired it with a black and white blazer and distressed Levi’s for a casual chic look (one of my favorite daytime outfits from the trip!).

Travel Hiccups

Perhaps this is something people don’t talk about enough when they discuss their travels abroad, but it’s pretty much a guarantee that at least one thing is going to go wrong or be delayed.

From renovations, to train strikes, to lost luggage, somewhere along the line you’ll likely experience a metaphorical (or literal) bump in the road. And you know what? As the French say: C’est la vie! (“That’s life” 😉) I try to go into trips being patient, open-minded, and with a grateful heart.

Also, be kind to yourself and your fellow travelers! Jet lag can be rough, so try your best to schedule in some down time, when you can relax at a cafe with some coffee or take a power nap in your hotel room. I know you probably want to see as much as you can in the time you have, but if you’re constantly exhausted or starving, that’s not going to be a pleasant experience for anyone.

Shop this outfit here.

And if you want to wear a beret in Paris, wear it! (That’s my way of saying carpe diem or the more contemporary YOLO 😉… But as you can see, I did wear a beret!)

If you have any questions or shared experiences, I would love to hear in the comments below! ❤️ Have you been to Paris? If so, what was your favorite thing you did?

In my next post, I’ll be sharing where my husband and I journeyed to after Paris: Positano and the Italian Riviera.

fashion, Pacific Northwest, Travel Oregon

Twirling Through Tulip Fields

May 7, 2019by shakespeareloveschanel3 Comments

“A tulip doesn’t strive to impress anyone. It doesn’t struggle to be different than a rose. It doesn’t have to. It is different. And there’s room in the garden for every flower.” –Marianne Williamson

I recently visited the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, Oregon. I hadn’t been since I was a kid, and I was thrilled that my grandma, my mom, and my brother could come along as well (we also got so lucky that it didn’t rain on us!). 🌷

This gorgeous field of flowers is a local favorite spot of photographers and bloggers, but also a wonderful day trip for couples and families.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.

We went on a weekday afternoon–which I highly recommend!–because the line to get in on the weekends can get super long. The Wooden Shoe Farm said on their Instagram page that if you do visit on a weekend, try to come closer to opening at 8am or later in the day towards closing time at 5pm (though as of May 5th, the festival has ended for the 2019 season).

Shop this look here.

I also recommend coming prepared with rubber wellies or a pair of old boots because the ground between the rows of tulips can get pretty muddy. It hadn’t even rained for a couple days before we went and the ground was still muddy in some areas.

My denim skirt is by Madewell and was a Nordstrom Rack find from earlier this year. I love the button details, the classic shade of blue denim, and the flattering length (not too short, not too long!). This exact style is unfortunately no longer available, but I included similar options for this entire outfit in the link above.

A floral dress and ankle boots are also great outfit options if you’re planning a photo op in a field of flowers, whether for engagement photos, family photos, etc.

Shop this look here.

Lavender has been a very popular color this spring, and I really liked the color palette of this particular floral print. I’m also a big fan of wrap dresses (as I mentioned in my previous post) because they tie at the waist and are usually adjustable.

I unfortunately couldn’t find this exact style online anywhere (the brand is Studio B by Bobeau) but I linked similar options above.

My Panama Hat is from J. Crew and has been a go-to of mine for years. It’s a versatile, classic style that looks great with so many outfits (denim, dresses, skirts, etc).

We also took some family photos at the Tulip Fest, and this one of my mom, my grandma, and me is a personal favorite. I’m really close with my family, and I truly cherish the time I get to spend with them.

Hope you all have a wonderful week! Thank you so much for stopping by ❤️