We’re packing up this evening, and by this time tomorrow I’ll be cuddling a Five and a Three that I haven’t seen since they surprised me for that Really Big Birthday!
Not much time to chat right now, but I thought I’d share this page from my travel journal.
As usual, I’ll transcribe for you, since my handwriting — not to mention all the ways you’d have to turn your screen to read! — is a bit of work to read.
So . . . we did a bit of shopping.
We bought him the red pants at VICOMTE A. on Rue du Dragon, and as I’ve written up the side of their facsimile above, He’s been deliberating over the red pants we see here and these are such a comfortably light cotton, perfect for this warm weather. (You can see him modeling themhere.)
Around the red-and-white-striped socks, I’ve written Tabio, Marais, rue Vieille-du-Temple which is the name and location of a very cool “sock shop,” Japanese. Just below them, I’ve noted The grandkids are going to be so amused by his new toe socks.
And I shopped too, as you probably guessed. . .
Below that sketch of my watch-clad wrist, I’ve written Cie. BRACELET-MONTRE, Rue du Dragon — replaced my worn, soiled, Hermès double-tour strap with a more affordable choice. The orange is not as rich, nor as neutral, as was my old strap, but I’m hoping it will acquire a softening patina before too long.
To the left of that brown-ish attempt at a circle. . . PSYCHÉ is the name of the shop on Rue du Pont Louis Philippe — some very tempting scarves, jewelry, and bags there, worth a peek. . .
I almost resisted this little handwoven straw bag, made in Bali and lined in the sweetest cotton fabric.
Not at all sure the canteen shape will be practical, but so cute.
In the bottom right corner, I’ve added (admitted!) that I also bought a dress, a top, and a scarf at Sixième on Rue du Dragon — a good selection there at reasonable prices — a bit hippie-chic, but not too. . . and really friendly and helpful service.
Also in my case are two silk scarves I bought when we first arrived in Paris at the beginning of our trip — (that seems so long ago, in that way that travel distorts time). You can see what these look like here, on the illustrator’s IG page (I don’t think I’ve ever told you I’d rather like a French bulldog, have I? The scarves will have to do for now. . . )
And my sketchbook full of memory-pages, of course. And a roll of paper place-mats I admired in a Zagreb restaurant (the illustrations featured on them are by artist Vojo Radoičic, so that our server scooped up 20 or 30 for me, rolled them up and wrapped and knotted a plastic bag ’round them so they wouldn’t crease. . . Some of the best things we bring home cost nothing at all. . .
Better scoot now, but I know you’re curious, and yes! I can still fit everything in my carry-on case . . . AND close it! 😉
Back to chat in a few days, when the case is unpacked and the laundry’s caught up and I’ve spent some time in the terrace garden (oh, I do hope most of the plants survived!)
I'm just booking Paris for September. Are you staying in the 6th? I love those shops. I'll be spending time with my daughter and her lifelong friend (met her mum in prenatal classes) and then alone time. Your drawings really add something to your blog. I enjoy watching your progress. Bon voyage!
Oh, wonderful! I know you've missed the city — and you've definitely earned the treat with your last year of work! How fun to have the time their with your daughter and her friend — but also how good to have alone time to be the Parisienne you can be. 😉
I used to love La Chaise Longue in the Marais. Such unique things. Now it's a chain, but still fun.
I have the most gorgeous outfits from another shop in the Marais–all the trim was strips of different ribbons. Absolutely one of a kind, very subtle details. I think they closed….
The thing is, small boutiques open, they close, that's the serendipity of Paris. You find what you find, at the moment.
So true! We've been visiting Paris annually since 2005, and we're missing a number of "old favourites" — mostly restaurants. Always new favourites to discover, luckily, and of course, the same thing is happening back home in Vancouver. . .
Funny, I noticed La Chaise Longue when we walked through the Marais yesterday — somehow, the pink plastic flamingo in the doorway didn't call me in, but now I'm thinking I should have stopped 😉
I have been loving your holiday posts and the pages from your sketchbook. What a talent you have for the evocative drawing.
I am intrigued and in awe of your ability to pack so many clothes into your carry on bag – let alone your new purchases. Every time I pick up my carry on bag (and fill it for a weekend…) I wonder how you do it. I can only conclude that yours comes from the same stable as Mary Poppins' carpet bag…
Happy landings back at home
Thanks so much, Ceri — kind of you to say nice things about my sketches.
I don't actually pack so many clothes into the carry-on. I brought two dresses, one skirt, one pair of (light, cotton) pants, two linen tops, two knit tank tops, and a light cashmere sweater, and I wore a linen jumpsuit. I do find that the pack-it stuff bags help by holding it all in place.
Funnily enough, I often find I have my carry-on just as full when I'm going somewhere for a weekend or a week. The big trick for longer periods is simply being willing to live with repetition.
I heard recently how red trousers for men are ALL THE RAGE in Switzerland right now. These are great. I adore your sketches too and hope you go back frequently to muse over them. Have a safe and positive trip home.
There was a red jean here about 8 or 10 years ago — do you remember? Are those showing up in Thrift shops yet, I wonder?
Thanks for the encouragement re the sketches .
Le Duc has those red pants too, it's a thing. Popular with older men, and jaunty. We saw many young men in shorts on city streets-up to maybe early thirties. Years ago, I only saw shorts on French men if in the country or playing sports. I was in that sock store with my friend!
Paul brought a pair of linen pants (Zara from a few years ago), but a server spilled coffee on them in one of our stops — they were showing wear anyway, so he replaced them in his case with the red, which we'd been admiring. We actually noticed them on a number of younger men in Paris as well (if, by younger, we can stretch to 35-40-ish) — there does seem to be a class thing going on though. They seem pretty bourgeois there, worn with that kind of impunity that can combine a faded red pant with a pink polo shirt and a green lightweight cashmere pull hung over the shoulder.
Isn't that a great sock store? I was lamenting afterward that I'd been so focused on helping him find footwear (and encouraging him to break his personal price barrier 😉
I have one of those little straw canteen bags; the graphics of a perfect little circle halfway down the body pleases me greatly. Mine is just wide enough for a glasses case but it holds a pared down version of the necessities. Very lightweight so comfortable to carry. Enjoy!
Oh goodie! I'm happy to be twins — I feel the same way about the bag as accessory — mine also can handle my glasses case altho' not my wallet. I'll have to dig up an old wallet that will hold the pared-down must-haves. I do love the jaunty summer feel of it.
I love this page. That little painting of the watch band! The red pants! And the Paris font:).
Thank you! (so pleased you noticed the font — it was an experiment, and outside my skillset really, but fun to try).
This page is very charming. It has all the right elements to give it that jaunty feel. Well done!
slf
Thank you! And I'm pleased to see the word "jaunty" here — I've just used it in my comment to Georgia, above. . .
Lovely sketches,as always!
Cute bag,nice pants,I can't wait to see all the things you've bought!
And can't be more proud about (some :-)) our waiters!
Dottoressa
He was so helpful — Meant to ask you about Radoičic's art . . .
This trip seems to have been truly special. I've been so pleased to share it virtually with you and your husband.
And your travel ease and skills (especially with that single carry-on suitcase!) truly knock me out. I'm on the other end of that spectrum and require luggage wranglers. One day …. 😉
Ann in Missouri
It was a really good trip, ticked off a number of good things.
As for the carry-on — this suits us, especially at our travel price points which mean smaller hotel rooms and also train travel that would be awkward with bigger bags. But I know it's not for everyone. . .