WE WILL BE HOSTING AN EVENT WITH ELLE & LONGCHAMP IN CITYCENTERDC ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25TH. MORE DETAILS & RSVP INFO BELOW
Paris has a special place in both of our hearts. Molly has lived and worked in France for several years, speaks fluent French and is the epitome of a Francophile. In fact, Katie came to visit Molly when she was living in Paris’ 3rd arrondissement in 2013. Little did we know that Paris would be the city Katie’s boyfriend (now fiancé) would choose to pop the question this past May. Needless to say, we adore Paris, and we are so thankful to have made so many wonderful memories there. The city’s magic is contagious, and its nearly impossible not to fall in love with it all: the architecture, the lifestyle, the food (and wine), the cafe culture, the fashion, and – dare we say – the people.
Yes, we love the French, especially Parisians. While they may get a bad reputation for seeming like they think they’re better than everyone else…
its only because they are better than everyone else!
There is much to be envied of la vie Parisienne, as they possess a “joie de vivre” that defines their entire existence. To put it simply, life is meant to be enjoyed – work less, vacation more, eat ALL the bread and cheese, drink champagne without occasion, always wear lingerie & perfume, kiss whenever and wherever you want, go for a stroll along the Seine, enjoy a daily apéro with friends, and revel in the little moments.
Of course, the French are better than everyone in terms of fashion, too. There’s a reason the “French girl” style is so coveted – it’s that perfect “I look amazing without even trying” look. With the City of Lights as her runway, the Parisian woman is the ultimate style icon.
While our hearts forever long to be in the la meilleure ville du monde, we find ourselves in… Washington, D.C. Well, it’s no Paris – but, D.C. does draw a lot of similarity to the French capital, and has even been referred to as “America’s Paris.” The city layout of Washington was designed by French architect Pierre L’Enfant, whose vision of wide avenues, public squares and inspiring buildings would ultimately become our Nation’s Capital. With the bridges along the Potomac River, neoclassical architecture, spacious boulevards, and corner cafes, DC is our own little Paris.
When we created The DC Darlings, one of our goals was to show the rest of the world that there was so much more to D.C. than government buildings and politicians in bad suits. While it may not be as romantic as Paris, Washington shares a lot of the same charm. We strive to live our lives with the same Joie de Vivre we experience while in Paris. In our “American Paris,” we are #parisianing all the time. Here’s how:
Eat Like a Parisian
There are so many French bakeries in DC, and we are excited to welcome Maison Kayser this fall. Opening in the Mount Vernon Square neighborhood, this Parisian bakery will be our new go-to spot to grab a coffee and croissant, with each bite transporting us to Paris.
Dress Like a Parisian
Longchamp is one of our favorite French brands. Classic and luxurious, we know that whenever we are sporting Lonchamp, we will look perfectly parisienne. We are wearing our favorite looks from Longchamp this fall, especially our Mademoiselle bags. Grab your bestie and head to the Longchamp Store in CityCenter like you’re about to go shopping on Boulevard Saint-Germain.
Marvel at the Arts Like a Parisian
This Fall, you can view Renior’s iconic Luncheon of the Boating Party on display at The Phillips Collection. After, head over to the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden and pretend you’re about to hop on the Paris metro with Hector Guimard’s
An Entrance to the Paris Métropolitain.
RÉGALER LIKE A PARISIAN
Experience Métier, a modern French-American tasting menu restaurant by Chef Eric Ziebold and partner Célia Laurent. The hidden Shaw restaurant is accessible private elevator only and has been decorated with materials from 19th century France (think: vintage double doors and candelabras). Begin the evening in the Salon with an aperitif and hors d’oeuvres before enjoying an exquisite 7 course tasting menu. On se régale!
With DC as our own little Paris, we are always trying to live with that French “Joie de Vivre” #Parisianing is a state of mind and a way of life. How do you #parisian in your city?
Join us, The DC Darlings, along with DC blogger Meg Biram for an evening inspired by Parisian lifestyle. Details below:
WHEN: Wednesday, October 25th
WHERE: Longchamp Store in CityCenterDC
WHAT: Champagne & hors d’oeuvres while shopping the Mademoiselle Collection by Longchamp
TIME: 6pm-8pm
RSVP: kkommer@hearst.com
See you there!!
Lovely. 😊
Everyone loves Paris, and I’m excited that I’m travelling there soon. And, thanks for your post.