Paris Dispatch
Finally, Paris seems back to its regular schedule — most tourists have gone home and the children are back in school. However, the spectacular holiday decorations are still up and the city is gleaming from its pre-Olympics spiffing up. It’s been years since I’ve seen the Opéra Garnier sans scaffolding and it looks amazing. I know I say this every January, but it’s truly a wonderful time to be here.
We’re in an apartment that looks onto the Hotel Bristol pool and up to Sacré Coeur. From the upstairs bedroom you can see the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais, which is lit up at night for the ice skaters. I’ve decided that this is a non-cooking trip and have booked a number of Michelin starred restaurants in our neighborhood. There are two in the Bristol, which was an easy place to start.
First stop is always the Bourse de Commerce. This time I picked up two Anri Sala prints from his exhibition in 2022-2023. The catalogue has had pride of place on my coffee table for the past two years. I am very excited to tour the recently reopened Notre Dame, then, the Tina Barney retrospective, Family Ties, at the Jeu de Paume is next on the list.
Last fall I shelved my sneakers save a pair of Common Projects that look like Converse. The ubiquitous Adidas Sambas went into the bin. Flats, Belgian Shoes, and boots are now my everyday footwear of choice. I want to check out the new The Row store and try these booties.
Finally, I couldn’t resist snapping this chic Parisienne’s outfit — neutrals perfected. And, I brought my Fendi Mamma Baguette that I purchased in 1998. The hardware was silver and they kindly swapped it to gold — I wonder if they would do that today. Still looks current to my eye #Don’tOverpurge.
And, an enormous thank you for all of the sweet comments on my last post. I did not expect such an outpouring of support and it was the encouragement I needed.
Warmly, Preston
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Enjoy Paris Preston! I was there for Christmas and it was magical, but crowded. I went to the Tina Barney exhibit and it didn’t disappoint! Great to see her work in person!
Here is one more voice to thank you for KIC, Preston. Yours is my favorite blog and the community of KIC is the best.
Enjoy Paris !
Did you stay in an bnb? Love your column.
Yay! You are back! So happy to read this post. I love the bag. It’ looks current and brand new.
I do admit when I check your blog and don’t see a new post it’s a bit of a bummer! But, you have a life and constantly coming up with new content can’t be easy. Happy New Year and enjoy your time in Paris!
Awwww… always wondered about that apartment, looking through the pool windows ! Enjoy your time in Paris!
More love for your blog. Happy new year! ✨
Flats, Belgian loafers, and boots are just right for hiking about great cities in America and abroad. I’ve long felt that great cities call for our best efforts, kind of like entering a place of worship or an art museum. Have a lovely visit!
Glad to see you posting again! You’ve convinced me to try Paris in January next year. Love cold weather and despise crowds
Love your all black outfit too. I bought The Cube jacket for both my daughter and I last year after seeing it in KIC. Your style never fails. Are those your Frame jeans?
Yes, these are the Frame jeans – love them!
I’m very glad you are back! I, too, have missed your posts and this is my favorite blog. We were in Paris in November, and loved the Cailllebotte exhibit at the Orsay.
I literally read each post like the Torah. Glad you’re back.
Hi! May I ask which boots you are wearing in the all black outfit?
Keep It Chic is my favorite blog and inspiration! Keep on Keepin’ Chic!
Hi Preston,
Happy New Year from snowy Scotland!
I absolutely love your KIC, have been following since its inception, please keep posting as and when you have the time.
Your postings completely resonate with me and I love the familiarity of the KIC “community”.
Whenever I’m feeling a bit “I don’t want to go out into that big scary world today” my medicine is a scroll through your recent postings and a reassuring afternoon spent checking over my cashmeres and refolding into lovely piles, basically playing at “shops”!
Aaaah the joy in simple pleasures!
Thank you for all your inspiration
Alison
P.S what style, model are your frame jeans, thanks?
What are those gorgeous black boots you’re wearing w/ the Frame jeans? I’m hemming and hawing over whether to get the Mashburn boot. I secretly wish for a grey but black might be just the thing.
Full disclosure: the black boots are Sam Edelman bought on Amazon for less than $100… For years I have been looking for a good-looking, black, knee-high, flat boot and never found one. So, I cut off the horsebit detail and decided to wear these until I find “the pair”, which will, hopefully, be at Hermés this spring. However, that hasn’t happened yet and I wear these all the time, rain or shine. I bought the ones with a trim calf and they fit under jeans. I, also, went down a size. Even with a high instep I can get into these boots. Ta da!
Another word of appreciation for your blog, which I have followed and enjoyed for years! Thank you!
Dear Prestos,
I love this all but particularly the Sala prints. Just today I have framed my catalogue. Can I ask you where you got the prints. I love Sala’s works.
The Bourse de Commerce has a few prints left for sale. I’ve thought about framing the catalogue, happy you love his work, too.
Wow! Such a gem of a find in those boots! They have such a clean, tailored, and flattering look to them. And it never occurred to me to wear riding boots under jeans before- game changer in cold weather.
Agree with everyone else! So glad to have you back and the perfect way to start the new year. Jealous that you’re going to see the Tina Barney exhibit. I’m sure it will be amazing. Could you please tell be about the tan pants and boots that you’re wearing? Is that The Cube jacket? Love it! Enjoy your time in Paris looking forward to another year with you.
The woman in the tan pants is a chic Parisienne I snapped on the street. I am wearing the Perfect Moment down sweatshirt. Cheers!
Welcome back, Preston! Your posts are always a joy! Would you be willing to share the details of this apartment rental? Do you use a company to rent your apartments? I have had zero luck! Thank you!
The Hotel Bristol.