I love Paris. Earlier this week, I took a quick trip to the fashion capital with my mom, and as is the case whenever I visit that city, I’ve returned home with more inspiration than I know what to do with.
I was honored to attend the Tamara Ralph Couture show, which took place on Tuesday. You might remember that Tamara designed my wedding dress (+ my welcome party and after-party dresses). I think I mentioned this in our wedding issue, but what I love about Tamara’s designs is the exquisite tailoring. Seeing her work up close was unbelievable. During the show, my mind was racing, connecting each dress with an occasion I’d want to wear it.
One of my favorite dresses was black with sequins and tulle. Tamara’s 5-year-old daughter asked for a matching one that she wore to the show — precious! The TR bride who closed the show was wearing one of the most stunning dresses I’ve ever seen (with a short veil I was obsessed with). I was lucky enough to get a close-up when I snuck backstage to congratulate Tamara after the show. The hand-stitched pearls covering the entire gown…my jaw was on the floor.
For the show, I got to wear a Tamara dress from a previous collection. It felt perfect for Paris couture; I loved everything about it, from the long sleeves to the silver lace detail to, of course, the bows!
The show was followed by a small dinner with Tamara, her family, and team. I had the pleasure of having Tamara on my left side, and we chatted for hours about our summer travel plans and many other things, unfortunately off the record. Over dessert, a very impassioned conversation broke out about the benefits of red light therapy. I recently tried a red-light mask, but I couldn’t get into it because it was tough to clean, and I was worried it might break me out. Plus, it was heavy and gave me a headache. I have a LightStim wand that I like, but would love other recommendations.
Other meaningful bites included the avocado toast at the Four Seasons. I know, I know, avocado toast in Paris is a weird order, but let me tell you as a California girl, it was one of the best I’ve had in a long time. The key, I think, is the thin bread and finely sliced avocado. I’m going to try to recreate it. (I didn’t care much for the soft scrambled eggs or avocado puree on the side, but that’s neither here nor there.) Also, last time Josh and I were in Paris, we went to Pink Mamma and raved about it, so my mom requested we go back this time, which I happily obliged.
There’s something about being in Paris that makes me want to dress a little better than I do at home in L.A. It’s probably because there’s a chic French person on every sidewalk. But for this trip, I wore a simple outfit that I’ve come to rely on when I’m traveling: Saint Laurent sunnies (always), my favorite Frankie Shop blazer, a Cos t-shirt, these great black Enza Costa pants, and Khaite boots that I’m about to reorder because I’ve worn them out.
This trip made me think a lot about fashion and personal style. Have you heard that every seven years we grow and evolve into a new version of ourselves, and it triggers a style change? It could be too subtle for you to notice. Or maybe it’s major. But I feel like I’m at that seven-year mark, trying to figure out what I like all over again. It’ll take some experimentation, but I’m feeling very motivated to lean in. I’d love to talk about fashion reinvention in a future newsletter so we can do it together.
Speaking of trying new things, how’s the summer bucket list coming for you? My Paint Like Frieda canvas arrived yesterday, and I can’t wait to break it out. One of you sent in the most gorgeous floral painting, and I’m feeling inspired! Also, some exciting projects are in the works…more to come very soon!
TO PLAN: A picnic! I’m doing one with two girlfriends this weekend. We’re going all out for it because why not? I even bought a picnic basket.
TO LOOK FOR: A journal with a funny cover. I needed a notebook for my 11-hour flight to Paris and didn’t pack one in my carry-on, so I had to shop the airport. The one I bought is silly — I think it’s for 12-year-old boys — but now it reminds me of my trip and makes me smile when I grab it (been taking a lot of notes this week).
TO GIFT: A personalized pillowcase. It’s hosting and being a house guest season, so if you’re planning a trip to someone’s home in August, bring something special
TO PACK: I brought these compostable face towels to Paris, and they were a lifesaver for my sensitive skin. Hotel towels are washed with heavy detergents, so I try to avoid them.
TO REMEMBER: “The irony is that everything falls into place when you stop trying to control the process and let life unfold without force or expectations.” (via wordsarevibrations.)
Love,
Hailee (Beau)
Highlighting your comments on the previous week’s issue. Today, we hear Cindy’s response to A piano in the garden.
“I adored this issue of BS! Richard got me thinking about plants and life in a different way, and my goal is to find some things to grow that have meaning to me!” -Cindy
