Can you believe we’re already halfway through September? Fashion Month is in full swing—New York and London wrapped, Milan buzzing, and Paris waiting just around the corner—and somehow, the first day of school has already come and gone. Every time I return here after what feels like too long away, I want to start with that familiar line: “where did the time go?” But truly, it’s no mystery. Time flies when you’re having fun, and New York last week was nothing short of that.
In fact, my time in the city felt distinctly Parisian, even though the Eiffel Tower was nowhere in sight.
Paris, Through a New York Lens
There’s something magical about Downtown New York, especially the West Village, where I always seem to leave a piece of my heart. Wandering through those leafy streets, I stumbled back into what used to be my favorite flower shop. Since moving uptown I’ve found another go-to, but this one has always held a special place. Tiny, charming, full of blooms spilling out onto the sidewalk—it instantly reminded me of a little boutique flower store in Paris where I once did a shoot during Fashion Week.
Funny how the smallest details—a doorway overflowing with roses, the familiar smell of fresh lilies—can transport you miles away and years back in an instant.
A Parisian Afternoon with Friends
That day, I was with my Parisian partners-in-crime, Krystal and Rach. After a lingering lunch (complete with a crisp glass of rosé, because what’s more French than that?), we found ourselves swept up in the idea of “Parisianing”—the notion that you can recreate a perfectly Parisian moment, anywhere, anytime.
We dove headfirst into flower shopping, laughing as if we’d forgotten entirely that we were, in fact, still in Manhattan. Those are the moments I cherish most: when it doesn’t matter where you are, because you’re fully immersed in a little slice of joie de vivre.
With Love from Longchamp
A huge thank you goes to Longchamp and Vogue, who made this Parisian afternoon in New York possible. They whisked us away to some of the city’s most French-spirited spots, celebrated life with us, and let us play around with the new Mademoiselle Longchamp bag—a design that feels effortlessly Parisian, but just at home in New York too.
And if you’re craving your own Parisian day in the city, here are the places that gave us that elusive je ne sais quoi.
A Parisian Itinerary, New York Style
- Claudette (24 5th Avenue)
Start with breakfast, brunch, or lunch at Claudette. The space feels light and breezy, with a hint of Southern French charm. I went for the Niçoise salad—classic, refreshing, and just the right nod to the Mediterranean coast. - Aedes Perfumery (Greenwich Avenue)
Afterwards, wander toward Greenwich Avenue and step into Aedes Perfumery. This jewel-box of a boutique is a sensory experience all its own. I left with a few fall-scented candles, the kind that instantly make a home feel cozier and richer as the season shifts. - MCF Rare Wine (237 West 13th Street)
And finally, what better way to close a Parisian afternoon than a rosé tasting? At MCF Rare Wine, we sampled bottles that could rival any bistro pour on the Left Bank. The experience was relaxed, intimate, and the perfect ending to a day that felt like a mini Paris holiday—no passport required.
Paris Everywhere
That’s the beauty of fashion, travel, and friendship: sometimes, it’s not about where you are, but how you choose to live in the moment. You don’t need the Seine or the Champs-Élysées to feel Parisian—you just need good company, a sense of adventure, and maybe a chic handbag to tie it all together.
New York last week reminded me that you can carry Paris with you, whether through a flower shop, a glass of wine, or simply a carefree afternoon with friends. And that’s a feeling I’ll always chase, no matter which city I’m in.
