Isabel Wolf is an English author, writing from London. Her genre could be somewhat a chick lit – entertaining novels for single, working women in their 20s and 30s – yet she’s much more. Humorous and lighthearted, yes, reflective and touching… that too! A Vintage Affair is about a 34-year old Londoner, Phoebe who owns a vintage clothing store and struggles with something painful in her past. Beautiful apparel and heart-trembling human tales weave together an exquisite garment.

This coffee shop is one of my fav’ hangouts in the genteel 16th district of Paris. Just a hop away from the Eiffel Tower buzz. Phoebe’s adventures and I spent some wondrous times in the candy-colored decor. I love how the city life intertwines with the story I’m devouring. A whiff of the fresh coffee attains my nose, I close my eyes for a slit of a second.. could life get any better!

I peel, and I enter into a vast space where Matisse’s Danse de Paris, a magnificent mural, occupies nobly the entire hall. I stand admiration.

Munching on more, I penetrate deeper into the permanent collections, letting the eras of modern art – Picasso, de Kooning and Klein – lull me. I ponder on the fact that art lets me live. It inspires and boosts. I love to see the world through these glasses. I juxtapose the safe museum inside, and the somewhat chaotic outer world. They mix into a nice cocktail – full of peps and punch.

The bookstore also beguiles me. And why resist?

Colorful images, of my like, blow into my mind. Luscious eye-candy. Fashion and all sort.

I decide on an espresso and savor it in a content cloud. The art dose is gently paying its dues.

The majestic settings prolong the pleasure.

Art rises up to the skies – my thoughts adjourn on the beauties of this world, and more.

 

Then I sallied over to the other side of the Seine.

Took in some more inspirational breeze, gazed over the city skyline, thanking for being alive.

My ramble continued in the chic 16th district, where I gobbled some window shopping – and popping in – fashion delights. Here’s a glimpse at the high-class and pricey French brand Zadig&Voltaire.

I ended up at this very quaint little boutique Shana, where the atmosphere and service were excellent, not to mention the goodies.

I decided on a bohemian sundress, the kind I had seen on the way in the Glamour worn by Nicole Ritchie. The gown is very long, my husband was surprised by the aspect, white with large geometric floral prints in gray and yellow at the bottom.

Yey, I found my quested way to wear the trendy yellow! The apparel will come in handy on our Riviera excursion starting on Friday. Soon my dear friends, you’ll be seeing me wearing the jewel on the Mediterranean shore.

Health is so crucial. With it we have everything, and yet it is so easily forgotten. Biting life to the bone is not possible if the physical being doesn’t follow. I decided to be yet more careful about taking care of my earthly dwelling.

With some in-laws visiting, my weekend was family-oriented. Casual strolling around Paris. It feels good to be ’round and about’ my city. I can never get enough. My desires orient towards the Luxembourg Gardens and the Seine riverbanks. Why change good ol’ favorites if they still procure pleasure?

I’d also like to get a glimpse of the current fashion scene. For fun and inspiration. My latest purchase was black capri height lace leggings. Now I’m wondering if they are sober enough to go to work. Follies are fun, but in due place and time, right? A classy gal has a touch for these kinds of nuances.

Paris is where my heart satisfies its craving for beauty. The architecture here just pleases my eye. Facing the sublimely detailed Haussmanian buildings, small statues and quaint little alleys is where I stand in awe. Forever. This city brings out the artist in us and makes us want to create, to do something worth living.

London… the one in the triple that I know the least. London symbolizes pop culture, the youthfulness in me. The daring side and the goofiness. There is also something interesting in the way Brits clothe themselves – cutely uptight at times, yet so adorably reckless and spunky.

New York is where my heart starts beating faster. The Big Apple is about getting on the high gear, finding out what’s cutting-edge and having the courage to do what you want. Making it in the big world – the one that we never thought would have a place for us.

I hope that my upcoming travels will get me yet more acquainted with my soul’s chosen metropolises. I above all hope to stumble upon interesting encounters. After all, it is the inhabitants that weave together the essence of a city.