Special Souvenirs

I don’t love shopping while I travel. Especially now with the internet, it’s not even that necessary. I remember when my sister and I were younger, it was a huge deal to come to NYC because the store selection was better… but now? You can just get everything online. Even brands that are based in a different city, like my new favorite Sezane. I went to the store two years ago and walked by it this time around and the line was down the entire block. I’d rather just buy things online at that point.

With that said, I do like the idea of buying a nice souvenir, particularly for a special trip. I’ve purchased something fun for every trip to Paris so far and love the tradition. (And, frankly, the excuse to splurge!)

For my first trip two years ago, I got an Hermes clic bracelet that I wear all the time. You have probably seen quite a lot of it on my blog and Instagram since. Every single time I put it on, I’m reminded of my first trip to Paris!! And then last fall I splurged on a pair of Chanel flats, which you’ve also probably seen quite a bit of. I resisted the urge to wear them right then and there and brought them to my local cobbler for protective soles when I returned to Hoboken.

While in Paris last month, I had two ideas for a souvenir. An Hermes scarf or a Chanel brooch. I almost came home empty handed because nothing was speaking to me and I was feeling overwhelmed by the commitment. I know myself and if I’m not completely 100% sold on something, I often end up making a poor decision that I don’t love down the road.

I ended up in the Hermés store while waiting for my flight home…. haha. I had been on the lookout for a special gift for someone who had really helped me out (which I’ll hopefully be able to share more about soon) and  thought to get her a scarf. Naturally (whoops) while looking for hers, I found one that I LOVED. I knew mine was “the one” the second I saw it in the case and it took me thirty minutes to find one that was perfect for the gift.

Buying it in the airport didn’t feel as special as it would have been in the store, but it was so convenient and easy to buy it duty-free and not have to worry about tax refunds. (Plus, I could shop for as long as I wanted without feeling like I was boring Mike as he was on a flight to London. 😂 ) And technically, I still bought it while on my trip so I’m counting it!

It’s a large oversized square, 36×36″ and a Cache Cache Fleuri print. It’s such a fun, whimsical print and I love the pop of color! (It appears that the color way I have is not available in the US, but the print is available in other colors.)

Oh it just makes me so happy!

Cotton Sundress // City Sandals (c/o) // Similar Bag // Scarf