Dispatch from Paris & LA happenings!
A jetlag-fueled guide to apero hour, workouts, and French vintage (plus something special for my LA friends)
If you’re not on the Spence mailing list (ahem, why? Consider this your sign to subscribe)... here’s a little dispatch we sent out last week with some tips I whipped up on the plane home.
There’s nothing more exhilarating for me than spending a few days in Paris. I just got back from a little jaunt and wanted to share some of my favorite things to do while getting in 20k steps a day.
Apero hour
My favorite pastime in Paris. Here are some ideal spots:
Crudo, my favorite new spot in Paris. Mexican food in Paris, I know, it’s amazing. Delicious flavors, top notch wine and a great neighborhood to explore. (next trip to Paris this is going to be my local landmark, I can’t wait to stay nearby and explore).
Chambre Noire, same group as Crudo. Totally different menu so worth a stop in both.
Aux Deux Amis, simple and delightful.
La Bonbonnette, newly opened from a Charleson SC based restaurant group. They have a fun selection of wines & great cured meats and fish to try.
Vintage
French Vintage just keeps getting better, there’s usually a great designer haul and so many pop-ups in the 10th that I start with a loose plan and just see what I see. Here’s who I bought goods from on this trip:
The second Ofr location has a pop-up with vintage goods from Le Tendre, Michaela has the best eye and I’d like to fill a whole suitcase with her treasures.
Fourche Noire, very good selection of vintage Levi’s & motorcycles. Cute merch too! Happened to meet the very cool owner who has enviable style himself.
Les Archives Paris, by Bon Marche (dangerous), small selection but really good pieces (I scooped up a Gucci blazer from the iconic Tom Ford era). Le whoops.
Treat yourself
It’s fun to throw a ‘dress up’ activity in the mix, this time I:
Visited the Ritz for lunch, and a swan water tap sighting in the bathrooms.
did a late dinner at Le Grand Cafe just opened at the Grand Palais, great cocktails and French celebrity sightings.
Live like a local
I’m dreaming about getting a Dachshund, the hottest pup on the streets of Paris.
I’ve started doing local workouts, this trip I tried reformer Pilates, yoga & Barry’s. A good way to move your body after all those aperos, and to practice your French! It’s fun to see how Parisians move, I saw so many runners and a lot of stylish people toting their tennis racquets!
Three days in Paris
I try to leave some room for magic (and aimless wandering), so my itinerary for Paris looked a little something like this…
Left Bank day, cultural stop #1, Bon Marche… follow its with lunch at Polidor for Beef Bourgenon & snails, digest in the Luxembourg Gardens. If time hop over to the Musee D’Orsay to appreciate some classics, get the audio guide. I dare you.
Market Day, find your neighborhood market day and shop in the AM, make lunch and savor the terroir of France. Stroll locally and see where you end up. Bring a book and end up at a cafe with a crepe.
Big Lunch, I like planning a special lunch just as much as a dinner, this time we picked Clamato for their delicious fish prepared simply. A nice break from the vintage shopping ;-)
Hello LA!
Spence is popping up for our first ever LA shopping experience next week. It’s going to be a special one.
For two days only come shop the full Spence 01 Collection, limited edition tie dye from Chilly Studios, there’s a ping-pong table & florals from Fleurvoyant. What could be better?
Come visit your favorite shopgirl (me) & the mastermind behind this cutie pop Leland (here’s his very wonderful substack). We’ll be hanging out all weekend.
Next on the itinerary: London
Next up in the travel calendar is London — Spence will have a residency at the Tracksmith shop on Chiltern St during Wimbledon (June 30 - July 13).
Please send your favorite fun things to do, see and eat!
Also, if you’re in town please come hang out with us. We have events on the 1st and the 4th of July - invites coming soon!! Watch this space!! Or DM me!!
Special thanks to Lee of The Sweat Lookbook for making the Tracksmith connection! It’s always such a joy to have brands boomerang into your life. I first worked with her & the team on a Clare V. collaboration (which was VERY CUTE). To partner again, this time on a pop-up in London is incredibly special.
Cheers!
Love this! Can't wait for the LA Spence pop up too :)
Love making fun stuff happen with you! Girl power, lol.