Texas to Paris

I have only ever lived in a 75 mile radius from where I grew up in Fort Worth, Tx. My senior superlative was “Most Likely to Stay in Fort Worth” which has always kind of pissed me off because I have so many cooler things about me above the fact that I went to college and grad school in DFW… clearly still salty about it. But truly I adore Texas, am so proud of where I come from and have not had the desire to be a member of any other state, so I get why the vote stuck. But running hand in hand with my love for my home is a dream for a radically different life.

Tucked away in a cabinet in my childhood bedroom sits a handwritten and illustrated book titled “Penelope in Paris.” The main character Penelope is a fluffy pink poodle with a little black ribbon on the top of each ear. In the story, Penelope is invited to Paris Fashion Week to see the “Paw-da” and “Dooney and Bark” runway shows, even hoping in to walk the stage at the tail end of one. What an icon. I made her up when I was at art camp the summer before I entered fourth grade. How I knew about Paris Fashion Week at this time is anyone’s guess, probably too much MTV. Over the next several years I’d draw Penelope on EVERYTHING, even getting in major trouble with my science teacher for drawing her on the bathroom stall in 5th grade. It was an overreaction, it was done in pencil.

Penelope was my “spirit animal” - a projection of my dreams of being involved in fashion, art, creation, and most importantly - Paris. It would be total overkill to go into detail about the next ten years of trips to Paris, starting my art entrepreneurship, falling in and out of love with different careers, boys, hobbies, and myself. At this point in my life, I have never felt closer to Penelope. I move to Paris in two weeks with a brand new design business, like 11 hand-drawn silk scarves, too many shoes, and a one-way plane ticket. That little pink poodle I doodled at art camp is about to find some substance in this universe through my experiences, though I think she was always already here. Maybe the sequel to Penelope in Paris will be when she meets Saree in Paree.

Lucky Me: How the LUCKY Scarves Were Born

Early this year, I made the decision to move to Paris, the city that has captured my imagination since I was a child. This lifelong dream fills me with excitement, but I have also been feeling a considerable amount of internal pressure to make sure that this entire experience turns out perfectly. In recognizing that nothing in life is truly perfect, I have been actively trying to allow the experience to unfold naturally and manifest in the way it is "supposed to be," without my constant need to control every single moment. To help distract from my anxiety and to cultivate a sense of calm, I found myself reflecting on some of my long-held superstitions, which I regard as completely lighthearted yet oddly comforting, as they seem to have brought me good luck over the years. For instance, I always find myself glancing at the clock when it shows 11:11, which then grants me the opportunity to make a wish. I often come across pennies that are heads up, and I have developed a habit of placing them in my left shoe or left pocket (though I have no idea how that part of the ritual began, I've been doing it for as long as I can remember).

With the move to Paris on the horizon, I wanted to create a special object that I could take with me to symbolize my aspirations and bring me good fortune. This desire inspired me to consolidate all of my lucky charms into a cohesive pattern. This year has also been a time of change for me, as I decided to leave my job as a counselor to fully pursue a career in graphic design, specifically focusing on surface pattern design. With patterns prominently on my mind, I sought to create a high-quality object that encapsulated my journey. While researching potential manufacturers, I discovered a company renowned for producing beautifully crafted silk scarves from various artists' designs. From that point onward, I dedicated months to perfecting my drawings, ensuring they captured the emotions and intentions I wanted to carry with me as part of my good luck charm. Overwhelmed with pride for the final result, I ultimately decided to launch a small collection of "Lucky Charm" silk scarves. These scarves come in four unique patterns and four versatile sizes, and they are simply gorgeous. I have already felt the comfort and good fortune that these scarves have brought me, and it is my greatest wish that they do the same for you.

Paris Avec Moi // Mini Guide

I just returned from my latest (and hands down the best) trip to Paris with Le Sol Travel. In reminiscing on my most recent adventure in my dream city, I am left in awe of the impact that Paris has had on me from an early age. As a little girl, I remember writing and illustrating a book about Penelope the Poodle and her mishaps while on her way to a Dooney and Bark fashion show in Paris. As we can see, I remain on brand. My love and admiration for this city grew so much this latest trip. My French was just passing enough to engage in all my fave activities (ie spending $$) and I was mistaken for a local, not to braggg. Our trip was made so special due to the work put in by my loves at Le Sol. Le Sol Travel curated the most gorgeous itinerary for our 5 days in the City of Lights, and I felt I had to share it here!

• Shop

  La Samaritaine

  Le Bon Marché

  Galerie Vivienne

  Marché au Puces Saint-Ouen

  Chez Sarah

  Les Bouquinistes de la Seine

• Sip

  Bar Hemingway, The Ritz

  Bambino

  Montezumba

  Frenchie Bar à Vins

  La Palette

  Lapérouse

• Chill

  Jardin du Luxembourg

  Tuileries Garden

  Place Vendôme

  Palais Royal

  Les Marais

  Saint Germain de Prés

• Art

  Musée De l’Orangerie

  Musée d’Orsay

  Musée Rodin

  Musée National Picasso-Paris

  Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris

  Petit Palais