France and Father's Day
Sharing about my trip to France. What I wore, what I loved, and the lasting impact my dad has had on my design eye and my desire to see the world
I recently went to France for my 30th birthday, it was a special trip with some of my very best friends. I had made it a personal goal to go somewhere meaningful for my birthday this year. I’ve been walking through grief and loss that has been completely life changing and I wanted to mark a difficult chapter with a thoughtful experience. Something beautiful and with people I love. Life has a way of moving forward, even when you're grieving. This trip let me pause for the first time in a while and allowed me some space to actually breathe and catch up to some of my deep feelings.
My dad loved traveling more than anything. He always encouraged my brother and me to see the world whenever we could. Growing up, my parents worked really hard to take us on trips. They always chose somewhere interesting. I feel incredibly lucky to have had those experiences. As I've gotten older, I've held onto that mindset.
Today is Father’s Day so naturally I’ve been thinking about my dad even more. I used to call him before and after every trip. I’d send photos of the architecture, the antiques, the scenery, and anything I knew he’d love. He always responded with so much enthusiasm about beautiful things. We share the same humor and sarcasm so we would laugh about travel mishaps and the shared annoyance of people rushing off the plane before it’s their turn. Missing him so much today.
My dad was a custom home builder, and with my parents being South African, they had a unique Cape Dutch and European aesthetic that stood out in Oklahoma. Their eye for design shaped the way our home felt. They brought back paintings, intricate tiles, antique light fixtures, and pieces that made our home feel special. Even in the smallest ways, like sitting down with coffee or tea after every meal or setting out the silver and placemats on occasion, made our home feel intentional and rooted in beauty. I guess I was paying attention because these days I’m the one stuffing a painting into my carry-on or filling my bag with trinkets. I always come home with something to add to my space.
A Few Homes My Dad Built
Staying in the Countryside
For this trip, I really wanted to experience the French countryside. We stayed at Le Manoir de la Massonnières, one of the most beautiful chateaus I’ve ever seen. Our hosts were incredibly kind, and the gardens were unforgettable. From the hedges and roses to the scattered seating areas throughout the property, I left inspired and thinking about these things…
Ways I would like to style the landscape of a future home
Album art backdrops and promo ideas for upcoming music
Taking more time to sit and walk outside
Who I surround myself with
What I say yes to/making time to pause and process
Getting to Sarthe from Paris was easy and only about two and a half hours by car. The drive was so beautiful. We rolled down the windows, played everything from Stephen Wilson Jr. to classical music to really take it all in. I can’t recommend this place enough. It was peaceful and felt incredibly special.
A Few Days in Paris
I extended the trip with one of my best friends and spent a few extra days in Paris. It was the perfect way to round out the experience. We ate amazing food, spent hours in cafés, wandered through antique shops, and walked all over the city.
This trip also brought out some of my favorite style moments, so I put together a few outfit highlights.
Outfit Favorites
My best friend Ellen made me a beautiful custom blouse and hair scarf that I am still freaking out over. I love styling the scarf around my waist with a pant. These were such thoughtful gifts that I’ll treasure forever.
Another best friend, Hannah, made me a gorgeous custom necklace. Her jewelry always pairs perfectly with a casual look. I’m usually wearing a pair of her handmade earrings too. Highly recommend her shop for yourself or a gift for someone special.
So obvious for a trip to France. Some of my favorites were the white blouse, the striped blouse with ties, brown loafers, and a blue basket-weave bag. I made a list of my top Sézane pieces here. It is a yearly thing for me.
I’m all in on the butter yellow right now. This linen wrap top is so versatile. I styled it under a cream blazer and tied Ellen’s blue scarf around my waist for a layered look. My close friend got me onto Deiji and it is my favorite for casual oversized sets.
These colorful slingback heels added fun to my more neutral outfits. Sometimes all it takes is a great pair of shoes to make an outfit feel intentional.
Paris Favorites
I feel naturally inspired by thoughtful restaurants, food, architecture, nature, and time spent antiquing. I always come away with ideas for meals I want to recreate at home and project ideas for my art or space. Paris really hit me with it all at once. Here’s a short list of some of my favorite spots..
Le Café Des Délices A local spot we ended up at almost daily. Outdoor seating all day.
Le Grand Bain was truly a standout dinner and I am still thinking about it.
Square du Temple - Elie Wiesel take a stroll through this park.
KIS A vintage and coffee shop in one place. What more could you want?
Chez Janou the mussels with pesto were otherworldly.
Le Clown Bar beautiful interior, great food, and a hidden silverware drawer under each table that hurt me it was so cute
Mamiche trust me and get the ham and cheese croissant
Caractère De Cochon the perfect spot to grab a baguette sandwich with a wild selection of meats and cheeses.
Saint Ouen Flea Market antiques for days. Open on Saturday through Monday and I think I saw heaven
Turning 30 in a year like this has felt layered. It has been hard to hit a significant moment in life knowing my dad is not here to share it with me. There has been sadness and longing, but also joy, beauty, deep friendship, and the quiet realization that both can exist. I’m not sure I expected to feel these moments of gratitude in midst of all the pain, but I really do.
Love,
Abby Jane
Abby, your writing beautifully articulates your intertwined journey of grief, grace, and growth. I’m incredibly proud of you.
this is so beautiful!