Sam Edelman rain boots sz 5, Topshop jacket 0P (updated version) + jeans sz 25 x 28 (similar here & here), Mansur Gavriel bag (bought at Ssense), similar beret hat, BP sweater (very similar)

I wore these sleek rain booties (also sold here in sz 4 and up) almost daily during recent travels, and love that they can pass as regular shoes when the rain stops! They’re definitely a fashion meets function piece, and comfy too. They did take a little breaking in at the ankle opening for me, so wear taller black socks your first few wears to avoid rubbing and just hide the socks under your jeans hem.

I’ve gotten some questions on the difference between two of my favorite high-waist denim styles – the Topshop Jamie jeans vs. Express high-waisted legging jeans (reviewed here). Topshop Jamie jeans are more fitted at the high waist, so even when I go one size up from my usual denim size, the waist is still narrower across than Express’ smallest size. Express legging jeans tend to be a little softer & stretchier, and feel more forgiving at the waist after a big meal. The Topshop Jamie jeans look very sharp and flattering though due to the slim, snug fit, and the petite lengths are several inches shorter than Express petite – good for ladies who need an extra short inseam. If you’re taller than me, it might be best to try regular (30) length in the Jamie.

Ted Baker wool coat sz 0 (sleeves shortened), Zella midi leggings xxs (the best!), Charles David boots sz 5 (review), BP sweater xxs, Bric’s 21″ carry-on suitcase, Rag & Bone hat sz M, Goyard tote

A few weeks before we visited Paris in December, I met a sweet French reader who ended up sending me a long list of suggestions (thanks, Laurence)! She recommended a few boutique hotels that she was familiar with, including Hotel Adele & Jules, a reasonably-priced one in the 9th arrondissement (which we’ve never stayed in before). It turned out to be conveniently-located and was overall a nice stay, so I wanted to pass along the recommendation!

The hotel was renovated a little over a year ago and is situated on a very quiet street. There’s a subway station just a short walk away and several diverse restaurant options nearby (we tried 4-tiered Szechuan hot pot with tiers for soup, BBQ, stir-fry, & steaming which was quite the experience). If you want that quintessential little Parisian balcony facing out to more Haussman-style architecture, request a room on the 3rd or 5th floor! I will warn that the rooms are small, but I know that’s to be expected for most city hotels. We booked a “Faubourg Deluxe” room and found it to be a tight fit with all of our luggage. I peeked inside the “Boulevard Club” room next door, and would suggest booking that or a suite if budget allows!

Perfect, serene little balcony for enjoying breakfast or coffee al fresco on a warmer day:

My check jacket is nearly sold out, but I had mentioned this one before as a similar option that I also really liked! I tried on a regular sz 0 (below). Petite wasn’t available before, but I’m sure it would be a little more shrunken in fit with shorter sleeves: