Mimi and Weesse's TOP TIPS for Paris

Last weekend we had the pleasure of travelling to one of our favourite places on the planet for the third time- Paris! Treating our gorgeous mum to a girly weekend for her up and coming 'special' birthday, we aimed to cram as much possible in to the 3 nights and 3 days to ensure mum got to do and see all the highlights. 

As we'd both been before, we had a few ideas of how to get around and make the most of our time effectively. Our plan (hugely orchestrated by Mimi!) worked a treat and so we thought it may be useful to offer up our TOP TIPS to anyone planning a trip to Paris in the near future! 

1. Book an Apartment- As there were 3 of us, it worked out cheaper to book an apartment rather than 2 hotel rooms and we're so glad, as it really added to our quest to be all French-like during our stay.

 We booked with Cobblestone Paris Rentals and stayed in the Marais region in their super cute, very-French Le Classique du Marais apartment. 

 Wooden beams, terracotta tiled floor, spiral staircase leading to bedroom and etoile curtains and furnishings...this small but perfectly formed loft apartment was an ideal base for our weekend adventures and in an ideal spot (Rebublique metro station was two streets away). Free WiFi and calls to UK landlines and cell phones; kitchen equipped with toaster, fridge/freezer, hob, kettle, dishes, washing machine/dryer etc; bathroom stocked with shower gel, shampoo and towels......basically everything you could need. Having an apartment meant we could stock up on goodies from the supermarket round the corner (Monoprix) to rustle -up a yummy petit dejuner  and then sit each morning enjoying our boiled eggs and pain au chocolat planning the day ahead in our PJs. Super!

2. Use the Metro- This is a super EASY, super CHEAP and a QUICK way of seeing all of Paris. You're best to buy a 'book' of 10 tickets at a time (especially if there's a few of you) from the machines within the stations. At only 14.40Euros (£10) the Metro is a sure-fire way of getting around on a budget and as long as you don't leave the station, you can change lines still using only one ticket per person, working out at a £1 a journey per person. Bargain! 

Mimi had downloaded the app RATP on to her phone which she used (with the help of a map of the city) for every journey we wanted to make. The app will navigate you on all forms of public transport. We never got it wrong once using the app. We always ended up where we needed to be and in record time. Ideal for cramming as much in to your days. 

The stations are well signposted and the metros themselves safe (like in any major city just be mindful of potential pickpocketing) and used by EVERYONE in Paris. They're open until 2 am and there's' a station on nearly every major street in the city.  We visited The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dam, Ile Saint Louis, L'arc du Triomphe, the Padlock Bridge, the Louvre, the Moulin Rouge and Disney via the Metro. 

3. See the Eiffel Tower at Night- Of course it's really impressive in the day, but our favourite view of this must-see attraction was at night and ON THE HOUR. The tower is lit at night but on the hour it twinkles and wow, what a sight that is! We got off at the metro station Trocadero (The Trocadero gardens and fountains are beautiful too!) and walked up the stairs only to be taken aback by the awesome sight of the Eiffel Tower right in front of us. Perfect spot for taking photos. 

 We also stumbled across a late-night outdoor Tango session. 20 or so couples gliding around in the dark dimly lit by the glow from the Tour de Eiffel. Outstanding! 

4. Eat in the Street cafes- Don't make a dash for nearest steakhouse, McDonald's or Hard Rock Cafe. Try dining where the locals go and you won't regret it. We had a gorgeous meal of sea bass and green beans at Le Cafe Rebublique just a stone-through's away from our apartment on our last night as we watched the world pass by.

We can also recommend taking the Metro to Pigalle and treating yourself to a salad at Le Relais Gascon. 

5.  Do Disney Cheaper- Book before you go. Attractiontix.com allows you to print off a voucher before you travel, to then easily pick up your tickets on arrival at the park. We made a saving £40 on each ticket.

6. See Paris from Above- Grab a coffee-to-go then head for the department store Galleries la Fayette and take the escalators to the roof top for the most stunning view of Paris! You'll find tourists and locals alike taking their lunch break as they soak up the sights, chilling on the sofas dotted across this artificial grass covered rooftop. The department store itself is stunning inside and adorned with floor upon floor of designer brands to drool over. 

Et voila! Our tops tips for now. We could give you some more but we feel these 6 are the BEST advice for getting the most out of your trip. 

Aside from the above, my personal advice to you would be to get yourself a Mimi. She organises and orchestrates everything. You just need to turn up and enjoy! Thanks Mimi! 

A' bientot! 

W x

Je suis d'emballage pour les Paris

Bonjour mis amis

We're Paris bound this weekend, treating our gorgeous mum to a girly trip to celebrate her up & coming 'big' birthday. Très excité! 

Cabin baggage only, we are having to be super ruthless when it comes to packing & only the MUST HAVES are making the final cut. 3 days & 3 nights & a shed-load of options....must stay strong; must not take it all! 

As it's set to be lovely weather-wise, lightweight tops, skirts & dresses are the order of the day, which actually makes for easy packing. Travelling in the winter & having to cram in chunky knits & heavy denim sounds like my idea of hell!

Without even realising, I've managed to put together quite a comprehensive colour palette of whites, blacks, khakis & burgundy. All of which go perfectly with the 3 (possibly 4!) pairs of tan leather shoes I've selected. A tan handbag for during the day & a clutch for evening will complete the weekend's collection.  

DAY (starting top left & going clockwise) 

Stripey Dress: H & M (last year). Here is something similar. 

Playsuit: H & M (no longer available). Here is something similar 

Black Wrap Dress: F & F at Tesco (last year). Something similar..

Camisole: F & F Tesco. Not available now but you may like... 

Skirt: H & M. Another version...

Polkadot dress: F & Fat Tesco. Still available in a different pattern...

Cotton bandeau dress: Primark (also available in a other colours ans prints)

EVENING (starting top left & going clockwise) 

White dress: Yumi (Uttam Boutique) at House of Frasers (last year): Here's something like it...

Camisoles: Primark (various colours available)

Skirt: an independent boutique in Ayr. Sorry!

Dress: H & M (last season) but here's a beaut... 


So there you have it guys. A capsule wardrobe for a weekend in Paris. Photos to follow of course....

Au revoir, Weesse x

Weesse has an EMPTY....or two...!

  By my own admission, I'm a tad unadventurous when it comes to trying new beauty products. When I find something I like, I'm monogamous and don't stray from the old faithfuls I've used for years. Boring I know but playing it safe saves el dinero and my time (precious as it is) which are both high on my priority list. 

  However if I happen to stumble across something new (post-severe procrastination (yup, that's me!)) and actually bite the bullet to try it out, I'm then keen to share my new-found loves with friends.....and that means YOU! Recommendations of products you've used and given the thumbs-up to from like-minded peeps can help to avoid wasting your hard earned cash on unused items that end up just gathering dust on your bathroom shelf-we all have 'em! So my EMPTIES (as in products I've finished and approved!) will be revealed, reviewed and then you can then purchase away if you fancy anything in particular. Boom, done! A public service, if you will! 

 A recent visit to the Kiehl's store in Glasgow opened me up to a whole world of skincare that I hadn't come a across before. Not that I've tried heaps of different brands or would say I'm particularly stuck on one specific make, I have for years been an advocate of Dermalogica products and if splurging on skincare, I tend to stick with them as I know my skin will always appreciate the TLC they afford. Having had two facials at Kiehl's Glasgow this year, I can safely say I've found another fave! 

  Post-facial (which was amazing!) the lovely Lisa at their Buchanan Street store, popped on some Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream in Natural  (available in 3 shades) so I could leave the shop not feeling too exposed (being make-up free!). I'm not someone who gets overly excited about BB creams as I never feel they offer enough coverage/cover-up but this lil' beaut has converted me. I used it everyday on holiday in Spain as opposed to my foundation and I was thrilled with it. Definitely doing what it says on the tin, it evens out your completion and with an SPF of 50, was an ideal choice for everyday wear abroad. I've now started sporting it at the gym (yes, I'm the girl who wears make-up when working out) in the hope that it's less clogging then foundation when getting a real sweat on. Will report back in due course as to whether it does the job or not. 

  I have also been loving Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream. Despite the hefty price-tag, I feel that with this a little goes a long way and so it will last you a long time-an investment perhaps. It's lightweight moisturiser and smells divine and could be used as a night cream as it has anti-ageing properties. Go and test it for yourself (the staff at the Buchanan Street store are super friendly and helpful). A try-before-you-buy for sure. 

 

 I'm forever seeking out ways to help keep my make-up on my face for longer! After all that's where you want it be, right?! A while back I recommended Urban Decay's All Night Make-up Setting Spray (which I'm still using) but recently paired that end stage in my routine with a pre-make-up step-a primer! Specifically L'oreal Paris Infallible Mattifying Base  which I think is a perfect dupe for the Smashbox Photo-Finish Primer. The L'oreal version is a THIRD of the price, is 5ml bigger and has a similar consistency to it! I find it has been making it easier to apply my make-up too as it's super silky and helps to hold my foundation in place for longer. Go get it! 

 I am a big fan of L'oreal (have recommended their True Match Liquid Foundation before) so I'm not surprised that I recently discovered another favourite from them. I have been freakin' loving their Volume Million Lashes Mascara- like seriously guys, it's da bomb! Firstly, the stiff brush helps to separate your lashes as you comb through  the mascara (love!); it defines and lengthens with minimal application (love!); and it's not expensive (sold!). Again, in the past, I have touted Urban Decay's Subversion Primer/Perversion Mascara Duo  as a real fave of mine (which it is) but at a THIRD of the cost, the L'oreal mascara has to win. More pennies in your pocket to buy more lovely things! 

And that my friends is your wack (as we say in Bonnie Scotland!). I hope you find a new love in one or all of the above. I've certainly got a bit of repurchasing to do!

Comment below if you have discovered any gems recently! 

Peace out!

Weesse xx