I’ve been going through my closet for key clothing pieces for Paris in Autumn 2025. Next month, we have an extended trip to Europe planned to Madrid (and a wedding in Valencia), and places in France such as Paris, Lyon and Provence. I will do a full post on packing for four weeks in Europe but for today, it’s focused on Paris.
And I also want to share a delicious lime tart, what I’ve been reading and more. It’s Sunday Faves time with Annie and Cindy. There are some affiliate links and I may receive a small commission. I appreciate your support.
Ruti Clothing
There is a shop on Filmore Street in San Francisco named Ruti that I used to like visiting when we lived there. Ruti Rizzer, the founder, believes in clothing that is unconventional, well-made and comfortable. So I was happy when they gifted me their asymmetrical Foundation Jacket.
I plan on taking it to Paris with me.
Here is how the jacket looks partially unzipped and with best selling Ramy Brook high rise flair jeans with sailor button detail. I had to have the jeans cut off and hemmed but the proportion is still good. Howard actually mentioned that he liked my jeans. 🙂
Leopard long sleeved tee here…on sale. Similar suede booties.
Key Clothing Pieces For Autumn In Paris — Starting With A Scarf
Much like decorating, I like a jumping off point (like art or a rug) when packing for a trip. Last year’s My Perfect List For Autumn In Europe started with a large neutral plaid scarf. This year, I’m starting with a pretty floral silk scarf (you probably already have one).
Book: What To Read or Listen to: Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
This is based on the true story of the diary of a late 1700’s midwife in Maine. It’s really intriguing as she works to fight injustice. I listened to it on audio.
“As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.”
The Fun Of Shopping For A Grandchild At Target
I have always liked checking out new goods in Target’s housewares department. But now the kid’s section holds equal appeal! Our granddaughter, Louisa is going to be three soon.
brown butterfly purse • kids’ birthday headband • butterfly sunglasses • floral brown dress sold-out online already but I saw it in the store yesterday and this is really cute too
We also got Louisa a Barbie doll toy airplane that flies directly from Burbank to Jacksonville (I wish).
Key Lime Pie Recipe From La Concha Hotel In Key West
We had this in Key West recently. Online, I was able to find the recipe.
The recipe does not show the green drizzle ingredients but I am not sure that you need it. Also, their recipe calls for a meringue (below) but I think they served it with whipped cream.
Key Lime Pie Recipe From La Concha Hotel, Key West
Ingredients
crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 lb butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
pie filling
- 2 whole eggs
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
meringue
- 4 egg whites
- 2 tbsp confectioners sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend pie shell ingredients well, press into 9-inch pie plate. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Reduce oven setting to 250 degrees.
- Mix filling ingredients thoroughly, pour into pre-baked pie shell; bake at 250 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove from oven. Reset oven to 350 degrees.
- Whip egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue on pre-baked pie, working from outside rim to center to ensure that meringue seals to pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for 3 to 5 minutes, until the meringue is golden brown. Chill thoroughly before serving.
New Skincare That I Am Loving
Sometimes cosmetic companies send me products to try with no obligation. I will only share those that I find beneficial, like these…
Over the past two weeks, Remedy for Dark Spots seems to be fading the spots on my cheeks that have grown worse the last few years. I’ve been using a small amount at night. I will keep you posted about how it’s going after 8 weeks. It’s a battle with all the sun (and aging) honestly.
The Elemis Pro-collagen cream SPF 30 (on Amazon) feels so smooth going on my face and neck. Very hydrating. It’s important to use sunscreen every day (especially with products with retinol like in Remedy).
I’ve been using the Elemis Resurfacing pads morning and night after washing my face with the soothing Elemis cleansing balm (on Amazon). You can get the Elemis set at a reduced price directly here.
The Art Of The Thank You Note
After last week’s post including simple etiquette tips, I was feeling shameful for not keeping up with thank you notes.
So, I ordered these cute personalized note cards to keep on my desk as a reminder. I also got a set for a friend who’s birthday is coming up.
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Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Your outfits are so good Mary Ann! Love the Longchamp bag and the leopard sweater! You are going to look great in Paris.,I can’t wait to follow along on the trip!
The book and pie also so good. xo
Love the Ruti jacket! Such a versatile piece for both travel and home. I’m planning a trip to London, Normandy and Paris in the fall and eagerly look forward to more of your packing tips. It’s tricky to edit and not overpack, while trying to be comfortable and stylish. Always look forward to your ideas and recommendations, Mary Ann.
! Any and all help is welcome.
Thanks, Susie!!
Hi Mary Ann
I wish I were headed to Spain and France! I know you will have a wonderful time! I have never understood short sleeve sweaters but that one is darling! All of your outfits are classically casually Mary Ann! That pie looks wonderful. I am anxious to hear how it goes!!
Good evening Mary Ann,
You look beautiful in that jacket and the color is fabulous on you! I love Paris and Europe in general in the Fall and in December. Everything is so beautiful and just getting ready for the holidays.
Packing for a month is a pain, I have done it in the past and always over pack, especially if there are multiple events or activities. You cannot wear the same clothes that you would in Paris visiting a museum as you would walking in the Lake District.
AS for a cary on…maybe if I did not want to bring a bunch of stuff back. Or left everything I brought with there.
I’ve not read this book but it sounds interesting.
The pie looks delicious! I am going to try it.
As for shopping for grands, yes, it is so easy to go to target or anywhere and fall down a rabbit hole of cute things.
HAve a wonderful week Mary Ann!
Love the fashion in this post! Just wanted to confirm the time for baking the pie–only 5 minutes? Thank you.
That’s what they say. The pie is baked so this is just to brown the meringue.
I haven’t made it yet, but I will!
I read FROZEN RIVER for my DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) book club last month. Great book! Did you ever shop Mono Prix (French Target) when you lived there? I found some darling clothes for my young granddaughter there. Also, good for souvenirs. Have a wonderful trip!
I LOVE Monoprix…yes great kids clothes and souvenirs.
Mary Ann! That pie looks scrumptious. I better forgo it if I’m going to fit into those fabulous jeans. You look amazing in your fall-in-Europe (a month in Europe? I’m envious!) outfit. I adore that jacket and didn’t know Ruti was an SF brand. Looking forward to following your travels. xo
Loved your post yesterday, Juliet.
Thank you for the book suggestion Mary Ann going to read that! Your jacket and jeans are beautiful so classy and I love the scarf you found.Have fun getting ready for your vacation!
Thanks Francesca!
Mary Ann! Great outfit ideas for travel! Remember how cold it was last September in Paris? We leave next week and are hoping for a little warmer weather! But one never knows!
That book based in Maine sounds good! I will download it before I leave!
Xx
Hi Mary Ann,
Love your stylish, classic, but casual (ie, not fussy) outfits. Can you update the black dress pants link, please? It goes to your sailor jeans.
Love your whimsical correspondence cards — I have always loved them for easy but elegant notes. They can even be used as a postcard!
Thanks for telling me, Joan. Fixed it!
Those jeans are Fantastic. They make your legs go on forever!
I think the flare is good for shorter legs!
I wonder if Frozen River is based on A Midwife’s Tale the Story of Martha Ballard from her Diary by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich. If so, read the book too. It is a Pulitzer Prize winner and Laurel is a treasure.
Thanks for the tip!
Good Sunday morning! It’s uplifting to think of planning a European trip. I will live vicariously through you this fall! You have thoughtfully chosen lovely beginnings. I am wondering if you have the JCrew leopard cashmere short-sleeved cardigan,and if so, what size did you buy? I am usually a small or small petite (5’1″, bust 36), but buttons might dictate a different story (medium?). I really like the look with a skirt – just not comfortable in a shiny, somewhat clingy one that shows my lumps and bumps. Have you seen anything similar in another fabric? Thank you and I look forward to more attractive travel updates!
I don’t have that short sleeved cardigan…but I would like to! I would probably get a small and wear it with a lace camisole if it’s too low. Lace is really in again. For the silk skirt I have one in a medium print from last year that is a little loose in the waist (which I cover with a sweater).
It’s surprising to me that my J. Crew slip skirt (two years old in a small) doesn’t cling to my hips…which I really don’t want to emphasize 🙂 I am definitely going to pack it as it takes up so little space.
I was in Paris in June with my daughter and two young granddaughters. I was surprised by the fact the Parisians dressed quite casual – lovely, but less formal than I expected. The only things I bought new for the trip were sneakers and a travel outfit to wear on the plane. I buy quality clothing, but since retiring it’s a much more casual coordinated capsule wardrobe so I fit right in. I did buy a silk scarf when I was there. I suggest that before going out and buying a new wardrobe for a trip take a look at what you already have and perhaps supplement it with a few things if necessary. We are very selective with what we take to wear when we travel as we only use carry on luggage and a tote to keep things simple.
Great advice, Lynn. I ALWAYS start with what is already in my closet, too. But as my friend Juliet says “sometimes one or two new pieces can make your whole suitcase feel fresh!”
I would love to just take carry-on…but for four weeks (and a wedding in there), I just can’t. I’m mostly worried about train travel from Paris to Lyon…but Howard says he will help me get it on the train (he always does) but at some point we will just need to do carryon!
I was thinking about that, Lyn…how when we lived there 25 years ago, the Parisians got a lot more dressed up. I think they must have gotten tired of their feet hurting (they did buy a lot of Todd’s driving moccasins though). They certainly embraced the sneaker trend…but haven’t we all?
Hi Mary Ann
What size are you wearing in the Ruti jacket? Does it fit true to size?
Thanks,
I am wearing a small…and it’s a little long on me (I’m 5’1″) but I like it. It’s unlined and has a comfortable stretch. Hope this helps.
I have been enjoying this Sunday blog with your 2 friends for years. I rarely write comments on any blog, not sure why. This week you posted the Striped Chino Peplum Jacket and I just had to comment. From your description you wear petit clothing and I wear misses. The beauty of retailers like JJill is the same item looks great on any size. I love my Chino jacket and hope to wear it often. I read Frozen River last month and found it fascinating. Because it was based on historical events I love to research the main character Martha. So interesting.
Thank you for this blog. I so enjoy reading it.
I bet you look great in the Peplum jacket, Cary! I love mine.
I wanted to know more about Martha, too. Love what a strong woman she was.
Thanks for the nice comment!!