As much as I love being in Paris, I also love living in New York City and having this city to call home. That being said, I’m grateful that it is filled with spots for Francophiles like me to get my fix of Paris, offering some of the best things France has to offer. Two years ago I did a post all about Pieces of Paris in New York City and today I’m excited to share a well researched second installment of the series in partnership with Ann Taylor.

The moment I saw Ann Taylor’s latest new arrivals, I was instantly transported to Paris. The beautiful polka dot and velvet fabrics had me excited for my most recent trip to the City of Lights this week and I think lend themselves to all sorts of occasions on the social calendar as we approach the holiday season. Today’s post features three outfits to channel your inner Parisian girl and they also each work well no matter what you’ve got planned for Thanksgiving and early December. A bit of a festive, dressed up touch in each! Hope you find them inspiring for whatever fun plans you have coming up and note that a few styles shown here actually drop tomorrow, the 15th!

Ceci-Cela: This spot has officially been added to my list of favorite croissants. And that is saying a lotI It isn’t in the most desirable location but what it lacks in locale and charm it makes up for in traditional French baking. In 2018 they were voted best croissant in New York and it is easy to see why. I can’t wait to go back and try the pain au chocolat!

In this look I’m wearing the prettiest pink polka dot dress that looks as good with tights as it will come Spring with bare legs. I love the pleating detail on the dress and come cooler temperatures I’ll be topping it with this shawl collar wrap coat that is in a timeless style you’ll reach for again and again. I finalized the look with Ann Taylor’s new suede tassel booties that I can’t wait to wear throughout the holiday season. They’re the perfect little bootie for dressier occasions!

Cafe Select: When I need my casual Parisian bistro fix, I head to Cafe Select. It is a laid-back and cozy atmosphere for any meal but I’m partial to lunch or dinner as sadly their croissants don’t get my stamp of approval after a taste test.

For the occasion, I donned Ann Taylor’s cozy ribbed cashmere sweater that is one of the softest sweaters I have ever owned! (I brought it with me to Paris this week, too!) This was my first time wearing Ann Taylor cashmere and I am now a total convert – it is such good quality. Paired with these polka dot pants that have the prettiest subtle pattern. The polka dot pattern makes it so easy to dress up these pants and they are a contender for my Christmas Eve outfit.

Balthazar: This famed institution is one of the few spots in Soho to get a reliably nice meal. I love it for breakfast meetings but also had dinner here last year and was reminded how it does French bistro classics like onion soup, steak frites and profiteroles well. In researching this post, I also popped into their takeaway shop next door which offers loads of bread and pastry options to take home. I devoured the most delicious shortbread cookies and made a mental note to pick up baguettes here from now on when in the area.

I topped this look with the Ann Taylor funnel coat that is the perfect short coat for any outfit. I particularly love the high collar on it.

Dominique Ansel Bakery: Made famous by the cronut, this Soho spot has a lot more to offer as well. You can get good croissants, sandwiches, tarts and cookies here. Want to try a cronut? Hot tip: You can order them in advance instead of waiting in line with loads of tourists! Know that there is a seasonal flavor that rotates every month. I’m going back soon to try the made to order mini madeleines that look divine!

Pastis: I am so glad Pastis is back in New York City! I used to love brunching there before I moved to NYC and after when I was a resident. It shuttered for a few years but is now back in the same Meatpacking neighborhood and just across the street from its original location but with the same grandeur and some great outdoor seating.

In this look I am wearing the silk dot top which can be worn for evenings out with your girlfriends, work or a festive occasion. I paired it with these velvet pants which I am in love with! Ann Taylor makes such good ankle length pants that are perfect for pairing with heels or flats. The velvet feels luxurious and festive and I can’t wait to pair them with a cozy oversized turtleneck sweater. The finishing touch is this tweed blazer which has the most flattering fit. The tweed jackets in my closet get so much wear and always pull together outfits to make them polished.

Additional Pieces of Paris in New York City:

L’Express: This is a charming place to get a good lunch in a sea of mediocre Gramercy Park options. It specializes in French food from Lyon so dishes are warm and comforting. The menu is vast but I’m partial to their croque monsieur. They are open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week, too and it is particularly cozy on a rainy day.

Chez Moi: This is a neighborhood favorite of mine. Located in Brooklyn Heights, it has a welcoming bar that makes you want to order a glass of red wine and make some progress in your favorite book. But the food is also good offering all the classics like steak frites, seared duck breast, muscles, frog legs and ratatouille. Don’t miss the live jazz on Monday evenings.

Claudette: This Greenwich Village spot is a go-to for me for lunch meetings. The menu is very inspired by Provence cooking so you’ll find more seafood and Mediterranean flavors. It’s a darling atmosphere, good service and always reliably interesting and flavorful dishes.

Frenchette: This upscale French bistro opened in Tribeca last year and impressed me with their duck. As many French places are in NYC, it is over priced but if you’re looking or modern takes on some classic dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere, this is a good spot to head to.

Le Pif: This darling wine bar has two locations – one in Chelsea and one on the Upper West Side – where you can sip wine and eat an array of French fare. I’ve not yet tried the food but I plan to return soon to do so as they menu looks lovely.

. . .

I have a handful of spots still on my list to head to – you know, for research 😉 – so you can definitely expect another installment of this series! And in the most exciting news of 2019 when it comes to French spots in the city? I saw that Cafe Kitsune is opening in The West Village soon! This darling coffee shop is always a must-visit for me while in Paris so I am thrilled that they are arriving stateside.

Shop the Looks:

Look One: Polka Dot Dress (Size 6) // Shawl Collar Wrap Coat (Size S) // Tassel Suede Booties

Look Two: Funnel Coat (Size S) // Cashmere Ribbed Sweater (Size M; comes in 4 colors!) // Polka Dot Pants (Size 6) // Suede Pumps (size down a half size to 6.5)

Look Three: Silk Polka Dot Tee (Size M) // Cutaway Tweed Blazer (Size 6) // Velvet Pants

p.s. a French inspired capsule wardrobe and more favorite cashmere.

[Carter Fish Photography]

This post is in collaboration with Ann Taylor. Thank you so much for supporting the brands I love to work with! You can see our last collaboration here.