One of the things I didn’t like about working in a restaurant was feeling disgusting. I couldn’t be a girl, and as much as I may fight it, I like being girly. This week I’ve done plenty of girly things – paint my fingernails, sleep late, eat croissants, get my hair cut and colored, wear makeup, dress up, and of course, go shopping.

Check out the photos here.

On Wednesday, I had secured a highly coveted lunch reservation at Le Meurice. Not long ago, Le Meurice only had two Michelin stars. They brought in talented and young Chef Yannick Alleno to take them to the next level. And he’s succeeded. Not long ago, the restaurant was awarded it’s third star. After eating there, I can say he definitely deserved it.

We had a splendid lunch among the businessmen in their dark and somber suits. There were a few women having lunch though. The one at the next table wore more makeup than Tammy Faye Baker. I kept stealing glances at her, wondering if here layers and layers of makeup would crack if she smiled.

By the time we sipped the last of our tea, we were full but pleasantly so. Stepping out into the bright blue sky filled with sunshine, we decided to take a lovely stroll through the Tuileries just across the street. Sitting on a quaint park bench in the sun, we ooohed and awed over the amazing book I purchased by the chef, (Four Season at Table Number 5).

On Thursday, I made my way to see Cassiano – my Italian hair god. I can barely understand a single word he says since he speaks so softly, so I tend to say yes to whatever he says. It’s been four months since I’ve seen him, so he surveys my hair with expert eyes, and makes several suggestions. Half way through my cut, he picks up a piece of my naturally dark brown hair and rubs it between his fingers. He glances at me in the mirror and asks if I have more time. When I reply yes, he ushers me into the color room and sits me down with Cathy. She proceeds to paint a mysterious paste into different sections of my hair, and before I know it, my dark brown is peppered with honey colored highlights. I look like I’ve just come back from a relaxing vacation at the beach. Too bad I don’t have the tan to match. Stepping out of the salon, I toss my fabulous new locks like a fashion model and meld with the crown.

On Friday, I woke up late, dressed in jeans and high heals, and headed to my favorite shopping district in the 8th. My first visit was to Furla for a new purse. My old one had been worn down to nothing, so it was time for something new and fresh. As luck would have it, the store just received their new spring collection, so I could browse from the newest selection. I chose a classy, elegant one in black, and the saleswoman happily wrapped it up in the customary black back with white lettering.

After the pleasantries, she’s off to get me a cup to tea while I browse the new spring collection. I’m blown away by how beautifully cut each garment is. And the colors – oh my. The man behind Kenzo certainly knows what he’s doing. No one can put together color and pattern the way he does. It takes my breath away.

Yes, a little retail therapy was just what I needed.

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