What Cool Girls Do In Paris

A few full days with Sasha Sviridovskaya and her inner circle.

Women who trust their taste, move at their own pace and know the best looks rarely come from playing it safe.

A LOCAL POINT OF VIEW.

We first met Sasha in Spain. So naturally, we followed her home to Paris.

In a city where everyone has somewhere to be, Sasha’s advice is simple: don’t be afraid to look different. So we let her lead the way.

Sasha had the plans. We brought something better to wear.

This one is for those who want to live like the locals…

BEFORE THE PLANS BEGAN.

We arrived in Paris with a little time before the calendar filled up.

Most visitors follow the well-worn route. They queue beneath the Eiffel Tower, join the crowd around the Mona Lisa and tick Paris off one landmark at a time. We are not most visitors. So, we set out on foot to get acquainted with the city Sasha calls home. It was our first glimpse of the Paris that exists between the landmarks. Tables spilled onto pavements and people moved with purpose. Personal style appears in every direction with no explanation offered.

Following a few of Sasha’s recommendations, we wandered through the streets of the 10th arrondissement before settling in at Bouillon Julien for dinner. Strictly for research purposes, of course. With the first impressions made, we called it a day with tomorrow’s plans waiting and Sasha and her friends not far behind.

GOOD COMPANY, CONFIRMED.

Familiar faces. A few new favourites.

The next afternoon, Sasha and her inner circle, Flore, Ambre and Carlota, checked into Hôtel Château d’Eau.

One of Sasha’s favourite staycation spots, the hotel takes its cues from 1970s Paris with unexpected vintage finds and no interest in playing it safe. In other words, a fitting place for VRG GRL to move in for a few days.

Bags down. Outfits up for discussion. Getting dressed became one less thing to overthink and one more reason to feel confident.

The first plans began where all good plans should: over wine.

Sasha gave us options. Too many good wine bars to choose from, frankly.

ROJO was our pick for the night, while La Patate Douce Radio, La Palette, Bambino and 7 by Sevenly Heart made her shortlist.

After a welcome glass or two, we made our way to Arcane 17. Small plates were passed around the table including their highly-rated bikini comte and grilled pimentos. Mains were catch of the day and dry aged beef filet followed closely with basque cheesecake and another class of rose.

Conversation could have carried on well past closing but tomorrow had reservations of its own.

OUT THE DOOR, EVENTUALLY.

Sasha’s first rule of the day: trust your taste. Clothes first. Coffee close behind. What’s not pictured: the outfit change that happened two minutes before leaving. Friday started at Fauna, dressed in our VRG GRL best before breakfast had even arrived.

After indulging in a traditional Scandinavian breakfast, we stepped back into the Paris pace with Sasha leading us from one good idea to the next.

A quick stop at the hotel followed, where another outfit change became a group activity.

Part practical. Part ritual. Mostly women bringing out the best in the clothes and each other.

Next stop: a long lunch at L’Emil. Lunch slipped into the afternoon with very little interest in the time.

For the record, Loulou, Les Deux Abeilles, La Fontaine de Mars, L’Oursin, Le Cherche Midi, Le Petit Lutetia and Le Voltaire also earned Sasha’s approval. We could not make it everywhere, so consider the rest saved for the next time you feel like making Paris your own.

THE NIGHT SHIFT.

By the evening, the day had already given us plenty to talk about.

There’s something about dinner with friends and a good outfit that makes you feel most like yourself.

We dined at Casa Pregonda, where Sasha recommended the croquetas de jamón ibérico, lomo ibérico de bellota, lobster paella and chocolate espresso cheesecake. To pair, sauvignon with jalapeños, sangria and champagne.

From first coffee to last look, the outfits held up. Très important, oui?

ONE FOR THE ROAD.

A final morning in Paris called for one more of Sasha’s favourites.

Résidence Kann delivered toasted banana bread, espresso butter and iced Americanos strong enough to restore appearances. The outfits did the rest.

Then came the goodbyes. We headed home in different directions, but not quite as we arrived. New friendships came with us and familiar ones felt even closer. The suitcases had been opened, overfilled and repacked more times than anyone cared to admit.

We came to Paris for women who trust their taste, move at their own pace and know the best looks rarely come from playing it safe.

We were reminded that the right clothes do not change who you are. They bring more of you forward.

Paris, Sasha’s way, in VRG GRL. Standing out was entirely the point.

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