European Adventures | Le Musée du Louvre

 The inside of the Louvre is just as awe inspiring as the outside. It is full of masterpieces by artists from all parts of the world, time periods, and walks of life. It's not something to be overlooked on a trip to Paris (especially since it's free for students in the EU). 
My favorite pieces were the statues. I can't imagine making a rock go from a rock to something so human. There is so much detail and life in all of the statues and they have survived centuries. It's just... wow.
Winged Victory of Samothrace - by Pythokritos of Lindos
The Dying Slave - by Michelangelo
Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss - by Antonio Canova  
Melpomene - artist unknown


The Great Sphinx of Tanis 

Paris was my last stop on my European adventure this summer, so this is my last post of cool, not American things. Thanks for coming on this adventure and living my dreams with me.
This experience has been life changing (& scary, amazing, and unbelievable). 

I wouldn't trade it for the world, especially since it gave me more of the world.

- Jess

European Adventures | Versailles: Le Château


 Even looking back at the pictures I can't believe my eyes. Versailles is GORGEOUS.
Its extravagance and elegance cannot be denied. There isn't a single corner of the palace that isn't filled with intricate detailing. If Versailles doesn't take your breath away, nothing will.
Welcome to my crib...


So many florals (for spring? Groundbreaking.)
"To all the glories of France"
As an American it's so strange for me to think about how old everything in Europe is. There are buildings here built before Europeans even came to the Americas, before the United States was even thought of as it's own country. It's astonishing to think about how young the US is in comparison to Europe. 
Then I think about the fact that people actually lived here. Can you believe it? They carried out their (royal) daily lives in this striking palace. It's mind blowing, really. Versailles and all of its history just doesn't seem real, it's like out of a storybook or something. 

- Jess

European Adventures | Versailles: Les Jardins

If you go to Versailles you can't miss the gardens. Honestly, you should probably buy the two day pass to really explore everything the gardens and the palace have to offer. 
 I don't think you can see the end of the gardens from here. They are massive! 
There's a very large part of them that is free and open to the public, but the area with the fountains is incredible and well worth the euros.




There's not much to say about the gardens except "Go there!" Make sure to stop and enjoy the fountain shows and if you can, rent a bike or something. SO MUCH walking is involved and it will tire you out way before you've seen everything (I know from experience). 

- Jess

Le Jardin des Plantes | OOTD

Top: Forever 21 (similar)
Skirt: H&M
Socks: Forever 21 (similar)
Boots: Asos (similar)
Ruffles are forever



London | OOTD


I went back to London. I can't get enough of this city.
I saw all of the monuments last time I was there.
This time was all about what I wore.
I can't deny that I've done a lot of shopping in Europe. There are so many new things here and I feel more free to step out of my element. I bought a couple of firsts here. First maxi skirt, first pair of ripped jeans (I'm aware of their impracticality), and first pair of Birkenstocks. 
Let's take a quick moment to reflect on the fact that Birkenstocks in Europe cost roughly a third of what they cost in America. That is blasphemy.

Anyway, onto my ootds.

Day 1:
Top: Zara
Pants: Zara (similar)
Shoes: Keds
#awkward
Mastering the hair flip
Day 2:
Top: Forever 21 (similar)
Skirt: Zara

I'm only slightly obsessed with Zara right now. I can't help it. The summer soldes have turned me into a weak woman. It's all so beautiful.

- Jess