I lost my budget virginity in Paris

In May I did something for only the 2nd time, go to Paris.
And for the very first time, I budgeted for travel
(sacré bleu!)

Yes, yes, our little girl is growing up…

Turns out it’s quite simple, really.
Here’s how it goes:

1. Have money.
You can’t imagine how many times I’ve skipped this step. I have the distinct memory of being twenty-four, unemployed and traipsing to summer weddings and weekend jaunts, all involving air travel and hotel stays. It was the economic sage Mike Cunningham (my father) who aptly, if not strictly, advised- STOP TRAVELING, MARY.

Hhhmmmmm, that hadn’t occurred to me.
Interesting concept, but lack of funds wasn’t a convincing argument. “ …But why, Dad? I can pay for it, I have a credit card.”

Oh, my youth.
*For the record I don’t regret any of the travel.

Ok, back to being a fiscally responsible traveler…

2. Decide how much you will spend while on the trip. Realistically. This, boys and girls, is called creating a "budget." Even busing down on a weekend trip to Delaware I can manage to grossly under estimate this. Simply because I don’t want to think about the amount I spend in an average weekend, much less on a weekend getaway.

3. Prepare yourself- Convert that amount into local currency before you travel.
When faced with a foreign ATM, I tend favor my internal conversion table which is reminiscent of the outdated Franc/Dollar exchange. Turns out the Foreign Exchange market thinks differently. There are just certain things that I would rather forget and the Dollar’s weakness to the Euro is one of them.

4. Withdraw that amount. Withdraw slightly less than that amount.
And try this- JUST spend that cash. Oh la la.
I mean really, unless you find an amazing gem at a gallery or boutique that you absolutely must have, chances are you’re better off by sticking to a budget.

Speaking of conversion rates, the mirrors seem to change as well when you return stateside. "How did I not notice this muffin top when I was in the boutique? Damn you, post-lunch wine buzz!"

With budget guidelines in mind, it doesn’t mean I wasn’t swayed by the allure of French boutiques. And why should I not?! This is Paris after all and I am a female. It’s a woman’s given right to indulge when in the City of Light: in beef tartare, in Bandol, in truffles and in shopping. (Definitely not the world’s worst To Do list).

But remember ladies- France’s premiere exports don’t become less expensive just because you buy them local. Honestly, if local produce isn’t less expensive at the farmer’s market, you can bet that Louis Vuitton and Chanel aren’t either. So no, I’ll pass on the ultra chic global brands in favor of seeking out those truly unique fashions that maintain international flair amid the globalization of fashion that has brought Sweden's H&Ms, Spain’s Zaras and Britain's Top Shops to hometowns around the world.

There was one little dress that was just simply Oh la la and for which I would have jilted this budget-thing but alas, I couldn’t negotiate the correct undergarments. Note: brassieres and satin don’t always go together. And yet no bra and satin is, um, precarious, to say the least.

So our little girl left a budgetary woman even though she did want to give it up just a bit.

And by Passe I Mean...

Passe as in pixie haircuts, cosmopolitans, cropped tiny tees and the light blue/chocolate brown color palette. All simply fabulous for a moment in time or for those who can really pull it off, but not meant for mass consumption.