Shelby Ocana

Shelby Ocana is Californian by birth and Parisian by choice. She arrived in the City of Light for a six-month stay when she was 20 and three decades later she is still there, working in the field of study abroad and raising two bilingual, bicultural children. Paris is her favorite subject to write about. Even after living there for so many years, Shelby continues to find one new thing in the cityscape each and every day that thrills her heart and amazes her eyes.

Website: http://www.parisperfect.com/blog/author/shelbyocana/

Inside a French Pharmacy: The Best Things to Buy

In Paris, you’ll find a ‘pharmacie’ on almost every street corner, but they’re not simply for headache pills or indigestion cures, they’re also a haven for amazing French products that you can’t find elsewhere as easily. From Caudelie’s Beauty Elixir to Nuxe’s honey lip balm, here are the best things to buy inside a French Pharmacie! ... Read More

Here are the Best Clothing Shops in Paris for Curvy Women!

Do you adore Parisian style but get frustrated at how difficult it is to find fashionable clothing over size 12? We’re here to tell you that you don’t have to be thin or petite to achieve the “effortless chic” look. Here is your guide to finding plus-size (or shall we say fabulous-size) clothing in Paris, a fashion capital of the world! ... Read More

Don’t Be the “Poisson d’Avril” this April Fools’ Day!

France has its own version of April Fools’ Day, and it is called “Poisson d’Avril” – or the fish of April. Find out more about the traditional pranks and how you can avoid being the April Fools’ Day fish! ... Read More

Discover the Easter Traditions in France

While the Easter bunny doesn’t make an appearance in the French Easter day family celebrations, there are really fun “cloches” – or bells – that make a surprise visit. Find out more about how to add a few French traditions to your Easter this year! ... Read More

Sweets for Your Sweet in Paris

In France, the month of February is all about Valentine’s chocolates and special, seasonal treats. Here are some of the tastiest sweets to enjoy while out and about in Paris! ... Read More

Paris Florists: Discovering French Flower Traditions

The first signs of spring are starting to appear in the Paris flower markets, oftentimes spilling out into the street in beautifully scented displays. If you are buying flowers in Paris to offer as a gift, check out the French-specific etiquette to keep in mind. ... Read More

French Restaurant Etiquette: How to Avoid a Faux Pas in Paris

Longtime American in Paris Shelby Ocana shares her tips for eating out in Paris’ many different types of restaurants so you can avoid any surprises or making an awkward French dining faux pas. ... Read More

Galette des Rois – A French Tradition Fit for a King!

The holiday dessert season isn’t over just yet in France! These days the bakery windows in Paris are featuring “les galettes des rois,” or King’s Cake, to be enjoyed on January 6th in honor of the feast of the Epiphany. ... Read More

How do the French Stay Slim?

In the midst of the holiday season there’s no better time to ask the eternal question: just how do the French stay so slim while surrounded with the world’s most decadent cuisine? Longtime Paris resident Shelby Ocana shares her insight after three decades in this land of plenty-of-pastries. ... Read More

Celebrate the Holidays with a French Christmas Dinner

You can tell Christmas is just around the corner when the Paris markets are full of traditional favorites for holiday meals. From the perfect starter to the delicious buche de Noel, find out more about the typical foods that make a special appearance in French homes during the holidays. ... Read More

Discovering Les Berges de la Seine

Les Berges de la Seine is a newly transformed park along the Seine in the 7th arrondissement. Designed to create an engaging outdoor space, enjoy walking through the floating gardens, snoozing in one of the rope hammocks, participating in a Sunday morning yoga class or sipping coffee in a gourmet plein air cafe. ... Read More

Step Back in Time at the Palais Galliera with French Fashion in the 1950s

Step back in time (stylishly, of course!) to see the exquisite show “Les Années 50: La Mode en France” dedicated to the unforgettable French fashions of the 50s at the Palais Galliera. On display only until November 2nd! ... Read More

Vive la rentrée!

La rentrée, literally, “the return,” means back-to-school time, and it’s a big deal in France. There’s a feeling of anticipation and renewal in the air as the happy message of “Vive la rentrée” is shared across the nation. ... Read More

Inside the Boulangerie in Paris: Baguettes & Other Delights

La boulangerie, or bakery, is central to French life. So important is its role that the French voted la boulangerie their “favorite place of business.” Find out more about how to shop for baguettes and other delights at the boulangerie for your next visit to Paris. ... Read More