Rendez-Vous with Diamond, the blogger from "A Parisian in the USA"
Diamond is a beautiful, young, talented blogger, responsible for creating “A Parisian in the USA.” We came across her blog a few months ago and knew we had to meet her. Now it’s your turn. Let us introduce to you, Diamond!
My name is Diamond Ashleigh Troutman. I was born and raised in Redondo Beach (Los Angeles), California. I’m 21 years old, and currently studying French and sociology at Drew University in New Jersey. My peers and professors recognize me as the president of L’Association Francophone (French Club), a Kathryn Stanley French Studies Scholar, and a member of Pi Delta Phi, The National French Honor Society. Internationally, I’ve received recognition as the creator of Une Parisienne aux USA (A Parisian in the USA), a travel and culture blog I started in December of 2012 to document my travels abroad and at home in the United States.
How did you become a blogger?
My first experience living in Paris in 2011 greatly influenced me in a number of ways culturally. Whether it was fashion, politics, cuisine, or lifestyle, I found myself becoming more and more aware of French culture as well as my own American culture. The following year, I started an unofficial blog to catalog these experiences in Paris, and my transition to living with a “newly-constructed” French identity in the United States. Once my work had been published online, I received encouragement and appreciation from the public. From that moment on, my blog has bloomed. I’ve made it an official project, and now I’m not only writing for myself, but for others who have fallen in love, or are falling in love, with Paris.
*While I may speak quite often of my Paris adventures, “Une ‘Parisienne’ aux USA” is a travel and culture blog which has featured my travels in the USA and abroad in such countries as Canada, France, and Morocco. Visit and/or follow my blog for more information.
Can you describe your universe?
I am a frequent flyer, polyglot, lover of all things vintage, and full-time francophile.
Living on the West Coast, studying on the East Coast, and having family in the South has allowed me to explore and frequent such cities as Los Angeles (CA), Phoenix (AZ), Atlanta (GA), Morristown (NJ), and New York City (NY). I have also traveled extensively around the US as a tourist and vacationer.
I am a native English speaker, however I have strong command of both French and Spanish, and I’m currently learning Arabic and Mandarin Chinese. I thoroughly enjoy practicing my language skills when traveling abroad.
What’s your favorite hobby?
I love music. I play the guitar, piano, flute, and saxophone. In my free time I enjoy transcribing some of my favorite tunes. My most recent project was Green Onions by Booker T & The M.G.s on the piano.
Why do you find France so attractive?
French is classical, elaborate, and mellifluous. I enjoy the versatility that this language offers – it is an official language for international organizations like the United Nations and the European Union, and a widely-accepted language of love and fashion.
- It’s challenging to concisely answer this question because there are a plethora of reasons as to why I find France so interesting.
9+ years study of French language
4+ years study French history, literature, society, culture, tradition
3+ experiences living in Paris, France
What’s your favorite fashion memory in Paris?
I would say my very first trip to Paris is my favorite “fashion memory” so far. Seeing Parisians living their lives is the best fashion show any foreigner could witness. The streets, the metro, errand runs to the boulangerie, even strolls through the park are all real-life runways. Guess what? You’re the visitor, so you’ve got a front row ticket!
Last obsession and splurge?
My last obsession: Cleopatra’s Bling Jewelry
My last splurge: Vintage Chanel heels
What is something that you can’t leave home without?
My beige cat-eye sunglasses! We’re inseparable.
http://uneparisienneauxusa.blogspot.com/2013/03/parisian-chic-pixie-cut.html
Who is your favorite fashion designer?
I don’t necessarily have a favorite fashion designer. I do most of my [clothing] shopping at vintage boutiques like Retro Ranch (Phoenix), and Vintage Désir (Paris).
What are your favorite accessories on www.ruedesevigne.com?
I am a huge fan of AdéliParis headbands! I’ve also got my eye on Coralie de Seynes’ “Collier Feuillage”. The laurel wreath symbolizes victory and wisdom. What a statement that makes as a fashion accessory!
How would you describe Rue de Sévigné’s e-shop?
When describing Rue de Sévigné to my friends, I compare it to Charming Charlie, a fashion boutique that sells accessories inspired by the most coveted trends in the USA. Rue de Sévigné, alternatively, sells the real deal: the designer accessories currently trending on the streets in Paris. Like Charming Charlie, Rue de Sévigné has an inventory of jewelry, handbags, and even hair accessories for any age, and for any occasion or mood. All items [in stock] are all available online at www.ruedesevigne.com. I shop Rue de Sévigné because it’s a portal to virtually shopping Parisian boutiques from wherever I may be in the USA.
Fashionista, globetrotter, a clever girl with a ton of joie de vivre...These are only a few adjectives to describe Diamond! Go on her blog: http://uneparisienneauxusa.blogspot.com and on her Instagram @uneparisienneauxusa !
