This isn’t Kasia Dietz’s first visit to Lost In Cheeseland. You might recall the name from my interview with her about her bag and tote collection, Kasia Dietz Bags, at the end of last year. Since then, her pieces have been featured all over the web and in various print publications and her Paris-themed bags have become the city’s hot-ticket accessory. But our exchange focused primarily on her designs and inspiration so when I started Franco File Friday, I knew I had to feature her to get a better sense of her appreciation for France.

A natural-born traveler, Kasia jets off to Italy frequently with her Italian husband.  Recently, she explored the Greek islands and fell in love with Corsica (a familiar tune!), always nurturing that place in her heart for her first love, New York City. Meet Kasia!

Describe what you love about Paris in three words
Classic, timeless, beauty.

Perhaps I was once French. Ever since I first encountered Paris as a student, it spoke to the dreamer in me, making me feel very much at home. I felt as thought I had stepped into another time where each scene was more beautiful than the last, a sky filled with hues of ever-changing pinks and blues above centuries old museums and cafés. Quite the setting for romance, no?

Biggest challenge running your own business in France?
Getting started was the biggest challenge considering my French skills were lacking (still working on them!). I had no resources to speak of and found it very difficult to navigate the system. What I find most challenging in the day to day operations is keeping a positive attitude when faced with defeat. Paris does not have a way of propelling you with its positive energy, it needs to come from within. Thankfully, I have a very supportive expat network which works wonders! Not to mention my own Italian who also serves as my business advisor/assistant. The saying rings true, “If you can make it in NYC you can make it…. in Paris”.

Area of France you appreciate most? 
During my year of travel, I took some time to explore the South of France and became enamored with Provence. Partly because I knew it was my father’s most-loved part of the country (he too was a devout francophile) but mostly due to the charm and intimacy of village life, one of my favorite of these villages being Saint-Raphael. Saint Tropez is also beautiful in its pastel shades – off season, of course. I also spent a week in Aix-en-Provence following the footsteps of Cézanne and traveled throughout the Luberon. The ochre light of Roussillon is enchanting!

More recently I traveled to Corsica and fell in love with this island of extreme, untamed beauty. It has also come to symbolize my current life between France and Italy with its unique Franco-Italian history.

My next trip is to the Loire-Valley where I am eager to wind my way (by bike!) around the regal landscapes…and of course, indulge in the wines.

Favorite neighborhood to shop? Favorite boutique? 
I am a girl of the right bank. Even before moving to Paris. There is nothing quite like losing myself in the tangle of the historic Marais, filled with both big name and independent boutiques, the latter of which I try to support. I don’t have one favorite boutique but often stop by my neighborhood Violette & Léonie, a mix of old and new. I also find design inspiration (and often a treasure or two) in the many vintage shops and brocante markets scattered throughout Paris.

Defining difference between New York and Paris? 
Very simply, New York represents the future and Paris represents the past. My more forward-thinking, open-minded American, or should I say New York, mentality has a hard time adapting to France’s more traditional, staid views. New York is an international city of motion, where energy is felt in the air. Comparatively, Paris often feels like a village. That being said, I don’t completely agree with nor prefer either and am happy to spend my life living between the past and the future.

Place you dine when craving a taste of home?
NYC is all about ethnic and fusion foods so I am constantly on the search for good Mexican, Spanish, Japanese, Indian, Thai, etc. Not easy to find but they do exist! As for my one guilty ‘American’ pleasure, I love a good cheeseburger and have often found they are even tastier in Paris.

I must also add that NYC is all about brunch, a meal we take very seriously. What I miss from home are the long, leisurely Sunday brunches and so many restaurants serve them well and affordably. This ‘brunch’ culture is lacking in Paris though I recently discovered Eggs & Co to satisfy the craving. But the search continues for a plate of good old-fashioned blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup. Simple pleasures.

Thanks, Kasia! I’ll have to take her on more of my brunch excursions to see if we can’t satisfy her craving with more than just eggs. Perhaps her next business venture will be a pancake shop? *hint*

She’s designing like mad for the Fall and if this last year has been any indication of her staying power, she will undoubtedly succeed in Paris, obstacles and all. Follow her stories on Love in the City of Lights, her thoughts and photos on Twitter and become a fan of Kasia Dietz Bags on Facebook!

{Top photo: Chloe Lodge}
{Other photos: Kasia Dietz}