Uncharted

Uncharted- Sara Bareilles 

I'm baaack! France was a gorgeous, inspiring whirlwind of a trip. I ended up being completely spontaneous and just went wherever felt right, I got horribly lost (but felt pretty awesome when I figured things out!), ate waaay too much delicious bread and whiled away many perfect moments in cafes. 

I started off in London and then went across to Calais, hoping to catch a train to Rouen to see Claude Monet's garden at Giverny.... hmph. Good plan, not well executed! Having the French vocabulary of a middle schooler didn't make figuring out the train schedule any easier! But after ending up on a train going the wrong way and finding myself in the middle of nowhere France I decided that Giverny wasn't going to happen... so on to Tours in the Loire Valley! 

This was the best decision ever; as soon as I arrived I felt at home. The city is gorgeous, with the most amazing old architecture and winding cobblestone streets. It was hard to leave, but I wanted to head south, so my next stop was Bordeaux. I went to outdoor markets here and stumbled on a pretty amazing fashion shoot. My last stop before Paris was Toulouse... way further south than I was intending to go! It's such a vibrant city and I loved people watching from cafes here. 

My last few days were spent strolling around Paris. I don't know what it is about that city, but it gives me butterflies! My first glimpse of the Eiffel tower from across the Seine had me so excited that I had to stop a passerby and ask her to take my photo! I went to museums, wandered around Montmartre, figured out the Metro (wooo!), looked at a million books at Shakespeare and Co. and hunted down the perfect macarons. Traveling by yourself is exhilarating, slightly lonely, but so worth it. When it finally dawned on me that I could do whatever I wanted and go wherever I wanted I felt reckless and independent. 

Chunky Knit Circle Scarf and Black Jeans: Gap, Stripe Top: H & M, Camel Boots: Liz Claiborne via Winners, Purple Belt: American Apparel, Turquoise Ring: Aldo, Heart Pendant: Le Chateau, Black Watch: Guess

Statues outside the Louvre

Macaron display at a Maison Fondee in Bordeaux 

Best fountain ever in Bordeaux

Eeek! First glimpse of the Eiffel Tower!

Sorry about the incredibly long post! Editing down the hundreds of photos was tough. It was such an amazing trip, I can't wait to go back!

I hope you've all been having a lovely time as well!

Au Revoir!

love

xxx

The Bucket

The Bucket: Kings of Leon

I love how effortless and pretty these images are, the outfits look like they're lived in and loved. Whenever I start feeling uninspired I open up my bursting Inspiration Folder and just have to look at photos like these and I'm ready to tackle my wardrobe again! It's not about recreating them to a T, but instead using the little touches and seeing how it fits into your style. 

And I'm obviously crushing on knee socks and hats. A lot. 

Where do you find your inspiration?

love

xxx

Foolish Games

Foolish Games- Jewel

I wanted to wear a girly dress today and naturally also put on some dainty heels. But then I looked at what I needed to accomplish in the day and decided that I needed more of a kick butt attitude in my outfit. So the big, tough boots came on. I always feel like I can take on the world when I wear these guys, and want to do things that are out of character for me, like driving a motorcycle, becoming a secret assassin and not paying a bill on time! Rarr!

Floral Dress: BB Dakota

Navy Blazer: RW and Co

Black Equestrian Boots: Sister

Black Ribbed Tights: Smart Set

Band Watch: Guess

Heart Pendant: Le Chateau

I have to point out the lone pansy in my (very messy) garden. Look at her, she's been snowed on, frosted, parched and she's now completely alone... but she's still there! And she's gorgeous. I love when things happen against all odds. 

love

xxx

The Great Escape

The Great Escape: Patrick Watson

There's no denying it, I'm a classic kind of girl; I love love love timeless pieces. I feel most comfortable in the classic items that my mum (and possibly grandma) would have worn. A trench and a brocade scarf fall into this gorgeous category. So, on my day off this week, between packing, calling hotels and washing many (many!) loads of laundry, I snuggled up in my cozy camel trench and felt completely at home. 

Camel Coat: Le Chateau, Brocade Scarf: Smart Set, Beige Sweater: J Crew, Black Jeans: Gap, Nude Heels: Aldo

And with that... here I go! I have my whirlwind trip ahead of me, I'll try to stay in touch (I'd miss you all too much!)  and I have a few posts lined up. Also, if anyone knows any good French sentences for me, please comment, I need all the help I can get!

Au Revoir! 

love

xxx

1979

1979- Smashing Pumpkins

What's better on a crisp fall day than layering a bunch of knits, one on top of another until you're as snug as a bug? I was deliciously cozy wearing my many layers this evening while running my (last minute!) errands. I love both this crochet dress and the knit sweater so much, it had never occurred to me to mash them up together though, until I found a gorgeous photo of an outfit full of knit pieces. Lightbulb! 

Crochet Dress: French Connection, Knit Sweater: Urban Outfitters, Grey Scarf: Ralph Lauren, Camel Desert Boots: Liz Claiborne via Winners, Grey Knee High Socks: Dollarama, Turquoise Earrings: Aldo

Time is flying by, in a mere 4 days I'll be heading out on my France trip!! Which I'm so thrilled about (and also secretly terrified for! I've never been traveling by myself, but I've heard it's something everyone should try...wish me luck!) There are a million loose ends to tie before then, hence the blogging absence :(. But I think I've almost covered everything... even lining up a few posts while I'm away! Now excuse me while I pat myself on the back lol! 

love

xxx