39 In Style/ Travel/ Wellness

Black and Bling

All black and bling in Paris

After my trip to the US, I came home to London for a day and a half.  I didn’t even bother unpacking; I just added a few warmer things to my suitcase and we drove straight to Paris (a 5 hour drive).  Now, I am not one of those bloggers who wears a new outfit in every single post.   I buy things I love, usually statement pieces, and I wear them to death. I enjoy mixing them and seeing how many different looks I can get out of re-working the same pieces in different ways.  When you travel, you have no choice but to do this; you simply make do with whatever is in your suitcase.

For instance, the shoes I’m wearing in this post, I wore before here. The earrings I wore here.  The trousers I wore here. But doesn’t everything look so different worn with this (old) black jacket and these (sold out Mango) statement sunglasses?  Plus, everything just seems to look different and better when you photograph it in Paris!

Statement sunnies and earrings

As much as I adore colour, I also adore black… especially for travel.  It is urban, it is practical, it is elegant, it matches everything, and it does not have to be boring.  I need to wear a stronger lip colour and a brighter blush to pull it off with my pale colouring, but that is a small price to pay for a colour which can look so chic and pulled-together with so little effort.

Marais black and bling

Paris Black Bling Boulangerie
Black and Bling for daytime

Bling Black Musee

Now, this Stefanel jacket is something that has been in my closet for six years, and I’ve never even worn it once.  I ordered it online because I saw it on Pippa Middleton (sad, but true) and thought it looked like it belonged in my closet.   It was too small, but I couldn’t bear to part with it.  I mean, look at these details!

Coat details

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ll know I have a serious weakness for coats, shoes, sunglasses, and anything sparkly, of course. I  thought I’d give this coat to a friend of mine who has always liked it, but then something happened.  I lost 30 pounds (14 kilos) in the last 100 days, and now it fits.  In fact, it is now slightly too big (see under the arms) so my friend may end up getting it anyway, but for different reasons!  I’m not quite where I’d like to be yet in terms of weight, but I’m definitely getting there.  30 pounds sounds like a lot, but when you’re 5’8″ you’ve got a lot of room on your frame to hide stuff.  How did I do this?  Well, I’ll share all of that in my next post, but mostly it has to do with me finally addressing my serious addiction to sugar.  It is the most personal and soul-baring post I’ve ever written, but honestly, if I can help anyone else who has struggled with their sugar addiction or their weight (who hasn’t?), it is worth me sharing.  I’ve learned so much about what makes me tick.  I’m a complicated open book; I didn’t think there was much more to learn about myself at 48, but I have learned (and continue to learn) a lot in kicking my addiction.  I just wish I’d learned it sooner.  In the words of Maya Angelou,“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”

Anyway, back to Paris.  Autumn is special here.  I’m just going to leave a few photos below of how beautiful it is.  If you’re planning a trip to Paris, see my recommendations here…  I’ll have to edit that post next month to remove my beloved Colette which is closing in December.

Paris street cornerSee how everyone is wearing black?!

Seine

Cite

Paris GraffitiEven the graffiti is beautiful

Windows in Paris

PhotobomberMy son photobombing!

SIMILAR ITEMS TO MINE

Duck Egg Blue sweater Winser London

One other Paris outfit (weekend style) was this duck egg blue cashmere sweater (Winser London’s Audrey) which seems to blend into Paris and into my favourite local coffee shop, Boot Cafe, so well.  I wore the Ecco shoes from this post a lot; I think they look so much smarter than a white sneaker, and they proved perfect for a city holiday.

I’m glad to put away my suitcase for a while, and I’m looking forward to wearing winter clothes… my favourite season sartorially.   See you next week in your Inbox.  xx

linking to: notdeadyetstyle,

 

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39 Comments

  • Reply
    Elizabeth Fitzsimmons
    November 5, 2017 at 6:02 PM

    You look AMAZING (as always)! As a fellow sugar addict, I can’t wait to read your next post.

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 5, 2017 at 9:36 PM

      Oh, thank you Elizabeth. I look forward to publishing the next one, although it is a hard one to write! I hope you like it. xx

  • Reply
    1010ParkPlace
    November 5, 2017 at 6:26 PM

    Congratulations on dealing with your sugar issues. That and your weight loss is an amazing accomplishment! Your coat… I can only wish I’d been the friend who received it. And… couldn’t agree more about white sneakers, so finding chic, comfy walking shoes is key. Brenda

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 5, 2017 at 9:36 PM

      Thank you so much, Brenda. It is amazing how when you heal the brain, the body takes care of itself. xx

  • Reply
    Annette
    November 5, 2017 at 6:47 PM

    Congratulations on your sugar-free time, Lisa! Your figure is amazing and so the silhouette of this beautiful coat.
    I really need to visit Paris next year!

    xx Annette

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 5, 2017 at 9:42 PM

      Thanks so much, Annette! You really know what a big thing going off of sugar has been for me. We need to coordinate a Paris trip. xx

  • Reply
    Linda Breen Vens
    November 5, 2017 at 7:20 PM

    I love the coat! I hope you keep it! Just remember, if you wear something bulky under it, the armholes will not be so big! Please tell me how you lost the weight! I am struggling to lose some weight too. I love the sunglasses. These would not look good on me, my smaller face would be lost in them. But they really suit you!

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 5, 2017 at 9:40 PM

      Hi Linda! For now, the coat will stay in MY closet. Thank you for the sunglasses compliment 🙂

      I promise you I will have finished the post about my weight loss next week. It is almost ready! I’ll tell you everything I learned, and I can’t wait to see you do what I did. xx

  • Reply
    Catherine Clarke
    November 5, 2017 at 11:41 PM

    Woo Hoo Go girl, well done You look absolutely fabulous. I am mentally getting ready to read your next post, so I can address my sugarholic stuff. Keep the coat, a tailor can fix it I am sure.

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 7, 2017 at 1:09 PM

      Thank you, Catherine! Ohhhhhh, lemme tell you, the next post is a doozy. You might think I’m properly crazy after reading it (probably right!) but at least I have the tools to address the sugar monkey on my back now, and I’m winning for the first time ever. xx

  • Reply
    LA CONTESSA
    November 6, 2017 at 12:36 AM

    I wanted to say SOMETHING about the weight in the PINK POST IN NEW YORK but felt I did not know you well enough…………..GOOD JOB!
    Your last POST I once again was NOT able to comment!!!TRIED THREE times……….the comment box never appears…………
    ANYWAY, just know I AM STALKING in the WINGS!Don’t lose too much……….XX

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 7, 2017 at 1:08 PM

      Oh OF COURSE you know me well enough, Elizabeth! I wonder why you have such problems with commenting, that is so WEIRD! And ANNOYING! I’m off to go read your latest right now, which just arrived in my Inbox. Thank you, sweetness. xx

  • Reply
    Ann
    November 6, 2017 at 12:47 AM

    Lisa, you look gorgeous, as always, and SO HEALTHY! You’re a great role model to so many women. Your joie de vivre is magnetic.

    And yes, black is my most-worn color, too. Not the only one, but it’s number one. I keep trying to pretend it’s not my safety net, but it fills so many needs.

    Glad you’re back in Paris. A great place to settle in for a while.

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 7, 2017 at 1:07 PM

      Thank you, Ann! It is so kind of you to say that. The much-anticipated sugar post is almost ready to publish… I’ll get it out by the end of this week.

      I love black… I try not to wear ONLY black like I did for years, but it always has a special place in my heart and in my closet. For travel, you sure can’t beat it. xx

  • Reply
    Suzanne
    November 6, 2017 at 1:59 AM

    You always look marvelous! Now you have a slinkier look and are still lovely. Congrats on fighting off the sugar beast. I look forward to your next post. Thank you for sharing more than fashion.

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 7, 2017 at 1:05 PM

      Ahhh, the sugar IS a beast for some of us! Thank you, Suzanne. I’m so glad you enjoy reading my posts. xx

  • Reply
    josep-maria
    November 6, 2017 at 7:43 AM

    Wonderful elegance! I love the coat is a spectacularly beautiful piece. Shoes, glasses and earrings are beautiful and, all together, that may seem excessive, in this outfit, they look great. Elegance in Paris, you and Paris form a beautiful couple.

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 7, 2017 at 1:04 PM

      Thank you so much, Josep-Maria. That is so lovely of you to say. xx

  • Reply
    RetroChicMama
    November 6, 2017 at 9:12 AM

    Your coat is divine Lisa such exquisite details, this alone is worth dieting for!
    I can really appreciate what you mean when you say you learned a lot about yourself recently. That has occurred to me recently too although for different reasons. Isn’t it wonderful to know that in middle age we’re still growing & even able to change behaviour? It just goes to show there’s always time to do better – I adore that MA quote too 😉
    And I want you to know I’m really proud of what you’ve accomplished Lisa xx

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 7, 2017 at 1:03 PM

      Thank you, sweet friend. It is great to know you can teach old dogs new tricks 🙂 and that our behaviour can still change so drastically. Thank you again xxx

  • Reply
    Sharron Goodyear
    November 6, 2017 at 12:45 PM

    Hi Lisa. I just wanted to say really well done on battling your sugar addiction. I read a post yesterday about getting your power back and part of your post made me think about what the person said “I believe the opposite of addiction is connection. When we are connected with our confidence, we are not coming from a position of lack and we stop reaching outside of ourselves. Our self-destructive habits don’t control our life anymore and that gives us true freedom.”

    I love reading your posts. You are a great writer and an honest one. You also look great in that jacket! ?

    Sharron xx (keepingitfabulousblog.com)

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 7, 2017 at 1:00 PM

      Thank you so much, Sharron. I love the quote. I think that is why I’ve done so well with the social support and being in a Mastermind group for my addiction too… as soon as you connect with someone else who understands, REALLY gets your battle, it seems to be so much easier. The connection replaces the addiction. I hope to be at the point where I’m connected to my own power over sugar and don’t need the outside connection, but baby steps for me right now!

      I really appreciate your comments; thank you, lovely. xx

  • Reply
    Abby@Midlifecrisisnut
    November 6, 2017 at 1:44 PM

    You look gorgeous in your coat and glasses, Lisa! Plus your stunning pictures of Paris. What a shame we missed out on each other:( Happy to see Alexandre though in the last one! And speaking of Parisians only wearing black, it’s so traumatizing coming from the outside and seeing everybody mourning. Plus, they wear black winter coats and boots until it’s late May while the rest of the world is celebrating full spring. Sending you lots of ❤️ xx Abby

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 7, 2017 at 12:56 PM

      I’m still so disappointed about missing each other. We’ll sort it next time. Thank you Abby, I know… the whole world seems to idolise the Parisian dress sense and it is basically black, more black, grey, and khaki. I don’t get it either! xx

  • Reply
    Kara Aragon
    November 6, 2017 at 5:16 PM

    You look so chic & well put together. Stunning photos.

    Kara Aragon
    http://www.thekaragon.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 7, 2017 at 12:54 PM

      Thank you, Kara! xx

  • Reply
    Yvonne
    November 6, 2017 at 6:18 PM

    You look stunning in this black outfit and the details elevate the look! It’s great that you wear a red lipstick. I love the coat and sunnies!
    xo Yvonne
    http://www.aproposh.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 7, 2017 at 12:53 PM

      Thanks so much, Yvonne! xx

  • Reply
    Martina Berg
    November 6, 2017 at 7:41 PM

    I’m totally in love with PARIS – it is a wonderful City. But your blogpost is fantastic – you look stunning in your wonderful black Outfit. Your glasses and earrings my favorit.
    Your pictures are made with love 🙂
    XO Martina

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 7, 2017 at 12:53 PM

      Thank you, Martina! I’m so pleased you like it all xx

  • Reply
    No Fear of Fashion
    November 7, 2017 at 6:51 PM

    You take bloody good pictures of Paris views. Much much better than mine. Love the black tuxedo jacket. I am so glad you hung on to it. 14 kilos, my goodness. I am so going to read your next post !!!!.
    The duck egg sweater is lovely too. I have seen both these outfits on IG and liked them.
    Now that I have no money left I have to try and create more outfits with what I have too…. Is more sustainable as well.
    Greetje

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 9, 2017 at 9:13 PM

      When the photos are good, I usually blame the camera! Then again, every corner of Paris is so beautiful it is hard to get bad shots there. Thank you for your comments, love. Yes, I’m also trying to get more creative in my own closet rather than supporting yet another retail giant. xx

  • Reply
    whatlizzyloves
    November 9, 2017 at 3:04 PM

    Oh Lisa, you look so chic and “sorted”. I love you in black as much as I do in colour. You have done amazingly well to conquer your addiction to sugar and you look super healthy and svelte. And… I never had you down as a Pippa fan!!! I’m so glad you kept the coat. If your other friend doesn’t want it, pass it over here… Gorgeous photos and perfect editorial as always my friend xxx

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 9, 2017 at 9:09 PM

      Thank you, Miss Liz! Hahaha, no, never was much of a Middleton fashion fan, but that one coat caught my eye and I scooped it up! Thank you for your kind comments, my beautiful friend. xx

  • Reply
    Renia Jaz
    November 9, 2017 at 4:33 PM

    Beautiful shot of Paris, and absolutely amazing shots of you!!
    Love those glasses (I constantly looking for a new pair), and I definitely need them in my life!
    There is no such a thing as too much bling!! 😀
    Kisses
    Renia

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 9, 2017 at 9:07 PM

      Thank you so much, Renia! Yeah, I couldn’t let those sunglasses stay in the store; they HAD to come home with me 🙂 xx

  • Reply
    Rachel
    November 10, 2017 at 5:20 PM

    You look fabulous. I lost 30lbs quitting sugar but made the mistake of thinking I could let it back in moderation but she was wrong and 15 have crept back on so quit again last week! As a fellow sugar fiend I look forward to you post x

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 11, 2017 at 5:23 PM

      Thank you, Rachel. Yeah, me and sugar have had a lifetime of an unhealthy relationship. I think if you have a brain that is susceptible to addiction, there is no such thing as moderation. I can be moderate with everything else, just not sugar. I hope you like the next post (out now). xx

  • Reply
    Petite Teacher
    December 18, 2017 at 8:32 PM

    Hi Lisa. Wow, what a look, fantastic. I also loved reading that you wear items again and again and again. I do so too and since I have started blogging I am even more aware of that. So you can imagine that it was great realising far more experienced and successful bloggers do so too. Thanks for sharing that fact with us and for the short trip to Paris. C’est simplement magnifique! Love, Lieske

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