First things first… Happy New Year! I hope 2018 brings us joy, balance, peace, perspective, and love. I’ve taken a few weeks off from the blog more by circumstance than by choice; being away from home and keeping my four year old entertained ’round the clock doesn’t leave much time for taking photos and writing. Plus, you may remember from my last post that my favourite camera is having a 6 week repair, so (to my eyes) the photos aren’t quite their usual standard. Instead of wringing my hands over the camera and the busy holiday schedule, I decided to just chill out and enjoy my time visiting family and friends in the States… and enjoy it I have! After a week in New York (more on that in another post) we flew down to North Carolina.
My parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins scattered and moved all over the country, but eventually everyone (except for me) settled down back in the mountains of Western North Carolina. I went to high school here, so every time I go back it is a real treat to see old friends, some whom I’ve known since I was five. What always amazes me is how little we all change. We settle back into our easy time-worn ways and the roles we’ve always played with each other. The friend who has always made me laugh until my stomach hurts still does, the one who makes me feel accountable and makes me see things in a different way still does, the one who makes the funny, insightful, left-field, pithy comments still dishes those out. Everyone knows everything about everyone. We share ‘formative history’, those earlier life events that make us into who we are. I suppose lots of people take this for granted, but since I have moved around so much in my life, I don’t. Like everyone of our generation, my friends and I all stay in touch through Facebook. The house moves, the babies, the divorces, the adoptions, the graduations, and the deaths, are all threads that weave through my circle of friends as they likely do through yours. However, I do feel like there is a little fairy dust surrounding the particular crowd I grew up with. There’s something really magical about these people from my high school and the bond we have. Of course your family raises you, but I firmly believe your friends raise you too. As a teenager, there are many things you don’t share with your family, and your friends see you through those experiences. I’m fortunate to still have such special childhood friends who keep me in line and remind me of what is important. They give me balance. Or as they say, they prevent me from being too cultured and keep me a little bit dirrrty! 🙂
So, on to the outfit I chose to wear out one evening. A sequin skirt (Topshop, sold out) which, I’ll be honest, is not something one sees a lot of in Hendersonville where I’m staying. Some red sequin shoes, because what goes better with a sequin skirt than sequin shoes? And a simple black sweater, which is pretty much the first thing I put in my suitcase when I travel. I’ve worn it this trip with everything from jeans to faux-leather trousers to sequins.
Proving my theory that when you buy things you love they always magically go together, I had packed this rainbow necklace (also worn here) to wear with another outfit, but it just so happens to have the same unusual colour combination as the skirt.
My red faux fur coat (worn here) came in handy on this trip because both New York and North Carolina were unseasonably and brutally cold…WAY below freezing. On this evening, I’m wearing it at a local brewery. This part of North Carolina has recently become full of hipsters and microbreweries. Sanctuary Brewery (below) is my favourite– a totally vegan menu, an active animal rights advocate, live music, and deliciously creative craft beers (you have to try the Hop Pig). Because of the mountains and the clean water, nearly 30 craft breweries have set up shop around here in the last decade. Asheville even has the largest number of breweries per capita in the U.S.– and where craft beer goes, hipsters, good food, art, music, and artisanal everything follow.
I’m heading home to London on Friday and will be so glad to settle back into my routine. I’ll also be glad to get away from craft beers and Southern American food! I can only say no to Cheerwine and Bourbon slushies (you have no idea), fried hominy, and my mom’s cream cheese pound cake and cornbread so many times. Still, I’m pleased with how well I’ve maintained my focus on Bright Line Eating while I’ve been away. I allowed myself a couple of premeditated exceptions (back to the ‘balance’ theme of this post), and immediately resumed without much disruption. I’ve had many messages and emails from readers about Bright Line Eating, and I’m absolutely thrilled that so many of you are experiencing the same success that I’ve had. Keep me posted and let me know if I can help.
Happy New Year to you once again! xxx, Lisa
38 Comments
Ann
January 2, 2018 at 11:19 PMGurl, you look fab! I’m happy to see how comfortable you are with your feet planted stably in North Carolina and London. And Paris. And Austria. Etc.
I’ve thought of you more than once during this holiday eating season and wondered how you were faring. Again, happy to hear that it’s been a time of balance (leaning toward healthy eating). Holiday feasting is worth it when it doesn’t go on for too long and become the “new old normal” again.
Happy, happy new year, Lisa! May it be a year of experiences and relationships you will treasure.
Lisa
January 3, 2018 at 1:46 AMThank you SO MUCH Ann, and Happy New Year to you as well! In retrospect, I’m really pleased with how well the tools have worked during the holiday season of indulgence. I carefully planned where I was going to make my few exceptions, and have stuck firmly to that. It is a great feeling to start a new year with no regrets. Love to you xx
Susan B
January 2, 2018 at 11:44 PMYou bring the Glam wherever you go! Seriously fabulous outfit!! I’m coveting that faux fur coat. OK, you’ve convinced me, and I’ve ordered the Bright Line Eating book.
Lisa
January 3, 2018 at 1:42 AMThank you Susan! I’ve loved this coat from the moment I laid eyes on it. Let me know how you get on with the Bright Line Eating; it was life changing for me. xx
josep-maria
January 3, 2018 at 9:36 AMWhat a beautiful skirt! I love stamping and I love the originality of its design. The whole look is original and elegant. Your heels are really spectacular.
Lisa
January 3, 2018 at 8:43 PMThanks so much, Josep-Maria! Happy New Year to you. xx
Michelle
January 3, 2018 at 10:52 AMExcuuuse me what are you talking about sub-standard photo’s woman??? These shots are incredible!! I was mesmerized by each & every one & utterly jealous of the sensational backdrop as well!
This outfit is so representative of you from top to toe that it should be called “The Sequinist Uniform” I mean talk about perfection!
Now hurry up & get back so this new friend can spend some quality time with you before she heads Stateside 😉
Absolutely stunning my love, bravo xxx
Lisa
January 3, 2018 at 8:45 PMOh, thanks Michelle! You know better than anyone what a critic I am about my photos :-D. My hometown served up some good backdrop on this evening, didn’t it? So pleased you liked the outfit… I’m crazy about the skirt. Can’t wait to see you sooooooon, my friend. xx
Is This Mutton?
January 3, 2018 at 12:51 PMSo glamorous! Fabulous outfit, particularly the skirt and necklace. Happy New Year!
Lisa
January 3, 2018 at 8:47 PMThank you! Happy New Year right back to you! xx
Abby@Midlifecrisisnut
January 3, 2018 at 2:19 PMLooking absolutely gorgeous there! Happy New Year to you too Lisa! Lots of hugs! xx Abby
Lisa
January 3, 2018 at 8:47 PMThank you, Abby! Happy New Year to you; I hope to see you at Easter, love xx
simplementlui
January 3, 2018 at 2:53 PMBeautiful outfit with this fantastic skirt and great heels as well 🙂 Happy New Year 😉
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/01/01/happy-new-heels/
Lisa
January 3, 2018 at 8:49 PMThanks so much, I’m so pleased you like! xx
Nancy
January 3, 2018 at 3:10 PMI could only wish that my photos looked that good! What a fantastic skirt! Happy New Year!
Lisa
January 3, 2018 at 8:49 PMOh, thank you Nancy! Happy New Year! xx
Fatima
January 3, 2018 at 3:10 PMSounds like you had an awesome holiday season Lisa. And I love, love, LOVE this skirt and that red coat will always remind me of you. Happy New Year girlfriend x x x
Lisa
January 3, 2018 at 8:59 PMI’ve had such a super time, really being in the moment and not thinking about my never-ending to-do list! Thank you, and Happy New Year to you, my lovely. xx
Mithra Ballesteros
January 3, 2018 at 3:55 PMLisa, your high school buds sound so fun! They need to get on a plane and bring some of that southern spunk to London! You look svelte and happy. Here’s to a productive 2018 my friend.
Lisa
January 3, 2018 at 9:02 PMOh the hight school crowd is just amazing; I’m a lucky girl. They definitely get their spunky selves to London sometimes… one was there with me last year, and another one is coming this summer 🙂 Lots of love to you for 2018 xx
No Fear of Fashion
January 3, 2018 at 4:07 PMOh, very fancy, this outfit. So, for blog reasons you took off your coat and had your picture taken for quite a while. IN THE FREEZING COLD. As you mention it was brutally cold. I applaud you for that. The necklace does indeed go so well with this perfect skirt, as do the shoes.
I always compliment you with not going too far astray and back to Bright Line Eating. It takes a lot of discipline to do this.
And friends from way back? So precious, so valuable.
Greetje
Lisa
January 3, 2018 at 9:17 PMYep, you got it all right, Greetje! I wanted the coat on, but the skirt had to be seen for the photos. I was freezing. to. death. It was probably the fastest photo shoot I’d ever done (15 minutes). I never am able to do nice ‘golden hour’ photos with a four year old (it is just before his dinner time) so I thought I’d take advantage of my mom being around to look after Alexandre and get some done.
The Bright Line thing is harder when I’m away from my home and my kitchen and not as in charge of what I eat, but it has still been pretty easy.
You certainly know the value of fantastic friends; they truly are precious. xx
notdressedaslamb
January 3, 2018 at 6:50 PMAhh, the sequinned Topshop skirt makes its glitzy appearance at last! So fabulous to see it in all its Sequinist-styled glory… the coat and it were made for each other 🙂
Well done you for sticking to your plan, I don’t know how well I’m going to do when it comes to us visiting this same area later this year on our east coast road trip. I think I won’t be able to fit into ANYTHING by the time I get back, hehe!!
Catherine x
Lisa
January 3, 2018 at 9:24 PMI know, FINALLY! I really meant to get the sequin skirt on here before it sold out, but life got away with me. I love it with the coat too 🙂
The plan is hard to stick to when you aren’t in your own kitchen, but it IS possible. It is good to relax the rules a little once in a while just to enjoy something special, but I try to make my ‘treats’ be clothes and not food (handy for a blogger!) now. As long as you resume your healthy discipline when you return, it is all good… but not everyone can do that. There are times I can and times I can’t. See you soon! xx
Suzanne
January 3, 2018 at 7:14 PMYou look amazing in these photos. Your choice of a black sweater is so perfect with that skirt.
Thank you for posting the ‘favorite things’ video! I loved it and ordered several of your suggestions – including the oxo spiralizer because I followed your path to BrightLine, bought the book, and am half way through the 14 day challenge!
Your posts are inspiring!
Lisa
January 3, 2018 at 9:31 PMThank you so much, Suzanne! I’m so thrilled that you liked the video. I’ll do another one with this month’s discoveries when I get back to London. Do you love the spiralizer? I’m so pleased you’re doing the 14 day challenge, BRAVA YOU! Susan’s daily videos for the challenge are amazing, aren’t they? Keep me posted, and thank you again for the feedback and compliments 🙂 xx
Suzy Turner
January 3, 2018 at 8:04 PMYou always manage to find the most amazing sequinned clothes, Lisa! That skirt is absolutely gorgeous and I love the shoes and necklace that go perfectly with it. I always pack a black sweater too – it goes with everything, right?
I’m in the States at the moment too and I can’t believe how FREAKING FREEZING it is!!! We started in Boston, then headed north to Burlington. We’re now in Saratoga Springs where the weather is actually quite mild today at around –14˚C!!!
We head to Ithaca next, then a long drive to Rhode Island before we finish off our trip in NYC. We’re thoroughly enjoying it, just wish it was a tad warmer lol!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, my beautiful friend!
Hugs
Suzy xxx
http://www.suzyturner.com
Lisa
January 3, 2018 at 9:34 PMThank you, Suzy! It must feel EXTRA cold to you here, since you’re used to the weather in Portugal. But yes, it is BITTER right now, isn’t it? Happy New Year, lovely lady xx
Anastasia Nicole
January 4, 2018 at 12:58 AMI cannot believe you were just a few hours away by car and we didn’t link up. LOL. Love your skirt and these photos look amazing no one would know your usual camera is down for the next few weeks. Happy 2018!
Lisa
January 5, 2018 at 2:42 AMI KNOW! Such a disaster that I flew into NY rather than the ATL this trip… especially now that my flight back to London has been cancelled. I shoulda come via ATL and I could have seen you too! Happy 2018 to you too, gorgeous. xx
Petite Teacher
January 5, 2018 at 1:07 PMDear Lisa. What a beautiful post to start the New Year with. Like you, I live away from my family and friends from high school and a visit home brings back all the good stuff. I can totally relate to your positive feelings about going back to your roots. Your outfit is as happy as your words. I tend to be more careful with colours myself and still love the way you daringly put all kinds of colours in your outfit. Very stylish. Have a very positive and happy 2018. Love, Lieske
Lisa
January 7, 2018 at 9:43 PMThank you so much, Lieske! I think when you live far from your ‘roots’ your heart gets spread thin, but it sure makes going back rewarding. Thank you for your kind comments, and have a brilliant 2018! xx
Little Red
January 12, 2018 at 12:29 AMI keep sighing when I look at this outfit. The gorgeous shade of red for the coat and then the skirt. Does fake fur provide any warmth? Maybe not bomb cyclone warmth but regular winter-level warmth maybe?
Lisa
January 12, 2018 at 10:30 AMThis coat isn’t just warm, I actually find it hot! It has to be near freezing for me to wear it. Today it is 45F in London, and I had to take it off. When I was in the US, I wore it the whole time, whether it suited what I was wearing or not, because it was actually warmer than the calf length down coat that I brought. I didn’t expect it to be SO warm, but surprisingly, it really is. xx
Elizabeth Yeowart
January 17, 2018 at 2:44 PMOh Lisa, as always, a beautiul post on every count. You look amazing in your skirt. It’s absolutely perfect for you. The photographs are spectacular as usual but it’s your words which spellbind me. Every time I read one of your posts, I get transported away. Thank you for the beautiful escape xxx
Lisa
January 26, 2018 at 2:04 PMThank you so much, Liz! That is just really REALLY kind of you to say. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the post, both the writing and the Plan B camera 🙂 xx
Dottie
February 27, 2018 at 2:47 AMI’m finally commenting on this great post. What a fabulous coat. Mango is out of stock, but one can hope that they restock. Great skirt too! I also love the background in the photos with the brown and turquoise building. So cool!
Lisa
February 28, 2018 at 1:49 PMThank you so much, Dottie! I know they restocked in other colours, but so far not the red. The yellow is beautiful! xx