Do you ever find that coming back from a long vacation is almost enough to make you question ever going on one again? That’s kind of the boat that I was in when I got back from Europe. I felt like I boomeranged back into my day-to-day without slowing down at all. Yes, I had just returned from a vacation, but it wasn’t as if I was laying on a beach all week re-charging. Exploring two cities in two different countries was exhausting! (Amazing, but tiring, you know?) I was in over-drive before we left for Europe, and jumped right back into a crazy week when I got back. And then I kind of crashed — I was in a weird funk the past few weeks and I felt myself shutting down a little bit each day. I didn’t feel like blogging or even Instagramming, I was light-headed and nauseous for days at a time, and I didn’t even feel like talking to anyone besides my mom. I realized I had entirely too many projects on my plate (realizing you can’t do everything is a really hard lesson to learn, my friends) and had to slowly make steps to get my life back under control. And in the midst of trying to put out fires and clean up the messes, I just didn’t really feel like sharing anything online. I spent a lot of the week after I got back writing and reflecting and then got to head out of town for a fun trip to Hilton Head Island. Having a bit of a reset week, followed by a little weekend escape (mixed with lots wine and a lot of girl talk with Grace and Hallie) was just what the doctor ordered — I’m finally feeling like myself again and finally feeling more inspired to blog again. Feeling burnt out and suffocatingly overwhelmed is a real thing — It’s weeks like the last few that remind me how important it really is to slow down from time to time and allow yourself to recharge your batteries! I have a lot more thoughts on this and could go on and on, but I’ll save those for another day. Bottom line — Sorry for being MIA (the above + major computer issues = not a good mix) and thank you for sticking around in the mean time! xo
Now that we’ve got that little ‘note from the editor’ out of the way, today’s post is a much, much more upbeat one! And it’s a photo overload because Stacy is so unbelievably talented!
Let’s get to it..
If you weren’t aware already, I could not be any more in love with Paris! It’s a head over heels situation. Completely, madly, absolutely in love with Paris. The relaxed lifestyle, the living-in-the-moment mentality, the stunning architecture everywhere you look, the quaint streets, the hushed feeling amongst the city, the scenic views along the Seine, and the little peeps of Lady Eiffel wherever you go… I can’t help but smile ear to ear. I can’t even put into words the immense amount of happiness that I feel when I’m there, but it’s similar to the electric energy I felt every time I visited New York before I moved here. That feeling when you know you just belong there. When I got to Paris a few weeks ago and was out wandering the streets to find a cute cafe for a bite to eat, I was honestly so happy that I thought I was going to cry. Sheer joy, in overwhelming amounts.
While I was in Paris, I had the pleasure of shooting a few photos with Stacy Reeves and it honestly was one of the highlights of my trip. Before I left for Europe, I was searching for a photographer and emailed quite a few of them. Stacy was on my list and was actually scheduled to be out of town for a shoot the weekend I was there, so I assumed we wouldn’t get to meet. Since the weather wasn’t cooperating while I was in Europe, her shoot got cancelled and we were able to squeeze in a few outfits between rain clouds on one of my last days in the city. I think it was fate, honestly. Stacy was such a breath of fresh air! Her and her husband moved to Paris 2.5 years ago from Dallas, Texas and haven’t looked back. Stacy shoots weddings, engagements, anniversaries, bloggers, and simply just visitors that want some beautiful, scenic shots from their trip to Paris!
Having this blog, I get my photo taken a lot… Like a lot, a lot. And I instantly felt so comfortable with Stacy, which isn’t the case for me generally. It usually takes me a while to warm up to a new photographer for whatever reason. But I instantly felt like I could be friends with Stacy — I could have spent the entire day with her!
And fyi — this is in no way sponsored. You can even ask my mom and friends … I’ve been back for three weeks and I’m still raving about her and the absolutely amazing photos that she took! I was blown away when I got the images back… She did such a fantastic job! Just wait until you see some of the photos later this week with the Eiffel Tower… 🙂
So long story short — If you’re ever in need of a photographer in Paris, give Stacy a shout. (You can follow her on Instagram, too, for little peeks into the magical city she gets to call home!)
And now that I’ve gotten that little love note out of my system… Here are a few more photos from Carette, a gorgeous Parisian cafe in the Trocadéro.
A bit about my outfit… Is there anything that feels more Parisian than a great striped top? I am just about as in love with this striped top as I am with Paris. (Yes, we just went there.) Between the cowl neck, the flattering arm cut, and the giant gold buttons down the back, it’s literally perfect. I paired it with my trusty camel blazer, white denim, and my favorite flats of the moment.
Get the Look…
J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer (similar here)
Sail to Sable Top c/o (also available here!)
Old Navy White Denim
Rachel Zoe Flats c/o Zappos
Henri Bendel Bag c/o
Capwell + Co Knot Cuff
Capwell + Co Ball Cuff
Delphine Pariente Paris Ring
Karen Walker Sunglasses
Michael Kors Watch
I know exactly what you mean! How good that you found in the end recipes to come back to you and that you feel now well. In my opinion it is also really important to have necessary breaks and that we aware that exploring cities is not as relaxing than a beach holiday … Please take care and thank you for your honesty. Love your French inspired outfit btw 🙂
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Very cute outfit! I would love to go to Paris! Getting overwhelmed and burnt out is the worst. I’m glad you’re feeling better! <3
Taking time for yourself is so important!! I have a lot of trouble after traveling too and I get jet lag really really bad!!
These shots are gorgeous and I’m so glad you love Paris! It’s one of my favs too! The outfit is the perfect look for the Paris streets!
-Kara
http://Www.everydayk.com
Too funny! I just saw that top on Sail to Sable’s Instagram and was planning on ordering it myself! Good minds think alike❤️. Can’t wait to see you in a week!
i feel you! this happens to me too. I went to paris long tim ago, after this post i need to book a trip asap!
love the pictures!
Irene
http://www.thedailylace.com
I’ve been dreaming of Paris all my life and reading this made me want to go even more (if that was even possible). I love your outfit and the photos are fabulous!
Sometimes I feel like I need a staycation after a vacation just to get my shit in order before I get back to my usual routine, so I feel ya 😉 You look gorgeous, girl!
You look very elegant and Parisienne chic in this outfit! Stacey did great job with photos so thank you for the tip as well! 🙂
I hear you about wanting to take a break, isolate a little bit and reassess! Unfortunately, nowadays it’s as easy to get a burnout as getting a bubblegum from the store.
Sometimes we push ourselves to the very “end limit” and it never ends well. It’s good to stop and take a break every now and then and just drop all of the responsabilities for a bit and just breathe… 🙂
Glad that you’re doing better now and are back online!
http://lartoffashion.com
Love that top! Do you mind sharing what size you’re wearing? Trying to decide what size to get….
TOO darling!! These turned out so well – take us back!!
gorgeous photos! i know what you mean. when i’m on vaca i want to see as much as possible (when i was in India i did 6 cities in 2 weeks)! but then you come back just dead. hope you get some rest and your computer comes to life soon!
xoxo, Preeti
http://www.ninesto5.com
It’s SO great finding a photographer you click with. Cause when you don’t click – it can definitely translate through in the photos.
Josh – The Kentucky Gent
http://thekentuckygent.com
So pretty! I love the colors in this outfit – the stripes and tan are gorgeous – and that bag is amazing!
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
www. Little Wild Heart .com
Sounds pretty amazing to be photographed in Paris! Beautiful job. And you are right-that top is perfection!
Jamie
http://livingincolors.net/
The camel blazer looks amazing, as always. I need to just suck it up and invest in one already!
I definitely know what you mean about needing a vacation from your vacation. I’m always torn between cramming in as much as possible while you’re visiting somewhere and actually relaxing and unwinding. It’s an impossible balance.
Your pictures are so cute
http://imyownmuse.blogspot.com
Girl, I know the suffocatingly overwhelmed feeling and it’s NOT a good one! Luckily it never lasts more than a few days (weeks?). Hopefully with time we’ll all get a little better at managing life! Also, your Paris pictures are amazing. Dying to go back. xo
Stacy took absolutely stunning photos! I love the hue of each picture. Also, I wish that Sail to Sable top was still in stock. Glad you were able to recharge Jess (definitely take a break more often).
Happy Wednesday 🙂
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud
Gorgeous photos! Great top.
http://www.blondeincashmere.ocm
I can’t blame you, I absolutely love Paris and France in general! I have always said it is somewhere I would one day like to live in (a small village in France!). Paris would be such a lovely place to be able to take a couple hour drive to or less! And then there’s Disneyland which I am obsessed with. Love your top! 🙂
You look absolutely amazing in these photos! Don’t you wish that you could just have a personal photographer follow you around all the time? I’m still hoping to find a nice guy who is great behind the camera, to make my life easier 😉
-Katherine
http://thegreenbows.blogspot.ca
Love this blazer! Such a fun color
http://www.wedressalright.com
Love the chic back button design of your cute stripe top and the pink bag is such a lovely piece too!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
Gorgeous photos!
Glad to hear you are back to yourself! I know it can be overwhelming being the type of person with seventeen thousand different interests and side projects (I am right there with ya sister) so I totally get the need to recharge.
Xo
Lee | LegalLee Blonde
Glad to know you’re feeling better! I totally know what you mean, it’s like you’re go go go and then realize that you have to stop and just do nothing. Make zero plans and get none of your to-do list done. Which also just so happens to be the best time to catch up on TV shows you may have missed while being so busy!
xx,
Susie
http://www.SequinsandStrawberries.com
The back of that top is just divine! Glad to hear you’re feeling better – totally know what you mean by that feeling almost-burn-out.
So cute Jess!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
These pictures are gorgeous!! I’m traveling to Paris for the first time in July and these images just got me even more excited, which I didn’t know was possible! Can’t wait to see more pictures from your trip!
wow such a cute post, you’re making me dream of paris!!
xo welltraveledwife.com