Parisian Petit Fours

Do you ever find that coming back from a long vacation is almost enough to make you question ever going on oneย 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 weeksย 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 aย 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 andย 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 unbelievablyย talented!

Let’s get to it..

jessica sturdy, bows & sequins, paris blogger

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 amongstย the city, the scenic viewsย 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 happyย that I thought I was going to cry. Sheer joy, in overwhelming amounts.

karen walker tortoise sunglasses, sail to sable striped tank top, beachy blonde waves

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 usuallyย 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 —ย 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 threeย 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… ๐Ÿ™‚

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 Trocadรฉro.

henri bendel blush pink handbag spring

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 itย with my trusty camel blazer, white denim, and my favorite flats of the moment.

capwell + co gold knot cuff, paris, carette cafe, petit fours, cappuccino

henri bendel satchel

cute parisian cafe

nautical striped tank top with gold buttons

camel blazer, striped tank top, white jeans, spring outfit

carette chic paris cafe near eiffel tower

carette near the eiffel tower, upscale cafe in paris

rachel zoe tyler flats, pointed nude flats basketweave leather

parisian inspired outfit, what to wear to a cafe in paris

camel blazer, navy striped top, white jeans, basket weave flats, blush pink handbag

carette paris

karen walker super duper sunglasses paris

navy white striped tank top, white denim, nude flats, blush pink satchel

parisian outfit at a cafe in paris

popular parisian cafe

Get the Look…

J.Crew Schoolboy Blazerย (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

sail to sable mock neck tank top striped

what to wear in paris

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36 Comments

  1. 4.29.15
    Rena said:

    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 ๐Ÿ™‚
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

  2. 4.29.15

    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

  3. 4.29.15

    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

  4. 4.29.15
    Mom said:

    Too funny! I just saw that top on Sail to Sable’s Instagram and was planning on ordering it myself! Good minds think alikeโ€โค๏ธโ€. Can’t wait to see you in a week!

  5. 4.29.15
    IRENE said:

    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

  6. 4.29.15
    Sarah said:

    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!

  7. 4.29.15

    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 ๐Ÿ˜‰ You look gorgeous, girl!

  8. 4.29.15
    Natali said:

    You look very elegant and Parisienne chic in this outfit! Stacey did great job with photos so thank you for the tip as well! ๐Ÿ™‚
    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… ๐Ÿ™‚
    Glad that you’re doing better now and are back online!

    http://lartoffashion.com

  9. 4.29.15
    Melissa said:

    Love that top! Do you mind sharing what size you’re wearing? Trying to decide what size to get….

  10. 4.29.15
    Meghan said:

    TOO darling!! These turned out so well – take us back!!

  11. 4.29.15
    Preeti said:

    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

  12. 4.29.15

    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

  13. 4.29.15
    Alexandra said:

    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

  14. 4.29.15

    Sounds pretty amazing to be photographed in Paris! Beautiful job. And you are right-that top is perfection!
    Jamie
    http://livingincolors.net/

  15. 4.29.15
    Mandie said:

    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.

  16. 4.29.15
    Ujjaini said:

    Your pictures are so cute

    http://imyownmuse.blogspot.com

  17. 4.29.15

    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

  18. 4.29.15

    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 ๐Ÿ™‚
    http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud

  19. 4.29.15

    Gorgeous photos! Great top.

    http://www.blondeincashmere.ocm

  20. 4.29.15

    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! ๐Ÿ™‚

  21. 4.29.15
    Katherine said:

    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 ๐Ÿ˜‰

    -Katherine
    http://thegreenbows.blogspot.ca

  22. 4.30.15
    Jessica said:

    Love this blazer! Such a fun color

    http://www.wedressalright.com

  23. 4.30.15
    Prudence Yeo said:

    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

  24. 4.30.15
    Leeanne F said:

    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

  25. 4.30.15

    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

  26. 4.30.15
    Alyssa said:

    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.

  27. 4.30.15
    melissa said:

    So cute Jess!
    xo,
    Melissa
    MissyOnMadison.com

  28. 5.1.15

    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!

  29. 5.3.15
    emi said:

    wow such a cute post, you’re making me dream of paris!!

    xo welltraveledwife.com