Wishing you all a happy and blessed weekend!
Friday, March 29, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Tourist Thursday
Sorry I am a little behind on my "Tourist Tuesday" post for the week. I was having wifi trouble...but at least I made it in time to keep the alliteration!
I completed my time at La Giraurdiere by traveling to a couple of the towns in the nearby Charente area. They were so charming and a lot of them were preparing for the upcoming summer season which kicks off in the next couple of weeks. I also saw even more of Brossac than I had ever intended as I accidentally got lost during one of my walks and ended up walking a marathon. To save your toes, trust me and confirm your walking route before you trek out! Although, it is all an adventure :)
On Saturday I traveled to Bordeaux to meet my friend from OWU, Diane, and a collection of her friends who are also spending a year teaching in France. I had such a great time with all of them as we explored the city and celebrated a birthday. I ended up staying in Bordeaux an extra day and night to see more of the city...it was totally worth it!
I visited with Diane the past couple of days, I will post pictures of Millau next week with my photos from Toulouse and Seville. I am in the airport about to make my way for Semana Santa in Seville!!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram to keep up to date with daily photos.
Thanks for being such wonderful followers, toodles!
Blaye is a small town known for its wine (you might have heard Cotes de Blaye?), but filled with history. In the center of Blaye there is an ancient fort which was used as a military armory, but also to house political, military, and royal leaders signifying protection and prestige. The massive walls make the space intimidating, until you set foot inside. Shockingly, there is a bustling village with hotels, restaurants, shops, and homes inside. There are stunning views of the water and the town below. It is popular in the summer not only for tourists, but many locals who enjoy camping in the park space.
We stopped by a town called Pons. It has an interesting history surrounding the ancient site used to house prisoners. The Kings, on occasion, would take leisure breaks from Paris and Versailles (the mundane dose of reality) and come to visit the prisoners for entertainment. I loved walking around the site...as you can see from the picture below it is quite an impressive structure. At the base of the hill there was a beautiful stream, almost like out of a fairy tale.
We visited Royan, located on the coast. We missed the start of the season by just a couple of days, as most of the restaurants said they were opening 23 March. Nevertheless, it was beautiful to be by the water and a very enjoyable trip!
On my "marathon day" I stopped by the neighborhood chateau.
My visit to Bordeaux was spectacular. I had so much fun with the group and loved being in a vibrant city. As nice as the countryside was, I needed a cultural fix...ASAP. Bordeaux was the perfect transition to my journey and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in traveling to France. Also, Bordeaux is known for their fantastic red and rose wines; so next time you're wine shopping...taste a little of my travels!
birthday girl!
I will most likely be retiring the bean boots and windbreakers as seen at the top. Bidding farewell to the countryside means I am shifting into my French chic stage (or so I'd like to think)...
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Wishful Wednesday: Locus of Style
Bikini Top//Sunglasses//Bottom//Dress
A few weeks ago my girl friends and I went to Playa Del Carmen Mexico, and I fell in love! The trip consisted of the pool, the beach way to many bahama mamas and a whole bottle of Burts Bees After Sun. Per usual I over packed, but I what I did not pack were these four summer trends I am in serious need of! Eyelet just screams summer and I have a weak spot of white eyelet, I feel the two were made for each other! To go along with a cute bikini top is the perfect bottom, I saw a girl on the beach in Mexico wearing a super high waisted black bottom with a floral top and it could not have been cuter! Ray Ban has always made these mirrored sunnies but the trend is having a come back this season and it's something that everyone can pull off! Many over think cover ups- they can literally be any dress or tunic in your closet! There is no need to buy something specific to be a cover up, most dresses can double as a cover up and the simpler the material the better!
A few weeks ago my girl friends and I went to Playa Del Carmen Mexico, and I fell in love! The trip consisted of the pool, the beach way to many bahama mamas and a whole bottle of Burts Bees After Sun. Per usual I over packed, but I what I did not pack were these four summer trends I am in serious need of! Eyelet just screams summer and I have a weak spot of white eyelet, I feel the two were made for each other! To go along with a cute bikini top is the perfect bottom, I saw a girl on the beach in Mexico wearing a super high waisted black bottom with a floral top and it could not have been cuter! Ray Ban has always made these mirrored sunnies but the trend is having a come back this season and it's something that everyone can pull off! Many over think cover ups- they can literally be any dress or tunic in your closet! There is no need to buy something specific to be a cover up, most dresses can double as a cover up and the simpler the material the better!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Spring Frocks
Happy Spring to everyone!
I know it might not feel like it...but warmer days are officially on the horizon.
With longer days, higher temps, and bright colors in the near future; I am in the mood for a new spring dress. I have been eyeing a couple of dresses lately and have been keeping them on my radar.
My mom and I both gave up shopping for Lent, and it has proven successful! Thankfully, I won't be in Paris until AFTER Easter :)
I am tickled pink... and all sorts of fabulous hues...with these dresses below. I am thinking they'd be perfect for a day at Keeneland, dinner & drinks on the patio, and a graduation weekend festivity or two.
What do you think?!
Shop my "spring frock" crush list below:
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Devon Baer: Spring 2013
Another designer feature! I adore Devon Baer's line and was so happy to see the new collection release a couple of weeks ago. Devon is from outside of Philadelphia and after studying fashion and working in the industry, she started Devon Baer Designs in 2010. She has dressed an array of woman as they appreciate that her collection represents both a wardrobe and lifestyle need, not found in many places!
Devon uses beautiful material to create timeless shift, tunics, and dresses. She celebrates colorful classics made with rich fabrics, dressing woman from poolside cocktails to a spring gala.
Devon is offering Twirling Clare readers a $10 discount off any item on her site.
This is valid for three days, starting today on 3/21 and thru midnight on 3/23.
Use the code: CLARESCOUPON
This is valid for three days, starting today on 3/21 and thru midnight on 3/23.
Use the code: CLARESCOUPON
Also, be sure to:
"Like" the Devon Baer Design's facebook page
Join the Devon Baer mailing list
Take a look at some of my favorite looks below:
