RSVP PARIS

I’m a minimal dresser, you might have noticed – there’s not a lot of colour or pattern that enters my wardrobe (unless it's an accessory, see scarves below!) and I believe in good wardrobe basics and essentials. They’re key to creating good foundations for any outfit. Among them is a well-crafted leather bag - the type of bag that you can match with any look from day, through to evening. When I discovered new Parisian leather brand, RSVP, I could immediately see a sense of symphony between my style and their aesthetic. They ticked the minimal box, the craft box, the ‘no huge visible logo’ box and each bag is numbered (they’re limited editions) so you’ll feel like you’re getting something truly unique! Both founders have experience in the luxury leather industry, so they manufacture the bags in the same factories as the top fashion houses – meaning the leather is of the highest quality. But unlike many of the big luxury fashion houses, the production process is also completely transparent and environmentally friendly – another aspect of the brand that I was so drawn to, as I prefer to be a conscious shopper where possible. They’re part of a new wave of brands that are putting quality and transparency at the top of the list. First they create a prototype – hence the name ‘RSVP’ (it’s like an invitation to buy! Pretty clever right?!), which must reach a certain amount of orders before it’s produced, a bit like print on demand – so they only produce a product when there’s enough demand for it, which is ultimately good for the wallet (as there are no extra hidden costs, such as paying to store products if they don't sell) and the environment. Finished products are then shipped out within three weeks. I chose to shoot their clutch (with detachable strap) in navy – I can see this style becoming a wardrobe staple and the burgundy document holder (also my favourite colour this season), which doubles up as a rather fancy laptop case. 

I'm wearing: Navy Cardigan, Lamaire x Uniqlo - Denim patch shirt, ASOS - black jeans, ASOS - lipstick, 203 Rouge Rock, YSL

When it came to shooting this style story, I couldn’t think of a better place than the newly refurbished Musée Rodin, which is the epitome of classic, yet minimal Parisian elegance – just look at those wooden doors, chequered floors and marble staircase, all crafted from the highest quality of course and essential to any Parisian building (in my opinion!)

I'm wearing: Navy coat, COS (black version here)- Scarf, Sezane

I'm wearing: Navy coast, COS (black version here) - Scarf, J.Crew 

I'm wearing: Coat, COS as before - Scarf, JCrew as before - Maje boots and document holder, RSVP, shop here. 

This post was created in collaboration with RSVP.

RSVP is also hosting a pop-up shop 40 rue des petits carreaux, Paris 2ème until 15th January! 

London Time

I've had a crazy couple of weeks, hence no time to blog. I do have a few upcoming blog projects in the works though so you'll be seeing more here soon. In the meantime I thought I'd share a few photos I took in London when I was last there and muse on a few things I've experienced and learnt over the last few weeks. It's probably been the most exhausting, yet the most exciting and fruitful weeks of my career. I've pushed myself, both creatively and business-wise. And I've learnt a lot about myself, my boundaries and capabilities. As a woman (and if you're woman reading this, you will probably agree) I often find it hard to promote myself and can struggle with self-doubt. It comes down to not always having confidence and belief in myself and what I'm capable of. Luckily I've managed to bury that doubt over the last few weeks in favour of just going for it! I definitely think moving country and hence out of my comfort zone has helped me there too.

I've also learnt to be stronger in the last few weeks, but that is what it takes if you want to build a successful freelance career in anything creative. You have to grow some cojones. So not worrying about where the next job is coming from, but being confident that it will. I've been reading books by strong, independent business women, to help get me through. If you ever have any doubts about the path you're forging I urge you to read Girlboss by Sophia Amoroso - not only is it inspiring, but it's a bit like having a good friend or mentor cheer you on from the sidelines. Read anything by Richard Branson. Ok, he's not a woman, but he's incredibly inspiring with his 'screw it, just do it' work ethic, especially coming from a man that didn't go to university or come from an overly-privileged family. (Perhaps elements that made him strive harder). He just thought why not? And maintained the confidence to get on with pursuing his dreams. I'm currently reading Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, which has been on my list for a while. She addresses many of the insecurities that I've felt and how to deal with them. 

Freelance life is tough, it's not for everyone, but I cannot imagine going back to a full time job (which I have had experience of in the past). So when I'm doubting myself I've started turning to other strong women who I admire to get me through the tough times. A great publication for anyone who isn't a big reader, but wants short inspiring stories about strong women following, or who have followed their dreams, is Porter magazine. I'd be pushed to say it's the best woman's magazine on the market at the moment - it's intelligent, well-written, inspiring and stylish! I'm also a big believer of surrounding yourself with friends who will champion you, call you out when you haven't done something you said you will and be there for you when the going gets rough. 

When I was thinking about writing today, I didn't think this post would turn into such a personal post, but I thought I'd share my two cents! I'd love to know your thoughts - what you struggle with, what you've learnt if you do freelance or are following a more creative, less trodden path and what you turn to when you need to maintain that inner strength to keep going and challenging yourself push your limits, to do better and live better!

Finally a few favourite things:
- I've been enjoying my friend Ylenia's street style photos from the fashion weeks
- I've have quite a few Jewish friends, so this popped up on my Facebook feed and moved me to tears
- This COS coat - I can't decide if I'll look stylish or like a giant marshmallow? But I'm preparing for a trip to Iceland and this just might keep me warm!
- Nicole Franzen's gorgeous photos of new Miami restaurant, Marion Miami
- I'm totally lusting after this look
- I made it to Cafe Oberkampf on Saturday to get a slice of Frank's, aka @cakeboyparis almond and fig honey cake! Yum.

J.Crew heels - every woman needs a great pair of heels, even if like me you're not really a heel-wearer... I've worn these to the last two weddings I've been to and danced the night away at both. 

London Happenings

Every time I go back to London, my experience of the city seems to get better and better, probably because now having lived away for two years, I enjoy the city with fresh eyes and can appreciate, as well as take full advantage of the city. Here are a few of the things I got up to during my week: 

+ I purchased a few spring wardrobe updates from COS, including these tees. It's by far my favourite brand for well-designed basics and wardrobe essentials. 

+ I breakfasted at new Spitalfields restaurant Blixen which is guaranteed to become a summer hotspot, with its outside terrace. Try the smoked trout, pouched eggs and avocado and I went with Clerkenwell Boy - following him on Instagram for London culinary goings on is a must. 

+ I went to Hackney based shoe brand Miista's pop-up shop launch in Shoreditch with the talented designer Brooke Roberts and walked away with these beautiful powder blue sandals, which I'm sure will be making many an appearance over the summer. 

+ I enjoyed breakfast at the delicious Honey and Co with my friend Ruth from Vintage Books - go for the fig toast! 

+ Tried and tested tasty cocktails at new Shoreditch bar Joyeux Bordel, which opened just last week on Curtain Road - part of the Experimental Cocktail Group crew.

+ Ate pizzas from my favourite London pizza restaurant Franca Manca

Winter Wardrobe

I am not built for cold weather. My hands are the first to freeze, then my feet, then nose and before I know it I need to be thawed out. I know that 'chilled to the bone' feeling oh so well - when they invent wearable hot water bottles, I will be the first to buy one. So this year, I vowed I'd be prepared for the first sign of frost. I bought my winter coat when it was still warm, having spied this dressing gown navy number in COS. It's over-sized, snuggly and keeps me warm. Better yet, it slots into my wardrobe.

Since moving to Paris and in my quest to live better, I've been trying to streamline said wardrobe and throw out the clothes that I don't wear, with the aim of building a uniform (note irony when you scroll and see the grey jumper/navy skirt schoolgirl combo) of items that are stylish, timeless and made to last. It's an ongoing task, this shopping better and only trying to spend money where it counts, (it helps to keep a list) and I am constantly on the search for classics that will last longer than a season. My taste is pretty minimal and varies between shades of black, navy, grey and white, with the odd shot of colour, usually in the form of lipstick. This winter, I have been literally living in a variation of the following looks, switching it up with a pair of jeans, white tee and navy cardigan  (I have a thing for navy right now). And thinking I perhaps needed a little more colour in my life, I bought the trainers to match my lipstick, yep not the other way around.

How much thought goes into your wardrobe? 

Photos by Hana Pedajnianska, edited by me.