Fresh off the news: Western Europe is in the throes of a ‘heat-wave’
At most places in the world, this would lead to people scuttling into their houses and turning on air-conditioning at full blast. Here, a hot summer is so uncommon (and thereby highly coveted) that everybody (and their dog) is out on the roads. There are BBQ pits and picnic hampers everywhere, sunbathers as far as the eye can see – no park or terrace has been left unscathed.
Never ones to be left behind, we decided to indulge in a bit of summer action when we visited France last week. We dropped by at a local boulangerie (bakery), packed ourselves a picnic, and plonked ourselves in the nearest park. A couple of handcrafted baguettes, gooey macraons, and crumbly pastries later, we were engulfed by that luscious summer stupor – that inactive, languorous idleness that makes hot days very special indeed.
Such days remind me of one of my favourite Keats poemsΒ A Party of Lovers:
Pensive they sit, and roll their languid eyes
Nibble their toast and cool their tea with sighs:
Or else forget the purpose of the night
Forget their tea, forget their night
A splendid summer afternoon called for light-weight separates in contrasting hues. I’m wearing a white and blue skater style dress with a red linen jacket. This jacket is a laid-back wardrobe staple, perfect for adding a pop of colour. I liked to think of the zig-zag print of the dress as a modern take on classic French breton stripes.
I added bright red ballerina flats, a straw boater hat, and a golden satchel to lend a Parisian edge to the outfit. Did you notice my cat and scrabble rings? I’ve had the latter for ages. It cost next to nothing, but I seem to wear it all the time π
Dress: Next
Jacket: Zara
Cat Ring: River Island
Satchel: H&M
Scrabble Ring: Ebay (available here)
Shoes: New Look (similar available here)
Tres chic, mademoiselle π
Merci π
Hey…Beautiful post. I always look forward for your posts. You look wonderful as ever. When we went to Paris for the second time, we did the same…went for a picnic around the park near Eiffel tower, ate lots of food and indulged ourselves in some people watching.
Snig
Thanks Snig – always a pleasure to hear from you π It’s so much nice to re-visit cities, isn’t it? It’s ironic that one ends up absorbing a lot more when one is relaxed and not so preoccupied with ‘seeing’ everything.
so chic!! so monochromesque.
love the look!
Thank you π
wow, totally loving the look… the jacket is to die for! π
Thanks Ritu. I have a soft spot for bright jackets too π
Luv ur complete look.look frwd fr ur upcoming post!
Thanks a ton Jasmine – we have loads of posts on Paris coming right up π
Stunning look – the outfit blends but also stands out with such ease against the gorgeousness of the french streets. And I LOVE the Keats you’ve used – fits perfectly! Looking forward to following your blog!
Thanks a ton Bob. Good to know I’m not the only one who thinks Keats’ words do justice to the romance of a hot summer’s day π I’m really looking forward to devouring your blog as well
I love picnics and what a great outfit to wear during a picnic, perfect !
Thanks Freya – I agree, there are few things better than a picnic on a hot summer’s day π
awesome outfit….loved that red blazer π
Thanks Ayantika – Zara is responsible for getting me impossibly hooked to tailored blazers π
Fabulous outfit… Travelling with the same clothes for five months I am currently living my fashion needs vicariously through you!
Aww thanks Delia- at least someone is enjoying my rambles π
Pretty lady in the red jacket…oh how I love thy bag! π
It was a sale bargain Pallavi – I’ve been using it with EVERYTHING π
Looking gorgeous as ever! I love Paris, definitely need to arrange a trip again soon!
Thanks Laura. We’ll be blogging about Paris all this week (what to do, where to eat, where to stay) – hopefully that will tempt you into booking a weekend getaway soon π
Red is my absolute favorite and you look darling. Love the whole look, including the Scrabble ring.
Thanks a ton Leah. Red is my favourite colour too, which explains the flurry of red dresses on Bruised Passports π
I love the red jacket!
Thanks Marysia π