ASOS Skirt / Splendid Turtleneck (similar here) / Mulberry Bag / Christian Louboutin Heels / Jennifer Zeuner Rings

During my time in Paris, Carin and I shot a few series of photos that were more stylized than my normal outfit posts. We both share a love for creating short stories with a romantic mood to our photos, whether that be through details as simple as a facial expression, softness in the hands, post-editing, or the time of day we shoot to create an appropriate ambience. This is why I just adore shooting with Carin. She’s the closest photographer I’ve found to have such a similar eye to Luke’s in terms of framing and seeing beyond the obvious photo opportunities in one location, yet still brings her own unique perspective, incredible and modest talents, and pure passion for photography every time we shoot together. Plus I quickly learnt she’s just as crazy open-minded as Luke and I are when it comes to doing absolutely anything to get that one shot. At one point we were questioning how I could climb underneath the Pont Alexandre III (a bridge that crosses over the Seine River in Paris) to get this particular photo. A photo that would have been amazing but perhaps illegal.

This post was dedicated to the faux Parisian life I’m imagining I’m living in a parallel universe, where I can speak fluent French and eat as many glazed eclairs as I want. A life where I sit on the corners of cafes and gaze out of windows, keeping cosy with a hot pot of green tea and dreaming about said eclairs, more eclairs, and other non-relavant to every day life but extremely delicious things that I can Instagram about which cause people to question if I, in fact, eat all of the things I Instagram about. Oh god, even Instagram rules my ideal world. There’s no hope for me after all.

Photos by Carin Olsson

Topshop Blazer and Pants / ASOS Shirt / Christian Louboutin Heels

A two piece suit has to be one of my favorite wardrobe staples. A two piece suit in tartan? Well even I was surprised how much I was drawn to it. This could possibly be the first time I’ve been ok with wearing tartan in years. I went through my Clueless phase (just like everyone else, right?) when I was in year 7, pairing it with a matching cardigan just like Cher and to be honest I don’t think I’ve really given it a second chance until now.

We arrived in Paris a few days ago and all I can think about is how soon it is before I have to leave again. Best part is having Carin here to show me all the hidden gems I never would have known about before as she’s lived in Paris for quite some time now. I mean, the food and pastry secrets she’s shared with me in the space of a few days has been incredible. I think I discovered my all time favorite patisserie today called L’Eclair de Genie. I even went as far as making an Instagram video about our second visit in just 24 hours so be sure to have a look at my @garypeppergirl Instagram to see just how mouth watering this place really is! Be warned: may contain dribble.

Photos by Carin Olsson

Complete Tommy Hilfiger Look / Jennifer Zeuner Rings / Mulberry Bag / Christian Louboutin Heels

So NYFW has already been and gone in a blink of an eye. I landed and suffered from some very severe jetlag, which meant I landed at 8pm and didn’t sleep the entire night. I then attended my first day of NYFW and went to an event that evening. All up, I was awake for 30 hours and crashed and burned the next day which to be honest threw me out for the entire week. I won’t complain though as I did it to myself, and it meant I got to finally edit some posts!

The best part about this fashion week month is I have the lovely Carin here with me too, the photographer you all met when we shot together in Paris. She’s made the whole process so much easier, making sure I’m eating, sleeping and running on time. Three things that seem impossible during fashion week, especially if you’re wearing six inch heels and sleep deprived.

I wore this look to the Tommy Hilfiger show. I absolutely adore the preppy school boy look but it’s rare I find pieces that are so cohesive together and somewhat affordable. A matching three piece with a tie included? Tommy you may have just inspired me to invest a little more money into outfits like this.

Photos by Carin Olsson

Twenty Seven Names Top (similar here) / Zara Blazer (similar here) / J Brand Trousers / Zara Earrings (similar here) / Jules Smith and Gorjana Rings / Christian Louboutin Heels / Celine Bag

This was about the time I realised I had run out of clothes. Usually I place an ASOS order to get me through my travels but as I was flying from one place to another I wasn’t in one place long enough to have anything delivered without the chance of missing it. Luckily I found a few pieces I loved in Zara, which is usually a rare occurrence as the stores are often so busy and my sizes are always gone that it deters me and I decide to just go buy candy instead. Hash tag #alwayseatingsweets.

Mixed with some of my all time staple pieces like a breton top, white trousers and my trusty Louboutin Pigalle’s, I realised this is probably as Parisian as I’m ever going to get. The way women dress here is so effortlessly chic, with minimal to no make-up and perfectly sitting natural hair. If I walk out of the house like that I often feel more like a homeless gremlin. And yes that’s the only way I can think to describe it right now. But the best part is when I catch myself loving a lady’s outfit only to discover once she turns around that she’s in fact 40-something years old. I don’t know how the Parisians age so gracefully and keep so fit when a large percentage are constantly smoking and eating nothing but carbs baguettes and pastries. One things for sure, I’ll have what they’re having please.

Photos by Carin Olsson

ASOS Top / ASOS Shorts / ASOS Coat / Michael Kors Watch / Christian Louboutin Heels / Jennifer Zeuner Rings / Nomadic Bag

When I spent one week in Paris by myself at the beginning of June for meetings (oh god, has a whole month already flown by so quickly?) I spent my last night in Paris visiting Versailles with Carin, Alix and Grace. We had planned on spending the afternoon watching the sunset over the Chateau De Versailles whilst nestled amongst the beautiful and pristine gardens. Unfortunately we didn’t realise that due to a special event that night the gardens would be closing half an hour after we arrived, with a basket full of baguettes and all. Of course making the most of our situation we decided to take photos out the front of Versailles instead, just as an ethereal glow started to prance through its golden gates and twirl onto the pavement below. Every cloud has a silver lining, and in this case there wasn’t a cloud in sight. Just four girls in Paris who all seem to share the same love and appreciation for such a charming and heart warming city.

Photos by Carin Olsson