Category Archives:Fashion Champagne

Dec. 12.

Be Inspired!

I started blogging under Susu’s World in 2007 out of desire to share my Paris pictures and thoughts. In 2009, I needed a booster and changed my site into Susu Paris Chic, focusing on outfit posts. Now the 2-year cycle seems to prance on as upon my arrival in Canada, I wish to expand a dash. My blog shall be renamed to Be Inspired!

The new title domiciles my continued passion for fashion and frenzy to share my artwork, but I shall equally toss in themes like building healthy self-esteem and an eating disorder resistant body image (this chick is still recovering from anorexia), living a chic city life and finding your inspiration and happiness in the every day limbo.

I long to create a space where I can share things that help me to see this world from as much a positive place as possible. This starts with feeling good about myself. Then, the second step is in being able to exchange around these sweet and sometimes sorrowful things. Through leaving comments and visiting each others’ blogs we all grow and get precious mutual support.

We already have a cherished Kind-Chic-Friends-Club going on here. Faithful members include: Audrey, Ron, Kristin, LittleRus, Audrey Allure, Katz NYC, Cafe Fashionista, WendyB, Classiq, Ashley, Leesa, Aurelia, The Dandelion GirlDress Code: High Fashion, Zulema2, Ola, Sherin, SizzleandZoom,  Nera, Amy-jo Tatum/Bride ChicLily, Savvy Girl, Missy, Rita-Marie, Creativefashionglee, Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking, Margarita, Scott, DaisychainShin, SusieEnglishvers, Kira Fashion, StyleOnTheCouch… and lots of more sweet people that I cannot name all here! You all brighten up my days more than you maybe know. I read and reread your comments with utmost appreciation and thankfulness. I take nothing for granted.

Now I am inviting all new desiring to join, and bien sûr… of course, the old dear ones to stay! Be Inspired is a pink power inspirational booster. Finding and sharing whatever works so that we all, every single precious one, feel good in this life of ours. Spreading kindness. Creating a network of honesty and trust, sharing true life and true feelings.

The change on the blog will occur depending on Mr. French Right ‘s ability to give me a helping hand. (A hubs in the computer bizz does come in handy at times.)

I am cupcake-vanillamously-excited! Et toi… and you?

Dec. 09.

Montreal Magic

I had to make an unexpected and urgent administrative trip down to Montreal, 270 km Southwest from Quebec City. I learned about it the night before, whisked together an action plan, and at the dawn off I went. I am loving the spontaneous life style that I am adapting to so well these days. When you’ve struggled with an eating disorder – restricting your food and eating only the same things at the same time – this is a real source of joy.

Changing environments has done me so much good. I feel like I have more space to breathe. Paris is very crowded and intense, Quebec City grants you more room to exist. It seems. I have really been able to practice intuitive eating – allowing my body the type of food when and how much it requires. At the moment I am all giggles with bagels and different kinds of (non-European found) cereal – Quaker oatmeal squares with maple syrup are at my most sparkling place. This gal just needs her fiber to be happy-kicking. My hair feels different here, too. May it be the water? Paris does have the most calcium-loaded aqua ever. My coiffure just seems softer, yet entangles more easily.

Bubble tea in Montreal Chinatown… I had heard about this stuff in Paris, but haven’t tasted yet. I got intrigued. I wonder if it has lactose – remember my absolute intolerance.  Have you had it? Alors… so?

I am a baby in the Canadian culture. In so many ways. This made me think that when you change countries your personal style is one of the things that carries you firmly through the transition steps. That is why I enjoy writing about finding your way in the world. Once you know what works for you and makes you feel gorgeous, you are at a happier-stronger place. I am currently practicing what I babble since this chick is searching for that sweet new job opportunity. What would you see me do here? Do you have a dream job or a cute goal?

Camaieu knit, Riviera vintage shirt, Pimkie jeans, Go Sport boots

Photos around the Montreal Opera, Chinatown and the Museum of Modern Art

Dec. 06.

Yep Quebec!

Whew, here we are in Canada! As many of you figured out, my new home is in Quebec, in Quebec City that is! The sweetheart and I started our idea of moving to Canada over a year ago. We wanted to create a new life. See something different.

I was born and raised in Finland, got my high school diploma and some college studies in the U.S. – Wisconsin and Florida – then spent the last ten years living and working in Paris, France. Today I am eager to start a new chapter in my life. Also glad to be back on the American Continent.

See the excitement in my eyes as I am about to take off towards Montreal. Traveling chic, of course!

I had said that once I get to Quebec City and get my Tall Americano at Starbuckies that is when I’ll relax. So I got it, and chilled! It feels amazingly soothing to have arrived somewhere and to know that you don’t have to be on the move illico presto.  After two months of living out of a suitcase – and trying to be the minimum fash’ – this does have a sweet taste to it.

In the near future, I may not be able to blog as often as I usually do. Lots to organize over here, as you probably figured. The blog will undergo some changes as well… first and foremost the name. If you have any suggestions, scoot them over my way!  I do have an idea. Also, I plan to continue to blog about fashion, take outfit photos and pictures of the city. Just as you know this Susu. But if there are any other things you’d enjoy reading about, do tell me. I have been pondering about writing more about self-development and healthy living, or also a dash more about my actual daily life. But then again, would that really be of interest? I’ll write what my heart tells me, that is for sure.

Thank you for following me to this side of the Atlantic. Warm Quebec hugs!

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Nov. 25.

Last French Mustard Drops

If you’ve never tried French mustard, I incite you to do so. You’ll get a heads on with the peppy condiment, and from a totally different perspective. The step after will be the French pickles, ouh là là! La moutarde is a lot like this improbable country. Feisty and stubborn, but in a classy and delicate way.

I have lived here for almost a decade now. I came as a recent college graduate. Soon leaving, as a married Madame and a deeply Frenchified fashionista, loving my black and whites, lace and high heels. I’ve equally grown to appreciate rosé champagne – even though I still prefer blanc, always brut – learned how to push out a little holler if things don’t go the way promised and discovered the art of lingerie – with garter belt and stockings to the office and all.

I am feeling somewhat nostalgic, but in a good way. Our immigration papers came through and the patient waiting is no passé. Heading back to Paris and then soon hopping on the plane for some mighty hours. Our newly-found home is awaiting. The honey and I decided to treat ourselves to the deluxe class – with champagne flowing.

Art by Susu

Riviera vintage shirt and scarf; EuroDiff pants, H&M belt, Shania flats

 

 

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Nov. 21.

Stripe Shot – with Radical Self Love

I gave it a shot. Drank up the stripey concoction – succumbed to the new sweater. With a glittery touch the horizontal bands please me just fine. It took me this long to swing the trend. I was convinced that my Scandinavian childhood had insured me an overdose.

The sweater’s blue is very powerful. There are many types of azurs. I have always been a dear fan. There is poetic and peaceful blue. Then come soothing and comforting. There is also the nostalgic and longing blue. No matter how painful they may be, I actually realize that I like myself some deeper notes to life, too. They force me to grow. Give contrast. Any good painting doesn’t work without. Do you have things that you put down in you or your life? I’ve recently discovered Gala Darling’s darling site on radical self love. I am trying to embrace the true me. Just like she naturally is.

Thus, today I am feeling sturdier on my pumps. As if I had accepted a slice more of life. That today I am this kind of a person with my looks, fears, desires and anxieties. That I am doing my best – to live every day to its true value. So, dear ones, look how beautiful the Mediterranean Coast is, just before the clement winter falls!

Art by Susu

Camaïeu knit sweater, Camaïeu shirt, Etam pants, Tamaris pumps

Photos Six Fours Forest, France

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Nov. 18.

Marseille Boho Chic

Thank you – merci – sweets for your heart-warming comments on my last post! Recreating a healthy body image takes time and a lot of effort. There are ups and downs. Now I’m back on the ascending curve again.

I took a day for girly things. Hopped on the train and hit Marseille – just me and the Mediterranean pearl, solo. I indulged in fauvist, and post modern fauvist art. Lingered around the Old Harbor and climbed up to the Bonne Mère Cathedral. I meditated, wrote in my dear purple notebook – took time just to reflect and reconnect. With me. With Marseille.

My caramel hat, feathery earrings, scarf sensually around the waist… made me feel ladylike. This all helping me to accept life – more and more – as it comes. I loved what Lukija said in her comment to my previous post about life being enough when 80% good. So right! If ever you are in need of some serious wisdom about bodily issues, read the more-precious-than-gold comments I was blessed to receive. They shall be tightly held onto.

Art by Susu

Lindex hat, C&A earrings, Vero Moda top, Pimkie jeans, Helsinki vintage scarf, Shania flats

Photos from Palais des Arts, Marseille, France

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