V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

Edit by: Vicki
Mar 09, 2015

Provence In Soft Focus

Provence In Soft Focus, St Remy de Provence, Vicki Archer


This last weekend in Provence, felt as if it were in soft focus.


The light in Provence is forever changing. It is often bright, sometimes subdued but always unique.


Restorative is the word that comes to mind; the light in Provence feels like a dose of goodness, an antidote to negativity and a positive force to make all things better. A romantic interpretation, but if you were with me last weekend I feel sure you would agree.




More and more the London life makes me appreciate Provence and all that is so exceptional about the region. There are the obvious draws; the history, the hilltop villages, the markets and the scenery but this last weekend it was the light that held my attention. It was as if I was seeing my days through a soft filter, my eyes fnding focus on a gentle landscape. The white light of winter, in preparation for the coming spring, had given way to a pale grey-baby blue tinged atmosphere.


Early March is a little forgotten in Provence; it is a time that is less obvious. We mark the Provencal calender by the almond blossom, punctuate the Easter break with the flowering wisteria vines and May sees the bold faced iris come out to play. Provence is pretty, but Provence is also so much more than that. Provence is elemental.

Nature’s elements are the secret to the beauty and the ambience of life in Provence.




The weekend was quiet, the village of St Rémy de Provence not quite woken up from its post Christmas slumber. It was perfect to wander around and to re-unite myself with its charm.


It is the time of year when I like to walk, to hike in the Alpilles and let my eyes look into the distance and forget that other life behind a computer screen and those fingers of mine that are at the beck and call of social media, if only for a weekend.


And the freedom of relaxed dressing, little make up and hair tied back; how these small pleasures become significant when we don’t have them all the time.



Provence in soft focus, was it real? This Monday morning, it feels like it could have been a dream… xv



Provence In Soft Focus

I am frequently asked what to wear in Provence and I wanted to mention these new stretch skinny cargo pants from J.Crew. Perfect for Provence, perfect for travelling.

Totally fabulous and flattering: I tested them out this past weekend. I went with the khaki and the navy pairs.


The cargo pants looked cute and took me everywhere with the J.Crew silky tee and the Stan Smith trainers, especially the dark pair with the leopard trim. At night I added a chunky cable knit.



[thefeedproducts style=’one’]

j.crew skinny stretch cargo  //  stan smith sneakers //  j.crew silky tee  //  j.crew mixed cable sweater

 

 

Edit by: Vicki
In This Post: Provence