Hi there, lovelies! I hope you all had a great weekend! On Saturday, I shared my weekend plans with you HERE. Whitney and I had a great time at Battersea Park to celebrate Guy Fawkes Day/Night [also known as Bonfire Night]! I had, honestly, never heard of this holiday before but I absolutely loved it! To catch you up, it’s a day to celebrate the failure of Guys Fawkes’ attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Can you imagine London without that beautiful building and its grand clocktower, Big Ben? It’s iconic, and London would be empty and a little less charming without it. I’m so glad he was caught! I remember seeing Big Ben for the first time when I was 18. I was stunned at its enormity and how detailed the architecture is. It’s absolutely gorgeous in person, and probably my favorite landmark here.
Yesterday, we went to church in the morning and then I spent a few hours getting all packed up! I know I’ve made it seem like I’m packing up to head home. I was actually supposed to be on a plane heading home right now, probably as you’re reading this but, I couldn’t be more excited to share that ….
I decided to extend my stay here in London through mid-December
but I actually did pack this weekend but only because I’m moving FLATS!
I kept it a secret because I thought it’d be fun to share it with you in this way. There have been so many of you that have reached out to say how much you’ve enjoyed my London updates & snaps, how I’ve inspired you to want to come here, a place you had never wanted to before, or how I’ve encouraged you to get started on planning a trip here that you’ve been putting off for one reason or another. It’s all been so flattering especially because I can’t quite explain how much I love being here. This city is magic to me, something I’ve been looking for in a place to ‘be’ for a long time. I feel inspired here. I feel like I can satisfy both sides of myself here — the explorer and the homebody. Maybe one day I’ll be able to share more on that but, for now, I’ll keep it there. I hope you’re as excited as I am! I can’t wait to share what London looks like during the holiday season!
My friend, Whitney, will be with me for almost the entire rest of my stay here, which will add an even funner element to things! I had made the decision to stay and invited her to join me when she told me she wasn’t ready to go back so she was like … YOLO! We have a lot of fun things already on our calendar! Can’t wait to share more with y’all 🙂
If you’re wondering … I decided to move flats because my current flat is on the 4th floor of a building and, with Fish, I just felt like it was a little too much for both of us. I’m already getting 10x the amount of cardio that I normally get at home from walking around the city so much [I could literally meander for hours with no set path and I’m constantly like ‘oh, what’s down there?’ and end up somewhere super random, but cool] and Fish, being predisposed to joint and back problems, shouldn’t be going up and down stairs that much – if at all! I carry him as much as I can but sometimes he runs up before I can catch him. Thankfully, I’m not moving far, which was the biggest requirement. I’m literally moving caddy-corner to where I am now to a second story flat. I am finalizing all the paperwork this morning and should be moving in by this afternoon. I’ll be giving y’all a tour on Snapchat – don’t you worry! 🙂
Some of y’all might have missed this update, as well, because I keep getting a lot of questions via Twitter, email, Snapchat, etc. so I’ll touch on it again. If you are curious about another aspect of my life that I’ve gone rather silent about, I have to ask that you respect that silence. I’d prefer to keep it all to myself for now. I understand the curiosity. Y’all know I am QUITE the sharer, especially if you’ve followed me for awhile. I treat you all as I do my friends but, there are some things along the way that I will choose to keep to myself and to my close friends and family. If I don’t touch on something, it might be for a reason or it might be because I just don’t want to talk about it. Also, especially in regard to relationships, it involves other people, and the people in my life matter so much to me. I always want to respect them and their privacy, as well. But, I hope you know how much I appreciate you all and your concern for me. Just know that I am doing okay 🙂
So, let’s get to this parka, shall we? I mentioned it in the Snapchat Shopping Review last week and wore it on Saturday night out to Battersea Park, when it was going to be as cold as 38 degrees. I absolutely love it. I have it in navy blue and in green. It is, seriously, the best under $100 piece of outerwear that I have purchased this year. Definitely give it a try if you’re looking for some thing like it! Aside from the price, the other amazing thing about it is how many size options it has. I bought a petite size, but there are also options in regular and tall sizing, as well!
The regular size options come in these colors:
The petite size option come in these colors:
The tall size option come in these colors:
There is a wide variety of parkas, perfect for the Fall and Winter months, out on the market right now but this one just happens to be my favorite.
What are your current favorites?? I want to know!
Enjoy your Monday, beautiful! Thanks for stopping by!
xo.
I’m SO happy and excited about your extended stay in London! I absolutely love seeing the places you visit, and seeing what life is like across the pond. Can’t wait to see more!! XO
Such exciting news you’re extending your stay! I bet London is sooo gorgeous during the holiday season, I’m jealous! Your boots are killer 🙂 Happy Monday!!
xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black
Alyson!!! This is too cute! I texted you a while back…but I bet you didn’t get it with being in London…didn’t think about that!
This coat is TOO cute! Yes, Im obsessed… and with it being under $60 dollars? I need it! Love your boots too.
Hope all is well! Love following your journey on your blog and on your instagram. Thanks for always staying true to yourself!
xoxo
Heyyy! No, I didn’t get it because I have an international sim card in my phone. BUT … if you text my US number on What’sApp – I’ll get it 🙂 Thanks for always being so sweet to me! Miss you! Hope you’re well! Text me xo!
Such fun news! I bet London is going to be even more beautiful for the holidays!
I definitely think so! 🙂
Love that coat!
http://www.memoriesandmacchiatos.com
I love that parka- always on the hunt for cute cold weather apparel!
xo, brittany
i’ve got a guide to looking cute postpartum on my blog today- or when you just want to stay cozy!
http://www.notablob.com
That parka is such a great piece, looks so warm, comfy and stylish! Congrats son your longer stay in London, going after what your heart feels and says is the only right way to live. 🙂
http://lartoffashion.com
That coat is SUCH a steal! So glad to hear you’re staying in London and enjoying every bit of it! It’s going to be so GORGEOUS around the holidays!
http://www.rosyoutlookblog.com
I’m so excited to be staying! I absolutely love it here! 🙂
You look so cozy in your coat! I’m liking the burgundy on the Noisy May Tall parka jacket 🙂
Diana | http://www.thechicdiary.com
I like that one, too! Wish it came in the petite sizing option! 🙂
Love the boots!
http://brightdecember.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Maru! They’re currently on sale! xo.
Super cute and looks so warm! Love it!
http://www.themoptop.com
Thanks! Super warm! xo.
So incredibly envious of your extended stay but so happy for you at the same time. I think it speaks volumes that you try to keep a sense of privacy and I think it’s something everyone should admire! I will say that extending your time in London shows what a strong and independent person you are! I feel like I would have wanted to run home at the first sign of trouble so GO YOU! Can’t wait to follow the rest of your stay.
Such a cute jacket!! So happy to hear the great news!! When you asked everyone to guess what the upcoming news was a few weeks back, I believe I said you were extending your stay!! Yay! I’ve enjoyed the beautiful pictures so much and can’t wait to see what it looks like as it gets near Christmas!! So jealous of ya!!!
http://jellarie.blogspot.com/
So excited that you are extending your stay!! I was in London around the holidays two years ago and it was magical! There really is nothing quite like it. Make sure you go to all the Christmas markets you can, they are so fun to just get lost in!
The Oxford Street lights were lit tonight and Whitney and I already have lots on our calendar that we can’t wait to experience! 🙂 Christmas markets is ON the list FOR SURE! xo!
I’m so glad you a staying in London a bit longer. I moved here in July and was very nervous. You have inspired me to get out and explore by myself while my husband is at work.
Omg, yes! Get out there! There’s SO much to see … aside from just the main touristy things! And I go the wrong way on the tube every so often or end up REALLY far away from where I started but I promise – the more you do it, the more you get the hang of the city and the more you love it 🙂
Hi Alyson
I was never into reading blog posts but you literately changed my mind about it. I love your posts. Personal but still fashion related! Thank you so much for this experience! Love, Lya from Switzerland
Hi Lya! That brought the biggest smile to my face! I’m so glad I could be the one to change your mind! I just don’t enjoy reading blogs that share an outfit but you can’t really get to know the person wearing it. I refuse to be a mannequin 🙂 I hope to make it over to Switzerland before I go, if not in the next year! It’s way up there on my list! Please tell me where I need to go first! xo.
so happy you’re staying!! I am loving the snaps!
Thank you, Bunny! I’m so happy to be staying, too! xo.
Loved this post! So glad you are staying longer. I was one who asked about your BF. I am so sorry now I feel horrible. I hope you are happy and I love your blog, IG, and snap! Looking forward to all your adventures!!!
Hey Christina, aw I didn’t want you to feel horrible for asking. Like I said, I totally understand the curiosity. I just didn’t want to continue to not address it. I appreciate the fact that you enjoy following along, through the up’s and down’s 😉 xo.
Hi Alyson,
Does the jacket run large? Just wondering if i should order in a size Medium, although I wear a size 6 in blouse. Also is it warm?? The price is right. If you ever come across some boots that have a lower heel, would appreciate the info. I enjoy your blog….from Tucson AZ
Hey Susan, it is very warm! I mentioned that in the title, and the copy, I believe! I would say it runs a little large … I normally wear an XS but purchased a Petite XXS and it fits perfect!! 🙂 Hope that helps! xo
I am so excited that you are staying!!! I love waking up and watching your snapchat stories and seeing your posts on Instagram. Since I have started reading your blog an following you I have seen how fun blogging can be, therefore I have decided to start my own blog. Do you have any tips?
Thanks, Rebecca! Glad you’ve been enjoying following along! Yes, my five main tips are: [1] Do it for the right reasons [2] Have fun [3] Keep going, growth takes time [4] Invest in a good camera [5] Keep your eyes in your own lane! xo!
I’m so happy u decided to extend your stay in london! i’m actually visiting london in 2 weeks during thanksgiving! i know u talked about doing a blog post on the attractions and different restaurants in london and I was wondering if you were still planning on doing that? I would love to see that! 🙂
btw that jacket is super cute!
Hey there! I am still planning on doing that but I wanted to take my time getting all of the content [imagery and experience] throughout my time here so I will likely not get those posts up before you come because of previously slated posts! I hate to say that because I want to be helpful to y’all but I have to honor some of the other partnerships I have set up for this month. I do plan on doing those posts within the next couple of months though! xo!
I used to work with Whitney and have followed your blog ever since she started Blonde Atlas. I love your writing, your style and the perfect combination between style & thoughtful reflection. I’m so excited to follow both of you this season!!
Aw, hi Melanie! Thank you so much. That was such a sweet compliment! I appreciate that so much! xo.
I can’t believe that jacket is so affordable! So perfect for the cooler weather coming! Also, so excited that you’re staying a bit longer in London! I love following along with you!
xoxo,
Amy
http://www.styleandsequins.com
So cool to see London! I am going there myself this december so I can’t wait for your tips!
Love,
http://www.thestyleventure.com/2016/11/07/how-to-look-different/
Happy to hear you are enjoying your adventures – the good & the bad. It’s those low times that make us stronger and more able to appreciate the high times <3 I left a comment when you first mentioned your move to London, about how you're an inspiration to me for chasing your dreams, leading with your heart and enjoying life – and I still feel the same!! I look forward to your posts and your snaps every day! Keep being you xoxo
I am so excited you’ve decided to extend your London stay. I’ve had the best time watching your adventures on Snapchat. Plus your sharing helped me when I was there recently. It would have been awesome to bump into you and Fish in Hyde Park 😉
Thank you, Becca! I’m so happy I did, as well! Aw, that would have been so fun to run in to a reader over here! OMG … that would make my life! Hah! I love meeting you guys! xo.