American Girl Moves To France..Really// Q & A With The Gorgeous Roya Cartledge

Photo by De La Valley Photography.

Photo by De La Valley Photography.

I am really loving where this part of my lifestyle blog is becoming a visual diary  where I can document the people that inspire me.  I keep talking about the power of instagram and the many people it has connected me with. I am so drawn to fashion and photography and when I stumbled on the insta of Roya ..... I was so inspired. Her photography  is simply beautiful. Her sense of style is incredibly unique and she just recently found out she is moving to France again ! Yes, again.  I am going to be living vicariously through her in all of her Parisian journeys. I cannot wait to do a France travel diary from Roya too once she gets settled with all of her new favorites.  She was born in Washington DC and relocated to Tulsa for school. She studied at Oral Roberts University  in Tulsa, Oklahoma and just graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Community Development and French. She is a full-time dog mom currently!!

Photo by De La Valley Photography

Photo by De La Valley Photography

GETTING TO KNOW ROYA :

-OMG so you are moving to France? What will you be doing there? 
It feels almost surreal for me to be heading back to France. I studied abroad in Paris for a semester and of course I fell in love with the place. I just knew I had to return so I did a little research online for different opportunities and I discovered a program called TAPIF, which stands for Teaching Assistance Program in France. The program is run by the French Ministry of Education and it places Americans as assistant English teachers throughout the country. I applied and got accepted for the 2016-2017 school year. I was placed to live and work in the Académie de Montpellier, which is in the south of France.

-What are you most excited to do in France? Eat? Sip? Play? Stay?
I think I’m just excited for everything really. France is a beautiful country with a rich culture and heritage. The food is amazing, it’s cities are elegant, the scenery is breath taking and it’s people are beautiful. Honestly I’ve never been in such an inspiring environment. So to answer your question I’m excited about all the above and more. 

-What does a typical day look like for you?
As a student school was all consuming for me. A typical day was full of classes and studying. However since I’ve graduated I’ve just been taking it easy. So far this summer the weather has been amazing so I’ve been spending as much time as I possibly can outside enjoying everyday life.

-An ideal day?
For me an ideal day can be a lot of things, but the best days are when I’m spending time with people I love. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing as long as I am in the presence of good company I’ll enjoy myself.  

-Describe your style in 3 words?
Fun, Simple, and Comfortable. 

-Who are your style icons? One living? One dead?
Françoise Hardy and Edie Sedgwick

-Last purchase?
A Floral Black Dress

-Fave thing in your closet?
Vince Camuto 'Dormina' Mule in Black Leather

-Oldest thing in your closet?
A flannel winter coat that I’ve had for forever.

-If you could invite 4 people (dead or alive) over for dinner, who would they be? and why ?
Nina Simone. To me she embodies what it is to be a woman.
James Baldwin. I think his mind was amazing. Reading and listening to his work transports you back in time to see and feel what it looked like to be living in his world.
Georgia O’Keefe. From her paintings, her words and her photography no other visual artist’s work speaks to me like hers does. 
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I was introduced to her through a TED Talk called, “The Danger of a Single Story.” Her perspective articulates so much of my journey and I appreciate her boldness, courage, and enthusiasm in voicing her experiences. 

-Must have fashion item for summer?
White T-Shirt

Your biggest fashion disaster?
I once was wearing a high slit dress and ripped it so high that I couldn’t believe I was walking around in public like that. My mother would have been embarrassed. 

Most comfortable outfit?
A T-shirt dress. 

-Latest beauty discovery?
Jojoba oil, its great for your skin and hair. I literally cover myself with this stuff on the daily. 

-Your favorite Sunday consists of..?
Church, brunch, and sleep.

Currently reading?
L’Etranger by Albert Camus

Currently listening to?
Not To Disappear by Daughter

-Your photography is stunning! What inspires your portraits?
I’m inspired by people really.  When I shoot I just want to capture artistic portraits that express individual personality and style.

-When you move to France, the one thing you will miss most about Tulsa is ..?
Mexican food!!! Even though French food is amazing. I failed to encounter any good Tex-Mex during my time there. If anyone has any good recommendations please let me know. I’m crying on the inside just thinking about it. 

Just look at this babe. All of the photos used are her own photography with tripod or her hubby helped ! I am just in love with it !!

I seriously cannot wait to follow her journey in this next chapter of her life !! Also so curious to see how much Mexican food she eats before her big departure !!  

Je vous souhaite le meilleur Roya!

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Xo,

Sam