It was by no means a complete list of what I am taking to Paris. I really hope that I didn't mislead you into thinking I was only taking two dresses!
I've had time to look in my closet and I wrote out a few lists...edited them.
Rewrote the list and edited some more...
What I have chosen "feels right."
As a challenging project which may be subject to a few small changes...
Spring in Paris can be chilly and rainy.
The core wardrobe is in my go to colour palette...basic black!
I have added quite a few accessories to allow me to add some colour, texture, and interest.
Pants
black and dark denim skinny jeans ~ g21
black ponte knit pants ~ Eileen Fisher
Dresses
Black tweed V neck sleeveless ~ Banana Republic
Pattern wrap dress ~ Jones of NY
Tops
black tank ~ White House Black Market
cream tank ~ Lands' End
white linen tank ~ Eileen Fisher
black short sleeve Tee ~ Wilfred
cream short sleeve Tee ~ Lands' End
Breton stripe long sleeve top ~ Gap
black, grey, cream patterned wrap long sleeve top ~ Laura
coral tunic top ~ Cute Creations
Sweaters
coral cashmere V neck cardigan ~ Lands' End
black short sleeved dressy V neck cardigan for dresses ~ Talbots
Coats
Trench coat ~ Elie Tahari
Black waterproof light jacket ~ Style and Co.
Shoes
blue flats ~ Joseph Seibel
metallic sandals ~ Ecco
short black leather boots ~ Timberland
Undergarments
nude and black bras ~ Olga
nude and black undies ~ Elita and Olga
cashmere socks
mesh hose in black and beige ~ Hue
black silk nightie
Scarves
felted black white grey print
silk ~ Hermes
silk ~ Lanvin
Jewelry
watch
diamond studs
coin necklace
pearls
crystal and black artisan necklace ~ Debra Kay
vintage brooch with baroque pearl
I plan to roll my clothes and use packing cubes and Ziploc bags to keep things compact and organized.
Orange will be the punch of colour with my black basics...
Have you got the Hermes scarf tying app ?
I have it on my IPhone.
Here's a quick scarf tying tutorial from Eileen Fisher.
I think this gal is adorable and I love her style.
another older EF tutorial with some great ideas for wearing your scarves.
See you again soon.
58 comments:
You're so organized and you've got a great foundation for your trip, especially if it's chilly. I will say that we've spent a few May weeks in France over the years when it's been in the mid-20s (Celsius, bien sûr) -- quite warm for a day of walking around the city. Think layers as much as possible, I'd say -- a tank top or two might be quite useful and a light cardi (cotton or silk) to layer over it. . . .Isn't it fun to plan?!
I think you'll get a lot of versatility from your choices. Like Mater says, layers are key - one never knows what the weather holds.
Planning for a trip is half the fun, in my opinion. We're going to the Maritimes in June and I'm starting to think about what to take.
LOve how you've worked this all out with basic black and yet you look so chic and multi layered and thought through. I always turn up to any given country with loads of pieces but no striking or even cohesive outfits.
Leave loads of room for purchases though! Getting excited for you!
I'd like to see your opened packed carry-on just before you leave ;)
Ooh, planning for a travel wardrobe is such fun! For me, shoes are the key.
I thought of you: I spotted a vintage Lanvin scarf at WIN Warehouse a couple of weeks ago - I was tempted at $18.00, but it was a little too...not me.
Don't forget an umbrella even when it starts out as a sunny day. When it rains, you get totally drenched...speaking from experience...it rained almost everyday. But then it would stop and the sun would come out and all would be right with the world except for my hair.
It's amazing what you're able to pack in the carry-on. Love the packing cubes...they are the best invention since sliced bread. Can you do a post on them for us, please?
Looks good, def add a folding umbrella. Maybe ditch the artesian necklace, it is a bit fussy and wil probably not sit well in your case. Plus you might want to buy a necklace as a momentous over there. Janey
Beautiful choices - I especially love your accessories. Of course, I'm a big fan of accessories...
but that cube necklace is beyond excellent!
I love the cube necklace also. Not sure if you will wear sandals in May. Check with the "experts."
wow ! What a lot of planning for your trip , I don't think I would over think it that much myself , you will find you have over packed and not have enough room to bring a few things home. It does sound like a really interesting trip to go on though. I am looking forward to hearing about your adventures . Donna
I have been in Europe the last 3 Mays and the weather varies a lot (just like here). If it is sunny, Parisian women of a certain age will wear skirts and dresses. If you layer, you should be fine. Although it rains in Paris, the rain does not last all day (unlike here). I take a very light Fulton umbrella that I can put in my purse. You will look très chic. Last year, I was inspired by your coin necklace to buy a similar one (it has French coins) in the Marais. Isn't planning the best part?
I like your packed wardrobe. Well-balanced. I especially like that you're going a little edgy on the shoes. I think that keeps you in the independent mind territory, the, I've got my own mind realm. Were this me, I'd go buy a new pair of Nike Air Maxes to wear for the long days when my feet tolerate nothing else - making sure that their pattern was fashion editor-ish, not just got out of the gym-ish.
leslie if i could make one suggestion i'd say bring a thin layer of long underwear. we were all so cold! one thin layer would have really helped. i did bring a small umbrella but every hotel we stayed at had nice big ones to borrow so there is that. and i will say that no matter how far we walked my feet were never sore in those rl boots i brought. they saved my life! have fun, your trip sounds wonderful. x
Nicely done! I've got packing down to a mindless routine after so many years of Europe for months, but one thing I always travel with is an old (1980's), pearl grey and rather large pashmina, which I bought in London one year. It's the absolute must have in my life. It's served as a blanket for 9yr old Chloe when I accidentally plonked up on a fast train to Berlin instead of Prague, protects my computer in my on-board bag, safely cradled a Murano glass orchestra thru three countries and two months before I got it home, and generally is that Linus comfort blankie I sometimes need. Now there's also a red and a bronze pashmina in my life, but the old grey one always wins out. Hope your holiday is spectacular to the max.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday, however, you may want to rethink the lovely metallic sandals, In my experience, the weather will not be suitable for them, of course ma cherie, it is up to you, and I hope that the sun does shine for you in my country! Bon vacance! suzanne.
I like your choices but I simply do not understand this obsession that a lot of bloggers have with trying to fit everything into one tiny suitcase. Can someone please explain this? Is it a criminal offence to take more then one suitcase abroad? I travel all over the world and I just fail to see the problem with taking a decent sized suitcase and putting it in the hold. Or, heaven forbid, 2 suitcases? What happens if you want to buy stuff? Why all this effort to stuff all your belongings into one tiny carry on case? I'm not trying to be rude, I'd just really love to understand the reasoning behind it. Regards, Stephanie.
You're embarking on a marvelous adventure. Have a wonderful time.
Love your clock and the scarf tying links. It always looks so effortless that I've questioned whether special sized scarves are used for the tutorials. I could get some of the looks with GM scarves, not so much with the smaller sizes. Veronica's right about a big scarf. Hermes' GM cashmeres are very versatile for travel, and can be folded small and easily tucked into a corner of your handbag.
Clara
I absolutely love all of your choices, including the decision to only use one carry-on and use coral as your "colour" touch. The most comfortable (and stylish) pair of shoes I have ever bought is my Geox red stacked heels pair of sandals. They go with skinny pants or dresses/skirts, and were as light as feathers, taking me from Chicago to California and even Northern Argentina and Buenos Aires. When I went to Paris, I bought a pair of flats there, similar to the style French women wore, so I "blended in." Regards from Edmonton, Luciana.
Sounds like you're already on top of it, but I'm currently reading "Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life" by Shannon Ables and she writes at length on this topic. She loves fashion too. You might wanna check it out if you havent already.
So excited for you!
Wow! You're going to get all that in your carryon? You're amazing!
Sounds perfect! I agree wuth Janet about bringing and extra layer. I froze the last time i was there as well.
Its going to be so much fun for you!!
Stephanie , I totally agree with you. Leslie's holiday sounds fantastic and I don't mean to be rude but why one small bag as a carry on.? I don't understand why luggage isn't stowed in the hold. You can still travel with one small suitcase but I don't think it should be taken in the cabin. Yes, I would like bloggers to explain why they have an obsession with carry on luggage . Regard Ann
You are so organized and making such great choices...you are going to be the best dressed lady on the trip!
Here is a good one for you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU
Planning has been occupying my thoughts quite a bit...
I have two sweaters on my list, one is cashmere, the other rayon.
Aren't you planning a trip this year?
I am still editing my list as I need to leave room for some finds in Paris...
I've avoided the thrift shops lately to reduce temptation....trying to keep my spending down and my savings up!
I received a small Fulton umbrella for Xmas and it will fit in my purse...I forgot to add it to the list...thank you for the reminder.
The list is still subject to editing...as I still might have too many things...
I'll probably do a post when my carry on has been packed.
I do have a small Fulton umbrella that was a gift this Xmas...and it will even fit in my purse.
I'll certainly be considering space and what to edit after I get my case packed!
Your blog has given me many ideas on how to accessorize a minimalist wardrobe...thank you!
It seems that the sandals are the most likely to get edited...
and I'll need the space.
I now have a Fulton...a gift from Xmas!
One dress might be enough after all...we'll see how things go...
it's early days and this exercise is really working, with all the feedback I am getting from seasoned travellers!
The Seibels are super comfy...but I am keeping an open mind on shoes.
Thinking that the sandals might stay home...it's early days.
I will look and see what I can find in the lingerie departments...they could double as pj's in a pinch too !
Comfy footwear is most important...we will be walking many many kilometres/miles each day along cobblestoned streets.
I have a nice pashmina which is very warm and is a super cozy and soft so it might make the cut...thank you for the advice, I appreciate your expertise.
I love love love red shoes!
Repetto's are on my shopping list when I am in Paris and I am thinking of a pair in RED!
My desire to travel lightly is that I don't want to be encumbered with a heavy case to drag along the cobblestoned streets, and struggle with on the buses and the metro. I've been advised that many hotels do not have elevators so I do not want to be huffing anf puffing as I climb the stairs! If I buy too much I will purchase another suitcase and check it on the way home!
Shannon's book is on my to read list...I love her blog.
Don't forget that I am going to be wearing some of those items and I am still in the editing stage so I might whittle the list down some more...
Thank you Jennifer...am going to see what I can find...great advice.
Totally agree with traveling light. Elevators in Paris are very small. I have recently started to hang everyting that I plan to pack on a rolling rack and then editing out half. On our last trip, I didn't even wear half of that half. Next time, I will pick 2 pairs of stylish but comfortable shoes (one pair to travel and one pair in luggage), a pair of flip flops to wear in the room, and only four outfits because that's all I seem to gravitate to when I travel. Who will know if you're wearing something more than once.
Sounds fab! Have a super trip Hostess!, Regards, Luciana.
From Margie in Toronto - love your choices. May I offer one tip (I know it sounds funny but it works) - throughout the year I save any undies that are getting worn & past their best for travelling then I throw them out as I go and that leaves more room at the end for anything that I want to purchase. Even though I end up checking my case I only use a 20" carry on size for the same reason you do - I'm barely 5'2" and it's too difficult to manage a large case, especially if there are no elevators. While I like to be reasonably well dressed, I don't want to be worried about umpteen items when I'm on vacation. I think your choices are wonderful.
I love this list! I think it's perfect and also the orange as an accent!You have great taste. I love taking a lot of black to France. You blend in as everyone wears it, not to mention it always looks chic! SO exciting. I cannot wait to know all about your trip! Happy New Year!! xx Kim
I am 5 foot 1 and wondering how I will hoist my carry on into the upper compartment on the plane! I hope they do not frown upon me standing on the seat!
I might take that tip with me...can you imagine how much fun it would be to buy all new lingerie in Paris?
Thank you Kim...still planning and welcome advice...
Dear hostess, this is why I can't understand why you don't put your luggage in the hold instead of carry on. I'm also short!! And I couldn't think of any thing worse than trying to throw my case into an overhead locker. I always travel very light with a small suitcase. My husband and I had a wonderful 8 week trip this year and I still had very little luggage. We had two wonderful weeks in Paris in April . We stayed in a darling little hotel that smelt like a French perfumery. Wonderful. Enjoy your trip. Ann
I understand your concerns. However we do have taxis in Paris (costs around 65 euro to the city centre from the airport) and this is a much more relaxing way to get to your hotel. We also have over a thousand hotels with lifts. Bon voyage! Stephanie
Land's End sells a wonderful silk knit underwear. Very thin. It would be perfect to take along on your trip. Hopefully, the situation there is stable again before you travel.
Gosh, I hope this comes out right... anyone going into a rainy destination should think twice about packing silk scarves like the ones you've shown- the makers themselves advise against wearing in rain. But a scarf feels so good in damp weather! So I pack scarves rain will not damage and if I want to wear say Hermés, I have a light pashmina I can protect it under. Also I love wearing items by local Montréal or Canadian designers when I go there, as opposed to the French brands. Just a little pride thing ;)
Of course you are so right about the rain and the silk and I would not want to damage them. I will be also taking one or two other scarves, a pashmina and my newer black, grey and cream printed one that has a felted feel to it. I am hoping that it does not rain all the time I am visiting...and that I will be able to wear my silk scarves a few times! They will not take up much room even if there are no dry days.
I'm going with my sister for a week in May. Feeling a bit odd about not going with Paul so we may sneak in another trip, but this is a year for changing things up so perhaps not.
If you get a few hot days, though, as we've had happen in May, and if your feet are like mine and swell in heat, you'll wish for those sandals. Once or twice, I've left my Birks behind and I've actually ended up buying new ones there. . . .
I was just about to comment on the carry on; only, and have to agree with Stephanie as I can't imagine going to Paris with only a carryon.
I will post the phone number of a wonderful cab driver I met years ago. His name is Kevin, and he is reliable and speaks Chinese(Mandarin) and English. I found him by happy accident, and he has been so amazing over the years picking up and delivering many friends from the Paris airports. My friend that owned the Naples Florida Hermes franchise used him; and continues to do so, exclusively whenever she returns to Paris.
You can tell him you were referred by Donna from Canada, and Susan form Hermes.
Off to find his phone number.
If you allow mr thid first comment on your blog... When I travel I always take a case and a backpack plus my purse. Sometimes it is only a huge (nearly taller than life...and me) backpack, even as I am very petite (4"10). I still have strength in my arms and body and, you know, there are actually lift in most hotels in Paris (even in France, yes, we know what electricity is...). And are you really planning to carry your suitcase with you all day long?I am sorry but I do fail to understand. What I better understand though is your will to bring less stuff in order to be more creative. But it does seem to me that sometimes one has to give oneself a little leverage and not stick too strongly to some rules . Going with less clothes is good, going with nearly nothing only to be able to stick with a carry on-trend and rule seems to me sometimes a little bit...force. Especially if you do not want to look too much as a tourist.
However I am sure you will find a way and still have plenty of time till May to plan your case, depending on the weather that will be on at that time in France (one can never know in advance). I would like to say also that, in regard of comfort, Repetto are not the most comfortable ballet flats to walk a long time: ok to stay sat or just walk short distance and time but no more. Ah yes they are very beautiful and elegant but after years of trying, I found that Bloch are much more comfortable and sturdy, as well as Hirica, a small french brand whose shop you will find in Rue de Rennes in Paris, closer to Montparnasse tower and close to the post office. Give them a try as they are also much less expensive. Or Arche although those are not, well in french view at least, very elegant and too "old" sometimes. There also elevators in most main train stations, metro stations in Paris but well I am sure you can still make some effort to carry a case to some degree and climb some stairs (although french people do get cross about it, we are used to climb stairs very often, fortunately, we still try to move, whether or not not by choice anyway). I wish you a nice trip and thank you for your blog and all you write.
The "one suitcase" thing is also about airlines losing one's luggage. If I fly non-stop, I don't worry much, but if there's a transfer? Particularly an international transfer, or one where the layover is less than 6 hours or so, meaning a delay will squeeze my baggage's time to make my flight, then I can wholly understand the strategy.
I love the planning and list-making as much as the trip!
I'm short and I always stand on 'my seat' to put my carry on into the overhead bin. I say 'my seat' because I like sitting on the aisle.
I second Janet's tip on the long underwear for the cold. And/or tights that you can wear with the dress.
I'd ditch the sandals; I'd rather have good walking shoes or Nikes as LPC suggested. I'd waterproof my leather boots.
I'd also take another sweater, a thin v-neck or crew to layer, but that's because I hate being cold if it's rainy/windy.
Can you layer a tank under the sleeveless dress?
Last time I went to Europe during Mar/Apr, my carry on was under 8 kilos and I had plenty to wear. Save space for that fabulous purchase.
Have fun!
~skye
The "one suitcase" thing is also about airlines losing one's luggage. If I fly non-stop, I don't worry much, but if there's a transfer? Particularly an international transfer, or one where the layover is less than 6 hours or so, meaning a delay will squeeze my baggage's time to make my flight, then I can wholly understand the strategy.
luggage sets
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