Remember our heroine who was taking photographs in Paris for a long weekend? Well, she’s realized (we’re shocked) that she needs to go back for a much longer trip!
She’s staying with her original color scheme and her original travel outfit. She’s maybe going to see the same people when she checks into her hotel, but it’s possible that wearing the same outfit might help them recognize her; that would be good!
cardigan – L.L.Bean; scarf – Faliero Sarti; earrings – Kate Spade; tee – Lands’ End; watch – Larsson & Jennings; suitcase – Longchamp; pants – L.L.Bean; loafers – Trotters; backpack – Longchamp
After a few days of consideration, she’s decided to take everything with her that she took for her first trip. She really wants to dress up a bit more on this trip (because her sweetie is going with her!), but most of these pieces are going to work just as well for that!
printed scarf – Faliero Sarti; kite earrings – Alexis Bittar; navy scarf – Hinge; tanks – L.L.Bean; beige cardigan – L.L.Bean; bracelet – Serafina; bag – Brahmin; navy skirt – L.L.Bean; tee shirt – Uniqlo; beige cropped pants – L.L.Bean; ballet flats – Naturalizer; sandals – OluKai
Since Sweetie is coming along, she’s adding dresses, a skirt, and a pair of long pants. She loves her linen capris so much that she bought the long-pants version – nobody is going to notice that they’re basically the same garment in 2 lengths. Or maybe they will, and who cares?
Her dresses are in her 2 neutral colors, and then she magically found a skirt and tank top in her favorite teal accent! More beige is never a bad idea in hot weather, and a brown tee shirt will help tie in brown leather accessories to the rest of her outfit. Some teal jewelry, another scarf, and the essential sunglasses finish off her additions…
print tank – Ojai; earrings – Alexis Bittar; bracelet – The Brave Collection; beige top – L.L.Bean; square scarf – Ever square scarf – Ever Rêve; beige dress – Uniqlo; pendant – Alexis Bittar; brown tee – Rossopuro; sunglasses – Mau Jim; dress – Lands’ End; teal skirt – Toad&Co.; khaki pants – L.L.Bean; pumps – SAS
It might look as if her additions were made by her heart, rather than her head, but closer inspection shows that she’s really got a quite well thought-out grouping of clothes ready for her romantic excursion:
This is everything that she’ll have with her – except undergarments, toiletries and pajamas, of course. If you feel like this is too many skirts for the comfort of your thighs, I suggest that you check out these “long underwear.” They changed my relationship with dresses in hot weather forever….
You already know this to be true, but it’s always worth “test-driving” a couple of outfits for each garment just to make sure that you’re not overlooking an important accessory. These outfits will have her “covered” for all kinds of occasions – both sightseeing, and long sweet dinners with her partner.
She might not take quite as many pictures as she thought originally, but there’s more than one way to make a memory in Paris!
love,
Janice
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I saw so many chic people (men too!) at a big antiques fair yesterday. Dressed for lots of walking, in iffy weather (showers forecast but in the end we had mostly sun with some clouds, that led to big swings in temperatures–hot when the sun was out, then chilly when it went behind a cloud). Many of the outfits looked like they might have come from your wardrobe here. Many neutrals, but not exclusively so by a long shot.
Janice,
A perfect capsule for the occasions !
The link to the 'long underwear' doesn't work! Can you update? Love your blog!
I like these: https://www.jockey.com/catalog/product/jockey-womens-cooling-skimmies and these: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Vassarette-Invisibly-Smooth-Slip-Short/50340426
They really are great for under skirts and dresses. No thigh rub! I think every brand of intimate apparel makes them now. They come in different lengths too.
I'm pretty sure that is what Janice has recommended in the past. I bought some and you are both correct, they are GREAT. No fear that your skirt will blow or ride or be pushed up (my big fear with skirts — I always felt kind of naked in a skirt unless I wore hose). An like a slip, these keep the skirt smooth.
The link is fixed – thanks for letting me know!
hugs,
Janice
This capsule is very appealing to me, I started with collecting some teal pieces a year or so ago. I gave up because the right teal was so challenging to find and because I had made it a main neutral rather than an accent. I have now made denim/indigo/navy one of my neutrals and will happily add some teal accents as I discover the right ones!!
Deb from Vancouver
I love the art! Also, how you have used the brown as mostly accessories. Great idea! This is a very appealing color combo!
Love, love these colours. However, I would be a bit hesitant about capri length pants in Paris? To me, far too casual – or maybe I am old fashioned, confess it is a long time since I visited!
Things have changed since you last visited. Except for very smart restaurants, nobody in Paris will bat an eyelid whatever you choose to wear. So, just wear what you feel comfortable in.
She's right – you'll be amazed at how much more casual people are in Paris than they were even five years ago. I now wear New Balance athletic shoes almost everywhere, and I blend in because there are tons of people of all ages now wearing "hip" athletic shoes. Change… sigh…
hugs,
Janice
I love your blog, especially the 4×4 wardrobe posts. In all I could find you say "This is everything that she'll have with her – except undergarments, toiletries and pajamas, of course."
I have searched the blog and cannot find any recommendations as to what or how may undergarments or pajamas to pack. Or toiletries recommendations.
Please advise.
I usually leave those decisions to each individual – but I recommend taking fewer undergarments and hand laundering them as needed. I take mine into the shower with me!
And sort of the same advice for toiletries – I don't know what each person prefers for skin care and such, but when in doubt, pack less or leave it behind. Except for sunscreen; everybody needs sunscreen every day.
Maybe sometime I'll address what I pack, myself. I know that I did this years ago, but it's certainly time for an update.
big hug,
Janice
thank you.
YES!!! Definitely address this in a post! Some of us need H-E-L-P, even in this area!