February 9, 2018
You might remember that I was supposed to go to Paris back in December, when a sudden fibromyalgia “interlude” caused me to cancel; I was literally IN THE BAGGAGE CLAIM AREA OF THE AIRPORT when I realized that I wasn’t strong enough to make it up the escalator to check in, let alone fly all the way to Paris…
But this is better because (a) Belovedest is going with me! and (b) we’ll be there for Valentine’s Day! Sweet, eh?
As much as it’s fun to be in Paris for a romantic holiday, we have to bear in mind that the weather will be cold, and quite wet – and as much as I’d love to travel without a big heavy coat, it might be plain stupid to try to get by without it – nothing is more miserable than being cold every day. So this wardrobe is casual, since it won’t be seen by all that many people, hidden under my parka…
Layering for flying – a cashmere cardigan makes everything seem nicer…
And I’ve got a new backpack! The lovely people at Standard luggage gave me this beautiful bag; it’s very sleek, and designed in such a way that the primary zipper are on the back edge of the bag, so that it’s harder for miscreants to get into! I’ll let you know how it works out, but I’m already quite smitten with the looks of it…
parka – Patagonia; cashmere cardigan – Lands’ End; tee shirt – Muji; earrings – Mikimoto; corduroy pants – J.Jill; infinity scarf – J.Jill; suitcase – Tumi; waterproof boots – Blondo; backpack – Standard
please note that my parka is about 53 times bigger than this one; it’s from Lands’ End, it’s 10 years old, and you could literally stretch out in a snowdrift and sleep safely in it – it’s THAT warm…
We have a few activities planned – a dinner for Valentine’s Day, some pub hanging to watch 6 Nations Rugby, attending a rugby match at the new stadium on the western edge of Paris, and running (or in my case walking) a 5K as part of the Parkrun program.
Parkrun is a group that organizes free, timed 5K runs every weekend (normally Saturday, but there are a few Sunday groups) in a ton of cities all over the place – mostly Europe. We have already participated in Parkruns in Florida, Wales, and Ireland, so we’re eager to add a Paris run to our list…
But this means that I’m going to need warm athletic pants, as well as some layers (including my Parkrun shirt, of course!) to wear for the 5K. Happily, if the weather is dry, I will be able to wear my New Balance shoes with jeans during the week, now that athletic shoes are completely acceptable in Paris. And if we get some warmer weather, that down vest might be handy, right?
wool print top – Icebreaker; headband – Lands’ End; down vest – Uniqlo; yellow top – Parkrun; socks – Swiftwick; shoes – New Balance; pants – L.L.Bean; gloves – Asics
The theme for this trip – if there is a theme – is stripes! Why the heck not? We’re staying close to a 5 a Sec laundry and dry cleaner, so we’ll be able to have same-day laundry done if we need or want…
blue tee – Muji; red tee – & Other Things; pink scarf – Hermes de Tout Coeur; Paris print scarf – Echo; black border scarf – Hermes Entente Cordiale; black & white striped turtleneck – Uniqlo; grey & black striped turtleneck – Lands’ End; velvet pants – Uniqlo; jeans – Dearborn Denim; ruffled shirt – Lands’ End; black sweater – L.L.Bean; shoes – Arche
So this is everything that I’ll have with me for day-to-day wear. Frankly, the only reason that I included the velvet pants and the ruffled shirt was for Valentine’s Day! We’ve agreed that this is going to be a very casual trip, with no fancy meals (even our romantic dinner is in a simple bistro…), so I don’t need a dress, nor dressy shoes…
And I think I’m just going to wear my pearl earrings the entire time. I was recently in Florida for over 2 weeks, and I never once changed my earrings. Pearls go with everything, in my world!
Just to make sure that I’m going to be fine, I’m walking through a hypothetical array of outfits for our trip…
Always bear in mind that if you’re traveling from the US to Europe, you will very probably spend much of your 1st day at your destination wearing the same clothes in which you traveled. It’s always a bit bemusing to see people wandering around Paris in pajamas, but it happens every day!
I’m going to be fine; worst-case scenario would be shopping in Paris!
love,
Janice
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Enjoy your trip! Your wardrobe is perfect!
Janice, I wonder if you could point me to an old blog post? I'm travelling to the UK for 3.5 weeks, and I need both business and casual clothes. I seem to remember a post where you outlined a set number of items for all longer trips, ie you should never pack more than * number of items! I can't find the post, but it would be incredibly helpful to me, as are all your travel posts! Thank you :)
Luv,
I believe the number was 16 , as in her 4×4’s.
Oops a typo – I meant Luc , sorry !
Take extra socks–you can layer them, or, if they get wet, change them. Warm, dry feet are important!
You might want a hat, especially one that comes down over your ears. I have a fat, knitted infinity scarf that I can pull up like a hood.
Hoods also are good.
I like having an option of up to three layers at once–a long-sleeved shirt, plus a pullover, plus a cardigan. In case it's really cold.
I recently posted tips about packing for winter in France and ideas for things to do in Paris and other cities if the weather becomes miserable.
Have a fabulous trip! We've been to Paris twice in February and while it can be quite cold, there's something magical about it even still — and the tourist crowds were definitely a bit thinner.
Another upvote for a warm hat and dressy gloves, if you are going to spend time outside. Cashmere beanies can be very nice…
I was wondering if your De Tout Coeur scarf would come out to play at this time of the year. I bought that exact same scarf (2nd hand) because I fell in love with it in this blog, and it's become one of my most worn scarves.
Have a great trip!
-Sara K.-
Hope the snowstorm doesn’t delay your flight. Have a wonderful time!
Praying for a quick recovery for you. The flue this year is vicious.
I love that backpack. It will have to go on my wish list for now but the design and versatility of it are great.
We have rescheduled to a Sunday departure, but…. I have flu! We shall see…
Oh noooo, maybe best to stay home and recover, and not infect your fellow passengers on the flight ! Prayers for a speedy recovery ! Lots of rest, clear liquids, vitamins B and C and Tamiflu !
Janice,
Safe journeys and have fun !
Janice, I love your planning logic. I hope you also consider wearing a silk camisole and silk long length pull-ons under your jeans and slacks. Both are my go-to for feeling cozy in the winter.
Coolest backpack EVER! Get well soon and get the heck out of this snow! xoxoxox
Hope you are OK to fly – enjoy!
Cannot beat Lands End for a warm cozy parka! I hope you get to enjoy your trip!
It's wonderful, Janice. I hope you feel well for your entire trip. It is fun to see a casual travel wardrobe, since that is mostly how I travel. I like the velvet pants for dressing up.
Cute wardrobe capsule. I always like stripes when I travel. They're so sporty and fresh and always feel right. Looks like you have some good walking shoes/booties which I many of us don't put enough thought into beforehand. Nothing worse than sore feet when you are traveling. Have a great trip and I hope you feel much better. Cheers, Deborah
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