Four more weeks until our
mother/daughter trip to Paris!
My daughter and I travel well together. We both like to do the same sort of things (generally), we love to try new restaurants, we tend to pace our days of wandering at about the same speed, we enjoy just hanging out either in a cafe or in a rented apartment. We’ve been to Paris together twice, so why not go again? Yes, it was supposed to be Rome in September but since that didn’t work out we immediately started planning a trip back to our favorite city. Lest you think we have totally ignored my husband: not so. He chose not to come and encouraged us to go!
But I’ve never been in the cool weather! All my trips to France have been in September or May (well, one in July and never again…) so, of course, wardrobe planning became essential. Last week you read about my boot story.
Here I’ve put together a quickie collage of some of my choices for this upcoming trip:
I won’t go through the entire list of everything shown above, but I’ll highlight some of my purchases and identify by # number.
- Let’s start with the coat. It could be rainy. It could be chilly. Or both. And, it might even be warm(ish)….My first thought was to take a lightweight quilted down coat.
These from Uniqlo (below) were at the top of my list.
But then, no, they just might be too warm.
While walking through Nordstrom I spotted the black raincoat (#1.) It’s medium weight, fitted, A-line (I don’t like belts), has a detachable hood, and folds up nicely. Bingo! That was it for me.
- A poncho. I’m very on the fence about this item. It seems SO trendy to me. The ones I like are generally so expensive and the others well….. they either have a fringe (no, for me) or a Southwest or a hippy vibe (again, no for me.) Until I found this one, #4 at Pure Collection. Please note that it is on sale now for $148 instead of $198: so get your mouse moving and order one! It arrives in about a week and I can’t wait. It does seem so versatile, not too heavy, perfect for travel and I like this basic color feel.
- A comfortable top. This one, #1. from Garnet Hill, is wonderful. I bought it last year and love it. Comfy. Great with leggings and boots. Any scarf or necklace. I have it in the Graphite.
- The boots you read about last week in Talking About Boots.
- Shoes. I just cannot go and not take at least one pair of shoes. But, due to the “orthotic issue” (read…comfortable feet!) this has become a problem. A simple trip out in Paris involves so much more walking than I (and my feet) are accustomed to. I have searched high and low and tried on so many flats. I ordered these, #8. from Vionic and so far, so good. I’m wearing them around the house endlessly and I think they are keepers. For those of you with orthotics, these shoes will allow you to wear them and not have your foot come out. Be sure to order down one size!
- Leggings. In addition to black jeans, these are essential. I have several pairs in black but might get these in indigo from J.Jill.
- Camisole. Do you wear camisoles? I wear one every.single.day. Most, of course, have spaghetti straps. But this brand, Shimera, is a one-piece, reversible front to back, seamless stretch camisole. It is, by far, my favorite. And the colors are fun and fabulous!
We would all love to know your choices for cool weather travel to Europe: what works and what doesn’t. Do you have any tips and tricks we should know about?
Layering is the key, especially for wandering in and out of cafes and museums. Sounds like you have a comfortable, stylish wardrobe. You’ll fit right in!
My friend just came back and said fringe and caramel brown are everywhere!
Heather – New House New Home recently posted…DIY Pottery Barn Candle with Leaves
Fringe and caramel brown? Hmmm. Not two of my favorites, but we will see!!
Good choices. I am off to the South of France on Wednesday for 2 weeks and that is roughly what I will be wearing. It does tend to be warmer in the South but we can get cold winds.
Have a good trip Josephine and enjoy the warmer weather! I only hope it doesn’t rain too much while we’re there…
Hi Libby,
I would add a basic black cardigan. I recently bought one from the Eileen Fisher collection that I just love and wear almost every day now that the weather is cool. It has so much style that you can go into more dressed up occasions with it also.
Ellen Evett
Ellen: I do agree and love “the little black cardigan!” I was going to put in a link to a long “boyfriend” sweater in cashmere that I wear all the time. Not black, but bright blue! But a simple sweater is essential, I agree!!!
Libby recently posted…NOVEMBER IN PARIS: WHAT TO WEAR
Sounds like a lovely trip! I just bought a poncho – pale pink, with fringe – and love it. I love yours too. They are so versatile! It’s a trend that’s worth buying in to for that reason alone. I’ve only been in Paris in the winter/early spring months – Feb – beginning of April. Coming from New England, – even February in Paris is like a breath of spring – the lawns are so green and there are already flowers. I’ve never brought a winter coat – just a lightweight one since traveling with a bulky coat is the worst. But scarves and gloves pack small and come in very handy. You might want to add gloves to the mix as well, just to be safe!
Linda Merrill recently posted…New on the New Blog! French Chic Living by Florence de Dampierre
Hi Linda: The entire coat issue was huge for me, and I agree there is not much worse than a heavy, bulky coat. I don’t like short jackets…so this coat seems perfect. Actually, we are coming up your way this weekend for a wedding right in Boston, so I will try out the coat and the boots! Gloves, yes, good idea. The poncho idea is great and who knows, maybe it will be warm enough to wear it as a lightweight coat. To be continued….
TAKE the quilted UNIQILO!!!I had one with me two years ago in OCTOBER and LIVED in it!ALTHOUGH, it was not the fashion statement I wanted to make it came in VERY HANDY!Plus, they roll up into NO SPACE!DO layer…………you need a heavy sweater too.I lived in FLORENCE for three years and it does get COLD in NOVEMBER over the POND!
SCARVES, the silk ones light weight that keep you warm would be good too!THATS MY TWO CENTS!
LA CONTESSA recently posted…BEHIND THE SCENES………..
Elizabeth: Yes, pashminas will be included…although I tend to always buy more when I’m there. Daughter says she needs work clothes, so shopping we shall go! I do have a heavy sweater that I actually bought at BHV several years ago and love. But there is nothing worse than being cold, no?
LUCKY you…we are going in March. GREAT wardrobe. Comfortable shoes are so important. And blister band-aids if not :)
Blister bandaids: how very clever! I just googled it and have never seen/used them. Many thanks. It’s all in the details, right? The shoes really had me worried, as I am my most comfortable in sandals i.e. warm weather. But these Munro boots are almost like slippers so I should be fine. On vera!
Hi Libby, Thank you for visiting me and introducing me to your lovely blog. I was sorry to hear that you too lost your beloved Westie after 13 years and can understand how you can’t go through the pain again. We have taken the plunge and our young dog gives us such joy! Hope you have a wonderful trip to Paris with your daughter.
Sarah x
Thanks Sarah and enjoy the furry one!
I went to Paris in early November a few years ago and it was fabulous walking weather. Good shoes for that a must. Report back what the Parisians are wearing that is comfortable, warm and chic.
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