I am sure every one of you knows my trip to Paris is just around the corner, I have been rather vocal about it after all. But now comes the hard part. What to pack?
It’s time for some home truths. I am a TERRIBLE packer. I regularly take way too much stuff (usually shoes) just in case and then find I have no where to wear them – or always forget something important. Like underwear.
Paris is a whole other story. How much stuff do I take in order to leave space to bring new stuff home? Do I just buy toiletries when I get there (ooh la la, French shampoo!) to save more space? How many pairs of shoes is acceptable to take when you plan on buying quite a few more?
A friend recently travelled to Europe for six weeks and only took carry on. ONLY TOOK CARRY ON!! The very thought gives me chills. I take practically my whole wardrobe for a weekend at our beach house – where I might add, I actually have a wardrobe of clothes, shoes and the like. Technically, I don’t need to take anything.
I’m very fond of my material possessions. I know which shoes would be fabulous in Paris, if not impractical. I know which coats would look amazing walking along the Left Bank (accompanied by those fabulous shoes no doubt) but do I need 3 coats for only 9 days? What if I meet a charming French fellow and need every pair of earrings I own? Or I head to coffee with a model agent friend and am asked to a French fashion show? What if???
My only concession to the virtues of packing is something my Dad tells me every year before we go skiing. Whatever I take, I will have to carry. And therein lies the ‘Oh god’ moment – the thought of manual labour. And when you are someone who packs a lot, there is a lot to carry. Especially in heels.
So far my Paris luggage stands at a medium suitcase, a slightly smaller than medium suitcase, a beauty case, laptop bag and carry on. Someone bring me a trolley.
Better still, is there a service I can hire to pack for me? How do I choose the shoes? The coats? HELP!
Sarah!
Hey gorgeous, I’m so envious of you going to Paris. I’d love to go with you. 🙂
I have nightmares about packing. I always leave it to last minute.
My big tip…don’t leave it until last minute. haha. I like to be super organised and have the things i need with me. I’ve tried not taking toiletries, but i think you should, maybe just put them into smaller travel size containers. The main reason for this is that, you don’t know when you’ll be near a store that will have the things you need, you mightn’t be able to find the same brands you use, and sometimes packaging comes in a foreign language-so you wont know exactly what you are buying.
Don’t take too much clothes and shoes…you will want space for Paris shopping!!
So excited for you. xxx
With love
– Juju
http://thejulietreport.blogspot.com
Sarah you lucky duck!
Lay out all your favourite pieces in piles on your bed (i.e. skirts, tops, pants etc) including shoes. Then start pulling outfits together.. the pieces that keep forming an outfit are definitely the one’s to take. If you can pack a series separates that can all be mix and matched and changed with accessories (take 2-3 scarves) then that’s the best way to go in my opinion. As for shoes, take one practical pair for walking (comfy ballet flats are my pick), and a heel for dressing up. That’s IT!!
I travelled for 6 months back in 2006 with a backpack and managed to create a new outfit almost every day.. I even amazed myself.
Save room in your suitcase for all that shopping.. you’ll buy stuff that you’ll want to wear straight away I am sure.
Good luck!
Sally