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Hello! I'm Suzannah, a serious DIYer and mom of two little ones. Follow along with my DIY fixer upper house renovations, sewing and crafty projects, real food recipes, and de-stressing goals.
I believe you can love your home just the way it is, AND have the power to design and make big changes to make it better.
I'm also the author of DIY Wardrobe Makeovers!

Packing for Paris!

I feel like an airhead for not subtly mentioning until Saturday, but I'm leaving for a two-week trip to France to visit an old friend who's in grad school in Paris!  I'm so excited.  I've been to Paris once before, when I was 14, and we didn't leave the city, so this time I want to get to other lovely parts of France and do the whole bit!  I got my Eurail pass and all.  I will be mostly in Paris in her apartment in the 5th arrondissement and hopefully will see lots of great tourist attractions as well as off-the-beaten path sights!  If you have any suggestions for things I might not think of otherwise, do leave a comment!
I also wanted to share with you my clothing decisions for the trip, because of course I will have to look fabulous and hopefully blend in with the locals so as not to get scammed or anything.  Eeek.  It's funny how way back when, Paris set the standards for American style, but now I really feel like New York and LA are the trendsetters and we Americans pick up on things before the French.  I remember hearing 2-year old crappy pop music last time I was there, and it seemed that no French women had picked up on the concept of wearing thongs with their back pocket-less jeans that were in at the time.  They all had panty lines which looked so trashy to my teenage American eyes!
Anyway here's a layout of some of the things I'm thinking of taking.  I'll be gone 15 days, but one and a half will be on an airplane or at an airport.  I'm afraid I may be taking too much... what do you think?  Take a look at the pics.  I'm also bringing like six pairs of sunglasses in case they break, since I don't want to buy them there (everything is expensive, plus you lose money on conversion of USD to Euro), probably another pair of jeans than is laid out, and a tan trench coat.  How does it look??
Lots of accessories!  They don't take up much room.  My friend who lives in Paris says they French wear neutrals almost exclusively, and are into stripes, and are just now getting into ripped jeans.  I had already packed lots of grey and stripes!  It's an odd blend of European and American.
Am I bringing too much?  Not enough?  Aah!

14 comments

  1. Ooh you should check out www.sweatshopparis.com - a sewing machine cafe - and tell us what it's like!

    I lived in Paris for a year and loved to wander around the Jardin des Plantes, sip mint tea at the mosque opposite, pick up a million cheeses at Bastille market, brunch at Chez Prune, walk around the quieter parts of Montmartre, and watch tons of old movies at the Action Cinemas... not necessarily all in one day though! Have fun!

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  2. So jealous over here - I was supposed to be in Paris 2 weeks ago but a little volcano ruined our plans :( I say you're bringing the perfect amount of clothes and a great mix of neutrals and accessories so it will all coordinate. The scarves are great, you can throw them over anything and you're golden. And can we just talk about that bag for a second?! PERFECT color, PERFECT size! Where can I get one?!
    -A

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  3. I'm hoping we get to see all the outfits put together as you wear them! What a great bunch of mix and match items.

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  4. I like to bring things that can be washed in a sink, so I only have to carry around a few days' worth of clothing instead of a full two weeks :)

    Oh, and have you seen Wikstenmade's latest cut-out shirt? http://wikstenmade.blogspot.com/2010/05/wiksten-spring-summer-preview.html

    I think I'm in love.

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  5. Anonymous5/03/2010

    Everything looks great! I want to see pics.

    One thing you could add is a pair of yoga pants, leggings and a tunic, or knit crops for the plane. A long plane ride is not fun in jeans.

    Enjoy your trip! You will look great.

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  6. oh that sounds like so much fun! I wish I could go, hehe. I think your selections look amazing, you'll look great!

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  7. It looks stripy, blue, tan and overall chic classic style.

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  8. I wish I were going. It doesn't look like you're taking too much. You will be gone 2 weeks, but I would pack more accessories and things that can transition from day to night.

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  9. Oh how exciting! I wouldn't say that you are taking to much, but I am the girl who always packs one of everything "just in case." Travel Safe!!!

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  10. Oh wow, enjoy your trip!! Paris sounds so exciting, I've never been but it's on my list. Can't wait to see pictures!

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  11. Looks like you've got some great pieces!
    I'm such an over-packer, I always bring a few dresses made out of the kind of material that wont wrinkle, now matter how crumpled it gets in the suitcase.

    Have fun in Paris!!!

    Chic on the Cheap

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  12. I went on a whirlwind trip this past spring to London, Paris, Belgium and a few other stops along the way, and I must say, you will fit in with the locals! All very cute. I wish I had brought more cute stuff (there are more pictures of me there than pretty much my entire life, except maybe my wedding day) but your wardrobe is cute. Mine was more "travel friendly". I ended up taking less than I needed (we backpacked it)and I ended up buying some clothes there.. not exactly the best plan, but hey, when you need clean underwear, you do what'cha gotta do.

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  13. Anonymous5/03/2010

    Have a nice time!

    Interesting comment about the French being behind the U.S. When I studied abroad 6 years ago, skinny jeans were tucked into boots. Pointy flats were just going out of style and coming in-style in the states. When I got back, everyone told me I looked weird! A year later, I felt in the know as I had been surfing the trend. But, it should be noted, not all French people are fashionable, just like not all Americans are ugly tourists...

    Bon voyage!

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  14. I think it all looks very European. I just moved to Germany and have been trying hard to "fit in" stylistically...then have found lots of local stores that are called "American" or "New York Girl" haha. Good luck and have a great time!

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