Two Days in Paris
Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 10:44PM My friend Mary Ray sent me an inquiry this evening, asking what I'd pack if I was jetting off to Paris for two days in June. Since we all know how much I love a jet-set, here-and-gone sort of jaunt to another continent, I had to voice some advice on the matter. Remember that the magic number is two! Two of everything (except for pants - those can double-duty) and you'll be set. Otherwise, keep it simple, easy, and bring just a few extras to liven things up. C'est tout!
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First, I'd bring two dresses: one for day and one for night. Anthropologie has a perfect selection. They're really good at this sort of thing; every spring it's like "Hey Anthropologie, I'm headed to Paris for two days, can you design me a collection?" Of course, they're so obliging. A lot of their designs are a bit too ethnic though, and the last thing you want in a cosmopolitan city is a tropical motif. It's best to stick with solids, neutrals, or retro prints. In this vein, I chose the Two-Wheeler Shirtdress for day because the penny-farthing print in cream and navy is perfectly Parisian, connoting Phileas Fogg and Passepartout. The full-ish skirt is breezy and cute and the perfect thing for catching the breeze off of the Seine. For night, I like the Subcontinent Dress. The vivid fuschia pink with orange is the ideal splash of color for evening, and the gold-sequined sash is the perfect way to add a bit of metallic shimmer without worrying the point.
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Next, I'd bring just one pair of pants - white capri pants to be exact. Try these from Banana Republic. These are perfectly polished and crisp, and always versatile. For day, add a swishy floral-print tank like this Plains Coreopsis Top from ModCloth. For night, get creative and tie a colorful Hermés scarf as a strapless top - it's amazing how a 36" square of silk can convert into a million different things. This is the essence of Parisian chic AND the essence of traveling light.
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All you need are two layering pieces because in Paris it rains almost every day - especially in June. Let me indulge in this memory for a bit... There was one morning when I woke up in my dorm room in the Cité Universitaire to an overwhelming thunderstorm. It was like the sky had split open with all of the rain coming down. I opened the windows wide and stood there in my pajamas just watching it all. Then, just as suddenly as it began, it ended. Within minutes the sky was clear blue and all of the limestone buildings were scrubbed clean by the deluge. Yes, there's nothing quite like a summer rain in Paris.
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To prepare for just such a downpour I suggest two pieces that can go with everything. One is a sleek and simple open-front cardigan, and the other is classic trench coat. This light cardigan from The Gap is something I'm in love with right now - it goes with jeans and a tank for a night out, or over a sundress for a touch of warmth. J. Crew's Icon Trench is just what it's name says, an icon. I like the Pumice Stone color since it's more of a modern neutal. Since it's short and light it can roll up into a handbag and go with you everywhere too.
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Speaking of handbags, when you're a tourist you always want to go with something lightweight, with lots of cargo room. For an added dash of fun for daytime, I love the Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Tote Bag - it's nylon material keeps things very light, but it's silhouette is designed to carry all of your souvenirs (and even a crusty baguette) in primo style. The bold zig-zag print sets the perfect tone for summertime, and if anything it wil bring a big smile to your face. For evening, stick to a neutral metallic like the Caroline clutch from Lauren Merkin in champagne metallic snake.
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One of the most important things to remember in Pairs is comfortable (but stylish) footwear. For daytime jaunts through the flea market and Louvre, pair any of the outfits above with a sleek pair of Superga sneakers. I thought the Superga Classic in red would be an adorable splash of color with either the sundress or the pants-and-tank combo. For evening strolls by the river, I love the Cole Haan Air Phoebe Sandal; it's Nike Air technology makes it perfect for long walks, while it's simple metallic style is the perfect finishing touch for any evening look.
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Jewelry for this trip should be simple as can be - that's the true essence of a jet-setter! During the day, pick up a lucite bangle or two. For evening, try a dramatic but neutral statement necklace like the Forest Shower Necklace from Anthropologie, or just some gold cuffs like the Gold Adele Cuff from Stella & Dot. After all, it's Paris in June and you're there to enjoy it - why gild the lily?
Bon voyage!
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Also - I stayed in the Cité Universitaire in college too! A la Fondation des Etats-Unis. (And as it turns out the Cité Universitaire is a sister dormitory with the International House at my alma mater.) There was an incredible creperie nearby at the Porte d'Orleans. best crepes in all of Paris, seriously.
Lilou
lilou