Next week we leave for Paris. A few weeks back, I wrote a blog post on how I’m preparing. To refresh your memory, have a look at that post: We’re Headed Back to Paris—How I’m Preparing. It’ll give you a more in-depth view of the clothing I’m taking. And I have to say, I stayed pretty close to my original pack list.
Headed back. Maybe this year I’ll actually get out of the car to take a photo of the Eiffel Tower.
I changed up a couple of things. I decided against the black turtleneck in favor for a black cashmere crewneck by Quince. I’m leaving the camel Quince sweater at home.
Staying home. I’ve replaced with the same Quince cashmere sweater in black. I live dangerously.
I omitted the black suede heels. They would be worn only in the evening when headed out to dinner. Since we are within walking distance to all the restaurants we’ll be dining at, and I’ll have wine. And I’ll get wobbly. And there’s a good chance I’ll fall. So, I’ll stick to either the black boots or ballet flats.
Allow me to ‘splain. These ballet flats are NOT Repetto’s nor are they my favorite J. Crew Ballet flats. These are J. Crew Made-in-Italy flats but they are heavier with a more solid leather sole and heel. I wear these ONLY with tights. Tights need a heavier ballet flat and these are the ones I’ll being simply because I wear tights with short skirts in the cold weather. It’s weird. I know. But it’s how I think!
Besides, the black heels were suede and last visit to the City of Lights it was more like the City of Downpour and I nearly ruined my favorite suede flats. Suede will stay home.
I’m also on the fence about the black sweater dress but chances are, it’s going to be a last-minute pack.
I didn’t pack this but the more I think about it, the more I think I’ll sqeeze it into the bag.
All I need to do is throw some makeup into my Neverfull, which is aptly named and decide which hair I’ll bring. It’s all done.
I gotta break this stack down to four items..
I’m bringing this MOB Beauty Palette..
And this mini-travel kit from Trestique. All three will fit into my Neverfull!
Surprisingly, choosing which hair to bring is worse then thinking about what clothes to bring!!!
And yes. You can pack a week’s worth of clothing into a carryon. You just need to think pragmatically. It’s all going into what is probably the greatest bargain I’ve ever purchased at CDG Airport. This Longchamp weekender for 41 Euros. It’s got to be almost ten years ago and I use it more than any piece of luggage I have.
Opened up, it doesn’t look like much but this thing carries a ton!
I packed as though my bag is either a multi-layered cake or a seven-layer salad (why do I constantly revolve my life around food?). On the bottom layer is the faux-suede skirt that I’ll get a lot of use out of. It’s easier for me to run around in short skirts.
Nice and flat this skirt is. And the weight of the other clothing will iron this for me!
I laid a plastic trash bag over it and then started with the next layer of a black and white checked skirt and two pair of J. Crew pixie pants from the year of the flood. They held up extremely well so there’s no need to not bring them. They are comfortable and, well, black goes with everything.
Another layer, I turned this skirt inside out. Don’t ask me why because there is no logical reason.
Next layer was the black cashmere sweater, a black J. Crew Tippi Sweater, two black tee’s and two white tee shirts as well as a navy sweater. The next layer is underwear and toiletries. The final layer will be hair. Shoes are in shoe bags and stuffed into the sides.
I’ll put the hair in plastic gallon-sized freezer bags and suck the air out of them for easy packing. I’m so undecided on the hair.
And that’s it.
Yesterday I did a little load of wash which was air dried. I’m also on the fence about bringing a pair of jeans. Regardless, it’s important to get this packing business out of the way sooner rather than later. With good reason.
I. Can’t. Stand. Drying. My. Clothes. In. The. Dryer. I prefer to air dry. In fact, if it was up to me, only towels would be dried in the dryer. And NO fabric softener. Not now, not ever. Never. I also prefer my clothing crispy!
It’s my job. There are three administrative assistants handling the work of seemingly over 100 people. It’s an atrocity. The company refuses to hire another admin and our workload is becoming increasingly larger and more annoying. It is also the end of the year. And all three of us admins prefer to take our time off during this time of year. We also can only have one admin out at a time. It sucks. I’m not going to even sugar coat this shit. It sucks big time. And I’m not going anywhere else to work at my age because nobody else will hire me. Besides—I’ve now accumulated good time off. I’m stuck.
Yeah. This is basically me at work. Post-it notes all over. Too much to do. I’m lucky I get to empty my bladder.
And that means working overtime for this next week as one of the admins is off on Monday and another is off on Thursday and Friday. Actually, I don’t mind going in to the office super early. Knowing I’m packed and basically ready-to-go, I’m okay with it. My gripe is working for a company that refuses to hire additional help.
Sorry not sorry. I’m leaving for a well-deserved trip away from work!!!!!
So, with the majority of my preparations done, it frees up next weekend to get a pedicure and manicure—get my lip waxed, and just relax before heading off.
Wait!! I forgot to add, my husband was so disgusted by my filthy, dough-hardened rings that he dragged me to the jeweler yesterday to have them cleaned. They look spanking new now. But next weekend the nails will be done!
Another thing is The Frenchman is bringing a huge suitcase. Naturally, we’ll be shopping and his suitcase allows us to store our treasures in there. And that’s were my boots, my blazer and the very large and secure yellow bag I purchased as Sophie Sacs will go. My husband, for obvious reasons, isn’t comfortable with the idea of me traipsing the streets of his home city with a very open Neverfull. This yellow bag is more secure.
This yellow bag will be packed into my husbands big suitcase, as well as this blazer I’ve decided on bringing and…
..these black boots. See how secure the bag is with the zippers. I really need to carry this more.
And speaking of shopping, I’ll definitely make it a must-do to stop at City Pharma to load up on my skin-care products.
My first shopping stop in Paris is ALWAYS City Pharma. If I lived there, the entire staff would know me by name!
Other shopping is for a couple of things for Owen. I do have strict instructions from Oona to not get him a lot of clothes because she has her taste and it’s more baby-hipster. The days of Eton Suits and smocked one-piece rompers are over.
I’m pretty sure I can find baby hipster clothing at Galeries Lafayette!
I’m also at a consumer conundrum –whether to purchase a beloved Louis Vuitton Petit Noe bag or whether to head over to Goyard on Rue St. Honoré to purchase an Artois bag. Both are equally pricey. Both are beautiful. Both are a helluva lot less expensive in Paris than in the States and both allow me for a VAT refund.
The beloved and now elusive LV Noe Bag. I’ve coveted this for years. And now it’s so difficult to track down that I’m getting tired and fed up. It’s a same because now…
..because now, I’m seriously considering the Goyard Artois bag. A stronger and more secure version of the St. Louis tote. Thanks to ExtraPetite for creating this comparison. Check out her blog post. The fact that the Artois won’t be as recognizable is more appealing to me but I love me a good bucket bag.
The issue at hand is acquiring a Noe bag. It’s sold out online. You can’t get it. And not every LV Boutique in Paris sells this particular bag. My husband called customer service, luckily he speaks the LV language, and we were told to call certain stores upon arrival. My thing is I don’t want to wait on a long line.
No effing way am I waiting on a line like this to buy a bag that may not be in stock.
I prefer the St. Germain location but will the Noe be in stock?
And that’s where Goyard comes in. If you have to wait on a line at Goyard, it’s shorter and less time. That’s what could possibly win me over.
I kind of like the old-fashioned home spun look of Goyard. I’m so torn. We’ll see what transpires!
I don’t know if I’ll be able to write a post during this week due to the ridiculousness of my job. But you’ll definitely hear about our trip—and the bag ultimately decide on!
I’ll keep you posted!
I prefer drying racks as well. As for the hair, they all look great on you!
Drying racks rule. When the children were young and we lived in the NYC apartment the entire place was like on big drying rack! XOXOXO
Enjoy you well deserved vacation!
Shout out the wig names !Catherine certainly looks great in her wigs and I love her wig reviews the best,,,In her blogs shares lots of good information, favorite fashion labels, shoes etc.
It would be helpful if she labled her wigs by name when she wears them in her blogs.
“in this photo I am wearing….” Then her blogs with portraits pictures are a pretty face and a learning experience as well ! I love her blogs and info.
Pokey
Hi Di, I wrote the wig names in the other comment to you! XOXOXO
Thanks so much Denise. It will be an absolute well-deserved vacation! XOXOXOXO
I’ve been wanting a Goyard for a while, but just can’t get myself to pay those prices. Maybe the next time I’m in Paris I’ll go for it. So my vote would be the Goyard over the LV. You have a number of LV’s that you have beautifully refurbished. So go Goyard – just a suggestion
Hi Bonnie, The price point is a large percentage less in Paris than in the States. It’s still pricey but not as much and the VAT refund is about $120 so it’s a good deal! XOXOXOXO
I’m with you on air drying. When I took a textiles class a hundred years ago in college we learned that the washer and dryer wore out your clothes. Hand washing is much gentler but I use the delicate cycle and air dry. My clothes last forever. Your trip sounds AMAZING. I look forward to reading all about it.
Hi Cindylou. I SWEAR my clothing lasts longer because I airdry and you just professionally validated that! thank you! Yeah. I’m really excited! XOXOXOXO
Go for the Goyard. And the lighter hair. And eat anything you want! It’s Paris-the French do ‘t fiet do why should you? When in ….
Cyndy. I’ll be eating every great meal that I can. It’s funny though because I’m not as much of a dessert eater as I used to be–but I’ll find a substitute! I’m definitely leaning towardthe Goyard! XOXOXOXO
Im so excited for you!!!! I cant wait for all your “research” for our benefit and of course anything you “forget” to pack you might just have to buy – shucks that would be terrible…..
Hi Juliet. Thank you! I’ll definitely be sure to research. I’m hoping we have warmer weather while there. The Christmas Marche is back at St. Germain! I’m sooooooooooo happy! XOXOXOXO
Yesssss, so excited for you to get to Paris. I can’t comment on the bags because I have a sick fetish for Longchamps ..haha if you ever find your clothing piled on the airport floor and that white bag is missing…me! I have ‘em in leather and the ubiquitous nylon but so darned easy to switch out with a purse organizer ( mine fits the medium and small) My money is on the Goyard. As sexy as you would look in the black cashmere turtleneck I vote to leave it at home ( love mine but its$#@ hot unless you are outside or in a freezer.) The crew neck is more versatile and you can throw a scarf around your neck if needed. Black is the way to go when travelling the tan looks smashing with it! I love you in the light blonde wig ( lower left corner) and the upper right wig. You’d have a light or dark choice at your disposal. The little bob in the centre photo or the one in the last photo in the post would stretch your options too. So cool to travel with a couple different hair ‘do’s’ tucked in your bag, no muss or fuss!
Can’t wait to hear about your travels, enjoy!
Hey Al, We think alike. I went with the crewneck for the same reason you wrote. You know, I have three leather Longchamp bags and about a dozen of the nylon ones but I haven’t shown them love lately. I’m going to have to start rotating the bags! I prefer the blonde and lighter hair. The Frenchman prefers the dark so i’ll be compromising and switching the colors up. Gotta love that fake hair! XXOXOXOXO
Enjoy reading your Blog, we can chuckle, and learn a little. I would like to learn the name of
your wigs whenever you post a cute photo portrait…that would help learn more about wigs.
You are a delightful blogger …
Thanks. Have fun in Paris.
Pokey.
Hi Pokey. Okay. Top left wig is Jamison by Estetica Designs in Chocolate Smoke. The wig next to it in the middle is Summer Heat by The Wig Company Statements collection. And to the right of that Enchantress by Mane Attraction, a branch of Henry Margu.
Middle Row: Alden by Estetica Designs in Caramel Kiss. Next to that is On Point by Raquel Welch Wigs. I forget the color. Next to that is Finn by Estetica in Caramel Kiss. Bottom Row. Sutton by Estetica Designs. Middle photo. I have no idea and to the right Alden by Estetica! I need to do another wig blog post at some point! XOXOXOXOXO
Cathe……safe journey, have fun, we can’t wait to hear your travelogue! My mother always said, “The lint in your dryer is your clothes coming apart!”
LOL! I LOVE your mother’s saying. I’m gonna use that! Thanks–I can’t wait to report! XOXOXOXO
Absolutely love your blogs. Have a wonderful trip! I have both Goyard bags and love them for different reasons. But, try both over your shoulder…the strap on my St. Louis is a tad bit shorter, maybe a 1/2 inch, than the Artois and it sits differently. But, again, maybe it’s just my bag. I’m working on being able to pack in just an overnight bag. I still haven’t mastered that art. Safe travels…
Cheryl, I have heard so many complaints about the drop on the handles of the St. Louis. Supposedly the Artois has a longer drop but I’m interested in what you are saying because I figured with the longer straps that the Artois would be a good winter coat companion! XOXOXOXO
I’m surprised you use a carry-on with no wheels. Whoever invented luggage on wheelies is a genius. It makes travel a breeze.
Honestly Patty, I can’t be bothered with the smaller carryon and the wheels. Carrying this is actually excerise for me. Weight Training-LOL!! XOXOXOXO
The packing tips are great! I’m heading out to Georgia next week and keep vacillating between my Neverfull or my Antigona for my carryon. Sometimes the flight attendant will insist I put my Neverfull in an overhead bin and that always makes me anxious! Catherine – I am excited to read about your trip! Paris!! Take shots in those boutiques? xxoo