Pack moods, not outfits.
I’ll show you here.
I just touched down from Charles de Gaulle airport. 10 days away, gave me time to think about what I brought and why. And how I could share it with you. Ok?
For the plane……to note, this is also where I wear my heaviest item like the overcoat. Doesn’t make sense to shove that into the luggage. To note, the trip MVP was the green scarf. The color made me super happy, it kept me warm, and when it got hot out I shoved him in my tote. The good scarf.
When traveling, I like to breakdown what I’ll be doing into generalizations:
I’ll need things I can move around in, from planes, to Euro rail, to subways and cobblestone streets.
I need to look put together in my down time and chill in my fancy time. That means I need pieces that can easily dial up or down.
Weather will be huge variable - from rain, to sunshine, to cool evenings. Options that layer, don’t mind getting wet, and won’t feel gummy in the heat are key.
Day 1: Arrive: 8am London. 12-3 set up for event 200 styling appointments and write script for talk with Keturah 4pm PR Meeting: Gentle Woman; 5pm Book Meeting: Penguin Random House 9pm grab Ale with Keturah and meet random people who think our accent is nice
Day 2: 7:30 am meet team in styling room get all racks set up; realize that dressing screens are to be assembled; spend 2 hours looking for screws and studying instructions 9-6pm meet with 100 women for styling appointments 7:30 pm dinner with a musician, mums the word, but think we will do something really cool together; I ate hare and pig pie, chips that were fries, and an incredible dessert.
Day 3: 8:30 meet team; 100 styling appointments; run back to room at 6pm to put on makeup and head down stairs for Keturah and I to give a talk to 100 attendees.
Day 4-10 6am train to Paris; work in hotel entire day on finishing CP Edition 2, room service of salmon at hotel in St. Germain - Pavillon - in all my 60 trips to Paris, this is my favorite hotel ever; get to studio in the Marais the next day by 9am and work till 7pm; do this every day for 5 days; on last day I have freedom to shop with Sarah and see what is happening outside our studio.
Because I packed for moods and versatility, what went in to the suitcase was more with the mindset of how I’ll be able to mix it up to meet the needs of points 1-3 above.
Grouping 1: The Tuxedo Shirt
I like to build multiple stories around a key item. Since this one is white, I brought a Tide pen with me. Even after a night at Falafel, the shirt made it home unscathed shocking. I even let a client try it on with the grey nylon stellas - then promptly copied her look when I was in Paris.
Tuxedo shirt Here and Nylon Stellas Here and Fluid Suiting Short Here
Group 2
I wanted something that could read casual for going out but still look like I’m headed out - and casual for day and be properly day. The top that exudes a bit of prep but is fully deconstructed and modern plays both sides of the field. My gold vintage Prada sandals were thrown in to give me a moment, and it worked. see?
Alex jean Here and Checked Shirt Here and Curved hem sweater Here
Group 3
I travel with a range of sweaters which all serve different purposes. The burst of color item for when I feel a little too muted, the cozy one that has subtle color for when it’s morning and I need to ease in to the day with coffee downstairs before the onslaught of work; the grey cashmere that functions like a perfect tee even layered under shirts and blazers. I bring extra cashmere vnecks because they function as scarves, underpinnings, and an accessory. And always a sweatshirt that is shaped like anything but.
Green sweater, Confetti Sweater. Grey Cashmere Tee, Cashmere vnecks, Cut out Sweatshirt
Group 4
Holy smokes, I packed this dress and it is my favorite. It’s like a mini dress over a power mesh skirt - it gives casual and super chic at the same time and layers so easily. I ended up just bringing the black boots (heel is less than 3” so walkable) and then I had the gold sandal option with black tights - that’s where I netted out. But Keturah brought the silver boots and satin slingbacks so I knew I had other options if needed.
Mats tall black boot, Satin clear slingback, Power mesh dress, Plaid long coat
Group 5
Ok this one, I‘m showing because I had gotten the striped shirt and skirt to wear for the trip, but in the end I didn’t bring it. I felt too bare on my leg and then the sock and sandal felt a little much for me, so I traveled without it. BUT getting to Paris seeing Brittany sporting it had me aching for it - I’ll throw it in my bag for my next travels for sure and try the white tights option she went with. THEN on the way home Amy G sent me a pic of her wearing it and I could just die it looks so great - this is def going to be on my playlist soon and it would have been in my bag had I seen Amy G and Brittany earlier.
Newton stripe skirt, Newton stripe shirt
And my accessories, I tend to travel quite light making sure that I have the items that keep it chill and the ones that dial it up. Small and big, loud and quiet, classic and sporty. I bring both ends of the spectrum knowing that how I style it will put it all in balance. My Breitling watch both ways, My Jennifer fisher hoops, My tiny vada earrings, My cashmere and silk socks in all colors, and my Bike shorts commando because they are high waisted so they work well with cropped tops and I wear them under all my favorite sheer items. And I always pack a range of tights - they’re easy to throw in and give lots of options….just in case.
And side note here, this was the first time I had ever stayed at Pavillon in Paris - I randomly selected it from the Amex travel listings on their site. 55 trips to Paris in the last 27 years, this is hands down my favorite hotel ever. I highly highly highly recommend. Le Pavillon Faubourg St. Germain
So remember, pack your moods and the outfits will follow. Every time, I promise.
Excellent write-up. Thanks for sharing as always!
Co-sign that hotel; so so good.