Packing For Paris

This post is going to be short and sweet, because I actually AM packing for Paris at the moment!

My teenage daughter, Gracie, has been in France since June 15th on an exchange with her French II class. Last April we hosted a lovely guest from Nante, France, Pauline, and now Gracie is with Pauline's family. She started her trip with five days in Paris and will meet me there at the end of her stay with her host family. I am lucky enough to be able to fly over and meet her for a week of girl time in the beautiful City of Light. I am over the moon with excitement!

Although this is my fifth visit to Paris, when I was there in the summer last year it was not nearly as warm as it will be when I arrive. Typically I pack a day or two ahead of time for trips, then re-evaluate what I packed and take a few things out. After all, I need room for some Paris shopping treasures...right?  ;) Here are a few things I am taking with me on my trip that are also pieces I will wear over and over again when I get back to life in Seattle.

Nike Blazer Low Top Sneakers

Cool sneakers are the perfect shoe for walking the city in style. The Nordstrom x Nike shop in the flagship store mixes high fashion and exclusive or new release Nike pieces for a stellar mix of style and substance. These Nike Blazer Low Top Sneakers are a remake of their classic 70s basketball shoe, with modern details like perforated leather and gold details. They will be walking the walk through the Paris streets, both with dresses and denim.They are really lightweight too, so they are perfect to pack.  I also loved the All Court 2 Sneakers, pictured below, both in the cream and the pink. The textured open weave of these babies makes for a surprising bit of the feminine along with street smarts.

Nike All Court 2 Sneakers

Warm days are lovely but often nights are cool, and a lighter jacket is always a good idea. I am a big fan of Intermix, with their mix of edgy pieces, up and coming designers, and established luxury. When they have a sale, I always take notice. Last weekend I swung into the Intermix Bellevue store where I found a couple sale pieces perfect for the trip, including this killer jacket from Harvey Faircloth. The navy satin peplum hem lined with a red border brings this khaki field jacket up a notch, and you had me at fabric covered buttons. You can find this beauty right here.

Harvey Faircloth Satin Peplum Khaki Field Jacket

Nomia Lace Shoulder Top. Image courtesy of RIZOM

Truly one of my favorite stores in Seattle is RIZOM. The store hosts a series of beautiful pieces from a variety of designers in a perfectly curated collection whose originality continues to enchant me. I could take the whole store home with me, but have limited myself to several choices instead, including the Nomia Laced Shoulder Top. The beautiful creamy white and grommet one shoulder strap make this a perfectly understated chic piece. I have featured it before on the blog, it is just too good to not pack.

Silver Dora Pants. Photo courtesy of RIZOM and Silvae.

Also at RIZOM, Deborah Roberts and her gorgeous line, Silvae. The Dora Pants are woven culottes in light blue denim with inverted box pleats at the front waist that make the pants almost look like a skirt. The high waist means even I can rock a top with a shorter crop. These pants are head turning and fabulous, so they need to head to Paris too.

M.Patmos Maria Camisole. Image courtesy of Flora and Henri

A couple of weeks ago the iconic Seattle store, Flora and Henri, opened up the doors of their new and gorgeous brick and mortar in Pioneer Square. The new space holds not only their beautiful children's line but clothing for women, mens accessories and a fab array of gifts and home items. I bought the M.Patmos Maria Camisole on my visit. The fringe and pom pom details give this sophisticated piece just the right amount of whimsy. Gorgeousness x 10.

Finally, what is a trip without a great bag? I bought this En Shalla Ocean Rafia Tote in raffia and cotton with a fun metallic thread throughout. It is a great tote to pack because it is can be made to be completely flat in your suitcase. Made from recycled rice bags, I got mine at Baby and Company. You can also find it on sale at Anthropologie. 

Ok maybe this wasn't short and sweet, but there is much to share. Back to packing. 

Je t'aims Paris. xx