troupe in paris vol 3
we're making this an annual thing
Paris, Always
I have the most vivid memory of one of my first trips to Paris with my mom. She took me on a mother daughter trip when my three older brothers and dad went on a golf trip. I remember walking through the jardin des tuileries and seeing a photoshoot. I felt like I was star struck being so close to models, photographers, and fashion. Watching such a creative moment unfold. In the heart of paris no less! That moment always felt like it really imprinted itself in my dna. That jolt of excitement I got. Thinking how lucky people are who get to be part of that world.
When I was 20 and studying abroad in the UK, my parents met me there for a weekend. My dad has since passed away, and that memory of being in Paris with my parents has a special place in my heart. Beyond the charm and the magic that Paris is known for, I feel a personal connection to it.
I’ve gone back a bunch since then. And since doing troupe full time, I have told my husband it’s an annual must for me.
There’s honestly nowhere I feel more myself.
Which also comes with a little bit of guilt.
To feel so myself, so energized and so happy somewhere that isn’t with my husband and the kids feels complicated.
But Paris is where I remember who I am outside of everything else. And as a mom, that is so important. So I’m grateful to have something that does that for me.
How I Packed
I have Paris packing pretty much down to a science. The weather is of course important, but beyond that, the packing is very easy for me.
My tops are usually whatever’s fresh out of the laundry. My essentials. My Flore Flore long sleeve, a black turtleneck, a cardigan or sweater I can layer with, a trouser, and a pair of blue and black denim I can wear day or night. Reliable pairs so anything new I buy works right away. Because the fun of paris shopping is wearing something you bought right then and there. A brown belt (I packed a lot of black, so brown did more for my outfits), my loafers, and my go to travel sneakers that take up almost no space and go with everything.
Weather permitting, I’d rather wear the same tee and jeans every day and pack extra shoes and at least two coats for variety (and leave room to buy a third). That’s really what you’re wearing anyway. And if you can only bring one coat, bring two scarves. Changing your outerwear, even slightly, makes such a difference when you’re traveling.
I’m intentional with the palette. I want outfits to be easy but still chic and streamlined, with room to deviate. I always feel most put together in monochrome or all darks with one clean pop of contrast in fall/winter clothes.
Nights are where I let myself have fun. Paris dinners are the perfect excuse to dress up and wear things you don’t reach for at home. An aspirational dressed up version of myself. I never shop for trips but admittedly when I bought this satin courrèges bodysuit back in september I definitely had paris in the back of my mind.
About a week and a half before the trip, I start a note in my phone. Just random fragments of outfits ideas. Pieces I want to build outfits around. Outfits that pop into my head while I’m waiting in traffic.
Funny enough, while part of my job and why people hire me is to help clients pack for trips thoughtfully and in advance, I personally pack last minute. Usually a few hours before I head to the airport. I go through the note, pull the pieces, think about the outfits strategically, and make sure everything can be worn more than once. I’m my best when I go with my gut like that.
There’s a strange sense of pride in seeing myself pack a pair of denim that I plan to wear at least 3 times on a 3 day trip? (mine are a slightly different wash but these are them. They are my favorite pair at the moment since I bought them back in august. I wear them for day and night. Wearing them with the alfie top above)
But this is where my own job has rubbed off on me: just as I make my clients do, I try everything on. How you envision something is not always what it looks like. Trying things on gives you a 99% success rate with outfits you’re genuinely happy wearing, and helps avoid any spirals that lead to over packing.
Everything goes into a carry on because I know exactly what I’m wearing and that means I don’t over pack (my carry on is 10/10 fits so much, and my garment duffle. you need the duffle trust me. Most of the clothes double/triple up on hangers and go in the garment duffle. And long sleeves, tees, toiletries and shoes go in the suitcase).
Style notes.
Any chic girl we noticed wasn’t wearing a stitch of makeup. Fresh faces. There is such a confidence to that.
This is the only way to wear a scarf. The shoulder toss. Toss only one side over your shoulder and leave the other hanging long.
my friend doing it the french way while we were in Paris. She bought this brown scarf at Kiliwatch while we were there. The shoulder toss. Effortless, a little undone, no fuss. (Beyond the paywall. 1) Style Notes continued 2) Our Paris in Pictures. 30+ photos of what we did, what we wore, what we bought, and little moments in between and 3) a google map with all my stores)
