starrsville & crefloors...thank you...i was thinking the same thing.

starrville...i have black slacks but they are hemmed for stillettos...looks gross with wedges. my capris...are really closer to my ankles than they are to my knees(i am short)...u think i will be ok?

Cashmere sweaters are fantastic IMO whether worn at home or taken on a trip. I love cashmere. Have fun hckypris and enjoy your trip!!

My comment about capris come less from a fashion standpoint than a comfort/ warmth standpoint.

I had capris for the south of France part of the trip, but I would have been freezing in Paris in them. We were there at the end of May and one day I put on everything I could just to stay warm. I would recommended longer pants for warmth reasons.

I travel in black jeans (with a bit of stretch for comfort) and that day I wore my jeans, cashmere sweater, quilted jacket buttoned up, tennis shoes (yes, I packed them for the bike tour but wore them for warmth), socks, AND gloves.

I also tossed in a potentially tacky (according to the fashionistas on this board) windbreaker (souvenir from Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii). I'm glad it was tossed in because we took it along for the night Seine boat ride - and everyone one else was huddled up shivering and we were comfy.

I don't take white Tshirts - because I have a tendency to "wear" a spot or two of my meals :-)

And if you have an old cashmere sweater, it is great to sleep in. I started taking an old one just for comfy and light sleepwear over silk PJs or in lieu of a long robe on chilly mornings.

hckypris: Regarding the jacket, check out Isis (www.isisforwomen.com) Their jackets may be too sporty and not as polished as what you're looking for, but I love the fit on their jackets. They have some nice softshell options (waterproof and won't get ruined when squished into a backpack).

Good luck!

According yo another depressing similar post it would appear you should pack a Girl Scout Outfit - funny I think I shoudl mention handcuffs and leather in the same breath

I just checked the Isis website and they don't have any of their softshells listed right now. So that wasn't much of a suggestion -- sorry.

kureiff, I take an extra pillowcase on the plane and "squish" my jacket in it for a pillow :-)

starrville...good idea about the pillow case. I am definitely gonna do that...i noramally bring a pillow case just becuz.

It started after my first trip to Europe. I like lots of pillows and got frustrated by the #/ shape/ sizes of pillows there. So, now I pack extra pillowcases.

I used one for the pillow on the plane. Just don't want to think about where those pillows have been.

During the winter, when traveling with a coat, I pack an extra one in my backpack. I squish my coat in it for a pillow - so I know I'll have one if they are all handed out on the plane.

I pack distinctively colored high-thread count pillowcases and put one on my "best" hotel pillow. That way, I always know which one I want to use, I get a good night's sleep on a soft pillowcase AND it's a touch of home when I return to the hotel room.

I also pack a travel candle for the bedside table.

If I'm going to be at the same place for a few days, I pick up fresh flowers from a sidewalk vendor. Found a great collapsible vase in Paris that I use.

Hmmmm... ya think I'm a nester?!?!

Everyone...you all have no idea what a tremendous help you all have been. I have definitely made changes to my pack list based on your feedback. I am not leaving until september so...please...continue to provide me ideas!

BTW...how is the bathroom situations out there? I went to target and bought emergency toilet seat covers...germaphobe! Also, when you all washed your clothing in the hotel...did u just buy your detergent out there? or did u bring it with you?

I bought the tiny container of toilet seat covers and tiny roll of TP - and didn't use them at all. No problems with toilets - but you need to take the quiz on the "Other Topics" thread.

I didn't do laundry in the room, but if you have any old film canisters around, they are great containers for powdered detergent. Or, snack size ziploc bags.

I use the shampoo hotels provide for doing hand-wash in the sink (I bring my own shampoo for my hair).

You can also find Woolite in packets is another option.

Normal detergent (whether purchased in europe or from home) does not rinse out very well when you're doing things by hand in a sink.

I carry a small packet of travel kleenex but other than that no seat covers, sanitizers, etc. for me.

We always take powdered detergent in ziploc bags. I think it is lighter than liquid detergent and it isn't going to spill on your other clothes in quite the same way if the bag "leaks".

I think four pair of shoes for three weeks is a wee bit excessive. If you must bring that many, I would do as NYtraveler suggests and make one pair really dressy. I don't recall ever seeing any of the shoes you mention with cocktail attire.

Hi hckypris98!

I know whether patterns are changing but it can (or at least it used to be) already be getting chilly in Paris in September/October. I love capris, too, but unless I was going to be there in summer, I would just bring long pants and skirts and I am a fan of the perfect travel dress--think DVF wrap dress. Exposed legs and feet get filthy in Europe. You will be amazed. I don't think that you will need the down vest.

Also, I can't stress with you enough, the importance of the right shoes. At least one pair of shoes that you are comfortable walking for many, many hours in. You are there to see and experience wonderful things and if your feet are suffering, and believe me they can be after hours on concrete and cobblestones, you won't be happy.
Personally, I like to bring a good pair of walking shoes and then find a wonderful pair of dress-up shoes while there or even a second pair of walking shoes. They know from good-looking and functioning walking shoes in Europe and it can be fun to shop for them there. Also, the ballet flats sound perfect for nights out. But here's the thing, the way I travel, usually I will want to find some off the beaten path "locals only" place to eat which usually involves lots more walking in the evening. I almost never wear the dress-up shoes for that reason and although I love my ballet flats they don't cut it for any major walking.

I used to bring laundry soap with me but now use the room shampoo. I have the little packet of toilet seat covers but never have the time to dig them out. In public toilets in Europe, you are lucky if there's even a seat and if there is, even with the cover, I wouldn't sit down. I do carry the little bottle of hand sanitizer and wouldn't travel without it. Does it work? Who knows? But I like the concept.

I hope you have a wonderful trip and lots of fun, Jane

woops-- that's "weather" not "whether"!!

Good advice pouring in!

I think you have great ideas for your wardrobe, but agree that you are taking more than you need. Don't just put it all in the suitcase to see if it fits -lug the suitcase around your house; even if you are on a tour, you are going to have to deal with your luggage yourself at some points. And you are definitely going to want to shop.

I agree on taking a thin cashmere sweater for layering; if you don't like classic sweater styles, take a cashmere hoodie.

Also agree on paring down some of those tops. I took two tank taps to layer under other shirts (admittedly I didn't wear them every day, but close!) one black, one white, on a month trip last May-June. I used hotel shampoo, as others mentioned (I bring laundry soap but usually forget I have it) to wash them out often -- I was in warm weather, so they dried quickly.

My traveling companions always laugh at me, but I bring a little inflatable travel hanger (got it eons ago) and a few lightweight clothes pins to hang stuff up to dry.

On last year's trip, when I got to Spain and the weather was hotter than in Italy, I immediately bought 3 more lightweight cute tanks there. I was glad I didn't bring more from home as I loved the styles in the Madrid shops.

Jackets and shoes are always the hardest part for me. I also have several pairs of definitely NOT old lady looking Clark sandals/shoes and alway include a pair. I skimp on clothes to have enough shoes -- if I change 'em before I go out at night, that seems to alleviate sore feet for me.

As I mentioned before, I often end up with a jean or denim jean-style jacket, since I know I will feel comfortable in it and looks fine...I have also taken a well-rolled up stylish down vest on trips, but I wonder it it is really going to be cold enough to want this in early fall.

Hi Jane,

God...I wish i had a DVF dress...that would absolutely be the perfect item...but then i would still have to have some cute littles shoes with it. Here is the problem with black pants that are not capris...I don't have a pair that can be worn with flat shoes...my couple pair are made to go with stilletos...they would drag on the ground and get ruined. That leaves my dilema...leave the capris at home and just wear jeans the whole time or take them with me...just in case. Also...if it is too cold to wear the capris...then isn't it too cold to wear the skirt? i don't do tights or nylons. In the sensible all day walking shoe category...i am totally covered on that one. also...by the way..as suggested by the other comments...i did a dry run of packing what is on my list...my suitcase is only a third full...so i am totally good on that as well.

Sweetie, you aren't going for months. BUY a pair of jeans or pants that will work with the shoes you plan to take.