What NOT TO WEAR in PARIS & ROME?! Women's Fashion Help!
Aug 25th, 2011, 10:24 AM
#62
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Hi AFB,
And welcome to the land of 1000 opinions. Hubs and I took our first trip to France when we were in our early 50's. My gray hair was cut in a pixie style at the time. As soon as the trip was soundly in place, I dyed my pixie dark brown ("I won't go to Paris with gray hair").
At the time, pants that look like tights were fashionable and so easy to pack. Paired with loosie t-shirts, and a light rain coat, I was very comfortable in Paris in June. And I looked much younger than I was. Also took a swingy skirt to wear at night with some nice flats. All went well.
HOWEVER, my feet did hurt me so. Wore cute little tennis shoes that went well with my pants but did nothing for all of the walking we did.
I'd say do your own thing but wear shoes meant for long walks. A second pair for evening will give your feet a break-just take taxis when you are in those shoes!
Sounds like you'll be taking a nice long trip-pack as light as you can. Hotel laundries are expensive but convenient and someone has to lug the luggage!
Congrats and have a super time. Please let everyone know how it went.
And welcome to the land of 1000 opinions. Hubs and I took our first trip to France when we were in our early 50's. My gray hair was cut in a pixie style at the time. As soon as the trip was soundly in place, I dyed my pixie dark brown ("I won't go to Paris with gray hair").
At the time, pants that look like tights were fashionable and so easy to pack. Paired with loosie t-shirts, and a light rain coat, I was very comfortable in Paris in June. And I looked much younger than I was. Also took a swingy skirt to wear at night with some nice flats. All went well.
HOWEVER, my feet did hurt me so. Wore cute little tennis shoes that went well with my pants but did nothing for all of the walking we did.
I'd say do your own thing but wear shoes meant for long walks. A second pair for evening will give your feet a break-just take taxis when you are in those shoes!
Sounds like you'll be taking a nice long trip-pack as light as you can. Hotel laundries are expensive but convenient and someone has to lug the luggage!
Congrats and have a super time. Please let everyone know how it went.
Aug 25th, 2011, 11:12 AM
#63
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What a nice thread! Given me a lot of good ideas for my honeymoon trip on Sept. 2. In fact, after reading this, I had to reconfigure some of my clothing list. We're going hiking in the Dolomites, along with cities, and even though I'm a (tiny bit) older than the OP, it's still my honeymoon too, and I don't want to look like a hiking shlub/college kid. I remember those days very fondly but this time I'd like to look like I do here at home in NYC. My husband and I are sharing a rolling bag for all of our stuff including hiking poles, and each taking a backpack on the plane.
That said, for being in Rome, Venice and Florence, I'm taking a knee-length tailored khaki skirt, some black sleeveless tops that I wear out in NYC, a few smart-looking cotton tops (not t-shirts) along with all my hiking gear. Not bringing white sneakers, but I bought a pair of Keen mary-janes in black, which can be dressed up with the skirt. I'm still deliberating taking a pair of black jeans.
That said, for being in Rome, Venice and Florence, I'm taking a knee-length tailored khaki skirt, some black sleeveless tops that I wear out in NYC, a few smart-looking cotton tops (not t-shirts) along with all my hiking gear. Not bringing white sneakers, but I bought a pair of Keen mary-janes in black, which can be dressed up with the skirt. I'm still deliberating taking a pair of black jeans.
Aug 25th, 2011, 12:49 PM
#65
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hazel1,
I guess I was not clear. I said ballet INSPIRED. My sister has a pair of shoes that the top looks like a ballet slipper but it has a small heel and support inside the shoe. They look great with slacks, skirts, shorts, anything. Flip flops require your toes to hang on to the shoe. Walking even a few miles a day will not be comfortable.
I think people choose their shoes based on how they preform in their everyday life. However, most people do not walk 5 or 6 miles a day on cobblestones and up and down cement stairs as they would sightseeing in Paris.
I guess I was not clear. I said ballet INSPIRED. My sister has a pair of shoes that the top looks like a ballet slipper but it has a small heel and support inside the shoe. They look great with slacks, skirts, shorts, anything. Flip flops require your toes to hang on to the shoe. Walking even a few miles a day will not be comfortable.
I think people choose their shoes based on how they preform in their everyday life. However, most people do not walk 5 or 6 miles a day on cobblestones and up and down cement stairs as they would sightseeing in Paris.
Aug 25th, 2011, 01:08 PM
#66
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hikrchick (congrats) and AFB, after many years of travel, DH and I bit the bullet and took cabs from airports to hotels. Yes, it was more expensive, but as I have said on other threads, when you are sleepless, jet-lagged and luggage-carrying, it is SO much easier than train or bus.
Aug 25th, 2011, 02:37 PM
#67
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In my moderately vast travel experience, ( including week-long business trips with killer 9-5days on a convention hall floor) I've found it is essential to bring at least 3 pair of shoes with different heel heights. Your arches will appreciate it. Think flats, wedges, and something inbetween.
Aug 25th, 2011, 04:11 PM
#68
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When it comes to shoes, there's no one size fits all (no pun intended) as to how many pairs are necessary. I've got problems with my feet, and find that if I don't mix it up a bit, my feet will start to really hurt. So..I had to laugh when people got riled up about bringing four pairs, as I bring a pair of black Pumas, two pairs of Skechers that look like ballet flats with straps, a pair of Fitflops (best sandals ever for walking), and a few pairs for nighttime. No, I don't travel light...we bring a bag just for the shoes, but that's the way it has to be. As far as clothing...I wouldn't worry too much as you pretty much see it all. Last September there were a lot of girls wearing shorts with tights, everyone wears jeans, and there are plenty of "American style sneakers"..just not a lot of white ones. I wear jeans or black pants, the aforementioned shoes, and I do wear makeup...and I have gotten stopped plenty of times and asked for directions in French. So don't wear an "I'm with stupid" shirt or a team jersey (unless you're a teenager) and you'll be fine.
Aug 25th, 2011, 04:16 PM
#69
I almost always bring running shoes (to go running in the mornings), so I generally have at least three if not four--or even more--pairs of shoes in my luggage.
I also think if you're traveling with someone stupid, it's perfectly okay to wear an "I'm with stupid" t-shirt.
Have a great trip!
I also think if you're traveling with someone stupid, it's perfectly okay to wear an "I'm with stupid" t-shirt.
Have a great trip!
Aug 25th, 2011, 06:32 PM
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AlessandraZoe..I laughed out loud when i read your Versailles entrance comment!!When we turned the corner from the train station and saw how far the walk was,the one lady in my group almost died as she had wedges on! I barely made it in my comfy walking shoes on those cobblestones but it was worth it!
When we were there in March a lot of young people had on shorts with tights under them,matched with a beautiful sweater and scarf...looked quite stylish and would have killed for their leg!!And they all had on ballet flats.
When we were there in March a lot of young people had on shorts with tights under them,matched with a beautiful sweater and scarf...looked quite stylish and would have killed for their leg!!And they all had on ballet flats.
Aug 27th, 2011, 09:17 AM
#73
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I wouldn't wear flip flops, T shirts or workout clothes.
Neutrals that travel easily and I always have a cashmere wrap. Great for the plane and any time it's chiller than you expect.
Kerouac, you crack me up.
Neutrals that travel easily and I always have a cashmere wrap. Great for the plane and any time it's chiller than you expect.
Kerouac, you crack me up.
Aug 27th, 2011, 10:19 AM
#74
ref those well-dressed parisian and italian women, they are not generally planning on spending their day walking their socks off. They are mostly going to work in shops and offices, not tramping miles around uneven city streets.
If you compare what you wear for work, rather than leisure, with what you see them wearing, it is unlikely to be very different.
and vice versa.
If you compare what you wear for work, rather than leisure, with what you see them wearing, it is unlikely to be very different.
and vice versa.
Aug 27th, 2011, 10:50 AM
#75
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What to bring? Don't forget to bring empty space in your bags so you have room to buy some things while there! As several PPs have mentioned, gorgeous (and perfectly draped) scarves are everywhere. So why -bring- one when you could have the experience of shopping for one inParis or Rome?? (and no, they won't all at be Hermes level prices - that said, taking a walk through the Hermes flagship store is fun, free and they're very used to tourists from all over). Hope you find a few lovely souvenirs that will remind you of your honeymoon every time you wear them.
Aug 27th, 2011, 10:54 AM
#76
nice idea, rmw.
I have at least one scarf from virtually every trip we've been on over the last 10 years or so, and they are lovely reminders, every time i wear one.
and they are super-light to pack, too.
I have at least one scarf from virtually every trip we've been on over the last 10 years or so, and they are lovely reminders, every time i wear one.
and they are super-light to pack, too.
Aug 28th, 2011, 09:42 PM
#77
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I am BEYOND THANKFUL to everyone who replied and provided some much needed information and fashion/traveling tips! You have no idea how much you all have helped me and I plan to write about my trip and packing/fashion experience when I return! THANK YOU!!!
I am leaving for Paris in 2 days! Paris for 5 days, St. Remy for 3 days, Amalfi Coast for 3 days & Rome for 6 days! We are taking a train from Paris to Southern France, Renting a car in Southern France, Flying out of Nice to Rome, Training it to Amalfi Coast, Train back to Rome and then flying home from Rome to Philadelphia!
After reading everyone's input and doing some more thinking I decided to still bring 4/5 pairs of shoes. I know it sounds CRAZY but I actually have LOTS of room left in our bags with plenty of room to left for purchases. I am very petite and so is my husband (both also have very small feet) so our clothes/shoes took up hardly any room.
Shoes:
1 pair of Black DKNY sneakers with inserts
1 pair of Black Fit Flops (Great for walking and major comfort)
1 pair of Black Low Heeled Naturalizer Dress Shoes
1 Pair of Calvin Klein Padded & Flexible Ballet Flats
1 Pair of super thin cheap beaded silver flip flops for dress up that I can fit in my purse
Shirts:
1 Long Sleeved Thin Purple Shirt
1 Long Sleeved Striped (Blue/white) Thin Shirt
5 loose plain tank tops (multi colors)
1 dressy black tank top
1 dressy peach tank top
1 Thin Tan Open Cardigan
(All of these shirts roll up really tight and small)
Pants:
1 Pair of Skinny Jeans
1 Pair of Black Spandex Tights
1 Pair of Black Dress Pants
1 Pair of Tan Capri's
1 Pair of White Jean Capri's
1 Pair of Brown Loose Tie Shorts
(All of these roll up tight as well and small)
Dresses/Skirts:
1 french styled vintage blue/white striped strapless sweetheart summer dress
1 super thin striped black and white dress with long sleeves
1 dressy classic black dress
1 thin moroccan styled tan/black dress
1 black skirt
Jacket:
1 XS Black Light Coupe Cut Jacket
Picture of Jacket http://www.kenyasstyle.com/blogs/ken...mb-350x565.jpg
Scarves:
1 Thin Purple Scarf
1 Thin Tan Scarf
1 Thin White Scarf
Hats:
1 Tan/Black Fedora Hat
1 Creme Large Floppy Sun Hat
1 Pair of Sunglasses
Misc/Costume Jewelry
Bags:
1 Cross Shoulder Black Purse
1 Thin Black/White Tote
Two Suitcases
Our Suitcases are amazing. We were able to a get a very good expensive brand for discount at TJ MAXX store!
It's the Victorinox Swiss Army E Motion 4.0 Trek Pack. We got one small (carry on size) and one large (check in). What is great about our luggage is it is roller/duffel AND you can wear it on your back with much support. Here is a link with info and pictures..http://www.swissarmy.com/TravelGear/...duct=30384101&
My husband will be carrying the larger one on his back and I will have the smaller one on my back or rolling.
My plan of attack as far as packing is to leave at least half of one of the bags empty with space for stuff that we buy. I can fit just about all of our clothes together in just my bag rolled up tight (without the shoes). My husbands bag is twice the size of mine and I can put the shoes,misc items & toiletries in his bag with space left for purchases!
I know a lot of you might think I'm crazy for bringing along so many clothes but I honestly took your advice and I made sure to pick clothing that was thin and material that was easy to roll and did not take up much space in my bags.
I of course plan to purchase more scarves in Paris and my plan attack as far as dressing everyday is to layer and accessorize.
I made it through this darn Hurricane this weekend and I hope to make it through PARIS!
I am leaving for Paris in 2 days! Paris for 5 days, St. Remy for 3 days, Amalfi Coast for 3 days & Rome for 6 days! We are taking a train from Paris to Southern France, Renting a car in Southern France, Flying out of Nice to Rome, Training it to Amalfi Coast, Train back to Rome and then flying home from Rome to Philadelphia!
After reading everyone's input and doing some more thinking I decided to still bring 4/5 pairs of shoes. I know it sounds CRAZY but I actually have LOTS of room left in our bags with plenty of room to left for purchases. I am very petite and so is my husband (both also have very small feet) so our clothes/shoes took up hardly any room.
Shoes:
1 pair of Black DKNY sneakers with inserts
1 pair of Black Fit Flops (Great for walking and major comfort)
1 pair of Black Low Heeled Naturalizer Dress Shoes
1 Pair of Calvin Klein Padded & Flexible Ballet Flats
1 Pair of super thin cheap beaded silver flip flops for dress up that I can fit in my purse
Shirts:
1 Long Sleeved Thin Purple Shirt
1 Long Sleeved Striped (Blue/white) Thin Shirt
5 loose plain tank tops (multi colors)
1 dressy black tank top
1 dressy peach tank top
1 Thin Tan Open Cardigan
(All of these shirts roll up really tight and small)
Pants:
1 Pair of Skinny Jeans
1 Pair of Black Spandex Tights
1 Pair of Black Dress Pants
1 Pair of Tan Capri's
1 Pair of White Jean Capri's
1 Pair of Brown Loose Tie Shorts
(All of these roll up tight as well and small)
Dresses/Skirts:
1 french styled vintage blue/white striped strapless sweetheart summer dress
1 super thin striped black and white dress with long sleeves
1 dressy classic black dress
1 thin moroccan styled tan/black dress
1 black skirt
Jacket:
1 XS Black Light Coupe Cut Jacket
Picture of Jacket http://www.kenyasstyle.com/blogs/ken...mb-350x565.jpg
Scarves:
1 Thin Purple Scarf
1 Thin Tan Scarf
1 Thin White Scarf
Hats:
1 Tan/Black Fedora Hat
1 Creme Large Floppy Sun Hat
1 Pair of Sunglasses
Misc/Costume Jewelry
Bags:
1 Cross Shoulder Black Purse
1 Thin Black/White Tote
Two Suitcases
Our Suitcases are amazing. We were able to a get a very good expensive brand for discount at TJ MAXX store!
It's the Victorinox Swiss Army E Motion 4.0 Trek Pack. We got one small (carry on size) and one large (check in). What is great about our luggage is it is roller/duffel AND you can wear it on your back with much support. Here is a link with info and pictures..http://www.swissarmy.com/TravelGear/...duct=30384101&
My husband will be carrying the larger one on his back and I will have the smaller one on my back or rolling.
My plan of attack as far as packing is to leave at least half of one of the bags empty with space for stuff that we buy. I can fit just about all of our clothes together in just my bag rolled up tight (without the shoes). My husbands bag is twice the size of mine and I can put the shoes,misc items & toiletries in his bag with space left for purchases!
I know a lot of you might think I'm crazy for bringing along so many clothes but I honestly took your advice and I made sure to pick clothing that was thin and material that was easy to roll and did not take up much space in my bags.
I of course plan to purchase more scarves in Paris and my plan attack as far as dressing everyday is to layer and accessorize.
I made it through this darn Hurricane this weekend and I hope to make it through PARIS!
