I bought a travel guide and also a french quick reference book. Some of you might not know this but I actually did French Immersion from grades 4 through 12 but because I haven’t spoken it in many many years I need to brush up on my french before we go.
The other books are Sophie Kinsella’s new book from her “Confessions of a Shopaholic
I wasn’t going to buy Lauren Conrad’s style book initially, but then I read Lace & Blush’s review of it and I just had to have it. I already started to read it and I must admit it’s a nice read and she gives great tips on staple items, styling, shopping, organizing, traveling etc. It’s not necessarily things I didn’t already know but she does give some great style advice and there are lots of gorgeous photos (I don’t think she can take a bad picture!)
My favorite part is where she shows 5 ways to wear one dress. She has some great ideas like put a lace slip underneath and just let it poke out a bit- very vintage-y and pretty.
Back to Paris- I need to do some serious shopping before we go. Because I moved to Houston I didn’t bring any heavy coats with me so I need to get a few winter-friendly pieces/
On my list?
Flat boots
Heavier coat
Skinny Jeans- dark denim and black
New camera (to take tons of pics!)
Gloves
New scarf
Winter hat
Small crossbody bag- to keep tour guide book, passport, money with me at all times
Can you think of anything else I might need? Let me know in the comments below!
Hope everyone had a lovely weekend!
xoxo,
Veronika.
you will LOVE paris! it will definitely change your perspective, in a good way. what a great time to go, too! enjoy!
Sounds like so much fun! I think you've covered everything in your list.
If you'd like a rec for a good crossbody bag, I love the one I have by MBMJ:
https://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=739024032&tid=plfr1r
I think it's a great size. Not too big and not too small. Enough room to keep your essentials for travel.
– Julie
Paris is amazing! I love France!
Layers are going to be key to dressing properly in Paris. It gets FREEZING. I was born and raised in Toronto so I am no stranger to winter but when I was in Paris in March, it was so cold.
You should make sure to go to this crepe place across the Eiffel Tower and Angelina's for hot chocolate by the Louvre. They're both fantastic!
You're going to have so much fun!!!
You'll LOVE London!! Definitely do tons of layers. What kind of boots are you looking for?
norma
norma-inthisworld.blogspot.com
Congrats on Paris! What a dream vacation! I know you guys will have an amazing time.
I also bought Lauren Conrad's book this weekend and really love it.
You're going to have so much fun in Europe!
I like the get my skinny jeans at F21, in fact, I just got a pair today for $9.50. I usually wear 7FAM but for trendy skinnies, you can't beat F21. They fit very nicely I think.
Also was at Nordstrom Rack today and they had a lot of great coats for under $100, maybe somewhere to check out.
Lastly, I love the Steve Madden Intyce boot. I think there's 20% off right now on the website. Check chloe's blog.
WOW! Paris and London for the holidays…how perfect! I haven't travelled to England and France since I was 15 years old, so I'm super jealous! As far as Lauren's book…i may have to check it out. I also never intended to buy the book, but have heard great things about it!
<3, natasha
You should check out Talbots! Many people think that Talbots is for old women, but it's totally different then it used to be. I'm a college student and I work there part time. Right now there are so many cute coats, gloves and winter scarves that would be perfect for your trip! (request a catalog if you can… everything always looks cuter when its styled!)
-Heather
ashley- those boots are way cute! definitely what i'm looking for- comfy flat boots for walking!
I also brought thermal tights (from target) to wear under jeans for extra warmth… it really helped!
A couple years ago we went to Budapest, Prague, and Vienna for Christmas and New Years… it was soo amazing! Christmas markets everywhere, it snowed in Prague… it was just awesome. Its actually an amazing time to go to Europe! When we were in Prague we went to a midnight mass on Christmas Eve… so awesome, recommend it if you get the chance to do that in Paris! We also made sure to go to the opera in Budapest, and we saw the Nutcracker in Prague… things like that really enhance trips, so look into it! Oh my major requirement… get a hat that covers your ears. Those cute beret style hats (the ones that are a little flopper than berets, so they cover your ears) are my favorite… so cute and a must to keep my sensitive ears warm!
After spending a summer in Europe & visiting both London & Paris, I would highly recommend getting a pair of cute wellies (aka rain boots). You'll be glad you did, believe me. A nice waterproof & warm trench coat would be good to bring to! For London, seriously – think waterproof + warm for sightseeing outfits!!!
The Nord. Rack by me had True Religion Skinny jeans for $89…totally worth every penny!
I am actually French and would suggest you definitely bring a waterproof coat and/or umbrella or buy one over there because it tends to rain a lot in Paris (it might also snow). It will definitely be cold, so layers are always a good option. Also, of course, stay away from heels on days you plan on doing a lot of walking, especially with the cobblestone streets. Because you will end up walking A LOT! If you have any questions, feel free to email me: [email protected]. I'd be more than happy to help!
Oh my goodness you are from Slovakia?! I am too! Wow I have been reading your blog for some time now and never knew that!! Sooo exciting!
natalia- yes! I was born there and my family escaped to Canada when I was 3!
So jealous!! You're going to have an amazing time!! Hubbie and I both studied abroad and traveled extensively in Europe in college. I would love to go back now and experience it together though!
If you're looking to splurge on a nicer camera, try the CANON S95. It's the best handheld camera out there and a lot of professional photographers use it when they're not able to carry their huge SLR's around. I have it and absolutely love it!!
I'm glad you liked the book! I picked up Mini Shopaholic too and it's just as funny as the other Shopaholic books. That sounds like such a romantic trip! I would love to go to London with my husband. We would like to go back to Paris in the next few years along with London and Greece. A cross body bag is definitely a good idea. It was the number one thing to have with me besides a good camera. I think you have a very good list.
Also the bag I carried with me while abroad was a black cross body/shoulder bag very similar to your MBMJ bag. So I'm sure you won't need to buy a new bag unless you think it will be too big or heavy for you to carry.
Ton français va te revenir vite avec la pratique, tu verras! 🙂
Je te souhaite un beau voyage – ça sera sĂ»rement une belle aventure, surtout pour le temps des fĂŞtes. Amuses-toi bien! 🙂
Aww yay you're coming to Paris !! Feel free to ask if you have any questions / need tips 🙂 [email protected]
This is so exciting ! And London, lucky girl. I love London. My fiancé and I really want to go back (he doesn't know the city as well as I do, being Canadian and all.. ;))
Bisous !!
Paris in the Holiday must be spectacular! Definitely get that camera because I want to see some pictures. I am hoping that we can start traveling abroad soon but our schedules just never seem to match up!
BTW I LOVE those Steve Madden boots that someone mentioned too!
I recommend buying Rick Steve's Paris guide (instead of the Fodors in your picture) it's truly the best Paris guide. One of the things I enjoyed from Rick's guide are walks that he maps out and describes, that take you throughout the different arrondissements passing by unique landmarks that aren't on the typical side-seeing list. Rick's has really good tips/tricks throughout that will add to your trip success. Also don't take too much with you- as you will probably want to shop there too! Finally I suggest getting a small Paris map- like pocket size- it's much easier to figure out where you are or where you want to go quickly than pulling out a big book.
Oh one more thing, how long are you going to be in Paris? you might want to look into getting a weekly Metro pass (Le passe Navigo découverte- https://www.ratp.info/informer/passe_navigo.php), you get it at the normal tickt counter in any metro stop- and for one week you get unlimited metro rides w/in zones 1 and 2 (you wouldnt probably go outside of this)- trust me if it's cold you'll be happy to be able to jump on the metro to get places and it will save you money because it's only 18.35 euro for one week of rides which is over 10 rides at single ticket price. Or buy the carnet of 10 tickets at a time it saves you 5 euros after 10 trips (single ticket is 1.70 euro, 10 tickets is 12 euros). Hope this helps!
So exciting! I was in Old Navy last week and they have some really cute coats in that have a ruffle and some flat boots.
Hey Veronika,
You might also want to add a money belt to keep your passport and extra cash in. You can wear it under your clothes so in the event that you run into pick pockets, they'll have a harder time getting to your valuables. I've been robbed while travelling and I didn't even know it had happened until hours later and I had my bad on me the whole time – they're professionals! Although my experience wasn't in Europe, I know of friends who have had encounters with pick pockets there. I don't mean to focus on the negative, but I want you to be prepared!
Also, are you planning on bringing all of your money for the entire trip in Cash?
Hi Veronika,
I just wanted to know I stumbled across your blog from a link in one of your thenest.com comments. Truthfully, I've never read a blog before, but I really enjoy yours! So much so that I'm considering starting mine own!
After spending a LOT of time last week reviewing your posts, (so now you know I'm the IP address with MANY hours logged! :)) you have inspired me in more ways than one! Over the weekend, I bought a WHOLE bunch of silk flowers and created/updated my arrangements to brighten up my house and making some subtle changes with simple decor (throw pillows, a new soap dispenser(!)) and to my make-up routine (great advice on the Smashbox Eye Brightener and L'Oreal Diorshow-like mascara!) During my lunch hour today, I also went to buy the two new LC books (and considered the Sophie Kinsella book, but decided against it)!
I've also had a renewed interest in shopping (although really, it never disappeared!), but I'm trying to be more frugal and skeptical about what I buy – and buy only what I love rather than just because it's on sale!
Thanks for your inspiration! Keep it up! I'm also enjoying your posts/website about wedding planning, as I'm planning my own wedding right now.
P.S. – I think we'd totally be friends in real life! We work in similar industries and have a passion for decorating, make-up, fashion, and fitness! Too bad I live in boring Wisconsin! Oh well.
Have a great afternoon! 🙂
@kate- you are so sweet and your comment has totally made my day!!! There are so many of my blog readers that I would love to be friends with in real life 🙂 I wish I could just assemable everyone and move us all to the same city!
Camaro- should i bring all cash? I was planning on having Kevin wear a moneybelt. I would hope that people don't get robbed that often in Paris but you never know- better safe than sorry!
I will be in Paris over christmas as well! we are so excited for a romantic holiday.
julia- maybe we will see eachother there! we are about to book our flights and hotel!
Well, if you bring all cash you wouldn't have to deal with service charges at ATMs, but then you have the stress of carrying around wads of cash on you all the time. Since the latter stresses me out, I usually get a Visa travel money card when I travel. You load money on to it before you go and you can use it just like a Visa or ATM card. And if you lose it they send you a new card (kind of like travellers cheques). I'm not sure where you can get one in Houston, but in Canada you can buy them at CAA stores; so maybe AAA in the states? But definitely bring some cash with you.
camaro- i LOVE the idea of doing a visa card like that and then also having cash! thanks so much for the tips 🙂 so sweet of you!
So I just did a little research and you can get them at AAA in the states: https://www.aaasouth.com/Travel/travel_funds.aspx
Just another option!
(If only I was so speedy and eager with my thesis research!)
thanks camaro! i think we will definitely be doing that 🙂 so glad you told me about it! you rock 🙂
I took the plunge! Here's a link to my blog!
https://seanandkateplus2.blogspot.com/
Thanks! -Kate
Paris is my favorite place of anywhere I've ever been! You are going to love it. The one thing I noticed when I was there was everyone wore neutrals—grays, black, and browns. There was very little color in their outfits. I'm so jealous! Can't wait to see your outfits for your trip!
So excited for you V! This will be such an amazing trip for you! I have that Rick Steves French book and it's fabulous, very user-friendly. You should pick your French back up in no time 🙂
I think your list looks good, I would definitely recommend lots of layering options. I use my lulu lemon tanks to layer a lot because they're so form fitting, and they're great to keep the warmth close to your body.
As for a stacked heel boot, I just ordered the J. Crew Sutton boots today, I'll let you know what I think, but they look like they'd work for lots of walking.
So excited for you!
Veronika that's so exciting that you and the hubs are going to Paris and London! That is going to be quite the romantic holiday, I already can't wait to see the photos you'll end up taking there.
I'm happy to hear Lauren's book is a decent read too. It seems like so many celebrities come out with their own version of a style guide, and some are flops, and some are actually good! I heard that Victoria Beckham's is a good one!
My sister swears by Delia's skinny jeans. I've yet to get a pair. When I finally can carve out time between work and school to get to the mall; Delia's skinny jeans are on my list of things to get. She says they are really affordable and incredibly comfy.
Yay for Paris! You will have SO MUCH FUN! My husband and I just went less than a month ago for the first time!
You will do more walking than you ever have in your life! Wear the most comfy shoes possible. Bring lots of layers and scarves.
One thing I thought I would do was change outfits a couple times a day…and that did not happen (maybe only once). We were so busy seeing the sights that we didn't usually have time to go back to the hotel and change. Most of the restaurants there are bistros which you don't have to dress up to go to. Only the very expensive restaurants require more formal attire.
An important note: Even with my converter plug, my hairdryer did not work there! Well, it did, but it smelled like it was burning and the coils inside were red hot. I didn't use it after turning it on just once but when I got it back home it was broken:(
I had to use the hotel's crappy hair dryer the whole time (I wash my hair everyday). It was a pain…so just something for you to think about!!
Have so much fun!!!!
@rachel- I am so sad to hear thing thing about the hairdryer…ick! I don't know what I'm going to do about that…maybe just pray it works?
what kind of shoes did you wear in paris?
We are staying at the Sofitel Le Faubourg in Paris. Its supposed to be close to all the major sites- and around the corner from the best shopping! We got really good package deals on flight+hotel using expedia- you guys should check that out! If I spot you I promise to say hi:)
Hi Veronika- I found your blog a few months back and have really enjoyed it! I just got back from a trip to Paris (Its wonderful!) and thought I would mention one of the things we enjoyed while we were there- a wine tasting class (In English) in an old wine cellars- it was a blast if you are interested in learning about French wines! I hope your trip is fabulous! 🙂
https://www.o-chateau.com/paris-wine-tasting/tastings/tour-de-france-of-wine/
@rachel and veronika- probably the problem with the hair dryer is one of 2 things. first you have to convert from 220v to 110v (France to US) which rachel you might have done bc you said you used a converter. however the second problem is that many small converters have only a limited range for the wattage they can support. Most hairdyers are running at over 1000w but most typical converters are for less than 25W (e.g. for battery charges) . . . so that could be what destroyed your hair dryer. I would suggest either a special travel hair dryer for which you will simply need an adapter for the plug or you have to invest in a special low/high wattage converter like this one: https://www.conair.com/travel-smart-2000-watt-international-converter-set-p-483.html Be careful too bc these guys are sometimes a bit bulky and will add weight to your suitcase- good luck!
PS check out folica.com they should have a way to search for dual voltage hair tools
One more thing, check out your hair tools first- i've been surprised when i found out some of mine were dual voltage and i didn't buy it especially for that
We are going to Paris and Venice for Christmas and New Year's too! It would be crazy to run into you. I am pretty sure we would be friends in real life – I work in PR and we have such similar styles!
Ohh you will love it! My hubby and I did this before I got pregnant , so it was the last vacay we took before we had our daughter. We did NYE under the Eiffel Tower and it was so amazing! One thing, just beware of pickpocketers there, I saw it with my own eyes. Oh and the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays (learned that the hard way, lol).
You probably really need some new earrings from my etsy shop, so let me help you out!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Davs
But honestly have fun in Paris!:)