Pour l'amour de Paris {For the love of Paris}: French Girl's Wardrobe

"I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny." - Coco Chanel, La Diva Ultime

My May return to Paris is a bit more than a month away. Oui, time to get serious about getting the wardrobe together! This trip is extra special. For the first time in several years, I don't have to worry about being practical (a la mes enfants). No, this trip is all about Mr. Gorgeous and I. We're celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary with a Lover's Weekend Parisian - time to go full and free DIVA ladies!

One of the best things about stealing away to Paris with Mr. Gorgeous (for 4 days and nights) is that I will be able to pack my little bag with everything feminine/gorgeous (not a pair clogs or jeans in sight). The ultimate challenge, however, is to pack the highest quotient of fantabulousity in as small a space as possible. I've divided my suitcase into two general spaces: day and night. Let's start with night, shall we...

Harper's Bazar

Great Style: Best Ways to Update Your Look (2007)

Before I purchased anything I consulted my glam squad:

1. A Year of Style [Frederic Fekkai (2000)]

2. Harper's Bazar - Great Style: Best Ways to Update Your Look [Jenny Levin (the 2011 edition = $40)]
3. Paris Chic [Ines de la Fressange (2011)]
4. Mon Petit Paris [Fanny Pechiodat, 2011 (they're published! @ Amazon for $13)]

After several days of 'discussion,' Frederic, Jenny, Ines and Fanny they assured me that my first instinct - simple, elegant, versitile WOW - is the best way to go...

Two No. 2 Pencil Skirts, black (J. Crew, $90)

my evening fashion foundation

For any Paris evening, you can never go wrong with black ;-)

The Jackie Cardigan (J. Crew, $62) - in 4 different colors

Dream Angels Push-Up Bra ($55) w/

matching Lace Trim Bikini (3/$30)

In colors matching the Jackie, of course!

Victoria's Secret

5" wedge sandals (get them in black patent leather)

Wedges are the secret to all night comfort and style.

Boston Proper, $150

The pencil skirt, cardigan (a different vibrant color per night, sans the shell, of course ;-), Dream Angels cleveage , and 5" wedge sandals = curvy va va vaoom! And accessories?

Pashmina Wrap - match the color with your Jackie's

Amazon has the largest color selection and the best prices (@ $10 each)

Blue Rose Tapestry Evening Bag (Yoga Bee, $50)

8.5" long x 6" deep, w/ a 14" strap

Molly's tres elegant zippered pocketbook is the perfect size: rests just beneath your armpit (perfect for dancing), is just large enough to hold your point-and-shoot camera, a credit card, a few large bills, a hankie, a small rollerball of perfume, three cotton balls [two liberally rolled in your face powder, the other rolled in your blush (all wrapped w/ a tiny piece of saran wrap)], lip pencil and gloss. Also, each of the tapestry colors in this pocketbook match one of my Jackie's ;-) You can choose your own coordinating tapestry fabric.

It does not get much simpler than this - you basically just change your Jackie and Pashmina each night. You won't believe how small this all packs! But the best part is that this ensemble (in all it's incarnations) is simple, comfortable, elegant, chic - WOW. And it's a flattering look for every body type.

And you know that I'm going to finish my evening look with the perfect romantic jewelry...

Gold