Straight Off the Plane in Paris

Bonjour, mes amis. I’m back in Chicago and eager to share a few updates and stories from the City of Light!

During the daytime in Paris, it’s all about exploring.

Our first few days (or the entire trip, really) went a bit like this: Walking, shopping, eating, drinking. And repeat.

I’ll share more on the specifics in a later post with you (this week and next) as I’m working on a more extensive guide to the city… In the interim, though, the clothes: When Jess and I travel together, we walk everywhere.

Paris is such an easy city to stroll through, too, so I knew up-front that a few items were essential when I was packing: Mid-rise black denim, wear-with-anything comfortable sneakers, a cute (but warm) statement coat and a hands-free tote bag.

We were pretty much straight off the plane on Day One, so thankfully I had black aviators and a matching black beanie to hide the fact that I’d failed miserably at sleeping on the plane on our red-eye over the Atlantic…

Visine, my friends — always pack it.

I hesitated for a really long time before buying this coat, but I finally did in the few days leading up to our departure — and am so glad that I did.

A truly good-quality trench coat is one item I’ve really been longing to invest in.

As my style has evolved over the last few years especially, I’ve come around to the idea of spending more money on fewer pieces… You know, those items that will last you 100x longer than their potentially more cheaply made counterparts? Worth it, in my opinion.

(Don’t get me wrong, though — nothing is more satisfying than finding a diamond in the rough at Forever21.)

At any rate, I’d been eyeing the trench ever since I’d seen it on Grace a few weeks back.

I love that it can be worn three ways/made into three unique looks — as (1) the trench shown here, but also as (2) a belted vest and (3) a cropped moto-style jacket. Mostly, though, I love how it makes me feel when I wear it.

A good quality jacket makes everything else you’re wearing look more expensive, too – including today’s lightweight cashmere turtleneck.

… It’s all about balance, right?

Here are a few similar trench coat styles that might be a better fit for you/your budget (the closest in deconstructed style is this DVF version).

*Shop women’s trench coats:

… Or get mine here.

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Beyond the trench, this backpack was one item I carried with me frequently. It’s so nice to be hands-free when you’re walking around all day – especially with a heavy camera in one hand (and, typically, a cappuccino or nutella crepe in the other).

*Shop Rebecca Minkoff backpacks:

… Or get mine here.

I have so many more photos and stories to share, you guys… You can also find a few sneak peeks on Instagram.

In the meantime, au revoir for today. Hope your week is off to a great start!

*IN THIS POST:

Clothing

Deconstructed trench coat: By Malene Birger (can be made into a vest or cropped jacket)
Striped turtleneck: J.Crew (on sale + in more colors)
Black jeans: J Brand ‘Photo Ready’ mid-rise skinny jeans
White sneakers: Vince ‘Blair’ slip-ons (+ in more colors here)
Fringe backpack: Rebecca Minkoff ‘Julien’
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban original aviator sunglasses
Black beanie: Neff (+ in more colors here)

*Click to shop:

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Photos taken by Jessica Sturdy