by Janna O'Donnell
Member since:
November 20, 2006

This is a Fashion Emergency--STAT!!!

May 10, 2007 10:14 PM EDT
views: 82 | rating: 9.9/10 (11 votes) | comments: 39

My awesome husband, through some pretty fancy footwork, has arranged a trip to Europe for our 10th anniversary.  My parents will be watching the 4 children (brave aren't they?) while he whisks me away.  He has two business meetings--one in Dublin and one in Copenhagen but he figured out a way for us to spend three days and two nights in Paris.  Woohoo!  The city of romance.  The Eiffel tower, the Louvre, the Seine, Notre Dame---EEEK!  I've got nothing to wear.

 Okay, technically that's not true.  I have a closet full of clothes which are quite suitable for the busy 37 year old mother of 4 children ages 8, 7, 5 and 2.  These clothes are comfortable, functional, cool (in the won't pass out from the island heat sense) and washable (vitally important).  They are not by any stretch of the imagination fashionable.  Truly, I haven't cracked open a fashion magazine for at least two years so I wouldn't know fashion if it flew in straight from New York and spat in my face.

The prospect of this trip has me transformed from confident, capable woman to quivering mass of self conscious jelly.  You would think living in the land of bikinis year around would have inoculated me against that feeling--but no.  On other trips, I've always comforted myself with the thought that I probably will never see these people again in my life.  Somehow it just won't work this time.  These aren't just people I don't know.  These are FRENCH people I don't know. Why does that make a difference?  I have no clue.

I'm under no illusions that three weeks from now I will step off the plane reincarnated as a fashion goddess.  I'm just hoping for "won't be embarassed in the photos for the next 25 years."  Is that too much to ask?  I hope not.    All you fashionistas, give me some advice.  What's the "it" thing?  What will I get kicked out of Paris for wearing?  Save me from being humiliated by stylish french fashion police and bombarded with stale croissants. 

 Seriously, HELP!

 

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Comments: 39

Lisa J May 10, 2007, 10:16pm EDT
Janna - not sure if this helps - but the easiest way to scream "I'm American!" abroad is to wear a t-shirt and jeans. If you're in a larger city, you could always go pick up a copy of Paris Match or something similar, I guess. Dress tastefully and not garishly, avoid jeans, if possible, and don't worry about it. In truth, a confident woman in whatever she's wearing is fashionable. :-)
Janna O'Donnell May 10, 2007, 10:23pm EDT
Thanks, Lisa. I won't scream it since I don't own any jeans. Only Bajans can stand to wear jeans in this heat.
Sarah L. May 10, 2007, 11:31pm EDT
I'm so excited for you!

I've done a quick Google search and come up with a couple of websites which may be of interest! Though I suspect you'll be too caught up in the romance and enjoying some precious time with hubbie to worry too much!

abouhttp://www.journeywoman.com/girltalk/paris/paris_packing.html

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34760060
♥kyra D. May 10, 2007, 11:43pm EDT
I have not input on the clothes, although I like what Spartan said....I just wanted to say.... Yea for you and your hubby! How exciting!
Pat M. May 11, 2007, 12:11am EDT
Like I'm gonna know about womens fashion...
All I'm gonna add to this is, be careful of current fashion. Not only is it temporal, it is also regional. Back in '97 My Beloved traveled from NZ to Germany, to stay with her cousin for eight months. At the time, Enzed fashion leaned heavily to the "skirts over pants" look. The first night she got ready to go clubbing with her cousin in Frankfurt, she came out of the bedroom so dressed. Her cousin gave her a long, confused look and asked "Couldn't you decide what to wear, then?".
She never wore it again.
Anyway, if you get it wrong, it's not the worst thing in the world to buy a new set of clothes in Paris...
Janna O'Donnell May 11, 2007, 5:45am EDT
Thanks, Spartan. That's pretty good advice from a cable installer. ;-) Hmm, butterfly collars in those 70's photos still make me laugh.
Janna O'Donnell May 11, 2007, 5:47am EDT
Thanks, Sarah. I hope I am, too. I'll be with Mr. Right and kidless. I'll check out those sites. Thanks for the help.
Janna O'Donnell May 11, 2007, 5:52am EDT
Thanks, Kyra. I'm almost giddy. I've always wanted to go to Europe and Paris has so many things I've wanted to see. I'll take lots of pictures--but you knew that, right?
Janna O'Donnell May 11, 2007, 5:56am EDT
LOL, Pat. Your poor wife. I always thought that look was pretty strange looking. This is fashion treason, but I don't want to waste my time in Paris with shopping. I want to look good but I want to do so while I'm touring the Lourve, walking around and having a romantic Seine cruise with my honey.
Pat M. May 11, 2007, 7:20am EDT
Fair enough Janna. I guess that's why they call it the City of Romance and not the City of Sales.
Janna O'Donnell May 11, 2007, 7:28am EDT
Must be, Pat. I told my 80 year old aunt about my upcoming trip and she only had one thing to say, "Don't come back pregnant." LOL!
Michele F. May 11, 2007, 7:51am EDT
Bon Jour Janna- Don't loose sleep over this - I agree with the posts above...go with a classic look and don't worry about all the trends on the runway and in fashion magazines. Don't be to causal and not to dressy - comfort is key - Your gonna be doing alot of walking! I would start with choosing colors that look good on you and styles that work for your body - again forget about the trends do what works for you! You live in Barbados I bet you have some great sundresses - the weather should be lovely this time of year in Paris - Just make sure you bring something to cover up for site seeing in churches etc... When in doubt do as the Parisians do...wear all black, tie alittle scarf around your neck and you'll blend right in! Have the best time with your husband in the city of love and romance - He's gonna love you no matter what you have on.
Thom R. May 11, 2007, 9:48am EDT
Good advice by Michele, stick to the basic black, see what is "the order of the day" and copy that. As for her last line ...on or off. Your gonna be in Paree!!!!!Les is more !
jessie voigts May 11, 2007, 10:22am EDT
what fun, janna!! lucky you!! oh, i am soooo envious!!

when i was in europe, i was very worried about my clothes. i just got basic stuff at talbot's, in blacks and navy, and then a few white or colored tops. i took a few scarves to make the outfits look different. i'd say go VERY basic. and i think michele's advice is fab - just have fun and be in love! :)
Kat B. May 11, 2007, 10:36am EDT
My only piece of advice is to get comfortable walking shoes. The absolute best way to explore in any European city is to walk around and take public transportation. I love just wandering around and soaking in the atmosphere and people watching. Other than that, I'd bring a pair of fabulous heels and a sexy black dress so you can go out for a romantic dinner with your husband.
Barbara B. May 11, 2007, 11:07am EDT
Janna I do hope that you and your husband will have the time
of your life!! As some have already said, wear what looks good
on you. The casual black dress or light cool material pant suit
with a colorful scarf might just be fashionable in Paris!! Happy
tenth anniversary to you both and may there be love in your
lives forevermore!!
Alison H. May 11, 2007, 4:38pm EDT
Ooh! I wonder if they have thrift stores in Paris? :-))

Look up the Travelsmith catalog online. They have some simple but elegant clothing combinations and just sent me an e-mail abot their current sale.
Janna O'Donnell May 11, 2007, 5:18pm EDT
Thanks, Michelle. That's good advice. My only problem will be finding something to cover up with. No jackets here to speak of. Maybe I'll order something to be delivered to my parents' house.
Janna O'Donnell May 11, 2007, 5:20pm EDT
Thanks, Thom. I know we'll have a good time.
Susan *. May 11, 2007, 7:50pm EDT
Janna, when I was in Paris, I honestly didn't see anyone but tourists in jeans....steer clear of them. I prefer simple skirts and tops...with flat shoes. Also if you feel more comfy in pants, get neutral colors, navy, black, tan, brown and take a couple of tops....then find a neat little shop and buy yourself some extra blouses and jackets you will wear when you get home....after all, a 10 year anniversary trip to Paris only comes along once in a lifetime! :-D
Member Photog May 11, 2007, 9:04pm EDT
i am thrilled for you and envy the photo shootin' ops you will encounter...always been a dream of mine to visit Europe....per what to wear, i would go with classic mix n' match pieces that can go from day to night...from what i have been told in the past, scarves worn in creative ways is a standard accent piece and an easy way to add a punch of color...simple jewelry,comfortable shoes for day and sexy heels for special nights out dining/dancing...surprised to read here about jeans because some of the sexiest jean styles are from Paris....perhaps only teens n' young 20s wear them there?...guess i would stand out as a tourist cause i like wearing jeans when shootin' so no worries about getting low to the ground for that special perspective...i am in my own little world when shootin' so not aware of pedestrians who may think it odd to see me on my belly to get a shot!...LOL...
i look forward to your travel images and have an amazing time of your life!
regards,gayle
Trish A. May 11, 2007, 10:26pm EDT
I don't think you can ever go wrong with a nice classic white blouse, add a jacket and for me I go with jeans. (Who said I was in the fashion know?)

Congratulations on the opportunity. Enjoy.
Janna O'Donnell May 12, 2007, 6:13am EDT
Thanks, Jessie. I'm completely thrilled about going. Thanks for the advice.
Janna O'Donnell May 12, 2007, 6:18am EDT
Thanks, Kat. I'm on the lookout for some stylish, comfortable shoes. I'm guessing my crocs are a no no.
Janna O'Donnell May 12, 2007, 6:22am EDT
Thank you, Barbara.
Janna O'Donnell May 12, 2007, 6:23am EDT
Thanks, Allison. I'll check it out.
Janna O'Donnell May 12, 2007, 6:25am EDT
Thank you, Susan. Good advice.
Janna O'Donnell May 12, 2007, 6:27am EDT
Thank you, Gayle. I've definitely got to get some scarves. Several people have mentioned them. LOL about you on your belly to get the right shot. I promise to take lots of pictures.
Janna O'Donnell May 12, 2007, 6:29am EDT
Thank you, Trish. I jacket will be the hardest thing to find here. I think I'll have to buy that online.
Margaret C. Harmon May 12, 2007, 12:27pm EDT
Sorry I can't tell you what you should wear to be stylish in Paris but you MUST wear confortable shoes. Be yourself - the French are so caught up in themselves they will not notice you much. Have fun and enjoy yourself for when you are old and grey your memories are all you will have left.
Janna O'Donnell May 12, 2007, 12:29pm EDT
LOL! Too true, Margaret. I hope I'll be too busy having fun to notice them noticing (or not noticing) me.
Dorine H. May 12, 2007, 11:41pm EDT
Very comfortable *flat* shoes in a dark color--***not*** sneakers--are very important! You'll be walking a lot. A pair of black sandals if it's summer. No shorts. No t-shirts. Build what you take around one dark color--black is best if you look good in it. Take a simple, classic black skirt and jacket and trousers in attractive fabric (not black jeans or chinos). An assortment of ladylike tops for them. Another dark skirt and dark trousers. For a romantic evening in Paris, you need the classic little black dress with nice jewelry and a dainty purse, but ypu need a big black bag for everyday sightseeing.
Janna O'Donnell May 13, 2007, 6:38am EDT
Thank you for the practical advice, Dorine. I'm going to do a little shopping tomorrow and see what I can get here vs what I'll need to purchase online and have shipped.
Lori (Dr Devience) Leidig May 14, 2007, 1:45am EDT
I don't know about Paris, but t-shirts and jeans is just fine in Copenhagen.

As to advice while you're here... call me! I am only an hour from Copenhagen.

Fashion advice: Bring an empty suitcase and fill it over here ;) Seriously. Copenhagen has some great shopping... I could pick you up and bring ya over to Malmö also for some Swedish shopping...
Erica G. May 14, 2007, 1:12pm EDT
Neutral colors are best! The great black and white are always great. Chocolate works well too, as well as Khaki for bottoms. You can mix and match a lot with white, black, and khaki. These colors are light, fashionable and not too trendy. Remember a nice jacket that will work with most, if not all, of your skirts/pants. Try to avoid shorts. Might be hot in Baja, but not so in Paris. Great shoes are important. You might want to bring an extra pair of cushion inserts for those everyday walking shoes. Enjoy your trip!
Ms. Meacham: Money Maven Jul 2, 2007, 6:22pm EDT
Good tips everyone! Janna, I can't wait to see the pics.
Dan R. Jul 2, 2007, 6:33pm EDT
I don't know, but from pictures I've seen from Paris and other places in France, they really dress less (fashionwise) than we do. So just dress nice and casual. Many frieds I know that have been there, say that it is not that much different in dress, just attitude.
Kevin D. Jan 11, 2008, 11:26pm EST
www.monkeyfistbrands is my new fashion obsession
christina sedore Feb 28, 2009, 10:26pm EST
I always wanted to go there.
such a lucky girl

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