I'm a notorious overpacker and can't seem to shake my habit of questionning "well, what if...?" while packing for a trip. Pondering over what to bring for a long weekend trip to the fashion capital, my boyfriend told me, "just don't bring any clothes because you know you are going to buy too many things anyways." He knows me. I know myself. And we both knew this was true. So, challenge accepted. Will going on a trip with one outfit help me overcoming my overpacking habit? Will I only buy what I needed? Probably not. But we'll see. And since he made me do it, I made him do it too.
Day 1&2
We arrived in Paris around 8 PM on Friday, leaving right after class in Amsterdam. As soon as we arrived, we dropped off our bags at the hotel and walked up to the Montmartre for wine. Below are the clothes we wore on Friday (and the first part of Saturday). We were allowed to re-wear items if needed, but the goal was to buy stylish outfits that we'd wear that weekend, and later, to lighten our load for the way back. As vintage fanatics, all of our clothes from the weekend were only allowed to be purchased from second-hand stores. The only items packed with us: toiletries, underwear, wallets, cell phones, shoes, accessories, and the clothes on our back (vintage too).
Stay hydrated my friends! Omar wore some distressed joggers, Zara dad sneakers, a scarf belt, and a FILA tee he made me buy him.
I stole Omar's western shirt that I picked out for him and wore it with my new favorite skirt. I am now stocking up on pleated skirts.
Day 2
We spent most of the day in Friday's outfit while shopped for the weekend. We changed in our new clothes for a touristy boat cruise later in the day. Our shopping stops included Kilo Shop, Episode, Vintage Dèsir, and a crowded vintage store that was so packed and overwhelming I didn't even know the name. The search was pretty exhausting, especially in the Parisian heat wave. We wanted to fit in sight-seeing with shopping. Our day started with a visit to Loustic before visiting the Centre Pompidou, all within walking distance of Kilo Shop and Episode.
Omar picked out this skirt for me at Kilo Shop. I wanted to find a blouse that was different than what I already have, but still needed something that was cool. I liked the masculine contrast with the vest.
I picked out this silk button down for Omar at Episode. It was more difficult for him to find nicer pants that actually fit. We eventually found some at our last stop before we almost lost hope. We think they are women's pants because it has a side zip.
Day 3
It was burning hot that day and we just wanted to wear the thinest fabric possible. We began the day with croissants on our hotel balcony from the corner boulangerie and smuggled double espressos from the breakfast room.
I bought this little dress from Vintage Désir for 10 euros. An airy dress and sneakers was all I needed for a day of walking around in the heat.
Omar found a paper thin white tee and vintage swim shorts at Kilo Shop. The book was found at a French bookstore near the Latin Quarter selling 20 and 50 cent books on sale. We went back three times to buy more. I need to practice my French.
Day 3 (continued)
We decided to change out of our sweaty clothes for the evening and picnic by the Seine for dinner. It is one of my favorite Parisian activities. Our go-to choice for wine, bread and cheese is La Grande Epicerie.
Day 4
Last day, sweatiest day. We took another stop at Episode because it was our favorite vintage store in Europe. We started to become obsessed and visited the stores in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Brussels, Antwerp and Paris. We also stopped at that one bookstore... again, and enjoyed some galettes before the train ride back to Paris.
I wore a spaghetti strap popcorn top (yes, those tops) with a pleated skirt from Kilo Shop that reminded me of this one from Versace S/S '18.
Omar had a harder time finding the right bottoms. Poor guy. He rolled up his pants from day 1 and day 3 into some shorts. This shirt is really good though. I love it with his scarf belts.
While this challenge was meant to be more fun than a lesson, here are some things I learned from the weekend:
1. I still overpack even when I don't bring clothes with me. I, in fact, did buy more clothes than I needed. The books didn't help.
2. However, packing less things than you need is something to consider if you plan to shop.
3. Side zip pants are for women but men can still wear them.
4. I don't have a hard time finding vintage clothes that I like.
5. Parisians will look at you weird if you have pink hair.
If you light-packers have some good tips. Please let me know. I'm desperate.