Closet Post Cards - Paris with love
The Beacon's Babe took a little vacation time off and packed their bags to go one of the most fashionable cities in the world, Paris! André, Shanice, Erica and Tru planned this long awaited vacation and they talk about the outfits they brought, their favorite treats as well as highlights of the trip. Read the full blog below and enjoy some photos and video content taken from Paris.
(Paris adventure vlog recap video)
What was the process like finding the outfits for this trip?
André: My thought process was LAYERS. Thermal and sweaters I can stack on top of each other to stay warm. I recently figured out that stacking 2-3 tight fitting sweaters, even if they're thin, it keeps you nice and warm and can still throw a statement jacket or two on comfortably. I also got this awesome leather jacket from Beacons and I wore it so much while I was out there. I had to be selective because I didn't want to go over the checked in baggage weight limit, and I had to save space so I can shop and bring it back home with me.
Shanice: Quick and simple. It's not like I was attending an award show or anything of that sort, plus I was willing to make a carry on suitcase last me for a week. I choose to pack winter essentials such as fine fibers, wool, cashmere because I wasn't too sure just how cold it was going to be.
Erica: I knew I wanted something whimsical and I was feeling pretty lazy. I knew styling a dress would be simpler than styling a whole outfit (plus), I wanted more space in my luggage for trinkets & stationary goods) I was not familiar with Paris cold vs. New York cold, but I lucked out. Layering was key!
Tru: Fairly easy! I found this super cute Baby Phat shirt the day before our trip and was able to bring it with me.
(Tru, André, Erica and Shanice showing off the clothing they got from Beacon's and wearing them to Paris)
How many pairs of shoes did you pack?
André: 4 pairs. The heaviest boots I got I ended up wearing on the plane just to save space in my luggage. It caused a slight delay at TSA because they're steel toed boots lol the alarms were beeping for sure.
Shanice: I intended to bring 3 but ended up with 2. I packed a pair of heels and thigh high boots for comfort. I ended up wearing the heels for the majority of the trip.
Erica: 3. Steve Madden boots at the airport, Carel Mary Jane's, and Vagabond boots. Instant regret not bringing any sneakers! I was not prepared for the cobblestones!
Tru: I brought 4 pairs of shoes. My Puma sneakers, TMA Boots, a pair of cheetah print faux furry boots and some slippers.
What was the most essential item you packed?
André: My inhaler! I ended up getting slightly ill towards the end of the trip. Sneezing turned into coughing the following day and my inhaler came in clutch to alleviate my lungs.
Shanice: Pantyhose and leg warmers are a must for the cold winter days.
Erica: My travel adapter/wall outlet. We would have been in REAL trouble if we couldn't charge our phones - my maps app was working overtime.
What was the highlight of this trip?
André: Seeing the Eiffel Tower was pretty cool. Also reconnecting with our former Beacons colleague Nkera out there was really nice. And The Louvre museum was a dream. Thrifting this vintage black bomber jacket was also sick, I've been looking for one for so long.
Shanice: The Eiffel Tower.
Erica: It wasn't planned, but we somehow timed it perfectly when we arrived to see the Eiffel Tower. It was sparkling and it looked really pretty.
Tru: Getting to see the Moulin Rouge building! It's my favorite musical so it was really special to see in real life.
Favorite meal/snack/beverage?
André: I love the snails. The bread and cheese and butter was exceptional. The very inexpensive wine was flowing like water. My favorite meal was this pot of beef bourguignon from Au Bourguignon du Marais it was delicious.
Shanice: Our dear friend André cooked for us majority of the trip. It was as if we had our own personal chef.
Erica: I tried snails for the first time at the Bouillon République. They had it drenched in pesto butter, paired with bread, I was debating on getting seconds.
If you know anything about me, I don't like water. I DO NOT LIKE IT! Water in Paris had this weird aftertaste, and I was struggling with dehydration and air quality. The only brand of water I liked was from 'Volvic.' +5 points because they had flavored water and the strawberry one was really good.
Tru: My favorite meal was the burgers André cooked, sooo good.
(Images of food and beverage from various restaurants and cafes in Paris)
What would be the theme song for this trip?
André: "La Vie en Rose" the original and all the reprises, all the one's I've heard are great.
Shanice: I can't think of just one song but a soundtrack a friend shared by Miles Davis - "Ascenseur pour I'échafaud"
Erica: The funny thing is I left my earphones back home (I had my case on me, but left the actual earbuds inside another coat OTL) But with the timing and experience, I can only think of 'Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence' by Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Tru: 'Chanel' by Tyla!
Closet Postcards - Paris With Love
featuring André, Tru, Erica and Shanice