What to pack for six weeks of holiday
A common threat
Dear TIDBTW readers, this week I would like to start with a little proof of my loyalty to you and this project. A few days ago I received a very kind email from a big fashion brand (they had me at “B Corp certified”), offering me to partner up, dolce vita style:
Given that we were just rumbling across the Italian Alps, this felt like being hit by fashion karma. Contemplating a joint update of my wardrobe, I was intrigued. After I declined, we agreed to stay in touch and me to keep an eye on the coming collections – maybe together we will reveal one of my five picks of this year!? Could be a great collab after all. But anyway, speaking of Italy, I’m now in France as I’m writing to you.
You read that right – this week we’re also entering peak maternity leave bliss: going away for 6 weeks, skipping the rest of winter. While I count my blessings, I also count my packing options. How again do we dress for spring, like real spring, not those 3 days at the end of May. Sadly, through climate change, I almost forgot.
Things I packed this week
I opted for safe but fun (on my terms, as a pretty basic-dressing person). I find it hard to anticipate who I’m going to be throughout the whole of March, given that I feel like my mind is still adapting to new life. So, beyond the essentials I was able to commit to one concept when fueling my suitcase: Sunny, with a chance of borrowing my boyfriend’s stuff.
#1 The unexpected printed blouse
Starting with the one piece I would save from a house on fire: This ACNE men’s shirt is one of the most treasured items in my closet. Arthur’s mum gave it to me when I was about six months pregnant in an attempt to make me feel well dressed and it sure worked. I’m excited to transition it into a new season and can highly recommend a little silky looking blouse as an add-on for everyday chic.
I wish there was an alternative, but could only find that easy going crinkle-effect with ACNE - so here we go (it’s on sale):
2# The works-with-everything blazer
Ok ok, I admit this is pretty basic, but what I can say from conversations with my friends is, if you find a grey blazer that you like – hold on to it! Because they are rare. I bought this one at Maybachufer fleamarket for a charming five euros, a men’s jacket which I always recommend going for, if you like an oversized fit. Saves you a lot of frustration in the ladies department.
Here is one great secondhand Baldessarini jacket and then I like the ANINE BING blazer, which is not exactly grey and not exactly a steal but stunning:
3# The flowy skirt-trousers
I think I might have mentioned it here 2-3 times before, but I really adore the brand IOANNES and everything they do and these flowy skirt trousers are no exception. They are yet to experience their first spring / summer with me, because when it was warm enough last year, I had just grown out of them. So here we are, hoping for their french debut.
A quick stroll through the internet had me clicked and liked this JACQUEMUS trouser skirt situation, although not of the same ethereal quality. To the left I smuggled in an actual skirt by KIKO KOSTADINOV, just because I think the fabric and colour combo are amazing, so it the draping. See for yourself:
4# The not-so-basic print tee
My go-to-formula last year was XL shirts and I quickly got bored by the emptiness of plain white or black ones. So now I have an assembly of T-Shirts that tell their own story. This one I got at the beautiful Jogging concept store in Marseille (every fan of Berlin’s Voo will feel right at home) and it’s simply called: Mouth full of golds, which is always a good start I guess.
Not as bling, but neither quiet, these shirts both have the brands’ logos looking right at you. If you feel like the tiniest bit of a statement, go to GANNI (up to 4XL, which I love) or ARIES:
This also reminded me that I forgot to pack the actual best tank top I own, which is designed by RICHERT BEIL and cropped in the most flattering way. It’s currently on sale and I mean it when I say, this is what I want for your summer:
5# Love your scalp better
Now that the disappointment of leaving it at home lays behind us – something I am actually proud of is my new skill of protecting my hairline from burning in the sun. Which usually happens to me as soon as I step out of the door, come April. But then I just randomly started wearing sun hats last year and it’s a habit I wanna keep going. It also lifts an otherwise too simple outfit in my opinion. And I managed to pack all my babies!!! Including the one for my actual baby. Not every day is a day for a funny hat, but why actually not? Mine are Etsy (the shop has since gone offline) and William Fan from 2017 and 2023 (I’d like to widen my collection of his design at some point, beyond accessories).
If you opt for the same or similar WF hat, which is still available, you will be getting cute comments wherever you go as the sight of this print just makes people happy and the whole of 150€ will be donated to HAWAR.
Then there’s this stripy sister of the Etsy hat that I purchased last year. And of course I also found a ridiculously overpriced but somehow very nice Miu Miu cap. You’re welcome.
Things I didn’t buy: 0!!!
ZERO. I actually DID NOT want to buy anything!!! Mindblowing, revolutionary, healing, slightly terrifying. But let’s wait and see what the french countryside will do to me and how many wooden baskets I can resist.
I’ll be back soon, xoxo