City Break: Packing for a weekend in Paris

I think it'd be pretty hard to have missed how excited I am that I'm returning. But allow me to clarify that I am UNBELIEVABLY EXCITED. It actually feels like I'm going home. Ever since I left, pretty much this same time last year, I've wanted to return and this summer finally provided me with the opportunity. What better way to spend my 22nd birthday (eeek!) in my favourite city in the world? Naturally, with such excitement came an epic planning/organisation explosion. I'm pretty sure I've driven mum insane. My packing list has been slowly finalised over the last month or so. Considering I'm going for a total of two nights, I actually do understand how ridiculous this sounds but in case you hadn't gathered - I'm excited. It's also meant to be hot when we're there. And I mean hot. Like currently an estimated 38 degrees on Wednesday, whaaaat! Amazing, but I also remember how sticky the city can be so forward outfit planning is a good idea. So here's a second post for this week (crazy, I know) about what I'll be taking along with me on my Paris summer city break...

Basics
3x tops, one of them striped (of course!)
2x skater skirt, one black, one denim
1x pair loose jeans for travelling
Comfy shoes (don't be fooled though, even Clark's can be comfy and stylish)
(I hope I don't need to say underwear here, I feel like that's a given!)

Special
Dress for the evening
Exercise clothes (if you're like me and can't resist the opportunity to go for a run while you're there!)

Extras
Sunglasses - do not forget those sunnies
1x belt to accessorise (mainly with the skater skirt)
1x scarf, also to accessorise and as a good wrap in the evenings
Across the body bag (think having it slung around your front to keep an eye on it) or one with a decent zip, I still haven't decided on the one I'm taking!

And here's some outfit ideas that I've got in mind...

By watching all the Parisians and their impeccable style for a year, I've learnt that it's good to stick to fairly neutral colours. Think blacks, whites, navies - all classics that can be mixed and matched. Also, make sure you're comfortable... You don't see Parisians wiggling about in their short shorts because they keep riding up - they just wear longer, looser, comfier clothes and exude that incredibly chic je ne sais quoi we all know and love.

Having spent time in Paris, I feel so much better prepared and have a fairly good idea about not screaming 'tourist' with my clothes! I'd like to think I'm not a tourist, but of course, in the eyes of the Parisians, I'm sure I am! If you're planning a similar city break and are struggling with packing, I hope this has helped! I'd love to know any other ideas/tips you have, comment below! :)

June wishlist

Summer always brings tempting new products in the shops which put my bank balance in danger. This year is no exception with gorgeous prints and feminine cuts, plus numerous other goodies that I would like to purchase immediately. So here's 10 things on my wishlist this month...

1. What Would Audrey Do from Oliver Bonas. 
Audrey Hepburn's fabulousness overwhelms me. I'm a huge fan and absolutely love to watch her. So imagine my excitement when I stumbled across this new addition to the collection of books in Oliver Bonas. I want to put on my pearls and flick through every single page aspiring to ooze the Hepburn charm.

2. Floral short wellies from Joules.
Summer showers? Preparing for festival season? Joules have got you covered. I love love love these ones in particular because of the floral print, but there are loads of others to choose from.

3. Branch rings from Pia.
Tried these on in the shop and instantly fell in love. So dainty, so pretty, so me. 

4. Floral frill duvet cover from John Lewis.

As you know, homewares are my weakness and I've got my eye on another duvet to go with my newly neutral room. This is particularly cute with the detailing.

5. Cap sleeve dress from French Connection.

I just love the colour and pattern of this dress. With a light coloured blazer and a pair of nude heels, it would just look so perfectly summery and elegant. Plus, it's in the sale! The temptation is real.

6. Run tank from Sweaty Betty.

Oh, Sweaty Betty... If only my bank account had the funds, I would repeatedly buy everything in your shops. For now though, this is a definite favourite for summer running in a bright colour (but not too bright, this is me after all!) but lose enough to benefit from nice evening breezes.

7. Molly skirt from Boden.

I originally saw this on Cider with Rosie (post here - definitely check out her blog, it's awesome) and got a lovely surprise because it's also got money off at the moment. Rosie pulls it off so well in her post that I was immediately tempted, even more so when I saw that Boden pair it with the striped breton I also have!

8. Stripe zip tee from Mint Velvet.

Speaking of striped tops... Here's one I love because the zip detailing makes it a little bit different. I also find Mint Velvet is a bit hit and miss - I normally love all the colours and shades but struggle to like some of the styles which aren't very flattering on me. This top, however, is a hit with me!

9. Scallop trim swimsuit from Topshop.

I think I'm probably with the majority of the population who love this swimsuit. I feel like I've seen it everywhere. When I finally tracked it down, I fell in love with it even more. Super cute with a retro vibe, I'd be perfectly happy if they wanted to design a similar top.

10. Alison shirt from Crew Clothing.

Perfectly cool for a summer preppy look, this shirt paired with white shorts or crops would be totally dreamy. 

Like anything you see here? Do you have anything that you're loving at the moment? As always, I'd love to hear from you!