From Paris To London

Susan B. of une femme d'un certain age wears a linen shirt and pants in Paris.

My Travel Wardrobe Gets A Workout, And Reinforcements…

Have I mentioned that it was HOT 🔥 in Paris?? I managed to do a little shopping as the summer sales had begun. But the heat wilted our resolve to explore much beyond some targeted shops.

Luckily, I stumbled across those linen pants I’m wearing above, and they were lifesavers! They are from Caroll, a French brand that has reasonably-priced classic-leaning styles. (Sadly not available online in the US.) The shirt is a few years old, from Eileen Fisher. It also helped keep me from sweltering.

Susan B. of une femme d'un certain age dressed for dinner in London. Travel outfit.

We arrived in London on Friday afternoon, to temperatures about 15F below what we’d left in Paris. For dinner out to a nice restaurant, I wore pieces from my travel wardrobe, freshened with a pair of red sandals I’d picked up on sale at Robert Clergerie in Paris.

Susan B. of une femme d'un certain age with Josephine in London. More travel outfits at une femme d'un certain age.

Yesterday we met Josephine of Chic At Any Age and her husband for lunch, a Sunday Roast at Blacklock Shoreditch. Food was terrific, and the ambience was casual and fun, if a bit noisy. We’re meeting up again today to take some photos. Yes, the bag is new, another Paris purchase. (I’d had this one on my wish list for some months. Prices are lower in Paris, plus I get the VAT refund.)

We’re at that point in our trip where we’re trying to squeeze as much as we can into the last couple of days, so posts will be short until I’m back home. I’ll be recapping my Red Leopard session in a few days, as I have dozens of photos to go through. I can’t wait to tell you about it, but I’ll drop a hint…those red shoes are 👍 in my new palette!

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24 Comments

  1. It’s too bad your trip coincided with such an unseasonable heat wave. I noticed at the Saturday market that dresses were everywhere–definitely a cool option. In fact, I tended to wear the ones with no defined waist, the better to let air circulate. I know dresses aren’t your jam, and your linen pants look like a comfortable alternative.
    Red shoes are so fun!
    I love Caroll; 1.2.3 is another favorite for classic, well-constructed clothes.

  2. I love Carroll, also, I wish there was a site for all these great brands we see traveling. Sorry about the heat, It was hot in Florence when I was traveling just a few days ago as well. Can’t wait to hear about your ” colors” experience!

  3. I notice you’re carrying a Lo & Sons bag. Do you also use their wallet for travel?

    Thanks,
    Marty

  4. Those red Clergeries are so wonderful. Perfect shade of red for you.

    I am so curious to read about your color session. What do they say about your wearing of the black? I think you look wonderful in black – and there’s no doubt but that the mood is very different than that of yellow and red – but sometimes that’s exactly what we want, that strictness.

  5. If you’re wearing the “Adrienne” in those beautiful red Clergeries, they are half-price right now via the US website. (I’d post the link, but your website doesn’t allow it.) How’s the heel height on those? They look a little higher than what I thought you preferred these days, but they are GORGEOUS.

  6. Can’t wait to read about your color session. Love the red shoes. IYou’ve inspired me.nWhat do you think about sleeves outfits? I just bought one and then got a little light jacket to wear with them. But you know how hot it can get in LA. To sleeves or not to sleeveless?

  7. Love your red shoes. I’ve always thought of red as a neutral. It goes with everything. When I was younger I wore red and blue (from pale to cobalt) in addition to my white/cream/gray/navy/brown/moss green/black/blue denim. It’s been years since I’ve had anything red in rotation, but I love the look on you. It’s uplifting, and reminds me of my dad whose favorite color was red. I’ve been intending to add blue back into my wardrobe, particularly in shirts. I do miss blue.

  8. Ah, but there is red and there is RED! Susan’s lovely sandals are RED! Perfect summer colour with everything black, navy, white, beige and khaki in it’s many versions. I have a pair of V throated pumps in RED which I love this time of year as they are unexpected yet polished! My red Pour le Victoire booties have a deep V cut vamp and are my fall/ spring go to. That more subdued red is best as the weather cools or the ‘not yet ready for RED’ days of Spring!
    I encourage every woman to have a pair of red shoes in their wardrobe in whatever style you like. ( although would avoid super high heels and over the knee boots in bright red but hey, rock it if that’s your look)You will get complimented on your style wearing red shoes I assure you… My thirty year old engineer nephew recently commented very favourably on a pair of red leather high tops I was wearing ( Reiker) He noted the red stood out and looked ” really cool” and “fun” in what is a pretty utilitarian shoe. His forté is industrial design so he liked the juxtaposition of sensible but fun!! He hasn’t seen the rest of his Auntie’s shoe collection..definitely fun, not always sensible!!! Susan has hit on both and on sale too!

    1. I have red textile Doc Martens Mary Janes (winona, but might have a different name in the UK and continental Europe). They are wonderfully comfy, but obviously very casual. Sue’s are a spectacular shade of red, and the leather looks very soft.

  9. Aha…..definitely getting red sandals this summer and maybe trainers too. And I just told Josephine I’m getting silver sandals like hers so now have lots to look forward to when our next summer arrives in December.

  10. My husband and I are heading to London at the beginning of September. Last time we were there was 2003! Any recommendations for shopping and eating would be so welcomed. The lounge you are leaving looks pretty fabulous. What is the name?

    1. It’s the Magritte Bar at the Beaumont in Mayfair. Gorgeous Art Deco room. I’ll have a full recap next week.

  11. Love the bag, especially the color. I think it would look spectacular with a mainly black outfit. I just came back from Copenhagen and had to avoid the YSL store!

  12. Hi Susan, I love your blog – I can relate to so much being of a similar age and style. I wonder if you would be willing to share the name of the hotel you stayed at this time in Paris. I will be travelling to Paris in October and, for the first time, staying alone for a few days (my hubby will be going to London for a work-related visit, and I would rather be in Paris). I am looking for hotel recommendations. Thank you!

    1. Thanks, I’m glad you enjoy the blog! I’ll be posting more about the hotels and where we ate in Paris and London within the next few days, so stay tuned!

  13. Found those red sandals on the Clergerie US website at 1/2 price. Couldn’t resist and I am glad I didn’t. The gold heel makes it so unique.