Fashion Stress

Being stylish is causing me hives!

I am attending a library fundraiser tonight. I tend to avoid those events, because while I enjoy the cocktails and the yummy snacks, I would rather poke my eyes out with blunt scissors than make chit-chat with socialites and wanna-be-socialites. I have a prefect dress that I got from J Crew on pre-order when the spring catalogue came out in Janaury (and has been in my closet for weeks, waiting to get out and breathe! but for somereason, there is no picture of it online) But it it a tad too revealing in the bust, so I need to cover up with a jacket or cardi. Which I have a ton of. But not a single one that goes nicely with the deep pomnegranate shade of the dress.... So as soon as I leave work, I have to go on a one hour hunt for a cover-up. And probably some sort of cute shoes, because the shoes I have that go with the dress will likely not go with the cover-up.... This is why I usually stay home!

And then, there is the Paris-induced stress. I'm going with the style-maven Mrs Figby, so I must be at my best at all times, even when wearing my casual yellow city-fit pants and tunic. But shoes and a bag..... arrgghhhh! Shoes have to be super comfy for all the walking we are going to do, but still stylish enough to go with wathever I end up wearing. I'm thinking ballet flats and one pair of leather Camper sandals that I bought on my honeymoon but are oh so cute and comfy...

The biggest problem is the bag. I need to lug around my big camera. Because it's Paris, and nice picture opportunities will be around every corner. But the bag I usually use when I carry my camera looks like this:

It's very practical and comfy and cute in a weekend sort of way, but it is not Paris-stylish. I do own several nice purses, but none of them have either a strap or can go across my shoulder. This is a *must* for me and my back if I'm going to walk around a lot and carry my guide book, camera and you know.... wallet! (possibly water, a sweater, etc)

Finding a bag is driving me nuts. No matter what, it will not be a fancy bag. Because I am not a fancy-bag kind of person, plus, I'm going there to shop, so I want to be reasonable before I go. But it is imperative that it be stylish and comfortable.....

Comments

[Becca in MI]

Let me introduce you. Tracyjoy.com. I have her Kristine Bag and LOVE it. Depending on how many accesories for your camera you have, this may be the ideal solution. They certainly aren't high fashion, but are super cute! I dont find them expensive in the least AND you can change out your flap. Tell her I sent you, if you decide to go with one:) Hope that helps!

Paris! Im soooo envious!

[wendyn]

Fashion is just so stressful! This is why I'm glad I live in hippieville, I tend to look pretty fashionable in my Old Navy attire. Try to enjoy the fundraiser.

[Suzsqueak]

Make sure that your bag can cross your body. Especially if you're going to heavily touristy areas. Pickpockets are always out in force, unfortunately, as I've seen firsthand. Do you have a Plan De Paris? That will serve you so well. My aunt lives in the suburbs of Paris, and I've been going there since I was 2 years old, and I still need a plan de paris, it has saved my butt a million times when I was slightly lost. I must say I'm very jealous that you get to go for a long weekend. I'm stuck in Southern California until December when I'll finally get to head to Paris again. Enjoy the trip, and bad comes to worse, you can find cute bags in Gare de L'est, normally for very good prices.

[Jeny]

http://www.hollyaiken.com/index.html

check out the small messenger, I have one and most of my friends here do as well. They are made of heavy vinyl which sounds not soo nice but they are soo sturdy, waterproof and durable. And they come in super cute colors, lots of pink and orange!

Enjoy your trip!

[lizard]

OK, I know bupkis about fashion, so you might want to stop reading now.

However, out here in the hinterlands, there are a million women carrying their adorable Queen Bee bags. You would love them, I am pretty sure.

http://www.queenbee-creations.com/

they are cute and stylish, have shoulder straps (made from car seat belt material, which looks pretty cool). They would be perfect in a funky kind of way. If not for Paris, maybe you'd like them in the shop, because they are adorable.

[Jen]

Crumpler (http://www.crumpler.ca). The best camera bags. Ever.