I’ve been delayed in sharing these pictures with you in the aftermath of my wonderful Parisian getaway in September – as is so often the case, I came back to loads of things that needed doing, cakes that needed baking, etc. However, I have been asked so will share with you my version of a capsule wardrobe fit for exploring the streets of Paris and Versailles.
We travelled by train from Bedford; how wonderful to be able to get to Paris with only one change at St Pancras!
You are going to notice a theme emerging in these outfits…
Channeling Parisian chic in stripes and berets! My handbag is from Lulu Guinness.
At our Versailles apartment and loving life. I picked up inexpensive tops to pair with my bottoms – this one was £4 from Primark and folds up to practically nothing in a suitcase. Earrings from Luxulite RRP £10 (click for details)
Vintage pin as a nod to my Film Degree! A reference to French New Wave cinema for all the non-film-students amongst you.
Look how chuffed I am to be on holiday! This was our first evening, exploring the streets of Versailles. I may or may not have a mouth full of the most delicious baguette…
Jacket from Glamour Bunny paired perfectly with a Vivien of Holloway Circle Skirt in Red Sateen RRP £59 (click for details) and sensible ballet pumps from Clarks
The next day was my Birthday. I can think of nowhere better in the world to celebrate than at the Palace of Versailles. With the exception of everyone else who decided to spend the day there – and don’t get me started on the ‘ticking this place off my list before I can go shopping’ tourists who breezed past great works of art wanting nothing more than a vapid selfie, breathe – it is heaven on Earth.
Keeping it simple for a day of exploring the Palace. Another cheap top, this was £4 from New Look, paired with exquisite tailoring by Vivien of Holloway Circle Skirt in Black Sateen RRP £59 (click for details). Sassy leopard print belt has been a wardrobe staple for many years… I think it was Dorothy Perkins.
Chris captured me looking at the gardens from the Palace. My pearl encrusted beret was from Joanie Clothing.
Posing by a plant pot. Standard.
I wish that I could impress upon you how wonderful the Palace of Versailles is. You’ll need more than one day to explore the Palace and gardens.
Yes, we had perfect weather. Everything about this place is perfection – symmetry, art, gold, I could live here.
We spent a second day exclusively in the gardens. There are so many little groves and secret corners to discover. It’s exciting, beautiful, and romantic.
Overlooking the Orangery with my love – Chris also go the memo about the stripey shirts!
An outfit fit for exploring. The top is from Sourpuss Clothing (click for details)
The grounds of the Palace are enormous. The best way to see them is by bicycle! You can hire these for a cost that is determined by the amount of time you use them. My little red backpack was from Accessorize and the best £7 I’ve ever spent. It was a bargain in the sale and I thought how handy it would be for hands-free adventuring.
What better choice for a day of cycling than a pair of Pedal Pushers from Vivien of Holloway RRP £59 (click for details)
When on holiday… loving my earrings from Luxulite, I wish I had these in every colour! RRP £10 (click for details)
Feeling very French by this point!
A real treat of this visit was the opportunity to explore the gardens of Versailles again at night. Thorughout the summer months, the gardens are open every Saturday night and the fountains lit up with music. As you wander around, you stumble upon an outdoor ballroom with music playing and dry ice swirling about your feet; you feel as if the spirits still dance around you. There are jets of water performing to music as if they were silent fireworks. There are lasers firing around a mock-Roman colonade. There are champagne bars, strewn about the place too. It’s hard to photograph… but easy to experience and never forget.
At the start of the evening, as the sun began to set. I am wearing a jumper from Joanie Clothing without even a hint of irony. Pascal Bonjour Slogan Jumper RRP £38 (click for details)
The evening ends with a firework display over the Grand Canal. Chris captured this shot. I just stood there and cried.
After two days and an evening, it was time to explore elsewhere in the wonderful city of Versailles. We poked our heads through the gates of the King’s kitchen garden – necessary to grow all of the food to be eaten at the Palace – we visited a huge market, we went for lunch with a Parisian friend.
Outside the King’s Kitchen Garden. Wearing the Norma Jean Blouse from House Of Foxy with limited edition leopard print buttons RRP £55 (click for details)
This was one of my favourite combos of the capsule wardrobe. It’s totally me. I love my leopard print and managed to accessorise the blouse with my leopard belt AND a leopard print beret, which I picked up from Vivien of Holloway. My earrings are by Mid Century Missy and my shoes (far more comfy and sensible than they look) are by Rocket Originals.
We found a Charlotte shop.
After our last evening meal in Versailles, Chris caught me looking forlorn and asked if I would like to go and say goodbye to the Palace. I prefer to think of it more as ‘a bientot.’
Vive le Roi!
Goodness me, all this and we haven’t even got to Paris yet! I’m going to leave you all hanging. Part two coming soon…
Stay gorgeous!
Cxx
