Paris in a Carry-on
...And many wonderful brands you might not know.
Happy Friday Togsers.
I just touched down in Jackson last night just in time to catch the last of the yellow aspen leaves. The nostalgia floods in every time I see the Tetons, smell the cottonwood forests, and spot the first bald eagle perched over the Snake River.
Right before I left, I snuck in a quick weekend trip to Paris, fifth wheeling a vacation of two of my oldest friends and their college buds. Pierre and I are in between houses right now, so it was an extra tricky packing challenge with most of my clothes in storage and the classic fall mix of sun, rain, heat, and chills.
I’m proud to say that I wore everything I packed-nothing more, nothing less. Before I left, I planned two outfits per day (because when in Paris why not take advantage of a full fashion display!) and fit everything in a small roller bag. The pre-planning, while not my usual style, really paid off, leaving me ready to hit the streets.
Saturday-Daytime: Train Travel and City Cruising
If I was ever forced into a uniform, this might be it. Blazer, perfect white T, oversized button down, classic denim and my beloved Clarks. Comfortable enough for a three hour train ride while polished enough for going straight into the city’s hipper areas.
Marie Marot is a french shirt brand that’s available in the US. Her button ups are perfect-high quality, small details, and great colors. I size up one size to keep the fit loose.
Saturday Nighttime-Girls’ Dinner
Zoran is one of the original American sportswear designers-brands like the Row, Khaite, and Calvin Klein all reference his work as inspiration for their own lines. I’ve acquired a few pieces from my mom’s giveaway piles-treasures from the 80’s…eBay and 1st dibs often unearth Zoran gems for wildly low prices given the quality of his tailoring and fabrics. I’ve treasured this black thigh-length cable knit sweater since high school.
I bought this sheer skirt for summer…but it turns out the sheer trend made me feel too naked! It wasn’t until Irene Kim (김애린) ‘s latest post on how to wear sheer and still feel fully clothed that I embraced the purchase. A good reminder that skirts (and tights) are underrated for fall and winter. Irene’s Substack is probably my favorite fashion-stack…always full of sartorial advice and unique inspiration.
Sunday Day-Rainy Wandering and Eating
It lightly rained all day Sunday…so the key was wearing lots of layers to accommodate the wet but still warm weather. I packed what I consider another foundational outfit-one that I know I’ll feel like myself anywhere and anytime I wear it. Wool A-line skirt, cropped button down, sweater, fun vintage belt, and either a blazer or wool coat.
Because it was raining-I topped the outfit off with my long wool black coat. Wool coats hold up well in light-medium rain and are such a nice break from classic rain jackets. If it wasn’t raining, I would have worn it with the blazer to add some structure to the soft outfit. When it comes to layering-structure is something to keep in mind. The sweater and skirt are both soft and drapey; by contrasting with a stiff shirt color and straight lines of a blazer the outfit reads more interesting. The weather won that day-and I stuck with the black coat (but it still felt like my packing job was a win knowing the blazer could have been an option with clear skies)
Sunday Dinner-Moody and Filling
The final night dinner was a perfect excuse to try to dress like the french woman I hope to one day become-chic, a bit sexy, and in all black.
Pallas is another really great, under the radar (at least in the US) brand. “A Parisian fashion house launched in 1961 by designers Daniel Pallas and Veronique Bousquet. Known for its beautifully tailored collections inspired by men's tuxedos, each piece is created using traditional 'petite couture' techniques and is individually crafted by exclusive master artisans.” I discovered them after staying at Hotel le Pigalle (highly recommend) in Paris last year, which was designed by Festen Architects. Head architect Charlotte de Tonnac is a style icon-not just for interiors but for fashion as well. She leads a low profile and pretty un-googleable, but I read as much as I can. I found one small interview where she mentions her love of Pallas. After that I started to keep my eye out for any on the resale sights (while I dream of one day going to get my own custom suit). The details of the blazer are incredible-from the silk collar and silk stripe running down the back to the buttons. It is the perfect suit for any powerful business woman (or skier!).
Monday-Meetings, Trains, and a new hat!
I had meetings in Paris with my accountant/lawyers before heading back to Chamonix (if you live abroad you know the endless and confusing paperwork, never did I think I’d have such a close relationship with a lawyer before). I stuck with the same daytime outfit as Saturday, with the switch up of a vintage short sleeve sweater. I think we will be seeing more and more short or sleeveless sweaters over the next year hit stores, blogs, and social media.
I walked around as much as I could the last morning…soaking up the city’s style and pastries. While I’m so glad I live in a small town, I’m also so glad that Paris is so near.
After trying to understand the french tax system, I met up with Marta Weronika Orlikowska to pick up a hat I ordered from her brand Celestina. We met at Olga-which is a must for anyone traveling in and out of the main Paris train station. Maybe the best french sandwich I’ve had while living in the country.
Ever since I saw Altuzarra’s fall 2024 runway collection, I’ve been searching for a unique hat. The Row’s Xhefri hat as well as Gigi Burris’ Sharina were out of the budget but just to my luck, Blackbird Spyplane recommended Marta’s handmade creations.
It just so happened that she was in Paris instead of Warsaw and we were able to meet up in person. Each hat takes three days to make with techniques she learned from her elders and community. I’m obsessed and can’t wait for it to be cold enough to start donning it.
It was such a treat to be able to hop on a short train and see old friends. And it’s a double treat to be back in the states to catch up with more over the next few weeks (including Kellyn!).
Mountain town communities are so special and I feel extra grateful this week for all the people that I’ve met along the trails, slopes and streets. My heart goes out to anyone who was lucky enough to cross paths with Michael Gardner-a kind, special soul who will be deeply missed by many.
Love,
Hadley
PS: If you’re in Jackson, just a reminder I’ll be speaking at Wysaw on the 19th. Also if you’re in town, be sure to head to Habits the 14th and 15th for their newspaper launch (I got a sneak peak today and it’s so good). I hope to run into many of you Togsers while I’m here!!
This was awesome! I am leaving Colorado and going to Paris for two weeks and Chamonix for a few days in November (the weather, what a time to go to Chamonix, I know) so this was timely. I'd like to pack just a carry on and wondering what staples you'd add to the list if you were visiting Chamonix after Paris?
Thank you for taking us on your weekend getaway! A perfect pack for the fickle weather of fall in Paris. Charlotte de Tonnac is also hair goals for me!