How to pack for a holiday in Paris and Haute Couture Fashion Week with two babies?

In 6 weeks time I will be strolling around Paris, arriving the day before Haute Couture Week.   I know it may seem early to start thinking of packing, but having to also pack for Lil' Brigs #1 & #2, and knowing I usually leave things to the last minute, it is probably wise imperative to do.  I am also starting early because I really I am struggling to think things through...Traveling with kids is a whole new ball game when it comes to packing, my already limited suitcase space is made even more limited by the fact that we have to bring the kids' stuff too, as well as baby gear (nappies/pram/travel cot/etc)! Also, I have to be even more practical with my sartorial choices than usual.  Having said that, somehow, I will have to fit a couple of dressy outfits, as I will be attending a couple of fashion shows (haute couture week!), and possibly even meet with an haute couture designer or two!

I found the following 'how to pack for a holiday' post from 'A Pair and a Spare', which started the ball rolling:

How To: Pack For A Holiday

How to Pack (I adapted her tips to what I'd pack):

Step 1.  Check the weather and the cultural expectations – Lucky for me, it will be summer in Paris. Lucky, because clothes are less bulky, and I don't need as many layers (tights, scarves, coat, etc).

Step 2. Gather Your Basics - breton style nautical top, black and white tank/tees, khaki cotton jacket,  shorts, denim jeans, one LBD  (am thinking 3.1 Phillip Lim's rosette t-shirt dress, so it can be dressed up or down) and a white (or black?) silk collared shirt. As in every day life, good basics are the foundation of a versatile travel wardrobe.

Step 3. Add key colour items – choose a colour palette for a few additional pieces. This reduces the likelihood of having mismatched outfits.  You can of course choose a couple of colours for your palette, just try to make sure they are all compatible.  I haven't added many 'key colour' items as yet...

Step 4. Rationalise your shoes - Shoes are the bulkiest part of your luggage and the lesser the number of shoes the better. But you don’t want to feel like you lack shoes either.  Usually I used to bring a pair of ballet flats, a pair of dressy shoes and a pair of sandals.  This time, for the first time in my adult life, I will be bringing my sneakers!  Yes, my Nike's are coming along. I'm also thinking a pair of boots that I can walk in, but that will also allow me to go out for a nice dinner, and then heels, which will depend on the outfit(s) I pick for the fashion shows...

Step 5. Complete with Accessories - A few nice statement pieces of jewellery to dress up any outfit if needed.  I also almost always take a bag with a long shoulder strap so it can be worn cross body, especially with 2 'babies' (well, Lil Brigs #1 is now 3, but I still call her my baby).  I am bringing my Dries Van Noten large gold ball necklace (even though the one pictured below is silver, mine's gold).  Normally I'd bring a scarf, but seeing it's summer, I may forego that one.

Other tips from the author?

Make sure to roll your clothes up tightly so all of the above can fit in your carry on (I do this already).

Do a layout – when packing make sure to lay everything out on your bed so that you can visualize the outfits and how they will go together. This has been the one single factor that has helped me to create better holiday wardrobes. 

Well, I thought I'd use Polyvore, haha! My sister laughed at me, attempting to 'pack' online, and also pointed out the obvious: the numerous striped tops I am 'packing'.  But in real life, I use stripes almost every day!  I know it's cliche to use stripes in Paris (and later we'll be heading for a week in Provence), but I can't not wear them (oh, and the 'Bonjour' top is coming for sure)!

Ok, so I started with this:

I am going to bring my Topshop harem pants as PJ's, so then it can fill in as an extra pair of pants if needed, same will go for the top.  I am also bringing my Suno plaid playsuit (which I haven't included in my sets).

trying to narrow it down...

Packing attempt (take 1) by brigadeiro

Decisions, decisions... 

Decision, decisions by brigadeiro featuring a tshirt dress

I still need to decide between bringing:

1.  My Balenciaga Extra Courier in 'blood orange' (not quite the colour below), or the slightly smaller Courier in Anthracite.  This will be my travel/nappy/daily bag.

2. Was thinking of bringing my Chloe's, but was worried about them being ruined. Considered the Isabel Marant Bobby's, but two pairs of 'sneakers' is probably too much, even if the IM Bobby's are 'dressier' than the Nike's.  Today I purchased the Isabel Marant Dickers in Anthracite as I've heard how comfy they are, although I still really want the gris/grey/taupe version.

3. Decide which 3.1 Phillip Lim rosette dress will come. The black t-shirt dress will be more practical (sleeved and not white), so am leaning towards that one.

4. Decide on my 'dressy' outfits - that's a tough one, I only want to bring one pair of shoes, and that's tricky, 'cause whatever I choose will have to go with the same pair of shoes/heels.  The Margiela x H&M beige plexiglass pumps are quite versatile, but won't go with some of my dresses...

Ok, this is me trying to 'think out loud'.  Hoping that I can visualize this better once this post is up.  Will update when I figure things out further...

What are your packing tips?

Twitter + Facebook + Peut-être magazine (Fashion Writer and Editor) + Bloglovin' + Shop