Blouses, sweaters, tops. These three categories gave me plenty to pair with dressier slacks and more casual pants. I took along one solid black, jewel neck embroidered cotton sweater and two cotton cardigan sweaters which I always wear fully buttoned to use as dressy tops. They were perfect for three of the days in Paris. I had two cashmere/cotton blend pullover collared sweaters which were equally perfect for more casual days and a few more versatile pullovers. Then I had blouses. I love blouses. I decided I needed a new silk blouse to take to Paris with me.
I saw this Italian silk twill on the website for Britex Fabrics:
It appealed to my love of geometrics, and additionally I thought it was just so classy looking. So I bought it and proceeded to make a blouse.
For a twill, it frayed a bit more than expected, but the weight was lovely. I tweaked my go-to blouse pattern once again for this blouse. I eliminated the back box pleat below the yoke which I have added in previous makes. I wanted a more streamlined appearance and less bulk to tuck in. To that end I also added very slim front vertical bust darts.
I also shortened the hem by one inch and squared it off with slits at the side seams.
What to do for BUTTONS!? I had selected 3 varieties from which to choose – all from my collection assembled over the past umpteen years.
Usually, a winner is clear to me, but this time I needed some assistance. So, I asked my sewing friend, Debra, for her input, which was a brilliant move on my part. How wonderful to have confirmation from her trained eye that the buttons I was leaning toward were her choice as well. Her decisiveness was quick and instinctive.
The only problem was they were already on a blouse which I made years ago. No problem, I just took them off that bouse, with a promise to find replacements at some point. The other sweet thing about these black cube buttons – and I digress here – is that I was with my daughter, Susanna, when I purchased them. We have wonderful memories of that day long ago, spent together at a vintage textile show in New England. So from the fields of Massachusetts to the streets of Paris, these vintage Bakelite buttons continue to add layers to their history.
I thought it would be a good idea to have a “fancier” blouse along on the trip. It was already in my closet, having been sewn a number of years ago. It continues to be one of my favorite makes ever, although I do not get the opportunity to wear it very often.
I wasn’t sure when I would wear it, but somehow I knew I would find the perfect day and time. By Friday morning of the trip, I had decided to wear it that evening to our Gala Dinner, with dressy black slacks. I had brought along specific jewelry to pair with it, and I was quite confident I would look well attired for that special night. And then… as luck would have it, one of our stops that day was to a scarf store in Paris. Susan had expressed her great admiration for this store and their goods, so we were all looking forward to our time there.
Truth be told, I could have easily purchased three or four scarves that afternoon. The selection was wide-ranging, both in design and fabric. But there was one scarf I knew would go home with me.
The funny thing is, when I purchased it, I was not thinking about the blouse I planned to wear that evening. But when I got back to my hotel room, I realized what a great duo they would make. As the evening was a bit chilly, and we had a short walk to the restaurant, having this cashmere blend scarf wrapped around my shoulders was the perfect addition.
It was a fun evening, and I felt perfectly attired! Of course, from now on, I shall refer to this scarf as my Paris wrap.
At this point you may be wondering if I actually wore a dress while on my trip. As a matter of fact, yes, I did. Our instructions were to be dressily attired the evening we attended the Ballet at the Palais Garnier. I decided to take along this dress which was ready for another outing.
It is dressy and comfortable, but the best thing about it is – it pairs well with my pink coat, forever a favorite.
I was determined to take this lightweight Spring wool coat to Paris. I made it from vintage Lesur wool made in France and for some reason, I just had my heart set on wearing it in Paris. The weather wasn’t all that cooperative as it was a bit warm for a wool coat. That did not deter me. I donned it anyway, and that’s the end of the story!
However, there is more to come, as I will share a bit about other parts of the trip next time.
fiftydresses 
wow…such a great blog…you are to be admired…such lovely style …I too love blouses but unlike you I don’t feel comfortable tucking in…I bought some lovely silk in Paris…you have inspired me…I’ll just do it…I’ll send a picture when done
Yes, make that blouse! I’d love to see a picture when you have it finished. And thank you for reading my blog and your comment!
wow…such a great blog…you are to be admired…such lovely style …I too love blouses but unlike you I don’t feel comfortable tucking in…I bought some lovely silk in Paris…you have inspired me…I’ll just do it…I’ll send a picture when done
I love the silk blouses you wore and the pink wool coat. I think the black dress/jacket/coat/shirt thing is overdone – especially in New York where too many women (of all ages) are frequently dressed in black. I personally can’t wear black because it makes me look like the walking dead.
I personally like black (but not on all people); however, I prefer it when it is contrasted/accented with another color.
I love hearing about how you thought through your wardrobe for this trip. I find this so difficult myself, but you looked so chic in each outfit. I’m sure that you were perfectly attired for each event.
Also, I’m so glad that you made the adjustments to your pink jacket (last post) as now you can wear it!
This was the most difficult packing task I ever had for a trip! I might tweak a few things now that I now what I know, but it all worked out fairly well.
So fun hearing about your wardrobe planning for your Paris trip, as well as the trip itself! I went on an Italy Fashion/Sewing tour about the same time as your Paris trip, but alas, I did not manage to sew much of my wardrobe, which was disappointing!
Well thought out – this part of travel is always daunting. Your choices are interesting and probably all worn! ( another thing th
Two dresses were not worn, but everything else was!
You are the eiptome of style! The scarf you purchased would have come home with me as well. The highlight was seeing you wearing your divine pink coat. It must have been a very enjoyable experience wearing it. I was recently on a trip to see various duPont estates in Delware and I wore a vivid floral pair of pants when I toured Longwood Gardens. I was complimented on them and told the lady I made them. She was amazed. It amazes me when so many people are surprised that I sew. It’s not a lost art but it’s an unappreciated art by far too many people. I utterly adore reading about what you create.
Thank you, Peggy! I can just picture you at Longwood with bright floral slacks on. I’m sure you rivaled in loveliness whatever was in bloom! And even better that they were made by you…
I loved reading this Karen, thank you so much for sharing your trip with us!
You’re welcome, Kathy!
All lovely makes, but I do love the print shirt and the solid with the scarf. Fabulous! 😍
Thanks, Linda. I am partial to those two blouses as well!
What is the fancy blouse pattern? Helen
The blouse is made from a vintage 1959 (I think) Vogue pattern, long out of print.