The Packing List

a Joan Didion inspired packing list for a winter weekend away

Ciao friends, it’s been a while. A month in fact. I have been suffering from a case of writer’s block or perhaps more accurately a creative block. I am trying to listen to my intuition more and with that I just had a urge to write this post and say a quick hello! I’m heading to Paris tonight and writing this surrounded by a heap of clothes on the floor, frantically packing and cleaning the flat for a friend house sitting this weekend.

What better time to write than when surrounded by chaos? I came across Joan Didion’s packing list this morning and felt it was very chic. If I had jumped on the TikTok trend of ‘things I find incredibly chic’ this packing list would be it. It reminds me of a grown up girl guides packing list, with bug spray and travel wash which I would diligently pack but somehow ALWAYS forget toothpaste.

I am on a quest for organisation and order in my chaotic life. I have a mental note of what I need to pack, but perhaps it’s a good idea to write these things down every once in a while?

To Pack and Wear:

• 1 pair of white trousers

• 1 pair of black jeans

• 1 smart trouser (I do not wear skirts! only ever a mini skirt in summer if that)

• 2x jumper

• 2x t-shirt

• 1x evening tops

• 1 pair of loafers

• 1 pair of ballet flats/ kitten heels (depending on the city and walkability)

• 1 evening bag/ clutch

• 1 day bag

• 2x neck tie

• 1 jacket

Bag with:

• face wash

• moisturiser

• serum

• spf

• deodorant

• brow gel

• brown mascara

• lipstick

• concealer

• blush

• bronzer

• toothpaste

• body oil

To Carry

• claw clip

• comb

• book

• journal

• sunglasses

• lip balm

• perfume

• pen

• glasses

• earrings

• 2x neck scarf

Simplicity is key and I feel there is so much pressure to have a different outfit every day. I possibly only rotate 3 outfits when I’m at home, so why should it be any different when I’m away? I think the chicest people are outfit repeaters. I’m mostly trying to prioritise quality these days, but that doesn’t mean throwing away my trustly zara jeans. I really am procrastinating packing so with that I will love you and leave you.

In all honesty, I feel as though there are a million moving parts in life at the moment and I am spinning a million plates. I felt a nervousness to post on substack because I have only ever written on here in one specific format, for 2 years! I want to share a little more with you all but I was feeling scared to post and not in that format. Anyway, planning my city guides finally and I will be sharing more soon.

Over and out, love you all!

xx