Today’s reader request comes from Laura who’s going on her first weekend away since her son was born. To Paris, no less! She’s after suggestions for what to pack, having lost her way a little bit fashion-wise since becoming a mum.

{Laura’s Request}

Hello! I was wondering if you and the RMS readers might be able to help? I am off to Paris at the end of this month with a group of girlfriends I’ve known since secondary school for my first weekend away since my little boy was born. Or actually, not so little as he’s now three and a half! I have NOTHING to wear and I have no idea where to start. This is stressing me out as I always loved clothes but have lost my way since having my son. I’m thinking a great pair of 7/8ths jeans, some Converse, a night out outfit and a few tops but I just can’t find anything that’s not either far too cool for me or alternatively, far too dull for my mum! Plus, the bag and coat situation! Aarrgghh!! To add to the stress, I’m a curvy size 10 but only 5 foot nothing so nothing ever fits! Can you help me find my way back to me? Please? I would buy a cocktail in your honour if you could!
Laura

A fashion-and-travel-related shopping request, plus a cocktail being raised in our honour – challenge most definitely accepted!

Dresses

If you’re away for two nights I would consider taking two dresses that will work at night and during the day. That way you have something to change into in the evening and you could potentially wear the next day too. Mango have some great dresses at the moment, two of my favourites, both of which I think could work for you Laura, are in the slider above. You can buy the red short-sleeeved fluted hem dress here and the printed short-sleeved flowy number here. If neither of those appeal there are plenty more options, including denim dresses, shirt dresses, sleeveless dresses, maxi dresses and more.

Tops

I would take a simple dress-it-up-or-down t-shirt top, like the black three quarter sleeve t-shirt in the slider above which you could wear with your jeans or under a dress if it’s a chilly (it’s from Zara and you can buy it here) and a more dressy top like the lace one in the slider above (also from Zara, you can buy it here).

Bags & Shoes

Bag-wise I would make the most of not having to carry lots of small-person-related stuff and/or work paraphernalia and look for something small with a strap so you have your hands free for taking lots of photos of your trip. & Other Stories have just launched a co-lab with designer Claire Vivier and it’s packed with covetable bags, like the red shoulder bag in the slider above. At £65, it’s not super-cheap but it’s way less than you would usually pay for a Claire Vivier bag (you can buy it here). You said you were going to take Converse, which is a great idea. Classic white low-tops would go with everything I’ve picked but I would also consider taking either a pair of comfortable heels, possibly short boots, or some sexy flats, like the suede ballerinas in the slider above, which are also from & Other Stories (you can buy them here). That way you have something to wear in the evening, or as a change from your Converse in the day (assuming they’re comfortable enough to walk long distances in, of course).

Jacket

Hopefully you’ll have sunny weather for your weekend, in which case I would take either a biker-style jacket (like the one in the slider above, which is from Zara – you can buy it here) or a denim jacket (also from Zara, you can buy it here) either of which would go with everything else I’ve chosen.

Jeans

We’re big fans of Topshop jeans at Rock My Style. They have lots of petite options (see here). Leigh is my personal favourite style right now. The grey jeans in the slider above don’t come in petite but they have a raw hem, so you could cut them down so they’re the perfect fit for you (you can buy them here and you can buy the dark vintage ones here).

Over to you. What would you advise Laura to include in her capsule wardrobe for Paris? Petite and curvy ladies, which are your must-check shops? As always, do leave a comment below. And, Laura – have a wonderful trip!