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2010-06-28

Bonjour

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My ego is hoping that you really missed me... I didn't disappear, I just flew to Montreal for the weekend to visit a university friend. I set a new record one night this weekend when I actually got 7 hours of sleep. I've gone to Montreal 3 times and I don't think I've ever had more than 5 hours of sleep a night. I'm not Martha Stewart, I like a good night's rest... though resting seems like a waste when there is such a beautiful city to explore and I'm accompanied by my friend who is Montreal's Most Enthusiastic Unofficial Tour Guide.

I have to say that I was once again disappointed with my packing skills. Maybe it's the pressure from the girls of Academichic who seem to be able to pack for a European holiday in a fanny pack, but I just can't seem to pare down my luggage. I do try to take some layers to accommodate for fluctuating temperatures but most of my over packing is based on 'what ifs?'. What if I meet the Queen? I should bring my book on etiquette. What if there is a Shiny Things Convention? I should bring a vintage sequin top. What if I get to roll VIP? I should bring my hair extensions.

I did bring a few dresses and some heels because I really wanted to show Montreal how friggen classy I can be. But then we spent all weekend rushing around the city, walking everywhere. I literally wore the same sandals everyday from late morning brunch to early morning dancing. When you are at home it is a lot easier to plan transportation and know when are appropriate times for tripping around in heels and dresses. I think the lesson to learn is to go low key for touristy vacations and leave the crazy stacked sandals and silk dresses at home... but what if I get invited to a charity gala?

p.s. I will announce the winner from the giveaway on my next post... I'm a little behind...:(

25 comments :

nat said...

Love the skirt!
Hope you're having a killer time in MTL. The packing dilemma's been a lot on my mind lately...so much so that I was gonna turn it into a whole series over at my own blog. I think I've kind of reconciled my love for flash with the fact that I will probably do way more walking and sightseeing than lookin' fancy for people.
I also took it as an excuse to buy three new pairs of cute flat sandals...yep.

nat // juxta-posing.tumblr.com

liz said...

You were greatly missed! That jumping photo is priceless :)

Olivia said...

hahahhaha! I have the same overpacking problem. Thankfully my husband underpacks, so I can (and have) shove my overage into his luggage to avoid paying a fee.

Love the printed skirt.

xoxo,
~O~

Natalie said...

This post made me crack up. I love it!! And the jumping photo is epic :-)

Anonymous said...

Well Hello neighbour!
thanks for stopping by my blog.
Lucky for me, the train only passes once or twice a day so there were no near death experiences for my photoshoot!

I totally know how you feel for packing. It really blows when you have an opportunity to visit the queen but u must decline because you didnt bring your ball gown!

Wait, the queen was in montreal? nobody told me.

Emily

Melissa said...

I feel your pain! We've actually had to rent this little u-haul spaceship-looking thingy to attach to the car because I can't begin to pare down my packing.

Your pictures are adorable! Hope you had as great a time as it sounds like you did!

Emily Kennedy said...

That top picture is amazing!

Well, my packing tip is that I only ever pack one pair of heels and one nice dress. Everything else for traveling has to be mostly cotton and way comfortable (unless I'm going to a serious winter climate). One nice dress can go out on the town, into the VIP area, and to meet the queen. And since it's just one dress, there's less guilt if it doesn't end up going anywhere.

When I travel, I always try to get into the spirit of the adventurer. Would the adventurer wear satin? Hell no! What about some awesome shorts? Hell yes!

Elle Sees said...

and that skirt is AMAZING!

What Would a Nerd Wear said...

oh man, your riff on packing made me laugh so hard. and then i repeated it pretty much word for word to my boyfriend this morning i was so pleased with it.

Dorky Medievalist said...

Of course I missed you. You are like my beautiful, stylish other elf (I meant to write self but that seems creepy and I enjoy elves). I've lived in both Montreal and the Steeltown of Canada and I love recognizing the local in your photos, wherever you are.

I always take a suitcase that's larger than I need. I'm paying for that cargo space I might as well use it.

Maria said...

Any suggestions on thrift shops in Montreal? I've been inspired by you to start thrifting, rather than throwing my money away at Winners, but I don't know where to go in Montreal (I live here). I tried a few Salvation Army stores, but didn't find anything interesting.

Btw, if I had seen you around the city this weekend, I would've recognized this skirt from a mile away! It looks great on you!

Anonymous said...

Oh, how I'd love to attend a Shiny Things Convention.

C said...

DAMMIT that first outfit is amazing. A+.

Anonymous said...

well, you look fantastic, my dear!
i know what you mean about packing...i'm the worst. i always want to take great heels (mainly because i'm short and they make my legs look better), but i've learned through many blisters and sore feet, that it's always best to take comfy shoes. hell, even going to a concert...i have to remember to wear comfy shoes, eventhough i want to rock a hot pair of wedges or heels.

:)

ps...love the photos!

Nicki said...

I'm the same way. I can't pack lightly, I like to be fully prepared for any and every situation! =).

Keira Lennox said...

Imagine how amazing it would be if you were invited to a charity Shiny Things convention, where you were escorted to the VIP room, where you were introduced to the Queen! I completely understand that you must be prepared for exactly this, and countless other, scenarios when packing for trips :) My husband, on the other hand, is less understanding when I pack my largest suitcase for an overnight trip...

Secondhand Stella said...

I think you have super cute outfits on in your pictures :)

Emma at Daily Clothes Fix said...

Love that skirt. Welcome back - we did miss you.

Louise (Fifth Sparrow) said...

I just got back from spending the weekend in Montreal too (obviously it was the place to be!) and I was the exact same, I packed all my pretty clothes and then lived in my flat sandals and shorts. Fail on my end, but it was still a good trip! Love the photos and glad you had fun!

GS said...

ooh montreal! never been. my french is pretty horrendous, but i figure since I'm west coast I can get away with it.
i pack the what ifs too! except for my last trip the only what if I missed was what if it's FREEZING COLD every single place I go to? Hence why I lived in that one sweatshirt i brought. sick.

a week away for vacation is acceptable this time, just don't let it happen too often. what else am i supposed to do with my time?

The Semi Sweet said...

You guys seemed to have a ton of fun! I've always wanted to head up to Montreal, but not until I've brushed up on my french. It's been a while!

Julia said...

oh! i'm so jealous! i went to uni in montreal but i haven't been back in 3 years! i miss it so! was it glorious? did you go to the beer festival? did you watch a Portugal game in the Portuguese quarter? Go to a strip club? SO many things to do in montreal!

Elaine said...

Exactly. Packing is so difficult ;) But usually comfort is key.... but who said stylish and comfy don't go together?

Love your button-down and that fab print skirt!

clothed much, a modest fashion blog

Megan Wolf said...

first, love all of these photographs. they are crazy cool! gorgeous summer colors and looks like you had a ton of fun on this trip! glad you were able to visit your friend and get away for a bit. :) and again, you had me dying of laughter from your hilarity. "what if there is a shiny things convention?" I hate when shiny things conventions happen and I'm not prepared for them! always have to be ready! seriously, you crack me up. stop being so witty and stylish.

xoxo


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Marie McGrath (The Joy of Fashion) said...

Love your chic look!! The pattern on the skirt is fabulous and it looks great with that collar shirt.

www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com