je ne sais quoi.

i'm back from portland, and now i've got paris on the brain... we leave in just over a week! i feel like such a jetsetter... but it'll be so nice to just relax in my favorite city and not worry about all the craziness that's been going on stateside.

one of the most fun (and sometimes challenging) parts of travelling abroad is planning your wardrobe! when visiting paris, the fashion capital of the world, it's essential to look chic and put together. this time around i'm going for classic pieces that i can mix-and-match seamlessly. here's what i'm packing... my top 10 pieces to help you achieve that certain je ne sais quoi no matter where life takes you!

1. oversized sunglasses.

perfect for dodging the paparazzi or hiding jet-lagged eyes. i am forever losing sunglasses when i travel, so here's a tip... forever 21 has tons of stylish frames at rock-bottom prices, so if they don't make it home with you, it's no big deal. from forever 21, $5.80

2. a boldly-colored clutch.

in a city where most of the residents wear head-to-toe black nearly every day, it's nice to mix things up with a jolt of color. i love a boldly-colored envelope clutch to finish off an evening look. from endless, $78

3. sleek black booties.

if you don't already own a pair of black high-heeled booties, run to your nearest retail outfit and pick yourself up a pair. trust me. they make any outfit infinitely more chic, and paired with opaque black tights, they make your legs look like they go on forever. from nordstrom, $138.95

4. a motorcycle jacket.

most of the pieces here are classic and understated, but every now and then you need a little bit of edge. an on-trend leather motorcycle jacket is the perfect way to rough-up an otherwise demure look. from nordstrom, $398

5. skinny black pants.

a pair of skinny black pants is one of my wardrobe staples, at home and abroad. look for a fabric that has some stretch to it, so they'll be just as comfy on a 12-hour flight as they are lounging around the house. also look for details like exposed zippers or decorative seaming to make them a little more special. from revolve clothing, $74

6. a striped shirt.

i know, i know... it's such a cliché when it comes to french fashion. but seriously, you will wear a shirt like this over and over and it will never, ever go out of style. i must own about 15 of them and they i reach for them constantly, whether i'm headed to the farmer's market or out for a date with my husband. from j. crew, $45

7. ballerina flats.

you can't walk around paris in sneakers if you want to blend in. a pair of classic ballerina flats are a million times more stylish, and just as comfy. don't be afraid to spend a little more for the right pair... your feet will thank you! from asos, $54.89

8. a chic scarf.

a patterned scarf is the perfect finishing touch to a casual outfit. i love infinity-style scarves... just loop them around your neck a couple times and they instantly look perfect and artfully draped. from loft, $34.50

9. a sharp blazer.

a tailored black blazer is the perfect travel companion. it layers nicely over almost any top in your closet, and adds a bit of polish to a t-shirt and jeans. the slight puffed-sleeve detail on this one lends a little extra dose of femininity. from piperlime, $69

10. a pleated miniskirt.

you have to have at least one flirty, whimsical piece in your suitcase when you're visiting the most romantic city on the planet. an accordion pleated mini is right on for fall, and the light blush color gives it an airy, ethereal appearance. pair it with your moto jacket for the perfect mix of hard and soft. from asos, $32.93