Packing Tips on Saturday Travel Chronicles

I must admit that I am really jealous of all my designer friends who are in Paris for Maison & Objet right now.  Seeing their pictures on instagram have stirred up fond memories of my time there last September.  This picture was taken just before I entered Maison & Objet.  Can we say "happy girl"?  For those that aren't into the design world, Maison & Objet is the furniture market in Paris.  The experience is amazing.  I was able to mark it off my bucket list, but not off my mind.  I can't wait to return.  In pondering my time in Paris, and perusing through my photographs, I realized I never posted about so many of the events and details of my travels. 

If you follow the blog on a regular basis you know that I have done a lot of traveling over the past couple of years for work both domestically and internationally.  I am constantly getting emails with questions about what to pack, recommendations of restaurants, hotels or sightseeing, as well as various other questions about travel, so I have decided to post travel tips, recommendations, about trips I've taken and so forth on Saturdays.    Do I know everything there is about travel?  No!  Do I have all the answers?  No!  I will be able to share about my travels and things I have enjoyed on trips.   Hopefully, this will spark discussion from all of you about suggestions of things you have done or recommend.  Please feel free to comment with your own experiences.  

They say it is always best to start at the very beginning, so today I'm talking about how to pack. I'm bearing my soul here, as this is actually my bedroom with a bed full of clothing.   I admit my first attempt at packing typically begins just like this!  This was a actual picture taken in my bedroom while packing for a trip.   I know it looks haphazard, but it works for me.  I am such a visual person, that putting it all out there together opens up wardrobe options I wouldn't see otherwise. 

  

1) Events of the trip- How many outfits are needed for  the events of your trip? casual, cocktail, dinners, sleepwear, workout clothes, underwear,activities, etc.

2) Classic bones create the foundation - Just as a good sofa anchors a room, the basics in your wardrobe offer the foundation from which to build your travel wardrobe.  Chose a base color and build from there.  Often black is my base but sometimes it is brown, tan or cream but also a neutral that can be paired with other colors.

3) Accessories rule - to get a multitude of  looks from your travel wardrobe,the right accessories will make your base pieces seem special.  Accessories are smaller and lightweight, so in packing several scarves, necklaces and statement pieces of jewelry, your wardrobe suddenly seems special even if you are wearing black pants and a cream blouse.

4) Shoes are important - there is nothing more miserable than packing the wrong shoes.  If you feet aren't comfortable, even the most exciting events can be ruined.  Make sure you pack comfy shoes for walking and save the sexy stilettos for evening only events when taking taxis and not walking.

5) Outerwear - you must prepare for rain or travel in cooler climates.  Today there are so many options for lightweight, easy to pack jackets, there is no reason not to pack one.

  I use the same principles in packing a travel wardrobe, as I use when designing a room. 

I consider all my options and then edit!  It's that simple.   I consider all the events and make sure that I cover all my needs. 

  

One of my favorite travel tips I learned from my friend Norma Carol who is a travel pro.

I blogged about it here if you want to see what that tip was.  Also, I found several travel capsules on Pinterest which I found very helpful.  Check those out on my travel board here.

This is going to be fun!  I can't wait to share all the fun things I have learned about traveling!

If you really want to get the up close and personal view of my travels make sure to follow  on instagram here.  KBIS in Los Vegas is happening in a week and I will be there with Blogtour Modenus.  I will be posting about all the cool things I see and behind the scenes happenings at KBIS.  I will also be one of the moderators for the Design Tech Summit at Design & Construction Week while in Los Vegas.  It's going to be an exciting time!

"The Love Lock Bridges" in Paris

My first day in Paris last September, was spent strolling around the city before the others arrived.  There were a few of us who decided to venture out to see what we could find.   We  ended up on the bridge Pont de l'Archeveche, where the lover's locks hang in masses from the bridges mesh walls.   For those of you who aren't familiar with the Love Lock Bridges, I wanted to share it with you.  The old saying goes that lovers write their names on a pad lock attach the lock to the bridges wall and toss the key into the Seine to pledge their undying love forever.   The Parisians cannot remember how it began, but find it rather irritating.  Sentimental folks like myself, find it rather charming, but I was unaware of the how the weight of locks may cause damage to the structure.  Couples visit from all over the world and place their declaration of love on the bridges, Pont des Arts and Pont de l'Archevêché. 

(click the title to continue reading to find out the different in the two bridges...)

Quintessence Playground , Marches aux Puches de Saint Ouen, France

Visiting the Marches` aux Puches de Saint Ouen, which is considered the largest antiques market in the world, was one of the highlight of my Parisian travels with Design Trust in September.  To visit the Parisian fleas, has been a dream of mine for many years.  I must say I wasn't disappointed and would return on a dime, if asked.   Steve Nobel, the head of Design Trust and organizer of our trip made sure we didn't miss out on the true market experience.  It was a wonderful day spent with good friends, who happen to be designers with an appreciation for antiques and adventure.  

"Les Puces" or "The Fleas" as known by the locals is located on the northern edge of Montmartre. I was a little confused  about the French fleas,prior to my trip. Fellow designers had attended, but no one had ever really explained the layout to me. I had been online and read about the market, but still didn't quite realize there are actually fifteen individual markets and over three thousand stalls in this half mile radius along the Porte de Clingnancourt metro station.  In other words, the market area is massive, which means you'd better know where you are going or be prepared to just wander around and enjoy the day without an agenda.  Luckily for us, Steve knew just where to take us.   We arrived private bus to Marché Paul Bert.  The minute we exited the bus, our group was ready to explore. We were given the lay of the land and

told if any of us decided to strike out on our own we were to meet up at lunch at the Bistro Paul Bert.  We began our excursion by meandering in and out of the shops along the street.  It was like dipping our toes into the perverbial "market pool of antiques".  There was a combinations of street dealers and those with actual stand alone shops. It was intriguing to see what each had to offer.  This is an area of fine antiques found on blankets spread on the sidewalk and beautiful trinkets casually thrown in boxes.  You keep your eyes peeled because it would be a mistake to overlook anything or anyone. Your perfect treasure could be lurking around the next corner hidden amongst things disguised as attic finds. 

It's a place for the person who truly enjoys the "thrill of the the hunt."  If you are that kind of person the Paris fleas are utopia. It's really hard to take it all in.  I think I could have spent three days just at the fleas, unfortunately our trip only allowed for one day, so we had to shop fast and furiously. 

One of the first stops we made was to Quintessence Playground owned by Ludovic Messager.  Lucovic's business card listed him as an interior design and antiques dealer, but I would also add artist to the list.  His artist ability was evidence around the shop.  The shop is a combination of antiques, curiosities and whatnots.  As we talked with Ludovic, we learned that he was instrumental in helping Restoration Hardware create the look that has dominated their stores for the past few years.  Take a look at my photographs,I think you will see  familiar concepts.

  

[click the title to continue...]

Going from Tres' Chic To Uber Chic - Paris to London!

Yesterday, I departed Paris on the Eurostar Train or the "Chunnel" as locals like to call it, to travel to London for my Blogtour London Event.  The chunnel was uber chic!   Such easy travel.   The only word of caution, if you take the train is to watch for the pickpockets  in the terminal.  Often they act as people who want to petition you.  The gig is while they petition, their accomplice is picking your pocket.  If they ask if you speak English, shake your head "no".  Don't speak or you will give yourself away.  Once you motion no, they leave you alone because they know you are on to them.  Once I got past them, I had to ride the elevator upstairs to find the check in point for Eurostar to London.  It was quite easy to find, but what my concierge didn't tell me what to be prepared to fill out the necessary paperwork complete with your travel plans and address for your stay where you are going.  It's a little awkward when you are not only watching your bags, but digging in your tote to find address, etc.

If you travel by train in Europe, have that info handy so you don't waste time.  I would also recommend leaving your hotel at least 30 -45 minutes ahead of what the concierge suggests.  They are accustom to the process, so they don't allow for those of us who aren't.  I had just enough time to get to my terminal and board.  Click title to continue!

Snapshots of Paris

Paris is amazing!  There is so much visual stimulation.  Everywhere you look there is something interesting to see.  I have gotten lost from my group several times because I stop to take pictures of things I see along the way.  I thought I would quickly share some of the things I have seen.  Sorry for the short post but we are running to the Eiffel Tower for lunch and I must depart.  I will be posting more in depth about each of these pictures and sharing more about the experiences related to them.  

Maison et Objet was incredible.  We found amazing furniture and ran into some really

interesting people whom I plan to profile.  It was a visual feast for the eyes!

We shopped the markets at Marche Paul Bert, Saint-Ouen 

We visited Chateau Vaux le Vicomte which was exquisite!

We visited Pierre Frey's fabric archives and saw beautiful fabrics from as early as the 1600's.

Our visit to Jacques Grange studio was a fun and exciting day.  This is his precious dog!

A highlight was the Architectural Digest Show house!  This was simply amazing, inspirational and breathtaking!  The sculpture above of the little boy is made of feathers!

 Walking along the streets I can't help but stop and snap photos.  Everything is so beautiful and so Paris, just as I thought it would be.  

I visited a Perfumerie with some of the group and watched while the shop keeper

 mixed the fragrances then put each person's name on the bottles.  

So far I think I have taken over 3,000 photos.  We are hitting the streets again today.  Yesterday we visited the Louve and saw Mona Lisa, did you know that the size of the painting is really small?  We also visited Musee d'Orsay. 

 Can I just squeal a minute?

It's all so fab and I will take you there in the following months with posts

 about it all.  We must go now, our reservation is at noon!  Au revoir!

Paris- The Door to A Whole New World for Me!

As you know I am in Paris with Design Trust led by Steve Nobel of New York City.

The group is a fabulous mix of interior designers and architects from across the United States.  I have so much to share but my internet has been an issue as well as late nights enjoying the Parisian culture in amazing restaurants.  I wanted to share some of the pretty doors I have seen along the way.  Trust me, I have many more to share but these were a few from my first walk along the streets of Paris.  I cannot wait to share with you the incredible things I have seen.  I feel as though my eyes have just opened fully for the first time to an entirely new world of design!  It's lunch time so I'd better run.  I got separated from my group yesterday and spent about two hours trying to find everyone!  A Bien Tot!

(All photos property of Lisa Mende Design please do not use without giving credit)

The Day Has Arrived!! Paris & BlogTour London Here I come!!!

Via

It's finally here!  My trip to Europe!  My flight leaves this afternoon! First stop is Paris!  I am so excited and nervous at the same time!  I have never been to Europe.  When I was in college and my friends were going to study abroad my parents told me that I could do that one day when I was older, with my husband.  Well, I'm definitely older(we won't discuss that), but my husband isn't going.  I really wish he was. (insert sad face), but this is a trip for designers and architects, not a family vacation.  I'm going to Paris with the Design Trust founded and led by Steve Nobel of Nobelinks.  His firm specializes in better markets for design at home. Steve is known for his experience and leadership skills in connecting people and ideas.  He doesn't limit those ideas to the US.  He was once Managing Partner of  Baker, Knapp and Tubbs Ltd. in London, England, hence a well traveled professional.   I have the upmost faith this trip will be beyond awesome.  The itinerary is mind-blowing!  We are going to do some amazing things in Paris.  I am finally going to Maison & Objet, the home decor market in Paris!  I have always wanted to go!  We are also being treated to a reception and dinner one night in Vicent Frey's apartment!  We will visit the Pierre Frey archives and Pierre Frey's apartment as well. I adore Pierre Frey fabrics so I am sure that will be a highlight for me!  I will be documenting my trip her on the blog as well as my instagram when possible. If you don't currently follow me on instagram, my account is LisaMendeDesign.  I'm not sure what my WiFi situation will be but I'll find a way to post! 

Photo Credit

 After Paris, I will travel to London on the Eurostar for BlogTour London with Veronika Miller of  Modenus for London Design Festival! 

Thanks to our fabulous sponsors of Blogtour London!  I will be sharing info about these amazing companies throughout the upcoming weeks!  If you want to learn more about Modenus make sure to pop over to the website and read more here.  If you are a designer or architect, get involved in the community.  Veronika provides a wealth of knowledge, inspiration and connections through Modenus. Thanks for all the well wishes I have been receiving!  I really appreciate your thoughts and prayers while I'm traveling!  Off to finish packing!!!!