We love to travel, and we love to see our bags out in the world. So when Xani—the newest member of Team PT—let us know she’d be in Paris for a week, we couldn’t wait to follow along on her aventure Française. In between visits to Versailles and the famous flea market in Saint-Ouen, Xani snapped a few shots for us, and shared her packing philosophy.
PT: What kind of packer would you describe yourself as?
Xani: I’d say I pack pretty economically! And I always make sure to leave room in my carryon for plenty of souvenirs.
PT: Which bags did you bring on your trip?
Xani: I created a sort of Russian doll: the Giant Tote was my catchall, and then I tucked the Belted Jane, a laptop case and a Little Buddy within.
PT: How did each bag fit into your trip?
Xani: The Giant Tote sat perfectly on top of my luggage, which made airport navigation a breeze. I also used it to grocery shop, to carry my baguette and pain aux raisins from Mamiche Bakery and it came in super handy when I was at the Saint-Ouen flea market because there were so many little oddities I ended up getting.
The Belted Jane was my everyday bag. I really only wear neutrals, and it was a great option that went with absolutely everything and looked chic but still held everything I needed.
I brought the laptop case for my laptop (obviously), but I actually ended up using it as a chic evening clutch as well. I love a bag that can pull double duty, so I’m really glad I brought it!
Small but mighty, the Little Buddy was my absolute travel VIP. I purposely chose the zebra hair because it was so easy to spot and used it to keep track of my necessities—passport, euros, lip balm—tossing it into whatever bag I was carrying that day. It was so helpful to always know I had everything I needed in one place, because the easiest way to ruin a relaxing trip is to panic about a missing ID. I’ll never travel without it.
PT: What was your favorite part about the trip?
Xani: Walking through the Petit Trianon at Versailles, imagining Marie Antoinette spending her days there with her inner circle. I could definitely spend the rest of my life in there, tending to the animals and crafting in one of the cozy cottages.