'It's like physically going to Tibet or viewing it online - it's not the same experience' - says Long Nguyen, a freelance fashion critic whose front row fashion week experience was replaced by short trips for another coffee from the kitchen living room or to the bedroom and back. 

Fashion Weeks have gone digital, we all know that. But don't we all want to be a part of the real-life catwalk though? And while it's important to adhere to social distancing rules in all industries, I am sure many of us are looking forward to being able to travel to Paris again this year and be able to complain about those ridiculously dresses up in the evening wear at 10 am and tasteless colour choices of that woman in front of you. 

In addition to incredible shopping experiences, all things cliché like climbing the Eiffel Tower and eating baguettes and pastries for breakfast, Paris has lots to offer to fashion lovers whose travel bag now has a new compartment for a hand sanitiser, a set of trendy face coverings to match every outfit and a box of travel-size soap thins. 

Save the world and very likely get a discount on your hot drink with an eco-friendly reusable travel cup. I am a fan of takeaway coffee and I do prefer it to be served in my personal cup rather often. One cup of coffee before my daily morning run, then maybe a couple more throughout the day and one a Friday night after a few drinks with a scrumptious dessert... You do the maths and see how many paper cups we throw away per week. Go a step further and make it a part of your look. Who says you have to follow the rules while you can break them to create something new? 

A Beret  

One of the least noticed headwear accessories in my opinion yet for chic and stylish. Opt for a black one to match your wardrobe basics or wear solid head to toe for a classic monochrome fix. It doesn't need to be cold for headwear, all you need is an excuse to wear one. 

I have over ten pairs of sunglasses in my accessories draw yet this cat-eye flick detail is among my all-time-favourites. From all-black sweethearts to square aviator-style sunnies the choice is obvious for a stroll along cobbled streets of this romantic city. 

High-Waisted Trousers

To all petite ladies out there, high-waisted trousers with an accent on your waist is one thong to add to your fashion bible. Pleated or smooth, with pockets or without, finish off the look with a jet black crop top for a casual look or a crisp white collared shirt with rolled up sleeves and a clutch for a business lady look. And yes, add your travel cup to the look, too. 

Your Favourite Scent 

That's one thing your man loves you for, I'm sure. Flirty and dreamy for the day, mysterious and clandestine for the night out, every note of your favourite scent follows you wherever you go making them turn their heads and raise their eyebrows. You name it. 

A Bardot Dress 

What could be more sensual than a dainty clavicle elegantly highlighted with a shimmery bronzer and a tiny pearl. Say yes to a soft and ever-so-French bardot cut that brings out your most ladylike moves exploring Parisian cafes or making new friends at dinner and cocktails. With a smile, of course. 

A Pair Of Luxe Heels 

Coffee with your bestie and treating yourself to a day at the Dior Institut au Plaza Athénée and no place in the world does it quite like Paris. Luxe and powerful, sure to make a statement at the Fashion Week Gala and leave an impression in the Le Marais neighbourhood, a pair or skyscraper heels  shall add tot he buzz of any event you are attending during the Fashion Week. Just remember to adhere to social distancing. 

A Longline Blazer 

That's one piece of clothing in my wardrobe I can never get enough of. Plain  with a simple white or a logo tee for a casual visit to Musée de la Mode et du Textile. Or Burberry's best checkered theme with a white shirt and neck scarf to attend an event at Coco Chanel's 31 rue Cambon, 1ER. With classic-cut wide-leg or a pair of skinny jeans, with an aline skirt or high-waisted shorts. Possibilities are endless. 

   Little Black Dress 

As a fashion designer and lover of all things beautiful, I have seen and dressed countless number of women in white. Yes, I professionally dressed the most different types of women from Miss Turkey to The Only Way Is Essex celebs preparing them for the best day of their life - I worked in bridal industry for over seven years. And, trust me, seeing an ear-to-ear smile the second a bride finds her perfect dress is one the most rewarding things I have ever experienced. 

Yet a little black dress, accessible to every woman and so easily adaptable to every occasion is one thing you would want to pack to your travel case. With the roaring twenties in full swing, Coco Chanel's creation is one elegant garment to rub shoulders with the influencers at the Jardin des Tuileries and hard not to follow your nose at the Grand Mus ée du Parfum. 

Play beyond Paris by taking a short train journey to Château de Versailles - one of the most breathtaking destinations. Keep it practical and do it fashionably - in a romantic chiffon ruffly maxi coupled with a chain shoulder bag and white knee-high boots. White is a colour that seamlessly translates from summer to autumn by making accents on the shimmer of your golden tan you took giant care of liberally spreading that tanning oil on throughout the lock-down stay. And stick to a block heel if you plan a long day out or opt for a stiletto one - for the brave side of your inner queen. 

Whether or not you go to Paris this September, stay fashionably safe. 

Keep up with the latest on our Instagram and remember to check this page next week. You'l find the best of British Lavender Fields experience and meet an Argentinian ginger-colour-haired mermaid. 

Yours,

Zalina M 

All images in this post have been artfully created by @jenny_illustration. Please support her work by following her Instagram account here.