Sarah, I swear as long as you look deliberate about it, it's totally legitimate. That's also why I decided to go for my magenta Nikes recently. Since I am currently only wearing winter boots right now (and spending money experimenting on nursing wear), I'll wait till spring to see if I can justify oxfords. Really I should be shoe purging to make more room around here

Examples
http://carolinesmode.com/stock.....g/sneakers

I love the Siebels! The metallic version seems so versatile and a little dressed up for a tennis shoe. A pair of booties for a dressier option sounds like a good plan. Personally, I would make sure I could walk miles in them before counting them as an option.

So happy your son is doing so much better. What a relief that must be. Can;t wait to see and hear more about your trip!

Without seeing responses, based on what I saw ( I went to Paris and London last November) I would go with something comfortable, low heeled or no heel, water resistant or waterproof and a bit dressy. I would stick with some type of boot for most of the daytime stuff. I really did not see many sneakers, other than leather converse, Isabel Marant and Ash look alikes.

I brought a bunch of shoes, BIG mistake, they were just dead weight. I ended up wearing a pair of SW boots I bought during day 2 of my trip for the rest of my vacation.

I could have done with the SW boots, and the pair of dressy booties I wore for the evening events I attended.

P.S. I am very happy you DS in on the mend;)

Thanks for weighing back in, Scarlet. Wow, I'll fit right in with those Seibels and my running shoes! Those are great looks overall for inspirational OTG - yay! I wish I'd saved all of my nursing camis so I could ship them over to you now. Darn.

Carole and Zap - thanks for the supportive words about DS. We're so relieved. Now to select which particular boots will make the trip...

Work on a three item capsule of outerwear, bag, and boots. If the three items look good together, all of your outfits would look cohesive. That's how I pack when I know I will be sightseeing, which often entails being on your outerwear a lot.

I attached a picture I took when I was planning my trip. I planned on this capsule of black boots and bag, red peacoat and grey/black scarf. the only thing that did not make it was the scarf. I chose a leopard print instead.

Sarah, I love these metallic cuties, which add style and flair instantly along with comfort. Zap is such a pro and I like the capsule she suggested. I haven't traveled much or for long periods (but, I'd like to!), and on my most recent trip I took some great black AK wedges that looked dressy enough with nice pants and casual for walking the city. Booties or boots always look great, if you have room. Ballet flats don't take up much room, but they may not offer you the support you need. So glad you're sorting out your son's health woes and that he's on the mend. Have fun!

Thanks, Vicki.

Zap, you're a genius. Since I'm not a handbag gal, I think my capsules will be "topper, scarf/belt, and shoes/boots". It certainly helps to think about things that way.