VETTED contributor and fashion veteran Katie Kuhn just returned from a two-week European vacation which included a week in Paris, a road trip to Champagne, and ended with the beautiful wedding of a friend in Barcelona. With so many stops in different locations, we wanted to know exactly what Katie would be wearing in each place and to every event! Before she took off for her trip, we got a glimpse behind the scenes at Katie’s packing process and what she was planning to wear. And while away she sent photos daily so we could all live vicariously through her, which we did in full detail!
Katie’s approach to packing is a work of art in and of itself. She starts with a mood board (I told you she worked in fashion) and then starts to pull the pieces from her wardrobe and shop for anything she feels is missing. Katie then styles each outfit and documents it with photos which we could not believe, but have to admit, is a great way to remember what she put together! Her approach to packing for this specific trip was to find a few versatile pieces that she could layer and work back to multiple different outfits. She was attending a wedding in Barcelona so a gorgeous dress had to be considered as well. She wanted to pack light, but this time of year the weather forecast in different cities can vary drastically so she also needed to be prepared. And one of the most important things she had to keep in mind…always leave a little extra room in your luggage to shop!
Katie was prepared for long days and a lot of walking while in Paris. She packed jeans and white Chuck Taylors, as comfortable shoes are a must! She paired the jeans back to tank tops and long-sleeve shirts with blazers layered on top. As an extra layer for warmth, she packed a navy and white striped sweater to wrap over her shoulders if needed. Katie kept her wardrobe to mostly neutral colors during the day to make it easy to mix and match her pieces and have more flexibility. She also brought two fanny packs that she wore cross-body so that she looked chic but her hands were always free. In terms of weather, she had hot days in Spain and colder days in France so the pieces she packed worked perfectly to layer when she needed to.
For her evenings out, Katie packed midi and maxi dresses which she could again layer blazers or a light jacket over. She mixed her personal style of bold colors and prints with timeless pieces in solid, neutral colors.
For the wedding, Katie packed a stand-out printed maxi dress in gold which she paired with vintage gold hoops and her fur slides for a long night of dancing.
The Packing List:
If you want to follow Katie’s Europe Packing List for your next trip, here are the details:
CLOTHING
Three Blazers
One pair of dark wash jeans and one pair of light wash jeans
One Layering Tank
One Sweater
Two maxi dresses
One feminine blouse
One button-up shirt
Two maxi dresses and two midi dresses that can transition from day to night
One light jacket to layer in cooler weather during the spring and fall:
Denim Jacket, Leather Jacket or Trench Coat
SHOES
High Top Converse Sneakers
Fur Slides
Strappy high heels (or other dress shoes)
ACCESSORIES
Two pairs of sunglasses
Fanny Pack
Chanel Bag
JEWELRY
Vintage gold hoops
Statement earrings
Multiple necklaces to wear alone or stack together
Travel Essentials + General Tips
One of the best bags for travel is Away’s The Carry-On Flex suitcase. Carry-on sized for the way to your destination with room to expand for your way home when you inevitably have more than you arrived with!
Bring an Iphone with a great camera
Don’t forget your chargers and European adapters
It’s always a good idea to check your credit cards to make sure they don’t have any foreign transaction fees
If you are going anywhere with strict dress codes, pack a chic, black suit so you can style the pants and blazers with different pieces later
City Guides:
Paris, one of Europe’s most iconic cities, is not only known for it’s rich history, breathtaking architecture, and vibrant culture but also for it’s shopping and world-class restaurants. Exploring the city goes hand-in-hand with discovering charming cafes, vibrant bars, and fashion-forward shops you won’t find at home. Katie spent her time there dining and shopping at some of the most coveted hot-spots and shared them all with us. Some are new discoveries and some are long-time favorites that never get old. Here are her recommendations:
RESTAURANTS
L’Avenue: One of my favorite restaurants since the first time I visited Paris. In the summer months, sit outside as the people watching is unparalleled. During colder months, the atmosphere inside is intimate and cozy. Champagne + pommes frites are a must! Address: 41 Av. Montaigne
Septime: Somehow, this place is even better than the hype that surrounds it. One of the most incredible meals of my life — impossibly chic & minimalist in it’s approach to both the food and the space….yet somehow relaxed and welcoming. Address: 80 Rue de Charonne
Tekés: If I could eat here every night, I would. Modern, insanely delicious Israeli food in a warm, inviting space. Our meal was unforgettable in every way — particularly the salted chocolate mousse. Address: 4 bis Rue St-Sauveur
Frenchie Bar à Vins: Years ago, I went to this restaurant’s more formal Michelin-starred big sister restaurant Frenchie. But this go around, I found myself here because it was recommended by EVERYONE who heard I was in Paris. Situated in a charming alley, it perfectly balances being both unassuming AND unforgettable. If you’re looking to drink great wine and like every. single. thing. that. you. eat….this is the spot. Address: 5 Rue du Nil
Café de la Paix: SUPER over-the-top, completely opulent, and perfectly French. Think caviar service, French onion soup….you get the idea. I was lucky enough on this trip to be traveling with a friend whose mother Jane was with us. Jane studied at the Sorbonne in the 1960s and when her parents came to visit, this is the place she would ask to go. It was incredibly special to experience it with her so many years later. Address: 5 Place de l’Opéra
Big Love: Needing a break from French food, we stumbled on this cozy gem nestled in the Marais right around the corner from our AirBNB — made even cozier by the open kitchen. When you go, make sure you get the Spaghettone allo Scarpariello and the Roasted Leeks. I am still dreaming about both. Address: 30 Rue Debelleyme
BARS
Le Bar at The George V: Library bar in the Four Seasons. If you’re looking for the best martini in Paris, this is where you want to be. Address: 31 Avenue George V
Bar Nouveau: This insanely charming, micro-mini bar is one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. Recently opened by four industry veterans known as innovators in the Paris cocktail scene, the space and cocktail list effortlessly mashes-up old world sophistication with modern craft cocktails. And the drinks are to die for…I couldn’t pick a favorite if I tried. Addrerss: 5 Rue des Haudriettes
Little Red Door: One of the first things we came across on our first walk through our neighborhood was a bar with a bright red door….and realized immediately that we were staying on the same block as a true destination cocktail spot. We went back later that evening and I’m happy to say it lives up to the hype. While they can make you a delicious version of any classic cocktail you love, their menu is all about seasonal produce. They encourage you to pick the flavor you want to taste, and not to look at the spirits or other ingredients in the drink. We went with it. I had the Olive, my friends had the Holy Basil and the Citrus — they were all delicious and incredibly unique. If you get the chance, go here. Address: 60 Rue Charlot
Experimental Cocktail Club: Hidden behind an unassuming entrance, this speakeasy-style bar is all about classic cocktails with hyper-modern twists. The space is dark and chic, the cocktail list is super creative, the drinks are outstanding, and the bartenders will indulge you if you ask for a modern version of an old fashioned (which I may have done….and highly recommend, but only after you’ve tried one of their signature drinks). Address: 37 Rue St-Sauveur
SHOPS
Merci : Merci is always changing and it’s a great place to visit to get a glimpse of what is of-the-moment culturally. They carry women’s and men’s clothing and home goods and also have a restaurant, book store, and cafe. Plus an ever-rotating art installation. Address: 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais
Le Bon Marché: The premier shopping destination in Paris. It’s a department store filled with only the best pieces from the best brands. It’s truly heaven for a fashion-lover. Address: 24 Rue de Sèvres
Fleux: This store is filled with eclectic and whimsical furniture, home goods, clothing, accessories and more. Located in the Marais, the store is a place of discovery and inspiration. Address: 52 Rue Ste-Croix de la Bretonnerie
Mad et Len: They call themselves a meditation on Scent, Material and Ritual. This is a beautiful boutique with candles and fragrances that are super chic and luxurious. Address: 27 Galeries Vivienne
Astier du Vilatte: This shop is filled with all sorts of home goods, but I go for the never ending white ceramics where each piece is more beautiful than the last! Address: 173 Rue Saint-Honoré
