OH my goodness I don't have words to describe my love for Europe. I love the history, culture, people, architecture, food, and fashion of London, Paris, Florence, and Rome. I always thought I was a beach girl until I traveled to the most beautiful big cities. Traveling to Europe helped me realize wherever the future takes me I know I want it to be in a big city.
My priorities when traveling are dressing stylish, shopping, taking photos, eating in yummy cafes, enjoying friends, and trying NEW things. I'm all about being adventurous and enjoy being out of my comfort zone. Here are my tips on how to pack, be stylish, where to shop, where to eat, and how to travel Europe like a pro.
1. Make an Overarching Goal
My number one goal of the trip was to be Kate Middleton. I have no shame. I dressed like her, shopped like her, ate like her, curled my hair like her, and did my makeup like her. I even had a ring that looked like her Princess Dianna engagement ring. Of course I stayed true to myself, but I channeled my inner Kate Middleton while doing it.
It's fun to have an overarching goal you can always fall back on. Whether it be eat a different crepe flavor everyday, taking a handstand picture in front of every famous monument, or document everyday with a polaroid picture, making a fun goal to keep up with is good for the soul and makes for the best memories.
me channeling Kate Middleton in my pink coat
so I took this picture being artsy and get this....
KATE MIDDLETON TOOK THE SAME PIC TWO DAYS AFTER ME!!!! I think it's safe to say I accomplished my goal of being Kate Middleton.
2. Pack in Color Schemes
You want to pack light when going to Europe so you can buy more clothes (and it's just good to travel light lol). My color scheme was neutrals and light pink. I brought black jeans, regular jeans, two pairs of black leggings, a long black Audrey Hepburn dress (for the Vatican), a grey sweater, a soft white button down, black Sperry rain boots, grey new balances, and a pink coat. Every bottom went with every top and the pink coat was my pop of color along with my pink lips. I also had theses really fun sunglasses that I totally dig and I felt like a European fashionista in them.
my color scheme
and my Vatican outfit
3. Bring a Small Nice Camera (but not too nice)
I like to take pictures on my phone but I don't want to risk running out of storage. Now I have the iphone X and I don't have to worry, but when I went to Europe I had the iPhone 6 and the quality of pictures wasn't that good and I would always run out of storage. I brought a small Canon (link here) that took wonderful pictures and was easy to carry. I thought about bringing my nice camera but I was worried it would get stolen or hard to carry. I was beyond pleased with the small Canon. It's totally user friendly and perfect for amateurs.
it took quality pictures!!!!
4. Comfort is Found in Shoes
Comfort is the key to happiness when traveling Europe. We would walk anywhere from seven to ten miles a day. Big cities in Europe are walking cities. Yes you take the underground to get from A to B, but within A there is so much to do and so much to see and so much walking. Also, use Uber as a last resort. The underground is tricky at first, but once you understand the colors and connections you'll be riding it like a local. Also ask locals for help!! It may seem scary at first, but as long as you are polite and don't act like an entitled American they will love to help. Back to shoes: don't wear riding boots, any sort of wedge, slide ons, or anything that doesn't have support. Make sure the shoes you where to Europe are well broken in. If they aren't and you buy them last minute, BAKE YOUR SHOES. I do this when I get new cheer shoes and I did this with my New Balances for Europe. I put the shoes in the oven on a low temperature and let them sit in there for like 5-10 min. Then I take them out and massage them to wear them in. It works every time.
here are the New Balances I baked. See they turned out fine!!
5. Where to Shop
London
Harrod's
For more than 160 years, Harrods has been a luxury shopping destination for exclusive collections and excellent service. With seven floors and 330 departments dedicated to the finest products in food, fashion, homeware and technology, Harrods has something for everyone. The new luxury womenswear department, Superbrands, has 17 boutiques dedicated to top international brands, including Valentino, Prada and Dior, while Salon du Parfums houses the finest fragrances exclusive to Harrods. Also, Harrod's is where all the celebrities go to shop!!! (Gigi Hadid and Zayn were there while we were but we couldn't find them :/ ).
look up what celebs are there that day!! there usually is someone famous there!!
Oxford Street
It is the home to the iconic Selfridges. Oxford also has famous department stores such as John Lewis and Debenhams scattered among every well-known high street chain imaginable. There is great bargain fashion at Primark’s massive flagship store and the most beautiful Topshop in Oxford Circus. There are side streets, such as St Christopher's Place and Berwick Street, with super yummy restaurants and cafes.
Regent Street and Jermyn Street
An impressively elegant shopping street, Regent Street offers a good range of mid-priced fashion stores alongside some of the city's oldest and most famous shops, including Hamleys, Liberty and The Apple Store.
Covent Garden
Whether you want hip fashion, unique gifts, rare sweets or one-off handmade jewellery, Covent Garden is a great place to explore. Stock up on the latest urban streetwear, cosmetics and shoes on Neal Street, check out imaginative arts and crafts at Covent Garden Market or just window shop around the stores. Don't miss Floral Street, Monmouth Street, St Martin's Courtyard, Shorts Gardens, Seven Dials and picture-pretty Neal's Yard for a true taste of London's most distinctive shopping area.
Paris
Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées
My favorite shopping in the world!!!!! It is right by the arc de triruph and it is best for designer shopping, trendy chain stores, and Sunday shopping. Avenue Montaigne is fast outstripping Saint Honoré in the arena of chic-cachet, with legendary designers like Chanel and Dior lining the street with flagship boutiques. The Champs-Elysées, for its part, features luxury names (Louis Vuitton) while also being a major spot for shopping in trendy global chains like Zara. There is also a wonderful Disney store and a Laudree (famous macaroon cafe).
Printemps
Printemps offers well-known brands, exclusive luxury items, same-day tax refunds on large purchases, dynamic currency conversion, and an amazing view of Paris from its ninth floor terrace.With an astonishing total area of 45,000 sqm dedicated to shopping, tailor-made services and its restaurants. Printemps is dedicated to elegance, fashion, and glamor through a selection of the most beautiful French and international brands. Printemps is undoubtedly the landmark shopping destination for high-end consumers. Be sure to go to the rooftop cafe at sunset to take pics over looking the Eiffel Tower!!
the view is unreal
Florence
Luisa Via Roma
Located in the shadow of the city's Duomo, the three-floor, four-decade-old flagship is so extremely bright and shiny. From the store's infamously eye-popping window displays to the Delfina Delettrez-filled jewelry cases to the shoe corner stocked with vertiginous Jimmy Choos, there's plenty to desire. And, with 80% of the store's stock devoted to Italian designers — big names and up-and-comers alike — there's also plenty to discover.
Gucci Museo & Icon Store
When Guccio Gucci opened a small leather goods store in his hometown of Florence back in 1921, he could never have known that nine decades later his namesake label would be the bestselling Italian brand ever. You must see the 1979 Cadillac whose interior is upholstered in the iconic GG red and green. Along with a cafe, a Rizzoli bookstore, and a gift shop, the museum is also home to the Icon Store: a glossy boutique dedicated to limited-edition jewelry, scarves, bags, and accessories exclusive to this locale. For all you fashion lovers this is a must to check off your bucket list!!!
La Rinascente
La Rinascente is Italy's answer to the grand old department stores of London and Paris. And, just like those revered retail institutions — Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Printemps, Galeries Lafayette — La Rinascente offers pretty much everything a fashion fiend could want. Swing by the contemporary floor to browse the latest from cool-kid labels like MSGM, Otswald Helgason, and Markus Lupfer, then head to the designer level for a drool-worthy selection of Jil Sander, Mary Katrantzou, and Kenzo. If the six floors of shopping adventure (besides ready-to-wear, accessories, and beauty, the store also has sections dedicated to men's, children's, home, and specialty foods) don't leave you too exhausted, be sure to head to the building's rooftop restaurant. Its view of the Duomo at sunset is worth the trip alone.
Rome
Via del Corso
Via del Corso, one of the city’s longest streets, is located right in the historic centre of Rome. Comparable to London’s Oxford Circus, the bustling thoroughfare is lined with a wealth of high-street stores and designer boutiques, including leading international brands such as Zara, H&M, Massimo Dutti and Pinko. Via del Corso is also home to an array of international shoe boutiques offering everything from classic Italian leather footwear to the latest in sportswear chic. Those looking to invest in Italian leather should make a beeline for Gazelle, one of Rome’s most trusted leather goods brands. Part of the street is pedestrianised for an even easier shopping experience, making Via del Corso well worth seeking out.
Via dei Condotti
Head over to Via dei Condotti for some of Italy’s most prestigious fashion brands. Home to exclusive international and Italian fashion houses such as Gucci, Dior, Bulgari and Dolce & Gabbana, the street is one of Rome’s premier shopping destinations. Those looking to invest in Italian design will be spoilt for choice and the new season collections are sure to tempt discerning fashion lovers. Located close to the Spanish Steps landmark, Via dei Condotti attracts an elite fashion crowd looking for luxury gifts while its striking classic architecture also makes it the perfect place to window shop.
6. Where to Dine
London
avocado toast
peggy porschen cakes
every girly girl need to put this destination on her bucket list!!!!!
sketch
add sketch on your bucket list too while your at it.
prêt a manager
prêt a manager was my go to!!!! if I was ever hungry and just wanted some comfort food I would get a salad, sandwich, or soup here. Do delicious and so easy. They have these in London, Paris, Chicago, Dallas, San Fran, and New York!!
farm girl
farm girl is so INSTAGRAM ready!!!
Paris
Laudree
Laduree is a MUST!!!!
They have them in about every European big city, but for sure go to the Paris ones!! They have dine in restaurants that are delicious.
Caratte
Cafe Berry
There you have it. How to travel Europe in STYLE!!!! I hope this was helpful. Traveling to Europe helped me realize wherever the future takes me I know I want it to be in a big city.
My priorities when traveling are dressing stylish, shopping, taking photos, eating in yummy cafes, enjoying friends, and trying NEW things. I'm all about being adventurous and enjoy being out of my comfort zone.
I challenge you to go out of your comfort zone, try new things, take so many pictures, and look chic while doing it. The only pictures you'll regret are the ones you don't take!!! And Europe IS THE PLACE to be bold in your fashion because you can get away with wearing the craziest pieces and no one will judge you!!!
Be bold. Be proud. Be YOU.
xoxo & au revoir,
em
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