KATIE KENNEDY

Dress (also) || Wedges || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet

Tennessee Williams, writer of Streetcar Named Desire, once said that “America only has three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans.” I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know two of these cities pretty well, but have yet to visit the City by the Bay. I always think about this quote whenever I visit New Orleans and how true those words are. Just like any great city, NOLA has a lot of quirks and a set of tips that can help you have the best time possible. Here are a few that I’ve picked up along the way on my many visits.

• Come hungry and without a diet. If you are coming to New Orleans, let yourself eat! Local cuisine is rich, flavorful, and can be very carb heavy. Sticking to the same kind of diet you would have at home could be the biggest regret of your life! Cut loose and stuff yourself with all the jambalaya, gumbo, and po-boys your body can muster. Everyone has their own specific favorites and I will share mine on Friday’s blog post. Be sure to check back then!
• Make some reservations. New Orleans has its fair share of culinary institutions and each is more delicious than the last. Some of them, like Willie Mae’s Scotch House, require a line around the corner to munch on their world-class fried chicken. Others, like Brennan’s, require a reservation weeks in advance thanks to their several accolades. You will find great food on both ends of the spectrum, just be sure to plan ahead!
• Grab your favorite drink to go. This may be one of my favorite little features of the city and I wish more would follow suit. Instead of feeling the need to chug your drink and hop along to the next spot, bringing an alcoholic beverage for the road is perfectly legal in the city. Some bars, like the Hermes Bar, have cups that make great little souvenirs. How many can you collect? It should be noted though, to-go cups are not carte blanche for acting like a drunken fool. Enjoy responsibly.

• Please stay hydrated. Since I’m on the subject of drinking, don’t forget to actually drink water! The sun, the heat, and the humidity can all be very intense, especially in the summer. The rule of thumb I always try to follow is to have one full glass of water between each cocktail. It’s okay, the city won’t run dry of Hurricanes from Pat O’Briens in the meantime. I’ve seen way too many people crash too hard, too soon all because they forgot to stay hydrated.
• Have your fun in the French Quarter. I know there are a lot of travelers out there who want to stay away from what’s touristy and visit what they think is more ‘authentic’. I have to admit, I’m one of those people. That being said, if it’s your first time in the city, let yourself enjoy the French Quarter and even Bourbon Street. It’s fun! At the end of the day, that’s what this city, and vacation in general, are all about.
• Don’t forget to visit the rest of the city. This city just has so much to offer. Hop on the streetcar and see where the day takes you. The Central Business District is home to the best rooftop bars and is the place to watch the Saints play. Meanwhile, the Garden District has enviously gorgeous mansions and fabulous shopping along Magazine Street. Marigny-Bywater is where you will find the music and the colorful shotgun houses that both make this city so unique.

• Find some live music. It’s not one-size-fits-all when it comes to music. So many types call this city home. The most obvious of which, Jazz, even has multiple variations. Music is everything to this city, it seems to follow you everywhere. And yes, sometimes it actually does with the Second Line. To give yourself a musical night you will never forget, Frenchman Street is a great place to start. From there, many shows spread by word of mouth.
• Use common sense, especially at night. This is probably one of my tips for every city that I visit. Unfortunately, especially when drinking is involved, people look to find easy targets for scams or theft. Stick to the main routes, stay in a group, and if you’re not sure of your surroundings, always hail an Uber. Of the dozens of times I’ve visited, I’ve never once felt unsafe and that’s because I don’t let myself go to far and I’m aware of my surroundings. In short, just don’t be naive and use your head.
• Be yourself! Everyone has their place in this city! I don’t know if there’s a more welcoming group of people out there than those who call this city home. Don’t feel the need to put on airs because you will be welcomed no matter what. Stay respectful, stay curious, stay open-minded and this city will accept you.

When I made my first visit, years ago, I honestly had no idea how much of a hold it would have on me. It could be the music, the food, the architecture, the people, or a combination of all. The culture of this city will bring you back for more. If you have any questions about my trips, be sure to reach you and I will help out in anyway I can.

Love from NYC,
Katie

Blouse || Jeans || Wedges || Tote Bag || Statement Earrings || Bracelet || Watch

Earlier in the week, I shared my perfect packing guide for attending New Orlean’s annual Jazz Fest, seen here. It only makes sense that I include what to pack for the rest of your stay in the city too. NOLA is a historic city that is dripping with charm, but because of its Southern humidity and ancient streets, it’s important to remember to pack with a purpose. Especially in the French Quarter, where infamous Bourbon Street calls so many party-goers each and every year, bringing your nicest designer duds isn’t going to be your best idea either.

The first thing you should pack are your shoes. Honestly, you’re going to want to bring shoes that you can opt to toss at the end of your trip. Walking on the dusty streets of the Quarter will wreck your shoes alone, and don’t even think about what you’re stepping in! Play it safe with a simple pair of flat sandals, like these from Sam Edelman, or a worn-in pair of sneakers, like neutral colored Vans. If you want a dressier shoe for a night out, do yourself a favor and make them wedges. Nothing would be harder than trying to trot around in a pair of sky high stilettos. These raffia wedges from Sam Edelman did just the trick for me on my visit! They give you some height, but are still flat and surprisingly easy to walk in.

Okay, now that you have your footwear, I think it’s safe to start putting together some outfits. A true New Orleans Packing Guide all depends on when you’re heading out on your trip. Like so many Southern cities, the weather can vary wildly between summer and winter. Most of my trips to the Crescent City have been during the spring and summer, but I’ve also had two rainy, cold visits during New Years and Mardi Gras. This post, obviously, is for travelers in the warmer months.

During the summer, light materials like eyelet, linen, or chambray are your friend! They will keep you as cool as you can, but won’t look too wilted during the heat of the day. Dresses help even more by creating a little draft effect, if you know what I mean. In all seriousness though, sometimes this city gets so hot, you can see the steam rising right off the street, especially after the frequent afternoon showers. This eyelet little number, from J. Crew, or chambray pick, from the Gal Meets Glam Collection, would both make for good options.

Keep your accessories functional and discreet. New Orleans, like any major city, isn’t a place where you want to be seen as a target. For your trip, leave the clutch at home and grab a tote bag or crossbody. I bought this straw crossbody from H&M specifically for my trip and it worked like a charm to keep all of my necessities close by and safe. A sunhat, like my go-to choice from Brixton, will keep your head cool and doubles as a nifty little fan if the heat gets particularly stifling.

Bring whatever pair of sunglasses you wish, but be sure to buy a pair from a local New Orleans company as a souvenir too. I bought my pair of Krewe sunglasses several years ago when they first debuted on the scene. Since then, I’ve worn them countless times, brought them on every trip, and received compliments each step of the way. With this brand of sunglasses, you’re paying for quality, but also their lifetime warranty, just in case! I think I, with the help of my St. Louis Classic sunglasses, have become their biggest, unofficial spokesperson.

My all white outfit in front of the breath-taking St. Louis Cathedral not only kept me cool, but disguised quite a mess as I munched on beignets from Cafe du Monde. This eyelet blouse from J. Crew Factory is as cute as a button and will be a repeat through out the season.

For a complete breakdown to New Orleans packing, including an eye-catching swim suit for lounging at one of the city’s many rooftop pools, be sure to visit my packing guide below. If you have any questions, feel free to comment or pass long along an e-mail. What are you packing for your next trip?

Love from NYC,
Katie

1: Eyelet Dress || 2: Sunhat || 3: Flat Sandals || 4: Straw Crossbody || 5: Summery Scarf || 6: Linen Tank Top || 7: Comfy Shorts || 8: Favorite Sneakers || 9: Local Sunglasses || 10: Light-Weight Statement Earrings || 11: Espadrille Wedges || 12: Flattering One-Piece Swimsuit || 13: Chambray Dress