Katie Sturino’s Mini Guide to Puglia (with a Packing List)
Megababe founder, Body Talk author, and Instagram star Katie Sturino had honeymooned in the sunny, breathtakingly beautiful Puglia region of southern Italy—and this summer, she went back. “I had to!” she says. “What I love about Puglia is that it’s not a place that caters to tourists as much as the rest of Italy does, so it has more of a small-town, local feel to it. I love immersing myself in the community and blending in with the locals.”
Sturino found herself walking—a lot. “My favorite walking town is Ostuni, known as the White City for all its whitewashed buildings,” she says. There was also a significant amount of swimming: “The beaches are so beautiful—my favorite is Lido Bora Bora. The water is absolutely crystal clear.”
She packed essentials for sunny days—sunscreens, her famous Thigh Rescue, Birkenstocks, and sundresses—and she stocked up on great stuff in the shops, too. “It’s just the best place for a vacation,” she says. “You can’t go wrong.”
The 5 Top Beauty Essentials
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1.
“I’m obsessed with the coconut, lime, and bilberry scent of Smoothie, and the fruit essential oils fight odor and nourish my skin. A Smoothie a day helps keep the BO away! ”
Megababe The Smoothie Deo goop, $14SHOP NOW -
2.
“This moisturizer helps balance my skin tone and keeps my skin hydrated—both are so key when you’re traveling.”
goop Beauty GOOPGLOW Glow Lotion goop, $58/$52 with subscriptionSHOP NOW -
3.
“I tend to break out, and this rich oil helps nourish my skin while keeping breakouts in the clear.”
Tata Harper Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil goop, $150SHOP NOW -
4.
“If you’re walking, especially if it’s hot outside, you need Thigh Rescue.”
Megababe Thigh Rescue goop, $14SHOP NOW -
5.
“The sun is intense in Puglia. I’m obsessed with this tinted moisturizer—there’s a nice tint to it along with the SPF protection. It’s perfect on the go and great every day.”
Saie Sunvisor goop, $34SHOP NOW
Bonus Post-Trip Beauty Tip
“My hair was dry as hell post-vacay, and I tried the new hair serum the minute I got back. I noticed immediate improvement—she was thirsty!”
Where to Stay
“I’ve stayed at Borgo Egnazia before, and it’s a great hotel. It’s good for families, a little more on the tourist trail, but a fantastic experience. This time, I stayed at an Airbnb. I love the feeling—staying in an Airbnb always helps me immerse myself in the local spots and pushes me to try new things.”
Where to Eat
“Every morning I started my day with a coffee and a delicious pastry from Emalu Pasticceria. I love how in Europe you’re encouraged to sit and enjoy your breakfast. I’m trying to bring this slow-morning tradition back to the States! Our favorite local restaurants for dinner: Il Cortiletto and Locanda di Nonna Mena.”
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Roman and Williams Guild Kaneko Kohyo Rinka Mug goop, $50SHOP NOW -
goop Fair Trade Specialty Coffee goop, $28SHOP NOW -
goop x Social Studies Salad Plate goop, $34SHOP NOW
What She Wore
“Comfort is key—I cannot say that enough. Birkenstocks are my favorite when I’m on foot all day. I love throwing on a casual sundress to go with them, adding a hat, and exploring the city.”
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Lack of Color Palma Wide Boater goop, $129SHOP NOW -
Natalie Martin Melanie Dress goop, $348SHOP NOW -
Birkenstock Arizona goop, $125SHOP NOW
“Layering a few necklaces is my favorite way to finish the look—the more the merrier.”
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Ariel Gordon ID Arc Necklace goop, $1,825SHOP NOW -
Laura Lombardi Omega Chain goop, $98SHOP NOW -
Sophie Buhai Long Classic Delicate Chain goop, $525SHOP NOW
What She Shopped for on Her Way Home
“I can’t resist picking up a new La DoubleJ piece when I’m in Italy, and this time, I was lucky enough to meet with [founder] JJ herself at the brand’s new store in Milan on my way back from Puglia. If you can, go—I highly recommend it for both sartorial and spiritual inspo.”
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La DoubleJ x Ladurée Teapot goop, $275SHOP NOW -
La DoubleJ Dessert Plates, Set of 6 goop, $350SHOP NOW -
La DoubleJ x Ladurée Apron goop, $95SHOP NOW -
La DoubleJ Terry Poncho Placée goop, $635SHOP NOW -
La DoubleJ Sardegna Skirt goop, $760SHOP NOW
Best Read, Beach or Otherwise
Body Talk is hilarious and adorable—and it changed our perspective on the way our culture looks at weight. No matter what your weight, this is a must-read that happens to be wildly entertaining and fun.
