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Outfit: Plaid on Plaid

By: Unknown on 12:47 AM / comment : 0 fall, featured, pattern play, plaid, plaid scarf, style

beanie (old, love this one) // sunnies // scarf // coat // plaid popover (a long-time favorite and recently re-released!) // jeans (old, similar) // boots (similar) // bag // gloves

I love mixing all patterns in unexpected ways, but I really love mixing plaids, especially this time of year. There is just something about chilly weather and the holidays that suits plaids perfectly. Our last day in Paris was particularly rainy and chilly, so I bundled up in my favorite plaid popover (which has recently been released, yay!) and my oh-so-warm plaid blanket scarf. Love or hate the blanket scarf trend, you have to admit they are amazing in cold weather!

The key to successfully mixing plaids is to following one of these methods:
1) Mix two plaids that have a similar color palette, but are inverted (i.e. one with a light-color base and one with a dark-color base).
2) Mix plaids that have complimentary colors (like red and green for the holidays!).
3) Mix plaids that have similar colors, but are different in size.


Mixing plaids (and prints for that matter) is definitely a bold look. But what's not to love? And there are so many great plaid pieces available at the moment. This skirt and this popover are definitely on my Christmas wish list!

Shop all of my favorite plaid pieces below!

Outfit: Fall in Paris

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 fall, featured, outfit, paris, style

Rain can certainly dampen your travel plans, but at the end of the day, a rainy day in Paris is still better than a sunny day anywhere else! Our first two days in Paris the city had an air of sadness and the gloomy sky and constant drizzle seemed to reflect the somber mood of the city. Despite the horrible terrorist attacks the week before, however, Parisians seemed to be carrying on. I was surprised at how many people I saw out and about Thursday evening strolling the streets and drinking and eating at outdoor cafes.

Brittany and I spent our first morning in the city in my favorite square and garden - the Palais Royal. We grabbed a coffee from Kitsune (so good!) and braved the drizzle to snap some pics in the garden and under the beautiful architecture. We then headed across the river for lunch at one of my favorite little Brasseries, Au Petit Suisse (near the Luxembourg gardens). After lunch we refueled with some Starbucks and met up for our French Revolution walking tour with Paris-Walks. Yes, we are huge history nerds and the tour was so interesting. Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité!

Despite the rain, it was the fantastic fall day in Paris, and I thought this dress was perfect for the occasion. The warm colors remind me of fall and the material is a scuba-type fabric, which is perfect for travel. And of course I wore my favorite travel shoes, my plastic Melissa flats.

Outfit: Sunday Funday

By: Unknown on 11:12 PM / comment : 0 fall, featured, outfit, pink + red, plaid, pussy bow

Outfit: Black and White Pattern Play

By: Unknown on 11:48 PM / comment : 0 black, fall, featured, knee socks, outfit, pattern play, plaid

sweater (old, similar) // coat (this year’s version) // blouse (old, love this) // skirt (on sale and last seen here) // knee socks // bag // shoes // sunnies // lip (heat wave)


This outfit combines two things I love - mixing prints and mini skirts with knee socks! The temperatures in Florence have been perfect for dressing, chilly enough to play around with layers but not cold enough that function has to trump fashion.

I purchased this simple black coat last winter when I arrived in Florence. It has been the best purchase I’ve made here (and my 50/50 boots). I typically go for a statement coat, something in a bold color or pattern. But this coat makes a statement with its simple and clean lines and perfect fit. Of course, if I am going to wear, a simple coat I have to mix it up a bit with some monochromatic pattern play. I just can’t help myself!

A Colorful Tour of Notting Hill

By: Unknown on 9:50 PM / comment : 0 fall, featured, google map, London, my travels, Notting Hill, outfit, Travel Tips, walking tour

coat // sweater // scarf (similar) // jeans // boots (purchased in Florence, similar here and here) // bag // sunnies (on sale!) // hat


After a long day of sightseeing in the historic center of London Saturday, Mike and I opted for a more relaxed stroll through one of London’s most beautiful neighborhoods, Notting Hill, on Sunday. With so many amazing things to do in London, I had never made it out to this part of town, but it has always been on my must-see list. It was so nice to finally have the time to explore this colorful neighborhood.

You can easily spend an entire day strolling through Notting Hill's peaceful residential streets, sipping cappuccinos in cute cafes, reading in one of the many gardens, antiquing on Portobello road, and indulging in some fine dining.

I am sure you have seen lots of pictures of the adorable and colorful houses of Notting Hill online. And it truly does not disappoint in person. Since the neighborhood is quite large, I tried to do some research online before I left. I was frustrated, however, to find lots of pictures of the pink, blue, and candy-colored houses I was hoping to see, but no one revealed where to actually find these colorful gems. I tried to do some Google street-view detective work, and I did end up locating some of the houses I had seen online, but I felt like I couldn't find a good guide or walking tour... So I made one!

Thanks to my new obsession with creating custom Google maps, I mapped out a delightful walking tour of Notting Hill that highlights, what are in my opinion, the cutest and most colorful streets (that I could find), in addition to my favorite (or highly recommended) cafes, restaurants, and gardens. You can view and download the map here. And don’t worry, I made sure that the location of every colorful photo pictured in this post was marked on the map. Enjoy!

Outfit: Sweater Weather

By: Unknown on 10:15 PM / comment : 0 fall, featured, floral, outfit, pink

I don’t know about you, but I am pretty much in denial that it is already November! If it wasn’t so chilly outside, I would not believe it.

It has definitely transitioned into sweater weather here in Florence. But at least, except for a couple days here and there, the sun has been shining, and we’ve been enjoying crisp, cool fall days.

I wore my favorite pink sweater over my currently-on-repeat floral dress last weekend for a day of exploring the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens. I also recently picked up this adorable Furla mini bag in the perfect pink shade for winter and fall - they call it winter rose. I have a serious weakness for mini pink bags! Wearing dresses as skirts is one of my favorite ways to double your wardrobe and keep warm during the fall and winter.

Have a great Monday!