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Floral Lace

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, florence, lace, outfit, style, summer

While the Boboli Gardens are by far the most famous gardens in Florence (in fact, they inspired Versailles), I actually prefer the Bardini Gardens. But the good news is when you purchase a ticket to the Bardini Gardens, it also gets you into the Boboli Gardens. So you can see both and decide which you prefer. And don't miss the newly reopened Belvedere Fort (where Kim and Kayne actually wed) in between the two.

The first Sunday of every month is free state museum day in Florence. So I took the opportunity to spend a sleepy Sunday morning exploring the grounds of the Bardini and marveling in its amazing view of Florence.

I wore this gorgeous black and lace dress for the occasion. I love this dress because while it looks super chic, it is also comfortable and easy to wear. I decided to dress is down for the garden with my favorite straw hat, black jelly sandals (it has been so rainy in Florence, I have been living in these), and my new Dolce and Gabbana sunnies.

These sunglasses are a bit out of my comfort zone, which is exactly why I like them. I tend to go for the same plastic/tortoiseshell silhouette when it comes to sunnies, so I was looking to mix my look up a bit. The round frames are just retro enough while still chic and modern. I especially love them with my faux bangs! Sadly, I don't think these frames have been (or will be) released in the states. I can't find any US based websites offering this style, but I did link an Italian site. I love buying unique designer sunglasses while in Italy. It is one of my favorite splurges while I am abroad.

Happy Monday!

La Dolce Vita in Positano

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, Italy, my travels, outfit, Positano, style

The little cliff-side town of Positano really is "la dolce vita," (a.k.a. the sweet life). Positano is definitely one of my favorite places in the world, and even though I have visited every summer for the past 6 years, it never ceases to impress with its beauty and charm.

Positano is my happy place. It has everything I love -- stunning views, delicious food, picturesque streets to explore, and tons of local Italian charm (also gorgeous custom sandal shopping).

I purchased this amazing Trina Turk coverup before I left for Italy. I love a great coverup that doubles as a dress for a day of seaside relaxing. It means that you can easily transition from beach to lunching to strolling (I have noticed over the years that Italians, unlike Floridians don't really walk around in swimwear when not on the beach). The dress/coverup is a lightweight swimsuit spandex so it's super comfortable and functional. In my opinion, Trina Turk makes the best coverups.

The hat, however, is probably my favorite part of this look. Olivia, from Hats by Olivia, created it especially for me. It was perfect for the Amalfi Coast and so many locals complimented me on it.

You can read more of my posts on Positano here:
10 Things to do in Positano 
Last Summer's Positano Beach Look
My Favorite Hotel in Positano

For the Love of Lemons

By: Unknown on 1:14 AM / comment : 0 Amalfi, featured, Italy, my travels, outfit, style, Suite, summer, travel style

This is quite possibly my all-time favorite Suite dress. Jen did such an incredible job and I am so in love with it. I have always dreamed of wearing a Dolce and Gabbana lemon print dress while strolling through Capri. It seems like every summer DG releases the cutest lemon-themed or Italy-themed line. This summer was no different. So I decided to take matters into my own hands. I created a lemon print of my very own, printed the fabric with Spoonflower before I left the states, and took it to Florence with me so Jen could do her magic.

Jen asked if I wanted a particular silhouette, but I trust her completely and told her she could do whatever she wanted. The end was result was this perfect, and super flattering, fluted ruffle skirt. Naturally, I wore my amazing new creation for our day in Capri (you can learn more about Capri here).

Do you love this lemon-print dress as much as I do?

I have linked more of my favorite Suite designs below!

Burnt Siena

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, Italy, outfit, style, travel style

Have I mentioned that I love this skirt? It has basically been on repeat since I bought it in Paris (recently seen here). The coordinating top, however, I actually stumbled on in Florence (it's the same brand -- Sandro). I was planning on just wearing the skirt with a simple black sweater or shirt, but when I saw this adorable crocheted coordinating top, I couldn't resist. Especially since I knew we were heading to Siena later in the week. I mean, is this not the perfect outfit for Siena (you can read more about Siena here)?

Today we are off to explore more Tuscan towns, be sure to follow along on Snapcaht (HinHH)!

Florentine Leather

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, florence, outfit, Spring, style

There is nothing quite like a soft and supple leather jacket. It makes you look instantly cooler and it looks great when paired with soft, famine silhouettes. Leather is definitely something worth splurging on here in Italy, but you need to make sure you understand the leather business in Florence and how to spot value and quality over a heavy and flattering sales pitch (which you can read more about here).

When I arrived in Florence there was still a bit a chill in the air, nothing like freezing Paris, but definitely perfect leather jacket weather. I purchased this skirt in Paris at one of my favorite Parisian stores, Sandro (which is substantially cheaper over here btw). I loved the contrasting colors and the shape. The Parisian sales lady was hilarious, she went on and on about how French women didn't have the backside to pull off this skirt. I was already sold on the skirt, but her flattery definitely removed any doubt I had about purchasing (I'm sure she uses this technique on everyone lol).

I played off the contrasting white and black pattern of the skirt with the black leather jacket and white accessories. You will be seeing these white Celine sunnies a lot this summer. I am sorry, but not that sorry because they are amazing! These Via Spiga mules are another recent purchase and surprisingly comfy, so  I decided to pack them as my one fancy pair of shoes for the summer. The thicker heel means I can actually navigate cobblestone in them.

While it is not a holiday here in Italy today, I am in the Amalfi Coast with students this week! Follow along on Snapchat (HinHH) if you want to see more.

Happy Memorial Day!

Wine Tasting in Tuscany, San VIto

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, Italy, my travels, outfit, study abroad, style, Tuscany

To really see, experience, and taste Tuscany you can't just visit Florence or Siena, you must venture into the countryside. There is nothing quite like the charming countryside of Tuscany. And one of the best ways to experience this charm is to visit or stay in an "agriturismo."

Agriturismi dot the countryside surrounding Siena and Florence. They are typically small agricultural farms that grow grapes, olives, and/or other agricultural products. Most of these estates produce limited runs of their own wine and olive oil, which you can taste or purchase. Some are small B&Bs while others are larger luxurious estates with amazing amenities for a relaxing weekend away.

You can't go wrong with any agriturismo in Tuscany. All are small operations that focus on producing quality local and traditional foodstuffs, and since they are farm-to-table (and many of them are also organic), the meals (and wine) are amazing!

I have been fortunate to stay in several agriturismi over the course of my years in Italy. Tentuta San Vito is an estate that I have been visiting with students for more than 6 years. Located just over a half-hour outside of Florence, it is perfect for a quick afternoon trip. We take students to learn about their organic wine and olive oil production. After touring the estate and cellars, students get to sample several of San Vito's unique wines (the Madiere Tuscan red is my favorite) while eating a homemade farm-to-table meal overlooking acres of vineyards. As you can see from the photos the estate is stunning and so very Tuscan.

For the occasion I wore this fluid bell-sleeve dress. The weather was perfect -- a slight breeze with just a hint of spring chill left in the air. I loved the way the wind would catch the lightweight fabric of this dress. It is so hard to find comfortable and easy to wear dresses that are still flattering, so when I do, I scoop them up. I'm so happy I grabbed this one on sale just before I left and I am even happier with how it captured the feeling of San Vito's gorgeous estate for what will likely be our last taste of spring.