Simply Breathtaking

Sarah Burton did a tremendous job. Although I wasn't into the wedding craziness, I couldn't resist posting this photo.

Fashion Is Pain

And in my case, hunger pains. Two weeks ago, I was traveling around the south of Italy and visited the Amalfi coast one day. I was shopping around the seaside town without intending to buy anything (at times, my own naivety shocks me). I left a majority of my money and all of my credit cards at home—it’s better to be safe than sorry in Italy. Because I wasn’t going to buy anything, right?

Wrong. I spotted this beauty and couldn’t live without it. It was actually very affordable but I had to empty my wallet to purchase it (and in doing so, saw my lunch, dinner and snack money for the 8 hour bus ride home vanish). But I love it and perhaps it looks better on a slightly more slender finger??

Is It Spring? Or Am I Crazy?

The funny thing about Italians is that they dress for the calendar, not the weather.

As soon as I arrived to Italy I was overwhelmed by the thousands and thousands of puffy, shiny, jackets I spotted. Everywhere, in every color, with all sorts of variations. Some with fur, some with extra shine, some that had a bit of length. But they were all shiny and puffy. No question. (I’m sure they will arrive to the US sometime soon). They look like this:

I expected these jackets to disappear when spring arrived to Florence. Last week I was actually boiling in my shorts and blouse, only to be surrounded by Italians, still rocking these jackets. It’s spring, it’s not summer so the Italians just can’t peel off the layers quite yet… Crazy.

These Toms Are Made For Walking

I used to write off Toms. Of course, I could get on board with it's awesome cause but I thought all you'd need was some neon colored Ray Bans and a fedora to complete the hipster identity. I found them rather funny (ie terrible) looking.

But before I left for my time in Italy I buckled; I was desperate for a pair of shoes to hike, sight see, and generally travel around in. But of course, I had no desire to look silly. I bought some comfy Toms (still wasn't totally ok with the purchase) but figured I may as well do some good with a questionable fashion choice.

Sometime during tromping around the ruins of Pompeii, biking through Barcelona, hiking in Cinque Terre and climbing along the coast of Ireland the Toms grew on me. I never got a blister (this is a miracle for me). While they'll certainly be left in Europe they hold a special place for me. And most importantly, I think it's possible to assemble a travel ready ensemble that goes quite well with Toms.

Fashion Fairs

Florence holds a fashion fair once person season. Designers come to fairs in Milan, Florence, Paris and other locations to select textile, knit wear, and yarn for their future collections. I did not know until recently how cute these events were. Each fair has a theme and a corresponding trend area and novelty section that make yarn look absolutely incredible. In 2005 it was all about yarn "treats" cotton candy, sweets and other fake yummies. Who knew yarn could be so temping?

Longer Skirts

I am becoming obsessed. I shop around online and in stores and all I want are long skirts. So chic and flattering on all figures. It's becoming an issue...

Here are some beauties from shopbop: