Fare un Picnic

dress // hat // sunnies // earrings // basket (from Tiger) // shoes

You are probably thinking that this dress looks vaguely familiar. And you are not wrong! It is actually this uber popular dress from Ann Taylor, with a lot of adjustments lol (thank you Kelly!). While I loved the original dress design, it was just so wrong for me. Rather than sacrifice the chance to have this perfect over-size gingham pattern, I decided to shorten it and add sleeves. The dress was so long on me that there was enough fabric for two sleeves!

I love the way it turned out and it was the perfect dress to wear for a picnic in the Boboli Gardens with Anna. "Fare un picnic" literally means to make a picnic, and that is exactly what we did! I must say that Anna and I are pretty good at picnicking. We have mastered the art of sneaking prosecco, a baguette, fresh cheese, speck, and fresh fruit into the Boboli Gardens. Not that picnicking is illegal in the Boboli, you are allowed to eat there, but the guards get a little nervous when they see tons of food (which equals a possible mess they have to clean up later) going into the gardens. As long as you limit what you bring, clean up after yourself, and are discrete, they will let you enjoy a relaxing meal in the back area of the gardens.

We wanted to get a good picnic in before the weather got too hot. Saturday was our first really warm day in Florence, but it was still cool enough for lounging, sipping, and snacking on a blanket under a shady tree. While picnicking in Florida is nice, there is just something really special about picnicking in a historic garden like the Boboli. It's full of so much beauty and the people watching is fantastic. I highly recommend enjoying some fresh air and sunshine in the Boboli Gardens (and Bardini Gardens) if you visit Florence.

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Hyde Park's New Gem

hat // sunnies // c/o earrings // jacket // dress (homemade, similar here) // purse // bangle // bracelet // ring // shoes


As I have mentioned before, my favorite area in town, Hyde Park Village, is going through something of a rebirth. In addition to Bar Taco and Sprinkles, the Village is now home to a gorgeous new Kendra Scott store. Last Friday Kelly and I were invited to their soft opening. We both immediately fell in love with the store; it is absolutely stunning. But, the only thing prettier than the store are the bright baubles it holds.

I don't wear a lot of jewelry, but I loved everything in the store! Plus, since almost all of the pieces are gold, rose-gold, or silver plated, I can wear everything without discomfort (I have an allergy). I was instantly smitten with the Elle Earrings in ivory pearl and gold. Kendra Scott uses only gorgeous and bright natural stones. I also loved the Erica Bangle, Jana Bracelet, and Arielle ring. The hardest part was picking what color gemstones I wanted (#roughlife)!

I paired my new baubles with this pink gingham dress I made. Real talk for a second, this sewing project did not turn out great. The top was a bit big and the pleats in the back sit funny. But these mistakes are important lessons and, fortunately, I was able to cover them with this jacket lol. Since I don't have time to fix the dress or make a new one, I am hoping my amazingly-talented friend Jen in Florence can come to my rescue with one of her pink gingham creations.

If you live in or near Tampa you will definitely want to visit the new Kendra Scott store, you will not be disappointed!

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Lace Begonia Dress

jacket // dress // headband // sunglasses (similar) // purse // wedges

Ok, Ann Taylor has been killing it lately. I mean, have you seen their most recent set of new arrivals? I immediately scooped up this gingham dress for half off! This sale, which is 50% off everything, ends tonight by the way, so don't delay. Ann Taylor is definitely not just your mom's store anymore. I have linked more of my favorites below.

But back to this sweet little frock. I scored this pretty pink lace dress with navy blooms a couple weeks ago (during a 40% off sale). I love it because it's so feminine and delicate. I plan on layering a silk navy blouse underneath for work. For play, however, I went with my favorite gingham jacket to juxtapose the dress's delicate nature.

I am a little embarrassed to admit how excited Kelly and I were to find this pink wall just 10 minutes from where we live. We have been searching for a pink wall for ages. It's a simple background but photographs beautifully. It was the perfect backdrop for this pink, navy, and gold look.

Happy Monday everyone!

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Outfit: Gingham Moto Jacket

moto jacket // dress (old, similar) // hat (vintage) // sunnies // tote // espadrilles

I was so excited for this jacket when I saw it on J.Crew's Pinterest preview board. I immediately pre-ordered it with high hopes. And this jacket did not disappoint. It's a perfectly scaled navy gingham pattern on a well-cut cotton moto jacket. Not only is it flattering and easy to wear, the details on the jacket really make it. You can even cinch the waist with a hidden drawstring.

For this outfit, worn for a day of strolling Sarasota with Emily, I kept things simple and paired my gingham jacket with a white dress, white and navy accessories, and my new-favorite gingham espadrilles (currently on sale!). Emily also showed up in gingham, completely unplanned.

Although it looks great with white, I think this jacket is going to be surprisingly versatile. I can't wait to have some fun with it and get creative with what I pair it with. Right now, I am thinking floral and gingham.

Have you hopped on the gingham bandwagon for spring?

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Outfit: Gingham Style

beanie // popover // puffer vest (old, similar) // jacket // jeans (similar) // purse // sneakers // sunnies (use code HISTORYINHIGHHEELS for a free month of endless eyewear)

I don’t know why, but gingham has always been one of my favorite patterns. And I am so happy that it seems to be everywhere this spring. When I fist saw J.Crew’s Chateau trench in the lighter khaki color and gingham lining, it was love at first sight. But my local store didn’t receive the jacket and based on the images online, I was pretty sure it wasn’t going to flatter my figure (#topheavy).

During my weekend in New York City, however, I popped into the J.Crew near Rockefeller Center while we waited for our Top of the Rock appointment. I couldn’t resist trying it on. And thank goodness I did, because as it turns out, I love the fit. This just goes to show that you should always try things on, you never know.

I was expecting to have to go a size up since everyone online has commented on the narrow shoulders of the jacket. But, surprisingly, I didn’t need to. I guess my shoulders aren’t big, just my chest lol. I also love the bright red/coral shade that it also comes in, but I decided to be more practical and stick with the tan color. 

Fortunately, NYC’s weather decided to cooperate, and after a chilly start to my trip, we finally got warmer temps on my last day. I seized the opportunity to wear my adorable new trench for our walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. 

I must warn you though; if you are looking for a raincoat or warm coat, this is not the jacket for you. It’s cotton, although lined, and not waterproof. But it is a really flattering lightweight jacket, perfect for spring and early fall. 

I can't wait to pair this coat with these gingham espadrilles that are finally back in stock!

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Outfit: Pardon My French

jacket (old, similar) // tee // skirt (sold out, last seen here, similar here and here) // bag // shoes (also love these) // sunnies

Apologies for the lack of a post Friday. I had planned on sharing more info on the amazing and enchanting Tenuta Lupinari (from last weekend’s Kaleidotour), but I was having way too much fun in Santorini. So I have rescheduled that post for this Friday. Until then, however, prepare yourselves for a barrage of Santorini photos this week and next (I have been furiously editing and trying to narrow down my favorites).

But back to this post... How cute is this “Pardon My French Tee?” One of the members of my squad, Kelly, makes the most adorable, and perfectly cheeky, t-shirts and sweatshirts. This tee is super soft and comfortable and I love how it looks paired with my red gingham skirt and (faux) leather jacket. I have been pondering whether or not to invest in a real leather jacket while in Florence, but with so few traditional leather artisans left in the city, I can’t decide if it’s worth it. I will keep you posted.

We shot this look in my favorite piazza in Florence, Piazza Republica, after downing iced coffees at nearby Gilli. It has been so nice in Florence and the perfect temperature for a light jacket, but not yet chilly enough to break out the tights, a.k.a. weather perfection.

Happy Monday!

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