Florentine Leather

jacket (from David Leather, similar option here) // top // skirt // sunnies // c/o Dagne Dover tote // mules

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!

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Springtime in Paris

trench (on sale!) // dress // sunnies // earrings // purse c/o Dagne Dover // tights // shoes (old, similar)

Springtime might be a bit of an overstatement seeing how it was 36 degrees fahrenheit the morning I arrived in Paris. I didn't exactly pack for such chilly temps, especially since I'll be spending the bulk of my time in warmer Italy, but I did throw a pair of tights into my suitcase at the last minute. Best. Decision. Ever.

Fortunately, as the day/week went on it warmed up considerably and the sun even came out. We had a little bit of rain on my second day in Paris, but I was armed with my tights and favorite cold/wet travel shoes (shh, they are PVC and you can see more of my favorite shoes for travel here).

Despite the temps, I was determined to dress for spring. This gorgeous green dress (last seen here and recently restocked here) seemed perfect for a spring(ish) day in Paris, which began in the Palais Royal and ended with a stroll through Montmartre.

The Palais Royal and its adjoining garden is one of my most favorite spaces in Paris. It is such a beautiful and serene oasis in the heart of Paris. It is also home to my favorite coffee shop Cafè Kitsune (which is actually a Japanese brand/company). After a delightful morning, I met up with Kelly and her family for brunch at Ladurèe before heading up to explore Montmartre.

After the Marais, Montmartre is my favorite neighborhood in Paris. And, fun fact, it was the home of Anna Maria Luisa's (the woman at the center of my research) mother, Marguerite Louise d'Orlean. Ok, brace yourself for a little history fun:

Marguerite (who was cousin to Louis XIV) was married to Cosimo III, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. The marriage, however, was less than happy. Marguerite was madly in love with her other cousin Prince Charles of Lorraine, who she had to leave behind in France to marry the Tuscan Grand Duke. Marguerite never warmed to Cosimo III or Florence, but she did have three children including Anna Maria Luisa.

Having fulfilled her duty to produce heirs, Marguerite pleaded with Cosimo and her cousin Louis XIV to be allowed to return to court at Versailles. Eventually after years of pleading and misbehaving she was allowed to return to France. As punishment, however, Louis XIV forbade her from returning to Versailles. Instead she was forced to reside in, and was never allowed to step foot outside of, the convent of Saint-Pierre de Montmartre. This church and convent, which dates from the 12th century still stands beside the more famous Sacrè-Cœur. Not one to adhere to such personal restrictions, Marguerite constantly snuck out to return to court where she enjoyed high-stakes gambling. Marguerite's ability to get out of her arranged marriage and return to her native country was unprecedented at the time.

Hope you enjoyed a little springtime in Paris with a side of history!

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Green with Envy

Neighborhood kitty who's (obviously) a fantastic model

dress // hat // sunglasses (and similar here) // wedges (similar) // c/o Stella & Dot clutch

I got bangs! Well, off the internet. About three years ago I had Zooey Deschanel-esque bangs that I loved (seen here). The only problem was they were a lot of work and were not exactly great for traveling (bangs require constant trims and styling). I have wanted to recut them for a while now, but my better judgement has kept me from taking the plunge. Just when I had given up hope of reviving my bangs, I came across these great clip-in bangs. It is the best of both worlds, all of the great style, none of the commitment! I would suggest, however, that you have your stylist trim and blend the bangs for a more natural look.

As much as I love the bangs, this dress is my favorite part of this look. It is just a little but retro while still looking fresh and modern. Not to mention it is very comfortable. I topped it with my latest hat obsession, this Lack of Color straw hat, and this adorable little raffia fringe clutch (which can also be worn as a cross-body).

Happy Monday!

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DIY Box-Pleat Skirt

sunglasses // earrings // top (similar) // skirt (fabric made via Spoonflower) // bag (old, last seen here) // wedges (similar)

The first thing I learned to sew was a simple box-pleated skirt. And thank goodness I did, because while I am loving the challenge of learning to sew, it is exactly that, a challenge. So I picked something easy to start with, but also something that I would want to wear.

My first attempt at this skirt failed miserably, it was about three sizes too small (stupid math). My second attempt was wearable (seen here), but I definitely made some mistakes. This, my third attempt, was my most successful and I am really happy with the results!

The best part about a box-pleated skirt is that you don't need a pattern, just a couple Youtube videos and some math skills (I like this one). I made my pleats four inches wide with 1.5 inch under pleat. I started with a rectangular piece of fabric that was 60 by 20 inches. Here is where the math comes in, you have to figure out how big you want your pleats and how many you need. I did a bit of trial and error, but there are plenty of Youtube videos that will give you an equation if you want something more concrete. Once I pinned my pleats, I sewed them in place, made a waistband, and rolled hemmed to my desired length. The hardest part is mastering the invisible zipper, but again there are lots of great Youtube videos out there to reference.

It is such an amazing feeling to create something that you actually want to wear. I have always wanted to learn to sew and I am so thankful for my patient mentor Kelly who has been there for me through every mistake and panicked phone call. The biggest lesson I have taken away from the process is to allow myself to make mistakes. I don't have to be perfect, because my mistakes are almost always fixable. Don't be afraid to rip out a seem and try again. I guess this applies to life as well. Who knew sewing was so deep lol.

I love fashion, but learning to sew has made me realize just how much goes into making clothing. While I am certainly not going to start sewing all of my clothing, I definitely want to have an understanding of what it takes to make clothing, so I can appreciate the art and the skill. In doing so, I have come to realize just how exploitive fast-fashion has to be. Our desire for and dependence on cheap and disposable clothing isn't ethical or sustainable (Emily's blog post on this topic is really enlightening). I am certainly guilty of over-consuming and being a part of the problem. Hopefully learning to sew is one small step in the right direction.

Have a great weekend... I will be packing...

Coming Soon!

So, I finally decided to take the plunge and expand my Etsy shop a bit. Not only did I purchase the domain preppyprintshop.com, I am also creating new mugs and tumblers! I'm going to start slow and see how these new products are received. I know I am biased, but I love them, especially the "Lemonade or Limoncello?" tumbler. I mean, it's a legit question most days.

I also love the "Well behaved women rarely make history" mug. Not only is this my favorite quote, but the back of the mug says, "You better start misbehaving." In addition to these new designs, I turned some of my best selling prints into mugs as well. "Smarty feathers," "She's a voracious reader and a fantastic dancer," and my bookshelf print will all be available as mugs soon!

I hope you all like them as much as I do! I am currently creating the listings on Etsy and on my new Preppy Printshop website. I hope to have them all up and available for purchase by the end of the week... just in time for graduation... because these would be great gifts ;)

What kinds of mugs and/or products would you like to see in the Preppy Printshop?

Picnic Perfect

hat (similar) // sunnies // scarf // dress (top version) // picnic basket (also love this one) // sandals

I know I have been saying this for a while, but we have been having the most amazing weather in Florida this spring. It has been perfect -- highs in the 80s, low(ish) humidity, and a delightful breeze. Unfortunately, I am in the throes of trying to finish the dissertation chapter that I am currently writing before departing for Italy. This means I haven't had much free time to enjoy the outdoors.

Last week, however, Britt and I made a point to take the afternoon off and enjoy a picnic in the park. I was inspired to get outdoors and picnic by this adorable picnic basket, I mean it has a prosecco holder! It was basically made for me.

Britt and I sipped prosecco and nibbled from our charcuterie board under a shady oak tree. It was heaven. For me, the charcuterie board is the key to a perfect picnic. It needs to have a mixture of hard and soft cheeses, salty prosciutto and spicy salami, and interesting jams and jellies like strawberry jalapeño. Oh and don't forget the fresh baguette and cookies for dessert.

To go with my adorable picnic basket I created this bright and fun floral blanket. I am currently obsessed with creating my own patterns and having them made into fabric through Spoonflower. And this is not the last of my bright "poppy love" fabric you will be seeing. If you follow me on Snapchat (HinHH) it should look familiar. I used it to sew my very first dress, which I will be sharing on the blog next week!

As dedicated as I am to finishing this chapter before I leave, I am also making a point to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine a little bit every day. It is good for the mind and body!

What do you eat on your perfect picnic?

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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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