Floral Lace

dress // hat // sunnies // purse (similar) // sandals (also here)

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!

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Outfit: Romantic Lace

dress // bag // sunnies (similar) // heels

When I first saw this dress at Nordstrom, I just assumed it was another one of BCBG's fabulous (but pricey) lace dresses for spring (it reminds me of this gorgeous number). The dress is impeccably made and the delicate bell sleeves are the perfect romantic touch. So you can imagine my shock when I looked at the tag and it was half the price I expected to see.

I couldn't resist pairing it with my new favorite purse and my bright fuchsia sunnies I picked up in Milan. Oh and these backless, strappy nude pumps are an amazing deal. They go with literally everything and will make your legs look longer and leaner.

This dress makes me excited for spring... like I should be sitting in a field making a flower crown and sipping some bubbles... maybe next weekend.

I hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day. I have a very exciting (and nerve-racking) week ahead. I can't reveal much, but I can say that just one interview stands between me and what might be the biggest career opportunity I have ever had. I am crossing all of my fingers and toes.

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Outfit: Leather and Lace

jacket (similar here and here) // dress (and here in cream) // sunnies // bag // booties (similar) // lip (in Heatwave)

One of the easiest ways to add interest to an outfit is to pair opposites - opposite colors, textures, and patterns. This blue dress is absolutely stunning in person, but I was worried it wouldn't be very versatile. Until I paired it with this leather jacket that I snagged on super clearance at Zara. I loved the juxtaposition of leather and lace, and it transformed a summer dress into a great winter look. There is nothing better than finding a dress that is not only gorgeous as is, but is also versatile. 

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For the Love of Lace

I, for one, love a great lace dress. Which is good news since it seems lace is definitely on trend for spring.

I would argue that a little lace dress is much more versatile than you might think. Dress it down with the perfect denim jacket or up with a great pair of heels or wedges. You can't go wrong with a gorgeous lace dress in your wardrobe. I have had a version of this Madewell lace dress (seen here) for years and it's perfect for travel since it's so versatile. 

I have already added this gorgeous off-white lace dress to my wardrobe and I have my eye on adding another - either paired with a pattern like this one or in a bold color like this one.

You can shop all of my favorite lace picks for spring below!

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Outfit: Lace on Lace

dress // tights // shoes // purse // sunnies

Sometimes you just have to embrace your girly side and your long-lost childhood dream of being a prima ballerina. I immediately fell head over heels (or should I say toe box?) when I saw these light pink, pointe-inspired ballet flats (complete with bow) by Melissa Shoes. As you might remember, Melissa Shoes are my absolute favorite for traveling and exploring European cities. They are the only stylish shoes I can spend the day in walking miles or standing in a museum without my feet hurting.

Like all Melissa Shoes, these are PVC. Yes, plastic! So the added bonus to them be soft and squishy is that are basically indestructible and waterproof, which is essential on European cobblestone. I have never ruined or worn out as many shoes as I have in Italy. I have worn my Melissa Doris flats (currently on sale!) all over Italy/Europe so I was hoping these would be just as comfortable and cute. And they did not disappoint! These have even more cushioning and I think the design is just the right about of whimsy, while still being a versatile shoe. I cannot wait to wear them in Paris. My only caution with Melissa Shoes is that you need to wear them with tights or ballet socks. Remember they are plastic, so not the best shoe for heat and humidity lol. 

I paired my amazing new flats with my favorite lace tights to highlight the little black bow. And since I love to experiment with mixing prints and patterns, I decided to go for a little lace-on-lace action. To break up the amount of black, I added my favorite light pink mini bag and a pink ribbon in my hair... because you know, childhood dreams. 

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