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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Packing for Santorini

Is there any better way to say farewell to summer than crossing a Greek Island off your bucket list? I think not. At the end of July, Vuleing had an amazing sale on airfare and I scooped up super cheap tickets (direct from Florence, no less) to Santorini. Santorini has long been on my bucket list, and I am excited to explore the island, take a ton of pictures, and eat all the Greek food!

Here is what I am packing for my end of summer adventure. It looks like the weather will be amazing - highs in the eighties, lows in the sixties, and clear skies.

Following me on Instagram and Snapchat (HinHH) for lots of updates!

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Kaleidotour 2015

Have you ever heard of the term “bespoke travel?” I have seen this phrase popping up more and more recently. The term bespoke was originally used in tailoring and denoted when an article of clothing was custom-made to fit an individual. So, for example, Jennifer of Suite makes bespoke dresses. But I was curious how and why this term has recently been invoked to describe travel. Well, this past weekend I got to experience one such tour firsthand, the Italian-eye’s Kaleidotour. Bespoke travel did not disappoint.

The tour took place in and around two gorgeous villas in the Tuscan Countryside. This particular tour was custom tailored for individuals who appreciate photography and creative activities, and who value elegant settings and artistic attention to detail.

The tour began with a photo-walk around the Villa Gaeta and an amazing picnic brunch, which included, my favorite, prosciutto, pear, and lavender sandwiches. Following the brunch there was time to relax poolside at the stunning Tenuta Lupinari before the afternoon flower crown workshop began. After learning how to create gorgeous floral headpieces, we donned our masterpieces while sipping rosé on the veranda of a nineteenth-century castle (part of the Lupinari estate). That evening, we were treated to an amazing four-course meal and lots of delicious local wine.

The second day of the tour began with a creative calligraphy workshop and black and white themed brunch. We spent our afternoon frolicking through the vineyards and exploring all of the gorgeous old buildings on the Lupinari estate. So. Many. Photo-ops. And since the tour was designed for creative individuals and Instagram lovers, there was no shortage of enthusiastic photographers (just check out the hashtag #Kaleidotour on Instagram). The weekend ended with another amazing meal at the estate, but more on the incredible Tenuta Lupinari later this week.

Having now experienced it, I can say I really loved this travel concept – it focuses on creating unique and highly personalized experiences that center on cultural immersion and learning. Some people would describe bespoke travel as more “authentic,” but I would simply say that it is different in a very good way (you can read why I dislike the notion of authentic travel here). Bespoke travel, like the Kaleidotour, shouldn’t replace all approaches to travel (i.e. group tours or seeing the major attractions). Instead, tours like the Kaleidotour (which they also have in London btw) are an excellent edition to your travel plans, giving you a different taste of and more personalized interaction with the places and cultures you visit. Also, your Instagram will thank you!

Click here for more information on Italian-Eye, the company behind the Kaleidotour!

What do you think of bespoke travel?

Outfit: Floral Flutter

Can I just take a second to gloat about how incredible the weather has been in Florence since I returned? It has been ah-ma-zing! It completely makes up for the miserable temps I had to endure in July. The high temperature has been in the mid to high 80’s with blue skies, a cool breeze, and low humidity.

Cooler temps means that I can start breaking out some of my purchases for fall. This green field jacket has already proven to be a wardrobe all-star. I also love this floral skirt. The colors are gorgeous and the fit is very similar to my all-time favorite skirt (last seen here). Although, to be honest, it runs a tad small. I wished I had sized up, since it is a bit tight after a pasta-filled lunch lol (I am wearing a size 4).

I have a busy week ahead, but it’s completely worth it, since I am headed to Santorini at the end of the week. It has been on my bucket list for a while now and I can’t wait to explore the island (and take all of the gorgeous pictures). Hopefully, the weather will be just as perfect in Santorini as it has been in Florence.


Has anyone else been to Santorini? Any tips on what I shouldn’t miss?

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Fashion Friday: French Sailor

When I saw this yellow coat in J.Crew's email announcing their new fall arrivals, I immediately fell in love. I had been toying with the idea of a colorful coat for this fall/winter (especially since I will actually get a lot of use out of it living in Italy and traveling around Europe). I thought I wanted a blush pink or maybe even a kelly green, until I spotted this gorgeous yellow beauty. And I was really sold when I discovered that it is currently 30% off!

Fortunately, my wonderful and amazing friend Kelly has agreed to bring it to me when she comes to visit me in Florence in November (#truefriendship), which means I will also have it for my Parisian adventures with Britt later that month. I couldn't resit the French theme, and I can't wait to pair it with a Breton striped top, my favorite navy fluted skirt, a bright red lip, and some cheeky french accessories (pretty sure my petite beret will look fab with it).

I try to look for a statement/inspiration piece to add to my wardrobe each season. Do you have a statement piece for fall?

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My Fall Travels

Like this past spring and summer, I plan on making the most of my time abroad this fall. I already have several trips planned for the semester. I always advise students who are studying abroad to make the most of the affordable travel Europe has to offer, which is exactly what I am planning on doing!

Santorini
My first stop is Santorini! Santorini has long been on my bucket list and when Vueling had their end of summer sale and I saw that I could fly direct from Florence to Santorini for ridiculously cheap, I pounced. And because September is the end of tourist season, I was also able to find accommodation at a reasonable price. So brace yourselves for all of the blue and white pictures on Instagram.

Croatia
Before summer comes to a close, I also want to visit Croatia. I will be traveling with FlorenceForFun, who does an amazing trip that includes touring Split, island hoping along the coast, and a visit to the incredible waterfalls at Krka National Park.

Oktoberfest // Munich
I had so much fun at Springfest last spring, that I just have to check out Oktoberfest. Plus I need an excuse to wear my adorable dirndls again! While I am not a big beer drinker, the atmosphere is super fun and I love the city of Munich (they have a Dunkin in the train station!).

Venice
I can't believe that since arriving in Italy seven months ago, I have not been to Venice! Venice may not be my favorite Italian city, but it certainly is special and unique. I am also really excited to see the city when it isn't super crowded and hot (a.k.a all summer long). Not sure if I will take a day trip or splurge for an overnight stay. Venice is a different city in the evening and early morning, so if my time and budget allow, it will definitely be worth spending the night.

Paris
Now, you are probably thinking, "Paris, again?" Yes! Because Paris is always a good idea! I just happened to have enough skymiles to get my best friend Britt to Paris in November. We are so excited to spend a week together in our favorite city!

Scottland
Scottland is still in the wishful thinking/planning stages, but I have a friend in London who wants to do a weekend trip with me to the highlands. Much of my family is Scottish, so I have always wanted to see it.

Procida and Ischia
Another quick weekend trip in Italy, Procida and Ischia are picturesque little islands that sit just off the bay of Naples. I can take the high speed train to Naples and catch a ferry to Ischia. I thought it would be a fun little weekend away, but still close to home (like Venice).


Have you been to any of these places? Please share any tips you might have!

PS - There is another dream destination that I am desperately trying to make happen, but it might be too costly and difficult. But if it does happen, I will be sure to share!

Greetings From Florence!

Apologies for my lack of a post yesterday, but jet lag hit me hard! I don't normally struggle with jet lag. Usually it is just a day or two of going to bed and waking up early. Unfortunately, that has not been the case for this trip. I have some tips for avoiding jet lag here, which almost always work for me!

I departed the US Sunday evening and arrived in Florence around 3 pm Monday. I forced myself to stay up until 9 pm. I can't sleep on planes, so I was exhausted. Usually forcing myself to stay awake means I pass out, sleep through the night, and wake early the next day on Italian time (more of less). Well, not this time. I woke up at 12:30 am and just could not go back to sleep. I finally fell asleep around 4 am, but was up for work at 8 am. Let's just say it was a rough first day back.

Other than sleep deprivation, I am settling back into Florence nicely. Like Tampa when I first got home, it seems a little surreal. It feels like I was gone forever, but at the same time, not at all. Florence, however, is much different than when I left. Tourist season is subsiding and the weather is finally starting to cool down, which I could not be happier about. Plus, unlike living in Florida, I actually have a fall to look forward to and dress for!

I definitely missed my morning espressos, fresh fruit and veggie market, walks past the Duomo, and the cheap, yet oh-so delicious, prosecco. I don't have much planned this week other than to get back into my routine at the archive and unpack.

In addition to catching up with friends and cuddles with Ophelia, I spent much of my time at home reviewing all of the research I had collected over the past seven months. It was the perfect moment to reflect, allowing me to collect my thoughts and refocus my research for these final four months.

Although I have a lot of research and writing to tackle this fall, I still plan on capitalizing on being in Europe and traveling as much as I can. My motto is work hard, play hard(er). I have some really exciting trips planned, which I will share more about tomorrow. Speaking of travel, I came back to Florence to find one of my pictures from Springfest gracing the cover of FlorenceForFun's Fall Semester Brochure. Um, I am kind of, almost, famous you guys... Ha!

Ciao for now!

PS - I am trying this whole Snapchat thing... One more social media I have to remember to keep up with! No promises about consistent posting, but if you want to follow along I will try to highlight daily life in Florence. My username is HinHH.