| europe packing list essentials: |

wowza...this is something i promised a long time ago: what i packed for my month long getaway. oie vie: just putting it together stressed me out all over again (sorry i had to upload it as multiple files; it just got too dang big).  a few things--- a lot of the stuff i packed is no longer available so i searched the net for similar things.  also, another disclaimer: since we were in maine before europe i did not include the clothes i left behind // this included yoga pants, oversized workout tees, a few swimsuits (i brought one to europe also but never took it out of my bag!) a few sundresses, a pair of jeans and flip flops.

tees, tops & tanks: madewell, colors white, grey and black tee // gap, chambray // j.crew, jersey tank // zara, tee // j.crew, popover // ralph lauren, button down
jackets: jbrand, denim jacket // bar III, military jacket [ no longer available; similar by bar III, field jacket and lucky jean, military jacket ] //
shorts, denim & pants: guess?, distressed denim [ no longer available; similar by pinko and AG destroyed ] // j.crew, linen pant // levis, destroyed shorts [ no longer available; similar by current elliott ] // top shop, printed pants [ i wore a pair from brass plum & old navy ] // j.crew, shorts [ the pair i have are no longer available ] // harvey faircloth, denim skirt [ mine is by lucky brand; no longer available ]
dresses: j.crew, maxi // topshop, romper [ mine is by want and need; no longer available ] // zimmermann, oversized floral dress [ mine is by free people; no longer available similar ]
shoes: dolce vita, sandal // vince, sandal // sam edelman, gladiator sandal // nike, air pegasus / frees // van, washed authentic sneaker
imporant bags:
j.crew, belt // louis, bag [ i attached a non-louis chain to create a cross body] // michael kors, cross body bag // marc by marc jacobs, cross body // herschel, backpack // eagle creek, duffle
* not on the list but muy importante: undies + bras, jammies, jewelry, belts, sunnies, the birkenstocks + clothes i loaded up on along the way, and a few tees i borrowed from my mama *

| CIAO ITALIA: |

happy monday!  Monday's I usually post what i'm craving but this week is a bit different: my sister got here on saturday for good.  Jeff and my sister's husband, Brett are currently traveling from Minnesota to San Diego.  I've been helping my sister grab some last minute things for their new home and get the place clean and ready for all their stuff to arrive via pod (and the boys) tomorrow.  I can't wait to recap a few events I attended last week and show you some of my fav trends for fall and winter- in the meantime enjoy some final photos of our 30 day euro vaca. xx

| FINAL DAYS, ORVIETO |

orvieto wasn't the easiest to get to: narrow, winding roads up a mountain lead you to this breathtaking hillside town.  the little city in the province of terni has unbelievable views, cathedral of orvieto, narrow streets with shopping and dining.  We stopped for gelato, did a little shopping and enjoyed the quant town.

{ shop the look: } j.crew, linen tank // lucky, skirt (similar here) // gap, chambray // dolce vita, sandals //  /  louis vuitton, handbag (chain vintage, not louis) // ray ban, sunnies

| a love affair: the many doors of europe |

i fell in love with the architecture in europe, specifically, the doors.  who knew?  the brown and emerald colors were what really caught my eye: they were all unique and beautiful.  i have so many photos of doors from throughout our travels: paris, rome, venice and all around umbria.  here are a few i wanted to share..xx

| cooking class at casa gola |

one of my favorite memories of our 30 day vacation was taking a cooking class at casa gola.  our translator showed up at our villa in the morning and lead us through the hills above bevagna where we met Luciana, the owner of casa gola and her assistant Aurora.  We get a tour of Luciana's second home: she has this home for full days of cooking and growing olives, tomatoes and loads of other veggies.  After the tour we sit down for fresh coffee, figs (still looking for them around san diego) and fresh anisette biscotti to get our palate prepped for a full day of tasting and cooking.  Luciana and Aurora both speak minimal english however they were so warm and welcoming.  my family and i played sous chefs for the day; chopping, tasting, drinking and enjoying this unbelievable ambiance.   We stopped for breaks to sip wine, snack on fresh breads, more figs and other tasty snacks.  We prepared a traditional stale bread salad, fresh veggie frittata, stuffed zucchini's, meatballs, pasta with fresh pesto and marinara sauce and custard.  after a very filling early dinner we enjoyed coffee and chatting with the ladies before signing their guest book and saying goodbye to such memorable women and experience.