| 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

| our home for the week in Spello, Italy |

Ciao!  The last week of our trip was perfect: after packing and unpacking our luggage it was nice to change it up and move into a villa in Spello, Italy.  This quaint, sleeper, hillside town was so dreamy.  It was fun to challenge ourselves with our italian speaking skills, have a kitchen we could cook in and just slow down the pace of our trip.  The villa was more than anything i could ever imagine: it was an old church transformed into a gorgeous home.  Andrea, the owner was amazing: she takes such great care of the villa, dropped by with fresh figs (wait, i loved figs- why had i never had one?  where can i buy them in San Diego?) and was a welcoming "landlord" during our time in Umbria.   Andrea has additional properties if you are interested in renting - she rents them for a week minimum but said often has families rent for weeks to months at a time. My family stayed in buonanotte baranera: it was perfect for the 6 of us.

how we got to spello: we took the train into florence, hopped in a cab and went to hertz rent-a-car.  Jeff got his international drivers license (I was told by a friend that you don't really need one unless you get pulled over: we preferred to have it just in case.)  From Florence: Spello is a little over two hours away.  If we had to do it over we would of traveled to Rome after Venice as it's only an hour or so drive.  The drive is beautiful and although the ride tested our patience we got to Spello and were in absolute awe.

The great thing about Spello is you can really see Italy in it's true environment: there weren't vendors on the side of the road selling t-shirts, the man at the market didn't speak a spec of english but we got by and that's what made this part of our trip so memorable.
places we frequented the most in Spello: morning lattes and late night gelato at gelateria tullia // dinner at La Cantina // my family loved the fresh meats from the market in town and the local butcher shop // walking outside the town walls to the aqueduct.  If you need any other recommendations send me an email - xo

| euro withdrawl |

i've got to say a few things about this whole 30 day vaca: it's been amazing, exhausting, exciting, fun and has given me a serious travel itch. that was a big thing for me when i was quitting my job-  i wanted freedom and freedom to me is leaving for a month and not being stressed about all the details life carries. so the next trip is brewing: greece? spain? brazil? more italy? to be continued... 

As I am sitting here listening to city and colour and the heavy rain and thunder pass by attempting to re-pack for the...i don't know 7th time this month (i'll post a packing guide soon, promise) I'm just so grateful; this has been unbelievable.  I'm sorting through so many photos- like thousands and i'm reliving this past month and i must say: time does fly when you're having fun- see you soon west coast.

source

source

| exploring beautiful venice |

another day in venice was filled with loads of bridges and following this guide.  there is so much amazing architecture in italy.  I have found a huge addiction in european doors and terraces: the doors are all so unique (i'll do a "door" post later) and the terraces are filled with gardens, laundry and people enjoying life and it just seems so....peaceful.  i loved that in venice there were no cars.  Coming from Rome, France and UK you suddenly have an appreciation of the whole "i'm not going to get hit by a car today" mentality and it's nice. enjoy! xx

{ shop the look: } jcrew, dress // gap, chambray // sam edelman, gladiators // necklace (similar), brass plum nordstrom // sunnies, ray ban // bag, louis vuitton + vintage chain (not lv) // lips, maybelline