s&t go to italy

The rush of scurrying about Italy for a summer leaves me breathlessly nostalgic. One highlight of the summer was S's turn to visit Italy - his first ever time - and watching the absolute magic of the cities, sights, and foods sink into him. We had an (almost) impossibly long to do list, but I proudly can say that we checked most things off. I was proud because I was kind of an unofficial tour guide, cappo di gruppo, for a week - which had its trying times. For instance my stupid idea to tackle Rome in only one day left me exhausted and frazzled to say the least. Other times were much less rigorous and molto relassante. Such as our beautiful nights in Florence. Wine tasting in Montalcino and Montepulciano. I think my love obsession for Tuscany rubbed off on S.

And so, I give you, a little taste of our Italian travels!

ciao, xo

bellagio | como lago

Judging by these photos, I think in Bellagio I was feeling the tabletops, wisteria and duck shots. 

It was such a fine, beautiful and misty day. I can remember the train ride well.

Straining my eyes to see the swiss alps - but ah, just one too many clouds to block the view.

It was okay, I had my best friends with me and we had met a friendly duck.

We dined at a fancy hotel in Bellagio and I ordered my first ever margarita.

It was strong. Only a year later did my friend and I admit to feeling the effects of that one... :)
Everyone suspected but we happily denied it and just took in the views.

But it led to some mindless and utterly blissful walks through the streets of Bellagio,

scenic shots of the bluest water, truest green mountains, punctuated with pockets of golden rooftops.

I could feel George Clooney's presence that day...somewhere was his villa. Maybe the one above.
Calling my name...

Our day ended in a perfectly time, perfectly violent and crazy hailstorm. The day itself was perfect.

The hailstorm added a bit of frenzy that made us laugh, 

and I can giggle again even thinking about how amazed I was by it.

Was I even here to see those pastel colored houses and luscious hydrangeas?

Or the lightning storm over como lago with the boat on skis?

ah, another life it seems.

from guigno 2011.

ciao, xo

scenes from my weekend

check out my sister's illustrations || twitter

Why can't it just get warm, and stay warm!? 

This weekend was such a tease in that regard. 

One day was perfect for smoothie stops and a light coat, 

and the next was a chilly, blustery day where going without gloves was unthinkable.

The weekend was packed with food (as you can see), poking around some awesome shops and

good old quality family time. 

My little sister was featured in a gallery art show and we got to see her work

and meet her colleagues - how awesome is she?!

It's pretty fantastic to see the stuff she comes up with. I am beyond envious of her talent!

{check out her other illustrations}

So our artsy-fartsy afternoon brought us into the city which was quite fun for me - 

I am always up for a little time in the city of brotherly love...

because it means I get to grab a latte from here! (my fave in the city).

Cookies from insomnia were a delicious, indulgent addition...mmm.

Clearly we went overboard. No complaints here :)

ciao, xo

ps. check out my post featuring a dress from eShakti! use the code ANTCPNBLOG to save 10% off your order. :)

light blue

Florence dress eShakti c/o | cardigan LOFT | sunnies Anthropologie | purse Pratesi | shoes Nine West (similar)

I squealed with glee when I upwrapped my light blue Florence dress (how apropos)  from eShakti. It was absolutely gorgeous off the hanger, and I couldn't wait to try it on. I love the pastel chiffon and the carefully stitched heart details all around the dress - from far away they look like polka dots! This weekend we had a gorgeous 60 degree day and I couldn't think of a better occasion to wear this flouncy, chiffon dress. The great thing about eShakti is that this dress was 100% customized to my shape. I chose the shorter length (with pockets!!!) and a sleeveless scoop neck. It fits my body perfectly, and eShakti took into account everything that I requested according to my height and shape.

My favorite thing about eShakti was the rapid and completely true-to-size results. I received my dress so soon, and it is exactly how I dreamed it would turn out. Anything you select from eShakti is transformed into exactly what you want, how you want it to fit.

off to running around town in my dress!

ps. use the code ANTCPNBLOG to save 10% on your eShakti order. :)