Inspired by Italy: New Year Edition

With a blizzard in Chicago, why not online shop!? Add some Italian to your life by browsing Polyvore for some of the items below.

ITA ITEMS by colettem on Polyvore

Italy in the News

Working in PR, I've learned that the best way to stay in tune with current events is to set Google News alert about topics of interest. Recently, I've set some Italy and travel-related news alerts for more content inspiration. Three of my favorite recent headlines are below. Happy reading! 

"Milan is Italy's paean to the present," by Rick Steves, Seattle Times: I read one of Steves' travel books prior to studying in Rome, he is a fantastic travel writer. Check out this article to learn more about the fashion capital and economic hub. 

"Italy's hilltop town offers a trip back in time", by Rick Steves, Vancouver Sun: Another great Steves' article that highlights Oriveto, a small Italian town outside of Rome.

"Italy wants its island back, will pay 2.5 million euros for Budelli," by Nick Squires, The Telegraph: Interesting story about the Italian government buying back an island near Sardinia that was previously sold to a New Zealand businessman.

Source: Commons.Wikimedia.org

Local La Bella Vita in an unlikely place

Two weeks ago, I visited Wisconsin with a group of friends and made a stop in the Mars Cheese Castle. The last thing I expected to find was a unique piece of "la bella vita!" Below is the fabulous bottle of olive oil I purchased at a cheese retailer in the Midwest. 

An olive oil bottle in the shape of the Italian boot!

We can all learn a fun lesson: when traveling keep your eyes open, you never know where you will find la bella vita!

Viva Italia

I found some great Italian or Italian-inspired items on Polyvore over the weekend. No matter your budget, it is always possible to have a slice of la bella vita in your home! 

Viva Italia by colettem featuring tying silk scarves

C.B. Made in Italy small heel boots
shoescribe.com

Azzurra Gronchi 100 leather handbag
luisaviaroma.com

Chain handle handbag
$1.70 - amazon.com

Pandora jewelry
bloomingdales.com

Tying silk scarve
$115 - black.co.uk

Underground sign
etsy.com

Book cover
$31 - liberty.co.uk

Home wall decor
romegiftshop.com

Seashell home decor
1stdibs.com

Italian lighting
1stdibs.com

Mosaic jewelry box
rubylane.com

Pier One Italian Mask - Gold Stick
pier1.com

Coperte - Letto - Italia
$130 - zarahome.com

Pier One Italian Mask - Gold Glitter
pier1.com

FIGC Italia Fan Training Soccer Ball
puma.com

Festa Italiana

One week ago I attended Taylor Street's Festa Italiana - one of my favorite Chicago street festivals! Everything Italy-inspired brings Italian Americans and Italian culture enthusiasts to the heart of Chicago's original Little Italy. 

This year's theme was "Italy Is In," and was it ever! From bocce ball tournaments to grape stomping to food from the city's renowned Italian restaurants, Festa Italiana had something for everyone!

 Roman columns with a "Viva Italia" sign greeted festival attendees. 

Taylor Street decorated with Italian flags! 

Attendees had the opportunity to enter to win money towards a Fiat and receive a free Fiat tote!

Fontanini meatballs and Turano bread held a meatball eating contest!

Food was everywhere. I indulged in a delicious straticatella gelato!

Overall, Festa Italiana was yet again a wonderful way to spend a summer Sunday. I wish I didn't have to wait a year to attend again!