Travel Outfit Inspiration

Planning a trip to Italy for the winter? Be sure to pack accordingly! Italian weather ranges from cold, harsh winters in the mountains and north to milder winters in costal areas and southern regions. 

Although I haven't traveled to Italy in the winter, I hear visiting the country is great at this time of year because it is the tourist "off season" - less lines at the must-see sites. Also, experiencing another culture's holiday traditions will create many new memories. You might even bring new celebration ideas back home! If you're traveling throughout the country, be sure to pack a versatile wardrobe. Layers are your friend - you can pile them on in colder regions and don less in warmer regions. 

What is your favorite time of year to travel? 

Some outfit inspiration: 

Winter adventure by colettem featuring black knee high boots

W118 by Walter Baker loose top
theoutnet.com

Pull Bear brown herringbone jacket
$65 - pullandbear.com

Vero Moda short jacket
$55 - veromoda.com

Madewell skinny fit jeans
madewell.com

Sole Society black knee high boots
solesociety.com

Zatchels metallic leather handbag
$90 - bankfashion.co.uk

Kate Spade blue jewelry
neimanmarcus.com

Topshop infinity scarve
nordstrom.com

"A different language"

Inspirational quote from Federico Fellini! Studying a new language is beautiful, some of my favorite memories are a result of my time learning Italian. Although my opportunities to practice the language are limited, I recently came across an Italian press release in a Google search and was shocked at how much I remember! 

Learning a new language really does open your eyes to a new part of the world. 

Fellini by colettem featuring oversized sunglasses

Oversized sunglasses
etsy.com

Elizabeth Arden lipstick
elizabetharden.com

50 Beautifully Delicious Coffee Designs
webdesignerdepot.com

Venetian Dreams

While I studied abroad in Rome, my family is actually from a small town in the Veneto region, a few hours outside Venice. The 2013 Venice Film Festival (more on that later) is in full swing, and led me to reflect on the city's rich history and beauty. I hope someday I can explore La Serenissima for more than a few hours on my last day in Italy!

Like the rest of Italy, Venice is structurally magnificent. Photos such as those below, found via Polyvore, are a great way to add some bella vita to your home or office!

Venezia by colettem featuring wall art

Wall art
etsy.com

Venice, Italy, PASTEL CANAL REFLECTIONS, Fine Art Photograph, Travel...
etsy.com

Inspirational Italy

The central tenet of "la bella vita" or "la dolce vita" is appreciating life's simple pleasures. However, the world is a chaotic place and it is easy to lose sight of the good life. I came across this Federico Fellini quote a few months ago and see it as a reminder that everything - good, bad, carb-heavy - is what makes life beautiful. 

Enjoy!

Recipe for "una bella vita"

A "bella vita" is more than traveling and consuming copious amounts of delicious food. A beautiful life is simple, it requires good days, nights, food, fun and work. 

So important to keep in mind! 

Recipe for Bella Vita by colettem featuring high heel shoes

Valentino high heel shoes
valentino.com

Tortoise shell sunglasses
etsy.com

Ben's Garden 'Italy' Trinket Tray
nordstrom.com

Postcard with Dirty Vintage Italian Flag
zazzle.com

Local La Bella Vita: LavAzza

I was not a coffee drinker until I studied in Rome. In pre-trip meetings, my professor told us that we would grow to love Italian coffee, that espresso in the U.S. would never be the same after out time there. He was right! Although I love a grande skinny iced mocha in the morning, Italian espresso is heavenly. 

Unfortunately, there are not many cafes in Chicago that have as good of espresso as the random cash only bars on Via dei due Macelli or Via Candia. When I am craving true Italian coffee, however, I always head to one LavAzza shops in the Loop on Jackson or Lake!

Although I never visited a LavAzza in Rome, every time I enter one in Chicago, I feel as though I am transported back Italy. The atmosphere is European cool with modern red and white or blue and white furniture. In addition to a variety of espresso and coffee drinks, there are panini and gelati available for purchase.

LavAzza is heavenly and always takes me back to my time abroad. 

It is truly a piece of local la bella vita!

LavAzza by colettem on Polyvore

Lavazza und Leibovitz lieben's lasziv | photoscala
photoscala.de

LavAZza :)
worldoffitnessonline.com

"In bocca al lupo"

Have you hear the phrase "in bocca al lupo?" It is an Italian saying that literally means "in the wolf's mouth," but is actually how Italians wish each other luck! If you're looking for a new way to send well wishes to friends and family before an exam, job interview, presentation or performance, give it an Italian twist. 

In bocca al lupo by colettem on Polyvore

Beautifull Backgrounds
pinterest.com

Backdrop AW004 Rome Coliseum
backdropsfantastic.com

Bocca della verita, monuments of Rome, italy
activitaly.it

"On an Evening in Roma"

"On An Evening in Roma" by Dean Martin is one of my favorite songs about Italy. It it light and happy, reminding me of Roman Holiday. It also reminds me of adapting to a new way of life and adjusting to cultural differences. 

Do you have a favorite song about Italy or traveling? 

On an evening in Roma by colettem on Polyvore

Vespa Scooter - Birthday Card
etsy.com

Simple Decorating For Your End-Of-Summer Party String Lights
blog.freepeople.com




*Link to the song is in the hyperlink! 

Italy Inspiration - Photos & Art

Photos of and from Italy are a great way to bring some "la bella vita" to your home, no matter where you are. Most of these photos are available for purchase on Etsy and I discovered them via Polyvore!

All photos found via Polyvore.com.