I'M BACK
Fresh from a trip with things to share.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’ve been in Italy for the past several weeks. It was a fabulous trip. One of my favorites, and it deserves a post of its own. As I’m settling back into life at home and shaking off the jet lag, there are things running through my head that I want to share. A few items that stood out from what I wore in Italy, interior design inspiration, skin saviors post-trip, a new self-tanner, and more. They’re not necessarily related, but that’s how I’m running these days. A little scattered until I get back into the swing of things.
MOST WORN
I’ll do a full packing post soon, but here’s a quick recap of a few items that got the most wear. Oversized shirts, a pink cashmere sweater, and Miu Miu moccasins were the hero pieces for this trip.
I rotated between striped and solid shirts in linen and cotton. If there was a matching short or pant, it became a favorite. Short-and-shirt sets were seen everywhere along the Italian coast across all age groups and are a look I plan on adding more of to my closet. What struck me was how unfussy they felt. Worn with flat sandals, a woven bag, or simple jewelry, they looked polished without feeling overthought. Italians seem to have a natural ease with this kind of dressing. I packed a fabulous set from L’Agence in a black-and-white stripe with gold button detailing on both the shorts and shirt (wearing here). I bought another set while there from Ottod’Ame in a dark print (no link available). And I’m going to buy the matching top to the Alix of Bohemia brown shorts I wore. I wish I’d had it for the trip. If I’d packed more sets, I would have worn them often.
But even without a matching bottom, an oversized shirt was one of the best things I packed. I tied them at the waist over high-rise shorts or skirts, let them hang open over a tank and shorts, and often used one as a cover-up at the beach. If it’s a look that interests you, With Nothing Underneath, Xirena, and SOLD OUT NYC are top contenders.
When I wasn’t wearing sandals, I rotated between an Alaia Mary Jane and a soft Miu Miu moccasin. They’re both incredibly comfortable and, if you calculate cost per wear, I’ve won. Midway through any trip, I start to appreciate the pieces that earned their place in the suitcase. Having closed-toe options that aren’t athletic, but have just enough structure to work with everything from shorts to a dinner dress, proved useful on cobblestone streets, bike rides, and long days out. Both pairs seemed to hit that sweet spot.
The Alaia are good enough for me to own additional colors (black and burgundy), and the Miu Miu is about to get a sister pair. They’ve become the shoe I slip on when running out the door and seem to work with all of my summer looks. The chalky white (sold out) is fantastic - intentionally scuffed so they don’t come off as new or pristine. I’m considering beige or butter patent leather for a more polished finish. Are they shoes I’d walk 20,000-plus steps in? No. But for a resort setting and running around town, they’re perfect.
In the same vein are the M.Gemi suede loafers. Also incredibly comfortable. The color range is fantastic too. I have the navy, which works with all of my denim pieces. Other colors to consider are latte, butter, and denim blue. That range feels like a perfect summer palette with white cropped jeans or shorts and a lightly tanned leg. Use code ANOTEONSTYLE15 for 15% off site wide.
A pink cashmere sweater became the piece that pulled every look together. Adding that singular pop of color did wonders for everything else that was basic. It's a reminder that sometimes one strong accent is more effective than a closet full of statement pieces. I don’t think I ever wore it as a pullover, instead using it as an accessory tied at the waist or draped over my shoulders on cool evenings.
The one I have is sold out from &Daughter, but there are lots of other options here and here. The same formula would work with the summer palette I packed in a Kelly green, bright yellow, or poppy red. I’m shopping for all three (red on sale).
A NEW SELF-TANNER
I feel more comfortable wearing shorts or a bathing suit when I have a light tan. I want just enough color to diffuse imperfections, veins, and the reality of 63-year-old legs that enjoyed summers basking in Bain de Soleil.
I have used EVY Technology for years and love it, but it’s not easy to get. I finished my last can on the trip and was intending to buy another six-pack (the minimum to ship to the U.S.) when I returned home. Then I remembered a brand had sent me their self-tanning product, which sat in my cabinet unused because I was sure nothing could match EVY. But I was wrong.
From SALTYFACE, I tried their Tanning Foam in the Light to Medium shade and ended up with a beautiful light brown tan. No odd color, no annoying scent, no transfer. Perfect. It will be my new go-to. It’s so comfortable on, I’ll probably use it all summer to maintain a little color that looks natural and warm.
TRAVEL TOLL ON HAIR AND SKIN
Halfway through the trip, I noticed my hair was looking dry and brittle. To be expected when I’m outside every day by the beach or pool, swimming in salt water, and showering with different water. I knew when I got home I would need to condition and repair it to get it back to a healthy-looking state.
I have a ton of masks and hair products to choose from (I get sent a lot), but I’m going with the OLAPLEX strengthening routine. Three products that are easy to work into my routine: treat, cleanse, and condition, with the goal of salon-level results. The treatment goes on pre-shampoo for three minutes. Easy. I’ll keep you posted.
Travel always takes a toll on my skin. I indulge. Eat the sugar, drink the wine, whatever I want. But as soon as I’m home, I get right back to my routine.
After this trip, my skin felt weathered and parched. I’m trying a new serum gifted from Natura Bissé and feel my skin soaking it up. After just a couple of days, I already see some of the plumpness returning and my skin feels good, which is encouraging me to continue using it. I’m layering it into my routine of essentials: Vintner’s Daughter Essence, tretinoin, Coleman Compound, and always EU SPF.
AROUND THE HOUSE
There are a few things that captured my attention on this last trip that I intend to integrate into my home. Italian interiors, particularly along the coast, have a way of feeling both polished and relaxed. Matte wicker sits comfortably next to glossy ceramics. Brass is mixed with painted wood. Nothing feels overly matched or precious. Even the colors seem drawn from the surroundings. Blues from the sea, sandy neutrals, soft greens, and sun-faded terracotta. It's a look I never tire of and one that translates surprisingly well, even in small doses. The same goes for scent. A home fragrance that recalls a favorite hotel is an easy way to extend the memory of travel. Santa Maria Novella Acqua della Regina will do that for me.
Heading to Puglia on Saturday and I'm packed and ready to go because of you! Thank you for all of the inspiration and suggestions on what to wear and bring!
Hello. I love your recommendations and decided to order SALTYFACE foam self-tanner. Have you noticed any transfer of the product onto sheets? Thanks for the great information.