Travel Notes

Notes from our trip to the English Country Side, Florence & Rome.

2 Nights Heckfield Place, Hampshire England – we stayed on property the whole time, besides an excursion to Purdey at The Royal Berkshire for clay pigeon shooting. There is really no reason to leave the property with the incredible grounds, farm to table restaurants, and spa.

6 Nights Collegio alla Querce Florence, Italy – this hotel is perfection! It’s 15 minutes from town so if you want to be in the center of town this is not the hotel for you.

2 Nights Fendi Private Suites Rome, Italy – 7 suites located above the Fendi store in Rome.

Where we ate & drank.

Florence

Dinners & Drinks – Atelier de Nerli // Il Santo Bevitore (both the restaurant & wine bar) // Buca Lappi // La Giostra // Osteria Del Cinghisle Bianco // La Menagerie

La Sorbettiera gelato // De Ghiotti sandwiches // Shiatteria de Neri sandwiches // Gusta Pizza // Ditta Artigianale Coffee

    Rome

    Dinner & Lunch – Roscioli Salumeria // Interno 92 // Mimi & Coco (for the lasagna) // Antico Forno Santini (pizza & bakery) // Sant Eustachio (coffee) // Zuma (Japanese restaurant at the top of Fendi Suites, fun for drinks)

    Packing List

    JacketsME+EM Blazer (I wore this the most) // Barbour Jacket // Moncler Lans Puffer (packs up really small)

    Pants Jeanerica Flare (evening jean) // Banana Cropped Barrel Leg (dark day jean) // Jeanerica Cream Wide Leg Jean (day & night jean // Polo Utility Pant (airplane pants)

    Tops Buck Mason White Tee (packed 3) // Ann Mashburn Button Down // Quince Cashmere Crew // White Warren thicker Cashmere Crew // Kule l/l stripe Tee (I always pack one of these) // Leopard Cashmere Crew

    Pajamas Roller Rabbit Monkey PJ’s

    DressZimmermann Black Wrap Dress

    ShoesNew Balance 990 // Officine Creative Boot // Leopard Pointy Toe Boot

    Accessories Gucci Belt // Toteme T Lock Bag // Medium Flex Away Bag // Longchamp Expandable Weekender

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    Julie

    My Misc Things

    1. Excited to watch Love Story, the fashion is supposed to be so good!
    2. I can’t believe how much Barbour I’m seeing in Italy. I bought this one for my daughter, love the pink corduroy trim.
    3. I’m see a lot of wide leg trousers like these in Italy.
    4. My expandable Longchamp is really coming in handy on this trip. A must for travel when you’re shopping.
    5. I’m see a lot of trenches like this one.
    6. My medium Away flex was perfect for 11 days away in Italy.
    7. I’m seeing loafers everywhere,1953 Gucci, Sebegos, Prada, The Row, and Belgium loafers worn with quarter ankle socks.
    8. Mule are trending like these Miu Miu boat mules and Gucci mules.
    9. I’m seeing cream jeans like mine above with a blazer.
    10. I’ve spotted a lot of crisp button downs like this and this.
    11. I packed three Buck Mason tee’s that I love for layering on this trip, they are the best!

    When I get back I will share more details about my trip and all my favorite restaurants.

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    Julie

    Ciao

    ME+EM Blazer // Nili Lotan Leopard Cashmere Crew // Quince Cashmere Crew // Jeanerica Jeans // Toteme Clutch

    Usually when I travel to Florence, it’s a quick two or three day trip packed with activities. This time I’m seeing it a lot differently without a ton of scheduled plans. The past two nights we sat outside Il Santo Bevitore having aperitivo and watching all the beautifully dressed Italian men and women. I could sit there for hours, the fashion is so chic yet practical for city living. There is an ease to the way people interact with one another and enjoy life at a slower pace than in the states. While roaming the streets, I stopped into the original Gucci store to pick up a new pair of loafers and mules. I also checked out the new IT suede Borsetto bag along with this belt and sunglasses. Also on my list was a stop at the Hogan store to replace my sneakers (I got these & these). Lastly, was the Ferragamo store to try on the Vara pumps. I bought them many years ago in Rome, they just revamped the Vara with a block heel and a quilted ballet flat (love them all, classic!).

    We are staying at the beautiful Collegio Alla Querce – the decor, service, and architecture is truly magnificent!

    This is a picture from the Gucci Museum which was a very cool exhibition.

    White Warren Sweater // Banana Republic Barrel Jeans // Hogan Sneakers // Striped Sock

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    Julie

    Heckfield Place

    I’m back at one of my favorite hotels in Hampshire England, Heckfield Place. A peaceful oasis about 1 hour outside of London. I’m sharing some of my outfits from our stay.

    Barbour Jacket // Quince Sweater // Buck Mason Tee // Banana Republic Jeans

    ME+EM Blazer // Ann Mashburn Button Down // Jeanerica Jeans // Gucci Belt // Leopard Bootie

    ME+EM Blazer // Ann Mashburn Button Down // Jeanerica Jeans // Gucci Belt // Leopard Bootie

    Barbour Jacket // Lululemon l/s Top // Alosoft 7/8 Leggings // New Balance Sneakers

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    Julie

    Los Olivos

    I just got back from a girl weekend in Los Olivos. We stayed at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern which I love! It’s a great little getaway, only two hours from Los Angeles. I always make a pitstop in Santa Barbara on the way to do a little shopping at The Post Montecito and The Montecito Mart. We did a lot of lounging, eating, drinking, and cards. Sharing some details below.

    Restaurants – Bar Le Cote // Bell’s // The Tavern // SY Kitchen

    Shopping – Wendy Foster // Favour // Mer // Santa Ynez General Store

    What I Wore

    Thursday Night – Isabel Marant Sweater // Sezane Sailor Jeans // Isabel Marant Suede Boot

    Friday Night – Brochu Walker Dress // Loeffler Randall High Boots // Buck Mason Shrunken Blazer

    Saturday Night – Anne Mashburn Button Down // AMO Flare Jeans // Buck Mason Shrunken Blazer // Gucci Belt // Isabel Marant Boot

    I packed my comfy Roller Rabbit pajamas (the softest!) to sleep in, and cozy The Great cardigan to keep me warm.

    Lastly, I bought the softest faux fur jacket and was eyeing this cropped AGOLDE leather bomber (on my wish list).

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    Julie

    Step it Up

    Weekend Max Mara Coat (above)

    I’m spending a couple of days in NYC this week. I flew in Sunday evening and went right to dinner at Blue Ribbon on Sullivan Street and then the Blue Note for an incredible Jazz show, R+R = NOW// Robert Glasper. Yesterday, we got up early and had coffee at La Cabre and then headed uptown for lunch at Mark’s Off Madison. Along the way we stopped at the New Balance store (got these sneakers). Then I hit the flagship Ralph Lauren store on 72nd and Madison to replenish my cashmere sweaters. I got a red cable crew, grey cable polo, camel cable crew, a pair of army green utility pants, dressy button down, and RRL jeans (raw denim). I also spent time in the Jones Road store where I got a new foundation (light/Claire), cover-up pencil (shade 8), lip stick (Maeve), and lip gloss (pink gold shimmer). I have been wanting to try Bobby Brown’s new clean line and it was great to try it on in person. We finished our 29,000 step day with dinner at Frenchette which was incredible. Today it will be downtown shopping…more to come.

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    Julie

    Portugal

    J. Crew Linen Shirt Dress // Celine Sunglasses

    Brochu Walker Pinstripe Shirt Dress

    Good morning everyone, – I am just returning from 9 nights in Portugal. It was my first time there and what a truly beautiful country. The people, food, and landscape were truly spectacular. I’m sharing our itinerary because I thought it was a perfect mix of city, beach, country, and all within two hours of each other by car. Perfect itinerary for our time frame.

    Hotels

    Barrio Alto Hotel Lisbon // Sublime Comporta // Sao Lourenco do Barrocal Alentejo (saved best for last!)

    Restaurants we loved!

    LISBON – Rocco // Ramiro // Avenida JNcQUOI // A Cervicheria // Time Out Market

    COMPORTA – Cavalarica // JNcQUOI Beach Club // Sado // Be Comporta (lunch spot)

    San Lourence do Barrocal – we had all the meals at the hotel since the food was so good! Majority of the ingredients came from the property.

    Packing List

    LuggageMedium Expandable Away Suitcase // Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Travel Bag (for shopping) // Le Pliage Personalized Longchamp Bag // Quince Cosmetic Cases // Gucci Crossbody Bag

    TopsBuck Mason Button Down // Buck Mason Cropped s/s Button Down // Kule l/s Tee // Buck Mason s/s Tee

    PantsBanana Republic Poplin Drawstring Pant (wore on plane) // Banana Republic Wide Leg Crop Pant // Jeanerica White Jean

    DressesBrochu Walker Pinstripe Shirt Dress // Buck Mason Cotton Slip Dress (great for warm weather travel) Doen Daphne Babydoll Dress // Matta NY Dress // Zimmermann Floral Midi Linen Dress // J. Crew Linen Shirt Dress // Natalie Martin Silk Fiore Dress // Natalie Martin Cotton Dress

    Swimsuits J. Crew Sculpt Suit // Hunza G One Piece Both are very comfortable and flattering.

    ShoesJamie Haller Loafers // Valentino Slides // Hermes Chypre // Stuart Weitzman Platform Sandals // Hoka Clifton Sneakers

    Sweat Set & PJ Set AV Sweatshirt & Pant ( I always pack a cozy sweat set) // J. Crew Cotton Poplin Set

    JacketThe Great Cardigan // Navy Blazer

    Workout Clothes 3 Set Active Sets

    UndergarmentsEby Bralette (the most comfy bralette for travel) // Natori T-Shirt Bra // Chantelle Hipster Undies

    Hat & SunglassesJanessa Leone Judith Packable Hat (this got crushed and just molds right back into shape // Celine Sunglasses

    Zimmermann Floral Midi Linen Dress

    Matta NY Dress (diff print above sold out)

    Buck Mason Cotton Slip Dress

    Buck Mason Cropped s/s Button Down // Jeanerica White Jean // The Great Cardigan

    Natalie Martin Silk Fiore Dress // Janessa Leone Judith Packable Hat

    Buck Mason s/s Tee // Banana Republic Poplin Drawstring Pant // Gucci Crossbody Bag

    Janessa Leone Judith Packable Hat // J. Crew Linen Shirt Dress // Gucci Crossbody Bag

    Adeus!

    Julie

    Mattei’s Tavern Los Olivos

    The Great Cardigan // Doen Top // Jeanerica Jeans // Rachel Comey Clogs // Turquoise Necklace (similar to above)

    I’m just getting back from a couple of nights at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos. In the Santa Ynez Valley this charming boutique hotel is surrounded by horse ranches and beautiful vineyards. We stopped at the Montecito Mart on the way there for a little shopping. I went into Clic (love that boutique), Doen (got this gingham top), and a quick bite to eat at Merci. Once we were in Los Olivos we relaxed by the pool, drank delicious wines, and enjoyed their morning yoga classes. The little town is just a 5 minute walk away with cute boutiques and wine tasting rooms. We had lunch at Bell’s (amazing French bistro) and dinner at Bar Le Cote (modern seafood fare). On the way back home we checked out The Post Montecito a new shopping destination in Santa Barbara. The first Jamie Haller store opened (got these loafers) along with Brochu Walker (got this dress & top and eyeing this stunning cardigan), Merlette, Janessa Leone, Amber Interiors, and several more chic boutiques. Lastly, we stopped in Summerland which is filled with cute homes stores and Heidi Merrick boutique. Fun and easy little getaway!

    More details on what I packed below.

    J. Crew Two Piece Set // J. Crew Suit // Waterproof Birks

    Kule Top // Levi Jeans // Hermes Sandals

    Natalie Martin Fiore Dress // Hermes Sandals

    J. Crew Linen Dress // Hunza G Suit // Janessa Leone Packable Hat // Waterproof Birks

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    Julie

    Italy Packing List

    Airport Outfit – Kule Tee // Cotton Poplin Pants // Salomon Sneakers // AV Sweatshirt in my carry-on

    Italy packing list, what I packed in my carry-on and Bigger Away Suitcase.

    Longchamp Carry-On

    1. AV Sweatshirt
    2. Janessa Leone Packable Hat
    3. Quince leather cosmetic case
    4. Travel Backgammon set
    5. Playing Cards
    6. Lavender Hand Sanitizer
    7. Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm
    8. Tower 28 Lip Gloss
    9. Travel Pillow
    10. Travel Sized Tissues

    Bigger Away Carry-On Suitcase

    DressesUlla Johnson Hibiscus Print Dress (50% off) // Zimmermann Wrap Dress (on sale) // Zimmermann Linen Floral Midi (on sale) // Ulla Johnson Playsuit // Natalie Martin Cotton Dress // Julie Harrah Silk Cover-Up // Natalie Martin Silk Fiore Maxi // J. Crew White Linen Tunic // Buck Mason Cotton Slip Dress (great dress for sightseeing in the hot heat)

    TopsBuck Mason Button Down (white & blue stripe) // Buck Mason Tee (white & grey)

    Shorts J. Crew Linen Short // Left on Friday Linen Short

    ShoesHermes Chypre // Birkenstock 1774 Red // Valentino Large Rock Stud Sandal

    Bathing Suit – Hunza G One Piece // J. Crew One Piece Classic Sculp (on sale)

    JacketA.P.C Navy Blazer

    UndergarmentsChantelle Underwear // NOOD Bra Cups // Natori Bra

    Cosmetic Case SetQuince Leather Set

    Workout ClothesAlo Goddess Tank // Alo Airlift Pant

    Italia

    Zimmermann Maxine Dress // Valentino Slides

    I’m just returning from a week in Tuscany and Florence. We stayed at Monteverdi Tuscany a boutique hotel nestled in the restored medieval village of Castiglioncello del Trinoro. The hotel blends rustic charm with modern elegance. The rooms are beautifully designed, we had a villa that was perfect for a family with a gorgeous kitchen. The hotel serves farm-to-table food at their restaurants which we loved. The staff was amazing and a highlight of our stay along with the cooking class we did one evening on property. After Tuscany we went to Collegio all Querce, the newest addition to the Auberge collection. Collegio alla Querce is a luxurious hotel set in a restored 16th-century boarding school. It features elegant rooms with stunning views, several dining options, and a beautiful spa. They did an amazing job renovating this property but still keeping the old world charm. The restored frescos were a highlight for me along with the interior design. We spent most of our time by the picturesque pool swimming and eating el fresco (the pizza was insane). It’s just minutes from the city center, it offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the center of Florence. We will definitely be returning to this property!

    A couple NEW things….

    1. Viani Milano x Lily Sisto shoe collaboration dropped today. Check it out here. My favorites are the gingham & stripe (love a mary Jane).
    2. I’ve been looking for a red leather belt and found this Gucci one in Italy.
    3. I needed a new pair of sunglasses and bought these Gucci ones. I love the shape of them.
    4. I love these two new button-downs I got from Rochelle Behrens (this one & this one). Runs big, xsmall for me.
    5. I took the FRE light weight 50 SPF sunscreen on my trip and it’s my new favorite. It’s lightweight and not greasy.
    6. Love these high rise pleated cotton poplin pants I bought to wear on the airplane but I have been wearing them a ton.
    7. I packed the Hermes Chypre sandal on my trip and they are so comfortable. I’m eying a new color way.

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    Julie

    Punta Mita Packing List

    More of what I packed for Punta Mita

    1. Alex Mill Cardigan, $195 Above, it’s chilly at night in Punta Mita.
    2. Mille Astrid Dress, $174
    3. Ulla Johnson Ottilie Dress, $490
    4. Ulla Johnson Playsuit, $175 Below.
    5. Stuart Weitzman Dayna Platform Sandals, $495 So comfy, below.
    6. Julie Harrah Isabell Dress, $665
    7. Natalie Martin Valerie Dress, $195
    8. Natalie Martin Fiore Dress, $395
    9. Banana x Republic x White Lotus Halter Dress, $350
    10. J. Crew Linen Shorts, $69.50 I got these right before I left they are so comfortable.
    11. J. Crew Sculpt Swimsuit, $118 So flattering, runs small I bought size 4.
    12. Left on Friday Linen Shorts, $100
    13. Clare V. Trucker Hat, $50
    14. Janessa Leone Judith Hat, $287
    15. Birkenstock Ava, $49

    NYC Packing List

    Max Mara Weekend Tempera Coat (sold out similar here) // Cashmere Cable Sweater // Cream Jeans // Suede Booties // Bigger Away Suitcase // Longchamp Carry-On Bag // Clare V. Phone Case

    Isabel Marant Jacket // & Other Stories Black Pants // Frye Boots (comfortable city walking boots)

    Doen Top (size up) & Levi Jeans

    Max Mara Coat // Levi Wedgie Boot Cut Jeans // Suede Boots

    I also packed but not pictured above is this Kule Cardigan // Kule long sleeve t-shirt // Polo Button Down

    Restaurants & Bakeries we went to.

    1. Dinner at Thai Diner
    2. Lunch at Pastis
    3. Dinner at Blue Ribbon on Sullivan (original location).
    4. Breakfast at Russ & Daughters & Sadelle’s.
    5. Pastries La Librae & Super Moon Bake House & Breads Bakery
    6. Dinner at Don Angie – best lasagne I have ever had, it’s special!
    7. Pizza at Scar’s & The Upside

    Have a great week everyone!

    XX

    Julie

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    London Calling

    I wanted to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year! I started this blog in 2017 as a creative outlet to share fashion finds, restaurants, travel, and things that inspire me. I appreciate all of your support and looking forward to a great year ahead!

    11 things I bought in London

    1. Barbour Cropped Jacket, $364
    2. Isabel Marant Deone Suede Ankle Bootie, $600 Perfect evening bootie, kitten heel which is comfy.
    3. Rixo Satin Molly Shirt, $175
    4. A.P.C. Lucy Jacket, $665 I got the size 34 runs big.
    5. Ralph Lauren Cable Wool Cashmere Sweater, $198
    6. Puma Speedcat Sneaker Hunter Green, $100
    7. Jott Down Vest, $140
    8. Axel Arigato Dice Lo Sneaker, $210
    9. Arket Cotton Marled Socks, $12 Got all the colors, love to wear these with my Boston’s.
    10. Earl of East Green House Soy Candle, $35
    11. Carhartt WIP Jacket, $260

    I had a lot of questions about the coats we were wearings along with our carry on bags. I liked them all below.

    From Left to Right – Aritiza Double Face Coat // Aritzia Slouch Coat (runs big) // Old Mackage (similar here by Max Mara)

    Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote Bag // Le Pliage XL Travel Bag (packed an extra one in our suitcase for shopping) // Personalized Longchamp Le Pliage (not pictured above).

    Restaurants & Hotel

    Le Petit Maison // Hakassan // Tamarind // Chiltern Firehouse // Granger & Co // Manteca // Hagen for Coffee // Sketch High Tea

    Hotel – Soho Hotel a Firmdale Property

    Enjoy your day everyone!

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    Julie

    Heckfield Place

    We just got back from a week in England. Our first stop and a highlight of the trip was our stay at Heckfield Place. Only an hour drive from London, a restored 19th century Georgian Family home in rural Hampshire is turned into a countryside haven. A labor of love of Gerald Chan, a Boston based billionaire who we had the pleasure of meeting during our stay. He did not leave one stone unturned when renovating this property. The decor, attention to detail (monogrammed hand embossed room keys), and service was impeccable! The restaurants serve farm to table food, 80% of the food is produced on the 438 acres of land. We visited the organic farm along with the Guernsey cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens. This eco friendly property even dries all the flowers to create stunning arrangements that adorn the fireplaces and chandeliers. The walls are painted in gorgeous Farrow & Ball colors, and the impressive artwork is from Gerald’s personal collection. I can’t forget The Bothy (their spa), an expansive indoor pool overlooking the beautiful grounds along with a yoga & pilates studio, treatment rooms, sauna, and steam room. A truly magical couple of days, we cannot wait to go back!

    A couple things I wore while there…..

    1. Barbour Beadnell Jacket (more sizing here), I bought the cropped Beadnell version for my daughter in London.
    2. Mackage Wool Belted Coat Mine is from a different season I linked a similar Mackage one and I also like this plaid one form Max Mara.
    3. Hunter Boots – no need to pack yours they provide them there.
    4. Blundstone Boots Great travel rain boot which I packed.
    5. Oversized Cable Cashmere Sweater & Shrunken Cashmere Sweater
    6. Alex Mill Jeans
    7. Faux Leather Pants – I wore these in London too.
    8. V Neck Sweater
    9. Alo Leggings
    10. Lululemon Top
    11. Cashmere Beanie
    12. Away Medium Expandable Suitcase – perfect for a week away and enough room for some extra shopping.

    More to come on our London itinerary and what I bought while I was there.

    My Travel Essentials

    My 10 Travel Essentials

    1. Away Medium Flex Suitcase, $395 We all have the bigger carry-on but I just bought two of the medium flex and they are great!
    2. Longchamp XLRG Travel Bag, $205 Folds up small so you can throw it in your suitcase for all your shopping.
    3. Ralph Lauren Cashmere Cable Sweater, $498 Great basic sweater to travel with.
    4. Lake Poplin Pajama Set, $135 Cute and comfy pajama set.
    5. Celine Boston Crossbody Bag, $1750 Perfect travel purse, just the right size.
    6. Quince Cashmere Wrap, $99 Keeps you warm and cozy on the airplane.
    7. Ursa Major Face Wipes, $26 The best.
    8. AV Sweatshirt, $165 I always travel with a AV sweatshirt.
    9. Quince Leather Travel Pouches, $69
    10. Duxiana Travel Pillow, $178

    Gift Guides – Men’s Gift Guide //  Women’s Gift Guide // Teen Gift Guide // Personalized Gift Guide // Home Gift Guide // Under $100