Tag: travel

San Francisco Feeling

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Such a colourful, vibrant city!

I recently spent a week exploring San Francisco and Napa Valley/Sonoma.  One popular colour was rose gold – specifically this Rose Gold Light Down jacket from Uniqlo. Everyone was wearing it – including myself. Here I’m riding a vintage tram along Market Street.

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Art is huge in San Fran with outdoor murals, galleries and the world renowned San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).

Shopping is also a big deal with Union Square being the hub. Here’s my haul.

LUX

I spotted this great accessories shop in the Castro and picked up this cashmere poncho for $50. I layered here over a jean jacket for chilly spring mornings and I know it will work over dresses and blazers as well. I also visited the UGG store in Union Square and the moment I slid my feet into these slides I was sold. The soft leather lining and cushion sole will keep my tired feet comfortable and stylish all day!

POP OF COLOUR

Being surrounded by art, stunning landscapes and coastlines made me want to liven up my Spring wardrobe with colour. I scored this Anthropologie embroidered jacket for $41 from $198. I visited the store while they were having a Friday night Happy Hour. While sampling some great California Rosé I scooped up some great sale stuff for an extra 30% off. Best shopping night ever!

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It’s the Little Things

Sometimes cheap little ordinary treats can really take you back to your holiday and remind you of the good times you had. I picked up some buttons from galleries, and tourist shops. I really like them on jean jackets or hats. They are an affordable and stylish holiday memory. Picked up this mermaid pouch at a gallery in Sonoma. The image reminded me of the California coastline with it’s rocks and sea lions. Accessories were on BOGO 50% at Victoria Secret. I love this rose gold wallet – it will work great with my Gucci belt bag because I can attach my keys as well.

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ONE DRESS 2 SEASONS

This cream sweater dress was another score from Anthropoligie. I can wear it now, as winter is ending, with OTK boots + leggings and in Spring with my new laser cut Vince Camuto boots (future blog post). I can top this dress with so many of my jackets!

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THE BEST

The very best thing about my holiday was spending time with my BFFs from Italy! CIAO!

 

 

Italian Fashion Series (IFS)

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I’m dedicating my blog to my recent trip to Italy via the purchases I made.

I shopped some great brands in Northern Italy’s hotbed of casual wear. Then selected some beautiful artisan pieces in the heel of Italy – Puglia.

1st Stop – Citta Fiera, Udine

This shopping mall is the biggest in the area. It had some great stores like OVS, Benetton, Zara, Motivi – to name a few. The food court had a great bar that served gelato. If you’re a follower of modacarta you know from reading 25 Days 25 Looks I recently went through radiation treatment for Endometrial Ovarian Cancer and it caused some changes in my body. The main one is a sensitivity to dairy. Very sad news when you’re in Italy and surrounded by gelato. Lucky for me I rediscovered my love of lemon gelato.

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1st Purchase

The very first thing I bought was Rose Gold Superga sneakers. Superga is an Italian sneaker brand that recently went through a resurgence through collabs with The Row and other fashion brands. Rose coloured and embellished sneakers is a huge trend for fall 2017 and these were a steal at 44 euros or $62CAD. The fabric is canvas with a rose gold varnish which makes them water resistant.

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DIY Project

I wanted these sneakers to be more on trend so I decided to add satin ribbon laces. It’s super easy!

Buy some satin ribbon in a colour that matches the sneakers. Measure the ribbon to the laces and add about an extra inch. Tape the ends of the ribbon to make it easier to thread. Remove the tape once the ribbon is threaded and dip the end into some clear glue. This will seal the end and keep it from fraying.

Here’s how they turned out. I love them!

Up next – Motivi

The Italy Series

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I’m leaving for Italy in a couple of days for vacation. I am so thankful to so many people that I can make this trip. I feel blessed that my health is better than ever and I’ve resumed my life after treatment for Endometrial Ovarian Cancer.

My 25 Days 25 Looks initiative is well behind me but I remember fondly the people I met at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the excellent care I received. I’ll be back there after my trip for follow-up visits with my healthcare team and I will of course dress to impress in fabulous fall looks.

Italy 2017

First stop is visiting family in Friuli. Friuli is located in the north-east part of Italy and it is a beautiful region of mountains, sea and history. I’ll be staying and traveling with my cousin Elena. We will be heading way down south to Puglia. The heel of Italy. I’m looking forward to sun, heat, sea and exploring the towns of the Salento. Also enjoying Negro Amaro which is the region’s wine.

I’m not planning to blog but you can experience my adventures on instagram:

@modacarta – for Italy looks, shopping and trends.

@latonizzo – for scenery, food and la dolcevita.

The doll is also ready to go!

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I miss New York

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I’ve been to NYC almost every year since 2003. The longest I stayed was 1 week and the shortest was 2 days. I always find new and interesting things to do and see in the city. It is an urban photographer’s paradise, a fashionista’s treasure chest and a culture hound’s playground.

This weekend’s trip is a celebration of a friend’s birthday and for me – to have some fun before I go back to work after 25 Days 25 Looks.

MUST-DO

  1. SEE the oculus at the World Trade Centre
  2. SHOP at Century 21 – this is on every trip’s must-do list 🙂
  3. DRINK an Aperol Spritz at Eataly’s Rooftop patio
  4. VISIT the Irving Penn Retrospective at the MET

SHOPPING LIST

If you’ve followed 25 Days 25 Looks then you’re probably thinking this lady does not need anything! But like all women I have gaps in my wardrobe that need filling.

  1. Denim skirt
  2. White blazer
  3. Mid-heel black sandals – dressy
  4. Discounted Gucci sunglasses (Century 21)

….mmm…if I added a top to this list I would have a complete look!

Stay tuned for my New York report and VLOG when I return. CIAO!

Italian Haul

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I’ve been back for a couple of weeks from my trip to Italy and as always I was depressed to leave la dolce vita and return to my everyday vita. That being said, my everyday vita allows me to live la dolce vita for short periods of time. On to the fashion and the shopping…

ITALIAN STYLE

Having visited both the North and South on this trip I can say the style language is very different. The North boasts Milan – fashion capitol of the world and mecca for modern art and design. Northern Italian woman love their jeans and even if they are ripped to shreads, they are styled with lovely ballet flats or neat, clean sneakers + a blouse or crisp white shirt. You won’t see a pair of dirty, grungy Converse anywhere. You see neat, tidy Converse or Stan Smiths.

The South is totally different. It was still full summer in Sicily. Women were more bohemian in dresses and frilly tops paired with flat sandals and high heels.

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THE HAUL

Shopping was not the number 1 priority but I did take advantage of every opportunity made available. My primary shopping was done at Foxtown in Mendrisio, Switzerland. It is about a 40 minute drive from Milan and on every Asian Tour of Italy package. It is no Great Lakes or Sawgrass or any other big outlet Mall you can think of, but the quality of high end designer stores is what makes it famous.

I focused my attention on handbags and footwear. Specifically Gucci. img_2935I wanted to celebrate the completion of my certificate in Digital Strategy from U of T with a Gucci Bag. I did my research so I knew what styles I liked and I definitely wanted the double GG canvas. I love the rose gold trim and fold over closure on this bag. It holds a ton and also has a cross-body strap. It’s the perfect Forever Gucci bag at less than 1/2 price. This style has been updated for 2016 but the fine straps and hint of pink add a touch of elegance and femininity to this bag.

 

I scored on img_3199ballet flats at Tods. I love Tods shoes. Their driving loafers are famous for comfort and pedal to the metal grip but I’m not a loafer girl – I’m a ballet flat girl. I chose a tri-colour suede and leather combo in royal blue, charcoal and black as well as a deep rose patent leather. These were marked down twice so I basically payed for a regular pair of no-name leather flats but got Tods quality instead.

If you’ve been reading my blog you know I have been searching for a dark green blazer. My favourite Italian brand Benetton came through. This blazer is soft and drapes well. I know it will look great this fall. Especially when I pair it with the chunky stone necklace I bought in a local market.

FASHION DOLL

I couldn’t leave her at home. I had fun shooting the doll in Italy. Thanks to Elena for your patience and help setting up the shots.

 

 

PRE-ITALIA

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Trip preparation can always be daunting. Going overseas for an extended stay is really challenging. How much should I bring? Will it be hot, cold? How many pairs of shoes will I need.

SCHEDULING

I planned my trip to Italy when peak tourist season is winding down but it’s still summer weather. I did not want to worry about bring clothes for 2 seasons but then again shopping for clothes in Milan is not a hardship;) I also had to plan around my host’s availability.

WARDROBE

Neutral and versatile are my key words when packing for a trip.To beat the heat I have dresses and culottes. Jeans and a hoodie are good ideas for the plane because it gets cold on a long haul flight. Comfortable sandals and sneakers for exploring. Thin layers that can come off and on as needed.

PACKING

I have fallen in love with packing cubes. They hold a ton and keep everything organized within the suitcase. They also make unpacking really easy. I did upgrade my ticket to allow for a second checked bag. More for way back…

CARRYING

Must haves for me are a lightweight cross-body bag and a backpack. This Coach bag is great for everyday and has lots of pockets to keep me organized. The Herschel backpack will hold my camera, water, guide book and any other essentials while touring around.

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RESEARCH

I have had to prep for 2 different portions of this trip.

  1. Milan Shopping
  2. Extended stay in Sicily

I wanted to experience outlet shopping – Italian Style and my cousins and I are deciding whether to go to Arese which is just outside Milan or Foxtown in Switzerland. We will also be going to Milan to visit Fondazione Prada which is a modern art museum funded by Prada. We will ofcourse also go shopping in Milan.

My cousin Elena and I will be flying to Sicily for a week. I’ve been reading up on the history of the island and I’m really looking forward to seeing Siracusa and Agrigento with its’ Valli dei Templi. For all this site seeing I have had to do a thorough cleaning and prep of my camera. Although my SLR is a few years old it takes amazing photos. Be sure to follow me on instagram @latonizzo and @modacarta. I’ll be using both accounts.

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modacarta DOLL

I could not possibly leave without the star of this blog. I have created a fun, versatile wardrobe for her and I’m looking forward to shooting her in la bella Italia!

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Arrivederci! a Presto!