How to dress in Rome, Italy

Rome in Aug/ Sept is HOT! Venice is a bit rainy and humid, cool in the nights BUT ROME IS SUNNY. Even though I wanted to dress up light, I realized you got to be stylish at the same time. So here are a few suggestions that I have put together on what to carry/ wear when planning a trip to Rome.

1. Slim Fitted Jeans  - I love straight fits and since it's a holiday, even the colors can be light! View it here
2. Carry a few light tops,they go with jeans or shorts, floral is perfect for summers! View it here
3. & 4. I absolutely love Diesel and love their light denims, I love the shorts and the dress (in case you go somewhere fancy, you may need a dress), taken these from SS 13 Diesel collection here

5. You'll need a few camisoles for sure, you can keep it simple yet stylish! View it here
6. Another airy top, although this one's a bit dressy. You never know where you may be heading in the evenings, casual yet chic. View it here
7. Other than Khaki & neutral shades of shorts, why not go for a something colorful and funky? I love these turquoise shorts and I think they look uber - cool. View them here
8. I love linens and I love the length of these shorts. Again, whites go with anything and everything, surely to add them in for any travel! View it here 
9. I'm a fan of Boat shoes and I think they go with Jeans or shorts and they are super comfy, there's lots to walk in Rome! Surely need them. View it here 
10. You can't just be carry closed shoes, you need those strappy sandals that go so well with dresses/ jeans/ shorts/ skirts and I love these yellow ones, they come in different colors - View it here


Now after all this planning, you surely cant go wrong with those accessories. Keep it simple and take stuff that goes with everything! Bags that can be carried on the arm, shoulder or can be a sling when required!

Check out the Coach Jewelry collection here 
Check out the Coach Handbag collection here

A Love Affair with Firenze

It's almost as if I have some unfinished business with Firenze.

I had only one day in the city and honestly, we decided to just go with the flow. So I cannot recommend any places or things to do than simply walk around & EXPLORE.

I absolutely loved Florence and it's in my repeat list of places to go to. There is something about the place that will make you forget about everything and fall in love with it.

I was told to take care of my belongings however, as soon as I stepped out of the train, I couldn't care less! There are such tiny lanes between buildings taking you to other tinier lanes and larger squares that getting lost is easy.

There's also lots of high street fashion stores and I wish I had more time because the collection looked simply amazing but we were very short on time.

Before going on our little trip, I did a bit of research and found that some of the most iconic fashion designers originate from Firenze and they include Roberto Cavalli, Gucci & Pucci!

No wonder it's my favorite destination so far and I can't wait to go back.

Roberto Cavalli - www.robertocavalli.com

Gucci was founded by an Italian Designer & Businessman, Guccio Gucci in 1921.

www.gucci.com

Pucci was founded by Emilio Pucci, a Florentine fashion designer & politician.

www.emiliopucci.com

I love them all but do you have a favorite??

Photo Diary & things to do in Venice

San Marco Square - a must visit, walk around and enjoy the outlets, get some Gelato, shop, admire the Venetian masks (They are in every corner and expensive) and eat lots of Italian food:)

GELATO GELATO GELATO - Have lots of those, it's a tradition, you got to eat lots of Gelato and walk around.

Take a Gondola trip to Grand Canal & back - it's a must, some of the Gondola rowers whistle, sing songs and chit chat with the other rowers (I think you call them rowers!) The canals within canals within canals is just mesmerizing  there's something about that little Gondola trip that will always stay in your mind, we even saw an entire wedding on a gondola!

Rialto Bridge - Whilst walking around, you will come across the Rialto bridge (by itself, trust me), it takes you to the other side of Venice and again, there's a line of restaurants and cafes along the canal, very romantic (Sigh!).

Doge's Palace - Very historic, lovely architecture, then again Italy is full of history and architecture, the structures are very detailed and artistic everywhere and one's got to admire that.

Murano Factory - Venice is known for its glass factories, when taking the water taxi to Murano, you will come across many other such factories around Murano is the most popular and biggest with detailed craftsmanship  They are so quick with their work that it's almost automated! Very interesting!

Go to the Casino - Make sure you don't wear shorts and carry your passport. We weren't allowed because the men were wearing shorts/ slippers! And we didn't even carry our passports. We thought it's Venice and have a right to be laid back, but when there is a Casino, you gotta look a little presentable.

[It's been a super busy day today but blogging is more like 'me' time, so I have to make time for myself - Nishka xx]

How to dress in Venice, Italy

When going to Venice, think about comfort with style.

Shoes
Venice is a water city and before anything, think about the shoes you are going to wear.

Hubby wore suede shoes and you can image what happened to them! I wore my PRADA (bought from the outlets in Rome) and realized not such a good idea even though they were wet leather.
As soon as we reached our room, we changed to a comfy pair of flats - go for some clean open sandals or even better, ballet pumps. And men, get those sneakers out!

Check them out here, from Zara:

http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category/ae/en/zara-S2013/358010/Flat+sandals

I own these and absolutely love them - Massimo Dutti Balltet Pumps!

Something for the men - Pedro Shoes (www.pedroshoes.com)

Clothes
Keep it simple and light.
Leggings and shirts or cotton dresses, skinny light jeans (nothing too heavy, incase it rains) tshirts and this is the time for layering. Always carry a thin cardigan or a trench coat to keep yourself warm. For men again, jeans and T shirts or casual/ linen shirts, even shorts would do if it doesn't rain and it may get chilly in the evenings.

Keep it comfy & light!(http://www.massimodutti.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category/dutties/en/massimodutti/370509/Shirts%2B%26%2BBlouses)

Polo shirts work the best - Trendy yet comfy

Or just simple Linens, works for men & women

Hair
My friend actually blow dried her hair on the first day and as soon as we stepped out of our hotel, it didn't rain but POURED! So go for the natural wavy hair look or just tie it all back in a classic ponytail or a messy bun.

Bag
I just carried a classic sling all the time in which I carried my cash, lip gloss and hotel key card. My camera had a sling to, so I always kept it tied to my wrist! It worked for me and it surely is the best option, when there's a lot of walking to do!

I love this Coach Sling and it comes in more than one color - See below 

http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/-handbags_silhouettes_crossbody-us-us-5000000000000015030-en?t1Id=62&t2Id=5000000000000015030&tier=2&LOC=LN#123738