Doors of Europe

I don't know when my interest in doors began. It feels like it was always there. I started a Pinterest board devoted to doors quite a while ago, but I think my attraction to doors was well established before Pinterest was born.

This summer while traveling in Europe I couldn't help but snap several photos of doors. From the size, to the hardware and the shape, one cannot escape these impressive portals and their grand accessories! Enjoy...

Had to snap at least one stationery shop! Gorgeous iron topper.

Some doors are hard to find because of the ivy.

Look at that gorgeous carved wood lion's head! Amazing.

Wordless Wednesday: Cliffs of Kilkee, Ireland

photo by Easton Place ... Cliffs of Kilkee, Ireland, July 2014

What I Wore: Walking Around Europe

Lavender in Provence

My husband and I spent a little more than three weeks traveling Europe this summer. It was a wonderful "second honeymoon" if you will. We stayed in Ireland, France, Italy, Austria, (drove through Lichtenstein on our way to) Switzerland and then back to Italy for our flight home. As you can imagine there was a lot of walking. The majority of the time, I wore a cotton skirt, a basic t-shirt and a cardigan tied around my shoulders. But what shoe does one wear to offer comfort and a bit of cute? Tretorn sneakers, of course! Seksti Mesh in oyster gray to be exact. Sneakers and a skirt equals a perfect combination for summer walks on cobblestone sidewalks and paths. Though ballet flats or summer sandals look cute with cotton skirts, they're just not supportive enough for hours (and I mean many hours!) of walking.  These mesh Tretorns were so comfortable, I ordered a second pair, in blue, when I returned from holiday. I think they will go nicely into Autumn when paired with denim or colorful ankle pants. What do you think?

• Rugby Pleated Skirt: Gap
• Ailana Sunglasses: Maui Jim
• Seksti Mesh Sneakers: Tretorn
• French Market Basket Bag: Etsy
• Basic T-shirt: Target
• Sterling Silver Bracelet: CB Stark on Martha's Vineyard (I wear this nearly everyday.)
• Nadia Navy Cardigan: Tory Burch

Check out my "Skirt and Sneakers" board on Pinterest for more cute looks.
Happy Travels!
xoxo
Patti

Summer Travels in Europe

My husband and I are planning our first real vacation, sans children, since our first child was born nearly 16 years ago! It's very exciting, and a little unsettling to be completely honest. Our younger son as been asking to attend his usual summer camp for both sessions and this year I finally agreed. This means he'll be enjoying camp life for a full seven weeks! He's incredibly excited and I'm trying not to think about missing him for so many weeks. Our older son is traveling to Switzerland, The Czech Republic, Poland and Israel with his camp this summer. They will be traveling for the better part of 6 weeks! And while I'm going to miss him equally, I am feeling very blessed to be able to offer him this opportunity. All of this camp-fun for our children means my husband and I will have at least 6 weeks to ourselves and THAT equals travel time!

At this point, we're planning on spending 10 days in Israel, one of which will be with our oldest son and his group. The camp organizes a parents' trip and we're jumping at the chance! We figured while we're "across the pond" we'd spend some time in France and possibly England after our stay in Israel.  I came across a photo on the fabulous site, Mr. Porter, and it's inspired me to put together a playlist that I can listen to while planning and dreaming about our Summer travels. Have a listen, enjoy, dream, plan...  Are you planning any trips this Summer?

photo, curtesy of Mr. Porter, Journal. please be sure to explore their site for inspiration

xo

-Patti