La Dolce Vita, the sweet life, is the perfect expression for a holiday in Italy.
Italy is as sweet as the sweetest and beyond relaxed, not to mention a cuisine to tempt the strongest of souls. We have moved to another coastal location to join friends for a few days in their villa. Life is lazy with the faint hint of a breeze, the lapping waves of the Mediterranean and the kiss of sunshine all day long. How to ever come back to earth is my only niggling thought? The days pass in a blink as I manage my self-induced coma of delicious food and wonderful friendship.
Slim Aarons photographs of La Dolce Vita speak a thousand words and more. We could step straight into these images and feel right at home. There is something still ‘untouched’ about the seaside in Italy compared to other European coastlines and even though millions of visitors pass through each year it remains relatively unspoilt.
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” – Leonardo Da Vinci
Today I am seeking the shade and sneaking a little computer time.
I am protecting my skin with a few hours inside and a parade through a favourite website, looking for last minute summer deals. Sale time is upon us and I might be in holiday mood but it doesn’t stop me from a bargain hunt. A good sale is an excellent diversion especially if I follow my own “rules”.
Getting the most out of sales means solid detective work. Finding the best of what is online requires time, patience and a fair bit of discipline. Whether sales are summer or winter I do try and follow my own advice and not end up with pieces I don’t really like or want. It does sound extremely obvious, but it isn’t. It is so, so easy to get it wrong during sale time and however experienced a fashionista we might be, the traps are there.
My regular shopping mantra is to buy only what looks better, what I don’t already have or what is a replacement.
When In Doubt: The 5 Do’s And The Don’ts
Do buy what you already like.
Don’t buy the unfamiliar.
Do replace the old with the new.
Don’t try and re-invent a whole new you.
Do invest at sale time; cost per wear is the best equation ever. Use it.
Don’t buy because the price is right; the piece must be right.
Do buy the classics; they aren’t boring but good value.
Don’t buy to grow into or squeeze into; it never happens.
Do return if need be; when in doubt, vote out.
Don’t be put of by too much choice; take a deep breath, read the above and streamline the basket.
Today’s edit comes from Halsbrook, a site I enjoy because it is easy to navigate and well curated. That makes all the difference; too much content and the confusion is overwhelming, not enough and I loose interest.
There is an added incentive, 25% off with code HOT25 to bring the discount to around 75% off.
I have found plenty to love, perfect for La Dolce Vita and so much more. xv
In No Particular Order
living la dolce vita
sale to sable tunic || navy and white tunic || kayu pinyata tota || serpui wicker tote || elie tahari white blouse
perserico dress with bell sleeves || kobe halperin black dress || bella tu caftan || elie tahari lace dress || white bella tu tunic
Bella tu jacquard tunic || blue peony embroidered top || black silk tunic with beading || hydrangea dress with white trim
daytime, nightime, any time
navy and white stripes || honeycomb short tweed || soft ivory tweed || cream tweed with navy trim || white stretch lace blouse (xl only)
Thank you Halsbrook for partnering with, La Dolce Vita: In The Shade
images slim aarons, la dolce vita italy
