Way back in May all of Italy went through a bit of a cold spell. Temperatures dropped, it rained and everyone had to reach into their closet for their fall and winter clothes. Since it has been uncharacteristically warm these past few weeks (no complaining here!), I thought I would share a whole series of adventures, moments and outfits that I never got around to posting from May.
Mountain Girl
One of the most amazing things for me has been to live this close to a mountain range. When people think of Canada they may think of the Rocky Mountains, but when you are living in Toronto, they are on the other side of the country!
I had never had any connection to the mountains until I moved to Modena. Now, every morning, I look out from my kitchen window to the Apennine Mountains that border the Emilia Romagna and Tuscany Regions. A mere 30 minute drive and we are already breathing fresh moutain air and exploring territory that is so unfamiliar to me.
When I first moved here I didn’t think I was a “mountain girl”, but now I long for a month of hiking the beautiful trails to secluded waterfalls, misty pale green hills and forest lined roads.
The Rocca di Minozzo
I hope to share with you a few of the incredible secrets that lie in the Apennine Mountain range in Emilia Romagna. You would be surprised how many fun things there are to do with kids, secluded “Borghi” and stunning views.
On this particular day we were heading to an event that I had found online in the town of Ligonchio. This area of the mountains is a little further away from where we usually venture and in a direction that we don’t normally explore. After about an hour we got tired of being in the car and we happen to stop in Minozzo, a little town with a historic fortress. All that remains of this 9th century stonghold are the remains of a tower.
No entrance fee, no one working the “gate”, just a stone stairway to the lookout that remains and a stunning panorama across the mountainside.
What I Wore
A part of me was really looking forward to going up into the Mountains if for nothing else than to dress in layers. As much as I hate being cold, I love layering and what a perfect excuse to wear my Federica Moretti hat.
You’ve seen this hat before, it was given to me as a Christmas gift from my husband. The designer is from Modena, and hand makes all of her creations. She has worked with all of the major brands, but this is part of her private label collection. She used to have her own store in Modena, which was amazing, but sadly decided to close it. Her hates are available everywhere online but are a little pricey…WORTH IT but pricey. you can find them through this luxury retailer online.
If you follow me on Pinterest you may have seen a few pins dedicated to the “scarf over hair” trend. I love this trend! And intend on fully exploiting it the moment that it turns chilly again in Modena.
Everything else that I am wearing is either really old or gifted.
Layers:
- United Colors of Benetton 100% pure cotton turtleneck
- Urban Outfitters robe sweater
- Old leather Moto Jacket
- Jacob brand wool scarf
- Straight leg jeans
- Born Shoes
- Python leather belt in beige from TES
I have learned that if I get too hot I can always peel a layer off, but nothing can help me if I’m too cold!
A big plus was the restaurant directly across the road from the Rocca, it was AMAZING FOOD. One of the most satisfying meals I have ever had, look out for a post about it….and hopefully before 2015!
#REASONSTODRESS Real Mom Street Style Linkup & Tag Party
I now host a weekly linkup that starts on Tuesdays and is open all week! If you read this post from yesterday you saw my Fab Four blogger picks from last week’s linkup (I had 27 entries which was AWESOME!), I also feature an Istagrammer who has used the tag #reasonstodress and of course a Real Mom!
Feel free to read all about this linkup here and what it stands for. Every week I will feature looks from the linkup, an instagrammer who has tagged a photo #reasonstodress and a real mom in Italy or in the world! The linkup happens every Tuesday but lasts all week, feel free to join at any time!
PLUS a GIVEAWAY
To launch the linkup I am contemporarily running a giveaway for a $600 hand braided belt. This belt is made by the World’s foremost artisans in Castelfranco Emilia, Modena Italy and it will be custom sized for the winner. You can enter by liking Reasons to Dress on Facebook, following on Twitter or even linking up, commenting on other blog posts and tagging a photo #reasonstodress on Instagram. For full contest entry rules, please feel free to visit the contest page.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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You do not need to be a fashion blogger in order to link up. If you are a parenting, travel, lifestyle, marketing or expat blogger proud of what you wore…link it up!!
You do not NEED to be a parent to linkup, but this is about inspiring parents to look their best.
