We’re really into Caterpillars these days.
Zeno (my three year old) and I keep watching videos about them, singing songs about them and doing crafts about them….and can I just ask? When did we all start calling a cocoon a chrysalis?? Is this a thing now? Did I miss something between 1985 (the last time I talked about caterpillars) and the year 2015?
In any event, I just know I’m going to do a separate post about our Butterfly obsession because I am honestly thinking of buying this Live Butterfly Growing Kit
that you can order from pretty much anywhere in the world, and have live caterpillars sent to you, that you grow and then release once they become butterflies…stay tuned!
What I Wore
I think we’re both into butterflies these days because the Spring is finally here and its all about transitioning into our new selves. It is Early Spring weather, which is actually one of my favourite periods for fashion, because you can leave the house without a coat but it’s not so hot that you are sweating constantly (hello June – August!).
I wouldn’t say I’m quite ready to do the CAMBIO ARMADIO, the arduous process of swapping out all of my heavier fall and winter items for my lighter spring and summer items (you’ve seen that before here…and it’s not pretty).
Even though it is quite warm here in the sun, in the shade it is still chilly enough that some Italians still leave the house in their puffy coats (I’m absolutely not kidding). So, while the Spring for some is jumping right into mini skirts and bare legs, here it is a much slower process that involves some fantastic outfit opportunities.
No coats, as long as I’ve got heavy enough layers on.
I can start to show some ankle with my rolled jeans without being chilly
And I can finally show off cute layered looks without being buried under scarves and jackets.
The sun is totally shining and every week we take long walks into Modena’s Piazza where there are constant Antiques Markets (I’ve written about them here), events and aperitivos to go to.
I wore my Donna Più over the knee real suede boots, which I’ve style before here, and plan on wearing on repeat until 2017! They were bought online here on sale for $122 from $255. Over the knee boots (according to my early research) will be going strong well into the winter season of 2016, so don’t worry about investing in a pair, they will not be passè and you will love them! I’ve done a post about where you can find some great styles, all for under $160 or less here.
I’m also wearing a 1 euro men’s oversized sweater, layered over a blue pin striped Zara shirt. I love talking “thrifted” and vintage with one of my reader’s, Erin (she’s a queen at finding good deals and I’ve featured her before here). There aren’t that many real thrift stores here in Italy, but we DO HAVE MARKETS! Italians LOVE temporary markets, everything from organic fruits and veggies to antiques to clothes. At every market you can find great deals, including new items (pretty low quality, usually) to used items or stock sales (usually pretty decent quality from last season). Every now and then you can even find luxury items for only a few euros, and I have a dear friend who works in fashion and LOVES scouring the market for a few hidden gems, but you would never know!
If you are visiting Italy for a longer stay or you’ve recently moved here and you’d love to visit a market, I’ve written before about how you can search for the clothing and housewares market in your city or town online here.
A Drop of Balsamic Vinegar in Murano Glass
This necklace was created by the contemporary artisan Susanna Martini in her Modena bottega La Gioja. It is part of the “Mutina” collection inspired by Modena’s traditions. I have a giveaway running right now on the blog for a chance to win a jewelry set including earrings, this pendant necklace and a beautiful key chain from the collection + a bottle of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar by the Acetaia Malagoli Daniele – worth over $200!
Don’t forget to enter, this is open internationally (including free shipping to the winner) and her work is stunning. I’ve featured Susanna and her studio before on the blog in this post, where you can actually see her transform glass into her daring jewelry and learn a bit about her philosophy and art.
This set is valued at 195 Euro ($212) and this giveaway is open internationally, until April 6, 2015.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I hope that whereever you are, Spring is starting to bloom all around you and the sun’s rays are starting to warm you. Just like a butterfly emerges from its Chrysalis ( see I’m learning!) we too can emerge from our heavy layers, closed toe shoes and furry legs to reveal a bit of skin, manicured tootsies, smooth calves and Spring Trends!