Habitually Chic Italy Trip Recap

Before I head off on my next trip, I thought it might be a good idea to finally recap my two week trip to Italy last autumn which includes some of the things I wore along the way. I started  off in Milan for fashion week and then traveled on to Venice, Rome, and Florence before heading back to Milan to fly home.

I’ve heard from many people that they don’t care for Milan which is a shame. I loved the city but perhaps this is due to the fact that I had a Canadian resident of 15 years as my tour guide. One friend said she was disappointed in Milan because it lacked the charm of other Italian cities. Comparing Milan to a city like Florence is like comparing New York to Charleston. You visit each city for different reasons and each is wonderful in their own right. There are many wonderful sights and excellent shopping in Milan so I highly recommend adding the city to your Italian itinerary.

You can also find more of my favorite places in Italy on the Chico’s blog Inside Chic.

Black is always appropriate at fashion week and especially in Milan. My Faux Leather Skirt from Chico’s was the perfect compliment to my Club Monaco Leather Trimmed Blazer, black Manolo Blahnik pumps, and black Celine Trapeze bag. My jewelry from Chico’s and Chanel Lip Gloss added a little pop of color

I saw the photos and heard the hype of the Wes Anderson designed Bar Luce in the Fondazione Prada in Milan and I’m happy to report that it lived up to all my expectations. The casual sandwiches were delicious but it was the Chantilly cake by the Prada owned Marchesi pasticceria that I still dream about.

After seeing the film I Am Love, I also dreamed about visiting Villa Necchi. I’m happy to say that it exceeded my expectations. We had a wonderful intimate English speaking tour of the 1930’s home designed by Piero Portaluppi which allowed us access to even some off limit areas.

The flea market in Milan is held on the last Sunday of each month which luckily coincides with fashion week. I didn’t see him but even The Sartorialist Instagramed his visit to the sellers along the Naviglio Grande. I bought a Murano ashtray and a couple of small paintings among other things.

Do not even think of visiting Italy without eating gelato once a say like the Italians. It’s also perfect for showing off my Chico’s Pearl Ring and Bracelet.

I visited Milan at the end of September and was rewarded with perfect weather every day.

I then traveled to Venice with a friend where we were also graced with gorgeous weather which is a rarity in Venice.

While having a drink at the Gritti Palace, I noticed that my Chico’s Leopard Clutch looked perfectly at home on their green lounge chairs.

There are so many museums in Venice but  Ca’ Rezzonico was my favorite. The former private home now houses a public museum dedicated to 18th-century Venice filled with gorgeous furnishings and art.

After watching the Peggy Guggenheim documentary Art Addict at the Tribeca Film Festival, visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Museum was at the top of my must visit list in Venice. The intimate space houses her personal art collection and exhibitions along with a few pieces of furniture.

While I didn’t take a gondola ride, I did enjoy photographing the iconic boats along the canals and lagoon.

My Chico’s Collectibles Night Shadow Necklace was perfect for a night out in Venice but looked just as good on the Fortuny fabric in my hotel room.

The view of the grand canal from the Ponte dell’Accademia is one of the best.

I then took the train to Rome where I stayed near the Piazza del’Popolo.

After walking 7-9 miles a day, I was happy I packed my New Balance Sneakers and a comfy  Chico’s Blazer that never wrinkled the entire trip. My Celine Phantom Tote and Celine Sunglasses were perfect accessories that finished off my outfit that also included a Club Monaco Blue Shirt and J.Crew Toothpick Jeans.

It was worth visiting Rome just to see the ridiculously beautiful Doria Pamphilij Gallery. Part of the private palazzo is open to the public while the Pamphilij family lives in the other half closed to tours.

It’s worth walking up the steep hill to the Borghese Gardens for a view of Rome.

The highlight of my visit to Florence was staying near the Duomo which I walked past many times each day.

I stayed at the Palazzo Galletti in a very large room with frescoes on each wall.

My Chico’s Jewelry looked right at home in Palazzo Galletti too.

You can’t visit Florence without crossing a bridge or photographing the Arno. I love how the buildings and clouds are reflected in the water.

While we have a Santa Maria Novella in New York, it’s nothing like the original location founded by Dominican friars in 1221. I don’t know what I loved more, the beautifully scented products or inspiring interiors.

A rainy afternoon in Florence sent me inside to visit the Palazzo Pitti museum. This green room was my favorite.

Everyone I know recommended Trattoria Cammillo. I loved it so much that I ate dinner and lunch at the famed restaurant. The pasta melted in my mouth and I can’t wait to go back again.

The Boboli Gardens outside the Palazzo Pitti afford a scenic view of Florence below.

Since my flight back home was out of Milan, I had to return to the city for one more night. It was a shame since I was staying in the luxurious Palazzo Parigi Hotel.

I also managed to secure tickets to La Vigna di Leonardo which is rarely open to the public. The garden is where Leonard di Vinci would relax after painting in the chapel next door.

If you visit Milan, you must pick up a treat for yourself to the Prada owned Paticceria Marchesi. The decor is just as beautiful as the desserts too.

The weather in Italy was a little too warm for my Chico’s Amelia Fedora but my Chico’s Vest and Heidi Wynne Scarf came in handy for the cooler nights. I’m glad my Hartmann Tweed Suitcase had four wheels too for all the train travel. I had an amazing trip and I can’t wait to go back.

All photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic.

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