Just got back from Italy and the jet lag has been a struggle, falling sound asleep at 8pm and wide awake around 2 or 3am, but don’t feel too badly for me because it was a spectacular time, one that def inspired me, especially in terms of how I want to eat and dress on the reg. As SJP (or Sarah Jessica Parker) says to Matthew McConaughey in Failure To Launch, I’m not one of those girls who doesn’t eat. The polar opposite in fact. And truthfully, I had some of the best meals of my entire life in Rome, Amalfi, and Florence. But they weren’t fancy. So many times people confuse fancy schmancy with superior and that’s just not the case. My favs lunches and dinners overseas were what you might call ‘hidden gems’ - in a small winery outside Naples and a family run restaurant, down an otherwise deserted alley near our hotel in Rome. The key with all those meals is that everything tasted so fresh. So, it’s fresh over fancy. Now, in terms of style, my other big #obsession in life, one thing I saw in Rome that really impressed me (Big time!) was how much panache (I’m bringing this word back; it’s one of my goals thru the end of the year.) the men there had. And I’m not talking about a few here and there. I saw so many men walking around with great scarves, artfully tied around their necks, outstanding sunnies (aka, shades, aka, sunglasses), and maybe a satchel. I’d love to see more of that here in the Ocean State! Also going to remind myself of their aesthetic next time I have the urge to leave the house in a side pony, no makeup, and old sweats. 

 

Guest Author: Patty J

PattyJ.com

 

A Note from blueLOVE: Patty J is a popular and (may we add) very cool Rhode Island blogger who is highly read and well respected regionally. Her candor, wit, and oh so fashionable views on life, food and fabulous wardrobe are quickly devoured by her loyal readers. Catch more of her adventures on www.PattyJ.com and on social at InstaGram: @pattyjdotcom and Twitter: @pattyjeffre1 Oh, did we mention that she's also uber stylish? Yes, she is. Check her out!  (photos: Patty J)