New Travel Project :: Italian Yoga Retreat

I'm ready to finally announce the project I've been working on for a while now....

...drumroll please...

A YOGA RETREAT IN ITALY!



It's titled "EAT.PRAY.MOVE" (like the play on words?) to combine the ideas of Italian cuisine and atmosphere with that of yoga practice...and very active yoga practice at that - hence, the "move" part.



view of wildflower field behind the villa
Teaming up with some wonderful friends of mine who've spent the past several years restoring a lovely Italian villa on the board of Tuscany and Umbria, we'll be working together to give guests a unique and amazing 7 days. Hosts, Julian and Amanda currently run Artist in Italy art retreats, and are experts at providing guests with amazing hospitality.

details of villa apartments
The yoga retreat will take place July 3-9 and will be limited to only 7 participants. The week will be filled with daily yoga classes, as well as meditation and journaling time, homemade Italian meals (vegetarian) with most ingredients coming from organic and local markets, day trips, and plenty of time to let the Italian sun seep into your veins.



white bean bruschetta with rosemary
Day trips will include visits to nearby villages and thermal spas. A full day will be spent in Florence, as Julian and I provide tours of the city and points of interest. Even an afternoon yoga workshop will be led at the It's Yoga Firenze studio with lead instructor, Melissa. Top of the day in Florence with a visit to a unique restaurant in the city, and guests will feel like staying another month!

So what are you waiting for?! Do you need a relaxing week, away from it all, exploring, experiencing, and opening up your body? SIGN UP TODAY!

travel project preview

When I first started dreaming up the idea of SOJOURNISTA, I had many concepts converging in my mind. Finding a way to logically put them together was the biggest challenge...And as I'm still in the beginning stages of the entire project, I do feel like it's coming together. The basic concept is bringing all the "subjects of style" which I love so much (health & wellness, fashion, food & wine, art, etc) together with one of my biggest passions: travel.

Eventually, I'll be offering personal "Travel Styling" services to Italy and the Mediterranean areas, but meanwhile I use this blog to write freely about all these subject intertwined.


But, I'm excited to tell you about a project I've been working on for several months now - still finalizing all the details - but it involves yoga and travel ....and, of course, Italy.

Look out for a big announcement soon!

where to wear wednesday :: Ischia

I'm excited about this new series I'm starting called "WHERE to WEAR". Since I'm all about travel and fashion, I thought what better way to combine the two than to post about places and styles together. Today's location is inspired by a recent trip that I took to Ischia, Italy. It was such a lovely island and full of some of the best views ever.


Castello Aragonese
I wrote earlier this week that the inspiration from our trip to Ischia came from the beautiful film "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and the stylish settings in the movie. Ischia Ponte was the setting for many of the beach locations, and we were lucky enough to stay in the heart of Ischia Ponte with a view overlooking the famous Castello Aragonese.

Of course, like all trips, packing was important. What to pack? How much to pack? I'm a firm believer in trying not to check luggage, so I fit everything into a carry-on. At least summer clothes are much lighter (and smaller) than other seasons so it worked out just fine. Because of the styling in the movie which was full of 50s glam and beach casual - along with the ever-stylish Italian wardrobe, I was sure to bring some fun pieces.

Days and nights easily mix on the island, and we saw a variety of dressing up and dressing down throughout all hours. Because it's a beach setting, it tended to be a bit more laid back than a city like Rome. Sandals (not too often flip-flops though) and wedges were a perfect staple for any occasion, and a mix of summer dresses and muted classic pieces from shorts, skirts, tanks, and button-ups were a perfect combination to mix and match throughout the trip. And don't forget your bathing suit...because a trip to a volcanic spa, and of course the beach, is a must!

French Connection strapless beach dress :: FRENCH CONNECTION.COM
TopShop Cupro Roll Up Shorts :: TOPSHOP.COM
TopShop Wide Stripe Bikini :: TOPSHOP.COM
K Jacques St. Tropez Larissa suede gladiator sandals :: NET-A-PORTER.COM
Marc by Marc Jacobs - Classic Q Baby Aidan (Tourmaline Green) :: ZAPPOS.COM
Miu Miu 17LS Opal Powder :: SUNGLASSES-SHOP.CO.UK
OPI Nail Polish "Suzi Says Feng Shui" Hong Kong Collection :: OPI.COM

stylish destination :: ISCHIA

I recently got back from a lovely trip to the isle of Ischia in Italy's Bay of Naples. I'd been wanting to visit here ever since I first saw the intriguing film, "The Talented Mr. Ripley". One of my most favorite movies of all time, the screenplay by Anthony Minghella's is based on the book by Patricia Highsmith and features some of the most beautiful settings ever.

I've been to most of the other filming locations which were shown in the film (Rome, Venice, Anzio, Palermo), but had never been to its main one...the one where all the beautiful sunny, summer scenes were captured. In the movie it's known as the fictional town of "Mongebello", but really is a combination of coastal shots in Ischia Ponte and street shots in the small village neighboring isle of Procida.


Isn't there just something about the style of Italy in the Summer?! It's always been captivating to me. Maybe it's the effortless steadfastness of classic style even with the temperatures are uninviting. Where, instead of ragged cut-offs and rubber flip flops being thrown on when it gets hot outside, the tailored linen and handmade sandals make an appearance.



Besides this film taking place in beautiful settings, it also has some of the most beautiful style (and beautiful people...Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, Jude Law -hello!). With wardrobe direction by Ann Roth, it was nominated for and Academy Award for Best Costume Design. In the special features and commentary of the film, the progression of wardrobes throughout the plot is described; and it's so interesting watching the style change from the mood in NYC (where the film opens) to the coastal casual of Ischia to more formal classic in the later scenes of Rome and Venice. Because Ischia is the focus, that's the wardrobe I'm highlighting too.


The fact that the story takes place in the late 1950s, the style already invokes classic beauty, but the flowing skirts, high-waisted trousers, linen button-ups and silk scarves somehow remain timeless.

Doesn't it make you want to hop on a boat and sail there right now??

the perfect month to pack

If you've been reading many of the fashion forums lately you probably have seen some discussion for the "global experiment" entitled SIX ITEMS OR LESS.

A group of worldwide bloggers set out last month to "examine the power of what we don't wear" by limiting their wardrobe to only six pieces for an entire month (undergarments and accessories not included). When the founders set out with this experiment they didn't want to made a statement (only) about consumerism, but were mainly just open to see what people around the world would make of it. How they would react. What would they wear. What would they not wear. What would they talk about. If other people notice.

Many said that although the people around them daily could barely tell that they were wearing the same thing (as they would spruce up each outfit with various accessories) but the blogosphere and media outlets definitely noticed. Magazines like Marie Claire, TV and radio talk shows from The View and Martha Stewart, and plenty of news programs have been talking about the "Six Items or Less" movement for the past month.

Not only is it an interesting idea...but for the travelers out there - it's a perfect way to pack light! If you're interested in taking this month-long challenge, then what better time than this summer when so many people are on vacation. I'm a big believer in CARRY-ONS ONLY when I fly...so only 6 pieces of clothing would make this a lot easier. Many European countries take the entire month of August off for vacation (i.e.: "Ferragosto" in Italy) and I can definitely see some "stylistas" out there rocking some of these basic pieces with various accessory flair. Nevermind all the amazing shoes you could work. *ahem, all the in-season Jeffrey Campbell Woodies!

Because the first "Six Items or Less" experiment got so much attention that they're running another month-long experiment towards the end of summer. Check out the site to SIGN UP. And be sure to SHARE a comment with a link to any of the 6 pieces or looks you put together!!!

SOJOURNISTA'S PICKS FOR 6 ITEMS:
1. Lorelei Top :: ALLSAINTS.COM
2. We the Free V-Neck Lace Trim Tank :: FREEPEOPLE.COM
3. KNT by Kova & T Striped Blouse :: URBANOUTFITTERS.COM
4. J Brand 10" High Rise Zips Japanese Twill in Charcoal :: REVOLVECLOTHING.COM
5. Citizens of Humanity Collin High Rise Skirt :: SHOPBOP.COM
6. 7 For All Mankind Roll Up Jean Shorts :: SHOPBOP.COM

it's nice to meet you.

Ciao a tutti! I'm excited about launching this blog as a place for me to combine several of the subjects that I'm interested in: travel and fashion. wanderlust. picking-up-and-heading-out. la moda.

style.

sojourns.

...and Italy.

But let me back up for a minute.

I became interested in fashion in my early high-school years when I would scour through the fun vintage shops around the state and put together (sometimes outlandish) outfits that I don't think I'd even try to pull off today. Then came Miuccia.

Somehow in the late '90s my senses were awakened and I just couldn't get enough of the Prada collections. Just ask anyone who saw my freshman dorm room. The dark moody stylish shots of the '97 Fall/Winter ads lined the walls. I think it was then when I noticed it wasn't all about the clothes, the shoes, or the bags (because these were barely featured in the majority of ad space) - but it was about the overall style. The mood, feel, and projection of the design.

Throughout the next few years came a college path in fashion merchandising, business... then fine art. And with fine art came Italy. What better place to want to go for the love of art than Florence. So I went to Europe with my husband - to Paris, Rome, Florence, and more...and then we visited again. More countries. And again.

Then in '07 we moved to Italy. To "il bel paese"...and the home of Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Versace. More specifically, we moved to Florence. The home of the Reinassance....and Gucci, Ferragamo, Pucci, and Cavalli.

Now we are back in the States, but the wanderlust is alive and well. I do consider Italy like a second home, and the rest of the world my muse. I currently work in the fashion industry which allows for some travel itself, and the time I take away from work usually involves travel for pleasure.

Presently, I'm working on the begininngs of a an idea which has been lingering in my mind for years and is finally blooming. A unique travel consulting ("styling") service. For all the fashionistas, stylistas, and wanderistas. *stay tuned!* But for now this is just me sharing my observations of the fashion world and the world of travel - and where the two so stylishly meet.