In Firenze

Florence. The birthplace of Michelangelo, city of art, and home to no air-conditioning. We sweltered in this gorgeous city, taking in the architecture and marveling at undoubtedly the world's most well-dressed and beautiful men. 

Monterosso

Throughout our lives, my sister and I joke that we have shared more epically romantic moments together than either of us will ever experience with a man. The grandest of all these occurred along the Italian Riviera over gelato. While gazing out at a full moon being kissed by the Mediterranean Sea, we were serenaded in a grotto by an acoustic guitar and flautist. Needless to say, both our honeymoons will pale in comparison.

Here is Monterosso! This was my favorite part of the trip. To a tee, this gorgeous seaside town epitomized my daydream of Italy. Old men gossiping over espresso and newspapers, little children playing unsupervised by the sea and the most beautiful al fresco restaurants a romantic like myself could want. I want to go back. Now.

We also took a Chevy Chase look at Lover's Lane. Romance, l'amore, kissing, dancing, bladdy bladdyy blah. We ate it up.

Pop * (The onomatopoeia one)

Black looks good on everyone. Right? This truth dictated my personal style until the start of 2012 when floral prints and neon poppy colors jumped onto every runway. Resolute to spice up my life in more ways than one, I embraced these hues while politely asking them to not accentuate certain places if you know what I mean. (Ladies, you know).

Here they are! My favorite Liesel Elena snapped these bright shades of poppery colors. I also included the pretty drink I wish I was drinking and gahgeous shoes I wish I was wearing. Happy summer shoot!

Switzerland // Gimmelwald

There is no better place to discover your fear of heights than in the Swiss Alps. Aboard the Shilthorn Bahn and incrementally being lifted 2,971 m above ground, I suddenly lost feeling in all my fingers and toes, realizing that our lives were dependent upon three cables. Once finally reaching the point where the entirety of the Alps are visible, (including Jungfrau), I could then kiss the peak where the Shilthorn revolving restaurant is perched and view the most spectacular sight I have ever beheld. All four of us exhaled a sigh of relief at being able to wake at seven a.m. for the cloudy mist to lift for only one hour in the course of the three days we nestled on the side of Gimmelwald.

There is also no better place to marvel at mountains resting atop mountains than in the Swiss Alps. Even on the thirtieth look at any of these mammoth rocks, I seemed to hear the opening horn chorus of the Star Wars theme song in my head. They were shocking to behold, every time. From any location in the small village you could hear cow bells tingling, a rooster crowing, and even at one time, a local playing the flute. No, I am not kidding, and how on earth could I make this stuff up?

What an incredible place to write, be inspired, embrace the sweet silence of a mountain breeze and feel blissfully small.