Italy Is A Dream...

"Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life..."
~ Anna Akhmatova

Capri, Italy

Italy is my dream.

I dream it everyday of my life.

And I am blessed to be able to come here every year.

Dreams do come true.

Greetings from Capri
xo

What To Wear On Capri

The island of Capri has been long known as the playground of the rich and famous. 
Actors, musicians, the internationally well heeled and even Roman Emperors all have been availing themselves of its beauty, since before Tiberius built his magnificent Villa Jovis and began ruling Rome from there in A.D 27.

The climate, the azure ocean views, the heady scent of honeysuckle, jasmine and lemons, and the fun and extravagant lifestyle make it endlessly alluring.


So whats a girl to wear on a vacation to Capri? 
I decided to go window shopping for you so that you can see for yourselves.


At the top end there has to be a stylish hat and some very big glasses. The bigger, the better.

At the bottom end of course, the world famous Capri Sandal, in bright vivacious color, boldly jeweled and beautiful. Pretty sandals and wedged espadrilles are also fabulous, but bare in mind the roads and paths can be steep.

And then there's the middle.


For day-wear think of loose fitting yet super chic linens and cottons in whites and neutrals. 
These fabrics breathe in the heat, and look both effortless and expensive (even when they're not).
Opt for styles with a little movement in them. Skin tight looks, well, skin tight. And the opposite of cool.

Getting aquatic on Capri is all about the bikini. 
Leave your one piece behind, instead flaunt it in bold fresh colored bikinis. Corals, whites and turquoises easily trump your darker shades in the intensely blue Tyrrhenian Sea.

Unlike California and Florida, the bodies on the beaches here (and all along the Italian coasts)  look neither emaciated nor like the end product of psychotic daily 3am spin classes coupled with a fortune in artful liposuction. 

They look like women's bodies. In every shape and size.

The thin ones are there, but so is everyone else. There's a certain lusty curviness along the waterfront and it is as sexy as can be. And they're all in bikinis.
Whatever your body type, you're going to look luscious on the beach on Capri in a bikini.

Nights on Capri are about color and fun.
Either burn the L.B.D, or leave it at home.

My favorite are Pucci-esque dresses with a little movement in them and great sandal. You can easily glide around the room with a glass of wine in your hand and look fresh and lovely and effortless in Pucci. And they just look so alive and fun. 

Evenings in Capri are warm and long and whether you are on  a yacht, a restaurant terrace or a private balcony, the festivities are endless and ongoing, so you need a night time wardrobe than can transition from one to the next, seamlessly.

 There's the long and the short,

 the coral and the turquoise,

just make it gorgeous, bright and chic.


And at any and all times of the day accessorize in bold sweeping style and color.

Buying Sandals In Capri

Beautiful Villa San Michele in Anacapri

When I'm traveling I love to head off the beaten track, get away from the tourists and immerse myself in the regional culture, chat with the locals and get a feel for the place without the omnipresent t-shirt vendors.

But sometimes you find absolute gems hidden in the heart of tourist-central.

On Capri, in the heart of the town of Capri itself I found one such gem. 
Capri is full of little stores selling world famous Capri sandals.
On the Via Roma, the busiest tourist street in Capri, is a little slice of magic, a store called Schettino di Capri. 

Lovely Lydia has worked in this store for 60 years

Run by the adorable Lydia and Aldo Lella, this darling store sells hand made Capri sandals. The sandals themselves are gorgeous. Flat leather soles with deliciously jewel embellished thongs, they are perfect summer wear. 

Lovely with all hem lengths, skirts, dresses, pants and of course, the world famous Capri-pants.
And they are available in a fantastic array of colors, designs and settings.

See a style or color that is not in your size? No problem, they'll make a pair for you while you wait! 
Delightfully engaging and full of fun, Aldo will tell you stories of Capri's illustrious past, his interactions with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (for whom he made many pairs of sandals), and recommend the perfect place to stop for lunch or to grab a late afternoon aperatif.

Aldo with Jackie Kennedy Onassis in 1970

Sandals, like pretty much everything, are expensive on Capri. So you need to choose a store that will take care of you, appreciate you, and send you on your way not only with  a great pair of shoes, but with a magical experience and fun memories to go with it.


You can find Schettino at Via Roma 51/53 in Capri. Call them at 081.83.70.946

My best friend, jewelry designer Michelle Mirkovich 
(Divinity Jewelry) with Aldo Lella, and a wall full of sandals.