the clothes we meet on vacation

Well, hello there. I’m coming at you live today from the porch at my parents’ house in upstate New York. I have my laptop on one half of my lap and Nelly on the other, with the sweet sound of Lola snoring beside me. I have a hot coffee AND a sparkling water within reach. Life is good.

I just got back from a few weeks in, believe it or not, a very sunshiney Edinburgh. It was a trip that lived many lives — a few days with my parents in town, a vacation within a vacation in Italy, some days I was working, others I was not. It was a good balance. I read THREE books while I was away and spent lots of time in the garden basking in the sun, downing as many battenbergs as my body would allow.

Whether it’s just being on vacation or simply the nice weather, my fashion game has been energized, nay, STRUCK with a new sense of confidence. I felt very inspired to dress up and experiment. I’ve committed to the philosophy of not caring what other people think and truly just wearing what I feel good in, which has been a painstakingly long time coming. Therefore, this post is all about the clothes, outfits, and style tidbits I collected during my travels. I don’t have photos of every single outfit because I’m not clinically insane, but I did my best, and I trust you to connect the dots.

Our trip started with a week in Edinburgh for a family wedding! It was only day two when my mom and I were meandering the dreamy streets of Stockbridge, and we came upon the slow fashion womenswear boutique, treen. I’ve seen this store on my Instagram for years and finally made a point to swing by. It was not quite a “the one that got away” situation like the pleated wool skirt I left behind in Paris (yes, still thinking about it), because an item can only fall under that category if it’s vintage, BUT the Marais Midi Dress by Faithfull The Brand was so perfect for the wedding and then just IMAGINE her at Lake Como. I know it’s sort of giving trad wife, which is not a trend I’ll ever get down to — I’m picturing this dress with my little tattoos and black flip-flop kitten heels to edge it up. When I was solemnly retreating from the rack and in an effort to make myself feel better, I decided that linen doesn’t travel well. The brain works in mysterious ways.

As I said, it isn’t vintage, so I could certainly order her online if I feel inclined down the road. It’s an investment, and I’m actually glad I didn’t buy it because I definitely wouldn’t have splurged in Milan and what a fun freaking experience that was (more to come on that). I also like the idea of researching the brand and materials and fully forming my opinion on whether or not linen travels well. Like that would make a difference anyway.

Speaking of travel, there is nothing like packing your entire baggage allowance into a single personal item for your EasyJet flight. As I mentioned in my last post, Jack and I did end up booking a little getaway to Milan and Lake Como for four splendid days. Thankfully, the weather was perfect, so I didn’t need to pack anything too bulky. Although I hate being so limited for space, I was very proud of my packing and outfit planning abilities. This is my high horse and I am on it.

My Damson Madder set arrived in the mail just in time for Italy, and a love affair was born. The material was made for this weather, perfect for a belly full of pasta, what more can a girl ask for? Since its arrival, I’ve worn the pants to the grave — with the matching shirt, black & white t-shirts, black & grey tank tops, grey sweater, graphic tee, blazer, and even as post-wedding hungover loungewear. Yes, they’re that comfortable. I wore them yesterday with my navy and white striped cardigan for Memorial Day — I physically can’t stop wearing them. They’re crazy good. And I need to buy more nude underwear.

Of course, some vintage shopping had to be done in Milan, so we set off for The Cloister. This store is a very interesting place. No photos! (chic). They had a vintage McQueen shirt/jacket situation that I simply had to try on, and the associate did her best to remain neutral about the fact that I was trying on an off-the-runway piece from 2004. When it came down to it, I started slipping it over my arms and panicked at the thought of it ripping and me having to fork out €1600, so I set her gingerly back on the hanger and blew her a kiss.

And then I fell in love. Specifically, with a pair of outrageous polka dot Versace jeans that fit me like a damn glove. When I walked out to the communal mirror — just for a second, imagine my terror, stepping out to face an entire room of chic Italian girls and gays, not knowing what I looked like. I see Jack in the far corner, bestowing a look of tender encouragement. My sales associate acted genuinely startled at how well they fit me. Obviously, I have to get the length altered, but that is way beyond the point. They were coming home with me.

The experience itself was worth it, as it just felt so special to buy something vintage from an Italian brand whilst in Milan. Most of my investment pieces are pretty well thought-out and purchased online, so I felt like such a fashion girly carrying my little shopping bag around all day. I still feel giddy just thinking about it. And like the dork that I am, I kept the shopping bag and brought it home with me, despite the lack of real estate in my single personal item. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

I was major sad girl hour on the plane home during this portion of our trip, flipping through all the photos and salivating over various sexy cacio e pepe pics. As one does.

Following Milan, I had one more blissful week in Edinburgh. I acquired a vintage little boy’s Newcastle United jersey (Jack’s team, which I wholeheartedly lucked out on because their jerseys are black and white striped), which I wore with baggy jean shorts and Mary Janes to watch the game with friends. I felt very cute and sportive and I’m excited to style it this summer in more fashion-y ways. I also wore said Mary Janes with my Adidas track pants a few times, which is a combination I adore. And of course, I wore them with my Damson Madder pants with a white tee and black blazer for a park day. I really wish I got a photo of this one, but I’m sure it’s not long until I’m sporting that combo again.

So those are the clothes I met on vacation — some in my possession and some sadly, not (yet). I am SO excited for summer dressing and seeing how far these Damson Madder pants can take me. As sad as I am that my holiday has come to an end, I will certainly be making the most of squatting at my parents’ place until Jack’s visa gets sorted — starting with brainstorming the opportunities to wear vintage Versace in rural New York.

Arrivederci!

- Ally