A Festive Carnevale Tablescape!

 That magical time of year has rolled around again, where we begin Lent and can look forward to Spring. Carnevale, much like the French Mardi Gras is a beloved celebration in Italian culture. In fact, while many associate the celebration more with Venice, the longest running Carnevale celebrations in Italy are actually held near the town of Puglia in the Calabrese region where my ancestors migrated from. While we now only celebrate one night with a decadent meal and good wine, some areas of Italy still revel in the celebrations for weeks or even months leading up to Ash Wednesday.

Just as in years past, I tried to bring in many elements and colors of the traditions into my tablescape. The traditional colors of course are purple and gold. It is also customary to throw beads just as it is in the French celebration, but Carnevale is most widely known for its elaborate masks. Within the Carnevale celebration the masks are in fact worn to hide one's identity as it is the only time of year as well that the classes intermingle in the festivities. 

On the mantle I also added a bead element as well as displaying my own Venetian made Carnevale mask.

I added a mask even onto the chicken fruit bowl I often change up for different holidays. Inside I decorated using glittery gold and purple picks as well as beads. I thought leaving the wine decor around was fitting as well.

For the table setting, I used my everyday Fiesta dishes for a bright color element with gold chargers underneath. In the center, I used a Venetian style jester bowl. I strewed beads coming out of this as well and just used some colorful netting as filler around a glittery picks with purple candles. 

Let me know in the comments below if you celebrate Carnevale, or Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday? What do you do for the festivities? Also be sure to subscribe to receive notice of future posts. 

Buon Carnevale!

Preppy Accessories

No classically preppy look would ever be complete without a few accessories. Whether that be jewelry, the perfect bag or the footwear you choose, you will need some accessories for a completely pulled together look. Below I will go through and highlight some of the most classically preppy pieces you should have in your wardrobe.  

Pearls

First and foremost, of course, you can never call your look preppy without owning a string of pearls or some pearls studs at the very least. The preppy look puts pearls with absolutely everything from jeans to dresses. This small addition can instantly elevate a look from basic to classic. 

My grandma's string of pearls is one of my go to pieces. I wear them with absolutely everything. I wore them in a heat wave to the county fair to visit the horses.

I wear them with nautical stripes.

 I even wear them on casual days with my Vineyard Vines Shep shirts. 

Print Scarf

Another important accessory is a good quality scarf. I don't just mean for warmth in the winter, although not much can beat a good quality cashmere scarf with a wool coat for warmth and style. I am referring here also to silky scarves, whether a square tied around the neck or a Twilly on your bag or wrist as a bracelet or even in your hair.

Leather Handbag

The next must have is a good quality leather handbag. This doesn't have to be a designer piece but should be the best your budget will allow. If you are going to stick with mainly only one bag, it should be in a neutral color as well such as tan, white, or black. You may also want to at least have two options. One being a larger tote like everyday bag to carry all of your essentials and a smaller cross body bag for going to events and activities where you would want to be more hands-free. 

Monogrammed Tote

Another essential is a monogrammed tote of some sort. I am not referring here to anything like the LV Neverfull referenced above but rather an actual canvas tote. This piece will be handy running errands, heading to flea markets and farmers markets, as well as just organizing things in the car. Having a piece as well that is monogrammed is the perfect step above to make this a preppy must-have! One of the perfect places to find something like this is at Marleylilly. Of course, you do not have to have the monogram and can find very stylish totes in cute prints almost anywhere, but a monogram just adds that little something extra. 

Footwear

Another common dilemma is trying to decide on the essential footwear pieces you will need if you are just beginning to build up your classic preppy wardrobe. Footwear again is a place where you should buy the best quality you can afford; these are pieces you will wear often. The cost per wear typically outweighs the initial sticker shock. Below are some of my suggestions. 

Riding Boots are almost quintessential during fall and winter especially. These can be styled with leggings, dresses, and pulled over straight leg jeans for classic looks. 

Another important "boot" style that will be worn in every season, is a good pair of Wellies. These can be high or low, depending on your preference. I wear my Wellies out on rainy days to run errands as well as when working in the garden. A quintessential brand for the preppy look is Hunter, but of course only buy what your budget allows. I wear my Hunter brand boots running errands but have a drug store pair for garden use.

Loafers are another essential footwear piece. In this category, I am not only including traditional penny loafer styles but also the Sperry boat shoe style. Both are my go-to slip on shoes that I wear constantly. 

For summer footwear, nothing beats a pair of Jack Rogers, made famous by Jackie O. or some espadrilles for a dressier look. 

Comment down below: What are your favorite preppy look accessories? What else should I have mentioned?

February- A Month to Love!

 We are hard into the winter months now but the blanket of snow white makes everything look fresher than it did. This is the month of cupid slinging his arrows! But for me this is all about self-love. 

February is the month we begin by all gathering around as well to see if a groundhog predicts more winter or an early spring as well.... Let's face it though, regardless of what Punxsutawney Phil has to say spring will always be at least 6 weeks off yet. Once we all accept that we move into other traditions of the month full of celebrations. Carnivale always us to celebrate life in a most fantastic way just as Valentine's Day reminds us of love!

I plan to celebrate all of these grand themes throughout the month and embrace every bit of it. Once Lenten season begins, it is the best time to refine daily routines and develop new healthier habits. Valentine's as well is the best time to remind us to pamper ourselves in little luxuries and practice self-love. So below are my 3 bucket list items for the month.

My February "Bucket List" Items:

• Refine my routines.
• Treat myself to a spa day!
• Enjoy the snow, even if it is from inside looking out at the beauty of it.

Comment below: How are you embracing self-love this month?