First Stop: Florence!

Suzi's jetting towards Italy right now (so jealous!) It's the first of many adventures on her calendar in 2011 and we're prodding her for expert advice: the things she loves about travel, what's in her bag and on her agenda. First stop: Florence!

Why you're taking this trip:

Suzi handpicks yarns that become souchi sweaters, leggings, scarves and more!

I'm going to Italy for the Pitti Filati show. It is the big yarn show that happens twice a year. I will be looking at yarn for my spring 2012 collection... lord that sounds scary! We have winter goods in the store, are just starting to ship spring 2011, i just shot my fall 2011 look book today and now i'm on to 2012....it goes so fast. No wonder i have no sense of time!

What you're packing:

Souchi sweaters + genetic denim. Perfect for travel.

 Last time my luggage was lost so i decided to carry on -- all must fit in my duffel (fave chanel duffle from back in my sf days as a salesgirl). so my guess of last minute packing: ports 1961 coat, 1 pair genetics, bruce wool legging jean, 2 souchi dresses, 2 souchi sweaters, leather shirt, fedora, scarf, wrap, johnny farah bag, tall boots, booties & lanvin cuff.

What you're most excited about:

Boboli Gardens, Florence

    1) The Boboli Gardens because this time of year I love to sit on the benches in the cold and watch the older ladies ride their bikes up to the racks while wearing fur coats and there walking shoes. always makes me smile.
    2) Luisa via Roma to find something ridiculous to buy.
    3) Vintage store just west of the Ponte Vecchio that has amazing
    accessories.
    4) Gelaterias
    5) The Florentine leather and paper stores. I like to stock up on journals and paper for wrapping.
    6) The movie house. there is only 1 that i know of off the main square. it's so pretty and more like a theatre/play house. love it. last summer i saw the twilight move. ok, lame i know but it was 104 degrees & humid!


Favorite Italian designer and why:

Tomas Maier, thanks to LifeInItaly.com

Bottega Veneta's Tomas Maier! he is so talented and has that perfect blend of luxury, classic italian, romantic & cool. love!
{Editor's note: Want to know more about Tomas Maier? Check out this Details article. So beautiful. So Italian.}

Favorite Italian food:

Pistachio gelato. Find a recipe to make your own on David Lebovitz's blog.

3 way tie for favorite Italian food: pasta w/ olive oil & TONS of fresh lemon & sage, pistachio gelato & Prosecco.

Favorite italian phrase:
    1) belissima (makes me super happy when the older italians say it when you smile.
    2) 'avete taglia 8'  (do you have size 8) at all shoe stores :)