Archive for 'Shopping'

For fashion lovers and fans of the first movie, the release of the Devil Wears Prada 2 this month loomed large in calendars as a major film event of the year. With a good portion of the plot taking place in Milan, one of the oldest and most celebrated fashion capitals in the world, those planning their summer stay at a villa in Lombardy or a vacation rental in Milan might want to take note of some key locations to add to their travel itinerary.

Set two decades after the original film, this sequel sees Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs return to Runway as their new features editor after every member of staff at her former newspaper is laid off. In need of a job and recently having gone viral for a speech on the continued importance of journalism in the current era, she takes the new role and must once again dive into the world of fashion and face off against Meryl Streep’s formidable Miranda Priestly. 

Coffee is one of the things that Italy, a famous foodie destination as it is, is famous for. Not only does it have excellent coffee and a distinct and fascinating coffee culture – which we have discussed at length for those who want to know how to order and drink their coffee without sticking out like a sore thumb in Italy – but coffee is also pretty inexpensive in Italy. So, it’s good news if you’re a caffeine fiend always looking forward to your next coffee fix or if you’re a serious foodie who likes to properly delve into the food and beverages of a place while on holidays – those who book a vacation rental in Italy can expect to spend relatively little for some great coffee.

Often, when you go into the store of a nationally famous beauty brand in any country, you will see that they proudly proclaim, “Established in” and then a year. For many this might have been in recent history, some throughout the 20th century, maybe the 19th century, more rarely they will be slightly older still. If you come to Italy, however, it is not entirely uncommon to find that major heritage brands have far longer histories. 

Take, for example, the brand Carthusia, hailing from the gorgeous island and exclusive tourist destination that is Capri. While the current iteration has been in existence for just over 20 years, it has a background of centuries of history and tradition and the brand is intertwined with legendary tales of monks on the island going all the way back to the 14th century. While stores throughout Italy sell the brand, those who find a vacation rental in Campania and who come to the island should make a point to visit their stunning fragrance laboratory for themselves to discover the perfect scent by which to remember a dream holiday...

Are you a book worm about to plan a holiday in Florence? Well, we’re sure you’ll pack some great books to bring with you – there’ll probably be room for little else in your suitcase! – but there is nothing quite like the thrill of browsing new bookshops in a new place. 

As the birthplace of the Renaissance and a great city of culture that has attracted some of the world’s leading artists of all art forms throughout the centuries, Florence is just the kind of dreamy location in which you might find your new favourite book and a magical bookshop where you can get lost for hours…

So, we have decided to put together a little guide to some of the city’s best and most beloved bookshops to help you get started on your literary adventure once you have booked your vacation rental in Florence and are on your way…

Thinking about booking a villa in Italy this year but dreaming of coinciding with one of the famous events in the calendar year in Italy? Well, read on and find out when you should secure your vacation rental in Italy!

Italy is famous for many events from the fashionable to the tasty to the unusual so if you love jumping into it and being part of it all or you have particular interests, you’re sure to find something special to enjoy during an amazing holiday in Italy…