Italy

Gotta Getaway? Get A Taste Of Tuscany At San Francisco's ...

Alex Gambardella on Sep 2, 2009 5:24 PM PDT

Been dreaming of that romantic Tuscan getaway but don't exactly have the spare cash for the overseas accommodations? Good news -- now you can enjoy the beauty of Italy right in the heart of San Francisco's Union Square! True, it might not be an equivalent replacement, but the idea is still there, and with its Italian villa-style decor, newly-remodeled accommodations, and authentic wine bar and restaurant next door, Villa Florence is the closet you'll get to your ideal romantic destination on this side of the world! You'll get the coziest of VIP treatments as you enjoy the hotel's warm contemporary decor and modern amenities (complete with L'Occitane products in the room!), providing you an escape within an escape. As beautiful as it may be, don't hole yourself up in the room, though -- with the hotel's prime SF location, you can shop the day away without having to exchange your currency! Take a look at the slideshow for a glimpse of SF's take on the Italian villa.

Tags : wine bar , villa florence , villa , tuscany , italy

Hot In The Hive: Bubble Necklace By Marina and Susanna Sent

Anna Yu on Jun 30, 2009 6:18 AM PDT

I recently went to a beautiful garden wedding where the bride looked radiant in white and the bridal party and groomsmen where matching in verbena green accessories. It was a pretty informal affair, with the groom strumming a song on his acoustic guitar as the bride walked down the aisle. This non-traditional ceremony ended with all the attendees blowing bubbles instead of throwing rice or confetti. I haven't seen the pictures yet, but I'm sure that the bride and groom looked amazing with bubbles surrounding them. When I found the Bubble Necklace at the MoMA store recently, I realized I could get the same look without getting drenched in soapy solution (or hitched!). Made of Murano glass beads, the beads look like they're effortlessly floating on your decolletage. While they're harder to pop, be careful not to break any of the glass bubbles!

Price: $103.50-$115
Who Found It: BethC was first to add the Bubble Necklace to the Hive.

Tags : necklace , museum of modern art , murano , moma , italy

Artisan Hand Blown Glass Rings

Lisanne Silverman on May 21, 2009 5:13 AM PDT

I came across a jewelry designer while I was visiting my sister in Boston that makes hand blown glass cocktail rings along with other types of jewelry. Some are transparent others are cloudy and opaque. Glass rings come in a myriad of colors. The inspiration for these rings comes from the Murano glass artisans located on the Venetian island of Murano. The ring actually looks like a stone but because it's a piece of hand blown artisan designed glass, it's much more affordable than other oversized cocktail rings. What I like about blown glass is that each piece is unique. Every time I wear my glass ring, someone asks me what kind of stone it is! So it's up to you if you want to explain that it's an interesting piece of hand-blown glass... or if you want to make up a story about some sort of rare, precious gem!

From our friends at TheFind.

Tags : artisan , glass , handmade , italy

Catch A Preview Of The Chanel Cruise 2010 Collection In Venice!

Lisanne Silverman on May 11, 2009 12:10 PM PDT

Can't make it to Venice to see Chanel's cruise collection drift down the runway this Thursday? We can't really help you there (our invites got lost in the mail too), but a peek at the teaser videos might console you. The camera pans over the water as it glistens, lights twinkle in the background, and a slightly somber voice croons in a language that may or may not be Italian. It's all very dreamy and romantic and kind of brilliant in that there is nothing outwardly fashionable about it, yet it makes you want to be there all the same. But why Venice? Lagerfeld says Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel was inspired by Venice in 1920, and promoted her beach pyjamas there. A Leo herself, she is said to have collected all sorts of lion figurines while visiting, as they are a symbol of the city- perhaps this will all play into Thursday's show. Click here to see all of the latest exclusive video features from Chanel. [via Fashionologie]

Tags : chanel , coco chanel , fashion , italy

Florence City Guide: Shop, Play, Taste

Millissa on May 4, 2009 5:13 AM PDT

In Paris, you learn wit, in London you learn to crush your social rivals, and in Florence you learn poise. -Virgil Thomson
What to buy: Fall in love with jewelry from Pointe Vecchio, a bridge famous for its architecture and hanging shops. There are a variety of different styles and a reasonable range of prices. Bellini is a charming jewelry shop named after my favorite cocktail (a bellini consists of Italian Prosecco wine and peach juice). Here you will find statement pieces made out of silver and gold. Dainty Florentine Fleur-de-Lis earrings are an ideal gift. A little luxury goes a long way.

Florence is the leather capital of Italy. Great deals on leather goods can be found everywhere. Walk around a couple shops and browse through prices before making a purchase.

Click over to HauteMimi for more on what to see, where to eat, and what to buy when in Florence!

Tags : duomo , fashion , firenze , food , italy

Enjoy The Romantic Tuscan Countryside During Your Stay At ...

Anna Yu on Jan 28, 2009 3:19 PM PST

Famed Florentine poet Dante (famous for The Divine Comedy) was exiled in the early 1300s to a little hilltop village called Gargonza. While you may not think being exiled is the best thing to happen to you, the serenity of the Tuscan countryside is worth it! If you're looking for a getaway with you and your sweetheart without the crowds and noise of other destinations, staying at Gargonza may be just right for you! You can rent an entire house for 2 people or stay in a hotel-style suite with bed and breakfast service. Enjoy the swimming pool surrounded by olive and cypress tress and discover the Tuscan countryside with fine wine, olive oils, and even shopping with antique markets and nearby brand-name outlet stores (hello Gucci!). Maybe you're planning a destination wedding? Rent the other houses (some can fit up to 10 people) and get married in the nearby church! Unlike Dante, the best part about Gargonza is that you can leave whenever you want to (though that might be hard to do). Click the slideshow to see more!

Tags : tuscany , tuscan , travel , italy