When summer rolls around, I somehow want to change from the jeans and black leather biker chick, to a fluid and flowery, romantic and feminine, boho girl. These are the summer dresses I want now!

This Chloè kaleidoscope dress makes my heart go pitter-patter. I see Greek Goddess. Botticelli's Primavera. Even if I were fortunate enough to have the 4590€ to buy it, I'd need another few thousand just to vacation in Capri or Saint Tropez to give it the backdrop it deserves. 

The color and the to-the-floor length are heavenly, but what really won me over are those long, little tassels...
​(Available at Luisa Via Roma)

This Zadig & Voltaire dress with it's uneven hemline is bound to be my next purchase. If I can only find my size! A touch of bohemian with a touch of femininity, I see this dress best with gladiator sandals, or with Isabel Marant style brown Dicker ankle boots. Accessorize with a few silver bracelets and a long, tiny, colorful, beaded necklace like the ones my fabulous friend Carlotta crochets by hand. As soon as she opens up shop, I'll be first in line!
​(Ranil dress, 240€ available at Zadig & Voltaire, Via della Vigna Nuova, Florence)

​​I love The Mall. As it turns out, I only go a handful of times a year but even as I'm writing this, I'm asking myself...why? I should go more!!!!
​Even just for a look...
(Yeah right. Look.) For me, looking means buying, at least 9/10 times! Although maybe I could leave my cash and cards at home?... Forget it. I've tried and just ended up having to drive back the next day with my wallet!
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The Mall has changed so much over the years. From just 3 simple rows of luxury brand stores it's turned into a neighborhood.
Prada has it's own building, Moncler has a sweet little spot all by itself, perched up above the roundabout. Gucci has moved from the main strip to a massive 3 level building with includes a restaurant and lovely terrace.
Not to mention Saint Laurent, Coach, Moschino, Ermanno Scervino and Alberta Ferretti all grouped together in yet another 2 story complex next to Gucci. Further behind, adjacent to the biggest parking lot you can now find more commercial (and less populated) outlets such as Nike and Michael Kors. The newest series of outlets, Versace, Philipp Plein, Etro, Alexander MQueen are situated on the other side of the main strip behind Burberry. This was all new to me. Etro had some gorgeous pieces, but unfortunately still quite expensive.

I have to say my favorites remain in the main old strip. Lanvin, for it's necklaces, Stella Mcartney and Balenciaga for everyday, special pieces, and Valentino accessories.

Asian tourists have, for the most part taken over. I have nothing against Asians, myself being half Chinese, but it made the line to pay at Prada unbearable. They all need to fill out duty free forms and the lines JUST DO NOT MOVE. Happy note: I was able to politely ask the cashier if I could quickly pay cash while the current customers were filling out their forms. No problem. Definitely worth the try because I was actually 4th in line behind several other Asians! There really needs to be a fast lane for locals!

You can definitely spend a whole day here. Be sure to include time for a lovely lunch and wine on the rooftop Gucci terrace where it feels like you're on holiday even if your not!

I'm already looking forward to my next visit. :)


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