Wanderlust Inspired Beachwear

I know it's only March, but with temperatures climbing above 50 degrees (finally!), my mind is on swimsuit season and summer adventures.

I was recently introduced to Maderas Beach Co., a small collection of travel-inspired beachwear. Rebecca, the designer, started the company at just 25 years old after visiting Nicaragua and becoming inspired by her surroundings. The line is perfect for the wanderlust-stricken because all the pieces are functional, versatile, and tough enough to stand up to more than just lying by a pool.

The bikinis are reversible to save you luggage space. They're also - get this - custom made to fit your measurements. Hallelujah. The Papaya Boat Bikini is my favorite:

Maderas Beach Co. also offers bags and wraps. I love this tote for beach days, and the wrap comes in 14 colors! Anyone who has traveled knows how awesome a versatile wrap can be. It becomes your beach towel, picnic blanket, skirt, and instant appropriate coverage when visiting nations with different customs for women baring skin. 

             

I can't wait to make my first purchase and support an awesome twenty-something female entrepreneur!

xx,

Rachel




*The opinions conveyed here are entirely my own. This post was not sponsored by Maderas Beach Co.

Ciao Bella

On a whim, I ended up taking an Italian night class once a week around this time last year. I was surrounded by people (easily) twice my age, and the instructor was the most adorable picture of elderly Italian perfection. Listening to him recall stories of his hometown in southern Italy, and speaking the language (poorly) myself, I fell in love with the country.

How could you not? On my trip, I was able to see Naples (briefly), the Amalfi coast, Cinque Terre, Rome, and Venice. I spent some seriously amazing days hiking in the mountains and enjoying the beaches...including the black sand in Minori.

Rome and Venice provided a more cosmopolitan atmosphere, with lots of history and great shopping.

Given my obvious ardor for Italy, it should come as no surprise that I love Kate Spade's newest collection, inspired by Capri. Here are my favorite pieces:

            

  

  {from left to right}

             Bella phone  case // Cedar Street Monday handbag // Six  Month dot scarf

 Isola wedges // Capri Espadrille Maise handbag // Owen skirt

What are your must-have pieces from the new arrivals?

xx,

Rachel

Wanderlust: Exploring Amsterdam

Initially, I wasn't terribly excited about visiting Amsterdam. After all, the two activities the city is notorious for are not exactly hobbies of mine.

As it turned out, I loved Amsterdam. It was so charming, vegan-friendly, and full of new adventures - like staying on a boat instead of a traditional hotel!

A large portion of the visit was spent simply wandering around the canals and taking in the quiet beauty of the boats and buildings. Discovering hidden gardens was always a bonus!

Another really fun (and sometimes scary) thing about Amsterdam was the abundance of bicycles. There are so many chained EVERYWHERE, and the cyclists are fearless.

Have you ever been to Amsterdam?

xo,
Rachel

(Photo credit: Jeff Steller)

Wanderlust: Favorite Moments in Paris

Last night, I watched The Way. It's a film about El Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James. The beautiful footage in the film has me reminiscing about my own travels. This past summer, I was so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to travel parts of Europe for 6 whole weeks.

Naturally, Paris was included in the trip, and the city didn't disappoint. I'm reminiscing about all the lovely experiences, with the help of some (um, several thousand...) photos.  Here are some of my favorite moments from the visit:

This amazing street performer by Sacré-Coeur

The most perfect pink roses

The Louvre at night - much more peaceful

  

Picnic in the park with Ladurée macarons

Drinking wine by the Seine (with an excellent view of Notre-Dame)

Finally, the Eiffel Tour light show, of course

Have you ever been to Paris? Currently seeking travel partners for another visit...

xo,

Rachel

(All Most photo credit goes to Jeff Steller. He's an excellent travel partner! The picture on the Seine was snapped by the ever-spontaneous Bastian Delacorte)