What are the summer 2011 fashion trends in Italy? And what is it about how Italian women dress that make us want to emulate them anyway? Or simply, “What should I wear in Italy?”

Besides seeing the sites with my daughters and eating an ungodly amount of emergency gelato, I set out to answer these questions on a recent visit.

I knew we were going to be in for some fashion surprises when people who could easily be from where I live (Myrtle Beach, SC) pulled up in front of the Vatican.

Disclaimer: I am no Moda Spia (like Eleonora, Rome resident and our very first Italian expert.) My view of the fashion scene in Italy is mostly from the trodden tourist avenues of Florence and Rome. I didn’t demand to see a passport to verify the subject’s of my observations nationalities. Honestly, it’s more likely that some of the people I spotted live right around the corner from me in the United States than in Italy, or even Europe.

Gladiator sandals, not unlike the sandals worn on the streets of Rome over 2000 years ago.

Number one trend that is a carry over from last summer: The gladiator sandal. Whether jeweled, laced, leathered, brown or hot pink, this style was worn by women of all ages.

My daughters and I guessed these young women were not American or Italian. Perhaps from the UK?

The general “look”: Above the knee breezy and feminine sundresses, either belted or bowed. Cotton capri pant and top ensembles with drawstring details at the ankles and waists. Oversized sunglasses, classic tortoiseshell or black,  or in an array of bright colors.

Many of the current trends pulled together effortlessly.

What did the women who we thought were Italian share as far as what they wore?: Layers of sheer fabrics and lace with exposed matching underpinnings. Short shorts and capri, harem, parachute and palazzo pants.  Neutral monotones from head to toe or contrasting bright colors.  Stacked heel slingbacks or kitten heels (especially with capri pants).  Large, slouchy leather purses. An overall feeling of “effortlessness”  and “classic” that we all know indeed took an effort of which mostly women in the rest of the world are incapable.

Colorful cotton dresses and palazzo pants

The teen scene: In the evenings my daughters’ teen counterparts were into wearing blush-inducing booty shorts and 5-inch high stilletto platform heels in bright jewel tones. In a large part because of their apparent comfortableness with this style of dressing, the Italian teens somehow pulled it off. In any case, I was glad I was not an Italian parent of teenage girls in booty shorts and heels.

Hi, I am a peep-toed spiked and platform-heeled lacey bootie/shoetie

Shoes: Any discussion about Italian fashion without extensive discourse on shoes would be lacking. (Did you know the Italians actually invented high heels?) Besides the ubiquitous gladiator sandal, we noticed lots of shoes in store windows with apparent identity crises. I found myself wanting to ask them: “What are you, beautiful Italian made shoe that even without your mate costs more than my mortgage?”

Among other things the cross body purse on the woman on the right clearly marked her as a smart tourist. If I were to take a guess, the other two flamboyantly dressed ladies, with their "identity crisis shoes" and styles, and over the shoulder slouchy handbag were probably either Italian or from Hackensack, New Jersey.

A few more words about about shoes: Remember 10 or 20 years ago when the only shoe advice handed out to Americans visiting Europe was: Whatever you do, DON’T wear white sneakers! ? Gone are the days when people in the know would admonish this practice as if shodding one’s feet in any kind of athletic shoe were something of grave, punishable by law consequence.

The booty shaping sneaker (not to be confused with booty shorts) actually seems to have taken Italy by storm, and on any street you will likely find a young female wearing them. Converse and Pumas worn by the younger set are also seen on feet pounding the pavement everywhere. There are subtle differences though, and it is still recommended that if you don’t want to stand out as American and are over they age of 25,  you step up (ha!) your shoe choice, and stay away from both those comfy white New Balance and Nikes AND booty shaping shoes.

In Italy there have always been vendors outside tourist spots selling straw hats. This year the fedora hat was everywhere.

On the tourist track, if not Italian, the best-dressed women were Asian: Again, we didn’t ask for passport identification.The effect was always neat, put together with the latest trends, but if anything, seemed to lack the “effortlessness” impression left by the well-dressed Italian woman.

Have your children graduated from fire retardant footie pajamas to fire retardant leather jackets?

A few comments about shopping for leather goods at Florence’s San Lorenzo market: The San Lorenzo market is a great shopping experience whether you end up buying anything or not. The quality of the leather goods isn’t necessarily the best, but there are deals to be had, and you may come home with a piece that you’ll love and use for years.

Be prepared for the hard sell on the part of the salespeople and decide ahead of time to have fun with it. You will be told you have pretty eyes and great taste and my favorite: “Ah, the three of you must be sisters!” Your daughters may receive their first marriage proposals. I believe that no female is above getting a slight ego boost from this.

Our favorite sales moment came when our knowledgeable, able and crazy complimentary salesperson from one of the booths, swept us away into the shop behind his stall to show us the approximately 47 colors a leather jacket my daughter had been perusing came in. As a last ditch sales pitch, right in the middle of the store he pulled out a lighter and demonstrated how the leather jacket was fireproof!

Do you have any fashion expertise or experiences gleaned from your travels that you’d like to share?

More articles on fashion in Italy:

How to Dress Like an Italian, by Eleonora Baldwin

How to Dress Like an Italian on the Beach, by Eleonora Baldwin

All photos taken by and property of Margo Millure.

Stretched as far as possible over the sink of your hotel bathroom as you apply mascara, are you wondering to yourself, What’s the point? I’m on vacation! You’re not alone. Concerning the application of make-up while traveling, there are two divergent, equally valid schools of thought…between which I vacillate regularly:

Stila's elegant hues are just right for a city break

School one: You want every waking moment to be spent enjoying the sights, and make-up is just an impediment – a morning time-absorber. Besides, you’re on vacation and you’ll do what you bloody-well want to.

School two: You want to look sexy and glamorous at every destination, even in the jungle, because that’s how you imagined it when you booked the trip. Your friends are taking loads of photos that you know will eventually end up on Facebook. And furthermore, you may unexpectedly bump into someone truly appealing. (I first met my boyfriend upon returning to my hotel after a jungle hike—and yes, I was wearing make-up!)

I completely understand both schools, and accordingly, I want the best of both worlds. I want a beautiful, portable, and easy-to-apply summer makeup kit. So in order to help all of us belles with this make-up conundrum, I’ve put together a product roundup of five travel-friendly palettes and categorized them according to the kind of trip.

Jungle love love love! For earthy glamour in the great outdoors try Cargo's Safari kit.

Preparation

Before applying make-up, make sure your skin is moist.  Stay as hydrated as possible by drinking loads of water.  If your skin becomes dry while traveling, use moisturizers and body oils from the neck down, and try a hydrating spray for your face.  If your skin appears dull, try a mask to bring back that glowing complexion.

Smashbox Luminous Summer Kit
Why I like it: The eye-beam double ended brightener, applied to the inner eye, the brow rim, and along the inner rim of the lower lash line gives you brighter, wider eyes after a late night on the dance floor. And the bronze eyeliner is waterproof.

Sephora Beauty in a Box Summer Goddess Palette
Why I like it: Simple yet colorful, everything comes in one very small box including mascara.  It’s fantastic for days spent near water since the vibrant blue will mirror the color of the ocean or swimming pool.

Cargo Cosmetics: The Safari Kit
Why I like it: Though it doesn’t come with foundation or concealer, this kit does have makeup in gold, khaki, and coral tones and a super-cute postcard pouch. Just right for your next outdoor adventure.

Clockwise from top left: Smashbox, Sephora, Lauren Hutton, Stila, Cargo

As a residents of Myrtle Beach along coastal South Carolina, my family and I have learned much about the nesting habits of sea turtles, specifically the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. Each year during the summer months the females of this large sea turtle species (they grow to be around 3 feet long at maturity)  come ashore  to nest along the beaches up and down the east coast of North America, as well as along beaches in many other parts of the world. The Loggerhead can live to be well into their 60s, and to nest the female turtles often return to the the exact same nesting spots year after year.

A new Loggerhead hatchling looking for the water. Never try to help! This is a journey they must make on their own in order to survive the challenges they will face once in the ocean.

The Loggerhead sea turtle is an endangered species and their dwindling numbers can often be traced to humans who don’t understand the repercussions of their actions. For instance a Loggerhead can mistake a plastic bag for a jellyfish, one of its main food sources and choke. But while most people are careful not to leave behind litter after a day at the beach, many don’t know that light sources after dark are particularily harmful to the nesting Loggerhead sea turtle.

Most vacation home rental companies make a concerted effort to educate visitors about the importance of turning off any house lights that shine towards the beach after dark. Loggerhead hatchlings can become disoriented by man made light and head inland instead of heading for the ocean as nature intended. The inevitable use of traditional flashlights on the beach at night can also be perilous to the sea turtle’s chances for survival, which is where the TurtleSafe flashlight comes in.

Mason Stewart, a resident of Coastal Georgia, became familiar with the nesting habits of Loggerhead sea turtles back in the 1950s while working as a lifeguard on Jekyl Island.  Upon returning to the area following his retirement, he learned of the potentially serious problems traditional flashlights cause nesting sea turtles, while visiting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island with his grandchildren.

The TurtleSafe flashlight emits a red LED light that has been thoroughly and certified.

Standard flashlights  emit white or short wavelength light that can disrupt the nesting cycle. Nesting females may abandon their nest site before laying eggs, and her hatchlings, who by nature use the stars and moon and their light’s reflection upon the Atlantic to locate the water. The hatchlings will instinctively head towards beckoning flashlights instead of the ocean, severely diminishing the young turtle’s chances of survival.

This would be too close of proximity to actually be observing nesting Loggerheads, but not to see the tracks left behind by hatchlings as is being done here.

In response, Stewart designed a flashlight that  is both “peoplesafe” and “turtlesafe.”  The Turtlesafe rechargeable flashlight emits a red LED light that doesn’t disturb the Loggerhead, but allows humans to see what’s ahead of them and observe the turtles from a safe distance . The Turtlesafe flashlight was certified this past March by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission as safe for use on the beach in the vicinity of nesting sea turtles.

To purchase a TurtleSafe flashlight for your upcoming beach vacation, whether it be to the Myrtle Beach area or anywhere else this summer, be sure to visit their information packed website, which includes the rules and regulations governing the safe observation of nesting Loggerheads.

Because even though Myrtle Beach looks like this, it’s okay not to want to go to the beach EVERY day:

The beach is nice, but we know you may not want to spend your entire time here when visiting Myrtle Beach.

Doesn’t it stand to reason that most people are drawn to visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for one thing? And that this one thing isn’t to go shopping?

Ah yes, there’s that little thing called the Atlantic Ocean. Throw in some fine weather, fabulous places to stay and lots of things to do, and you have yourself what is most definitely a favorite family beach destination.

What if you don’t want to spend every day of your beach week actually on the beach? Yes, there are lots of golf courses, both miniature and major, as well as amusement parks, and tourist centers with plenty of places to eat pizza and ice cream, and get henna tattoos and hair braided. Good, clean family fun is the name of the game in these parts, and there is nothing the matter with that.

But, how about if you don’t want to do just that? Where are the best places to go shopping in Myrtle Beach? Where are the best places to go to get some retail action that doesn’t involve going anywhere near one of those beachwear shops located on every corner?

Well here are some of my personal favorite shopping destinations. And a word of advice? All tourists go shopping on rainy days, and it can get a little crazy out there on the streets. I advise not to wait for a rainy day to get your toes out of the sand and into some real shoes. (Fortunately flip flops pretty much always constitute real shoes around here, but there are some nice places to buy a pair to take home with you.)

Studio 77 is located in the colorful shopping center called Rainbow Harbor, where there are several other shops worth checking out as well

1. Market Common: Located on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base this lifestyle live/work/play center features favorite large upscale retailers such as William Sonoma and Anthropologie, in addition to  many small specialty boutiques. Nice and compact with lovely outdoor spaces, diverse dining choices and a movie theater at its center, Market Common is the perfect shopping destination for anyone looking to make a day of it. Frankly on hot days it’s nice to be able to wander in and out between sun and airconditioning. (I’m still a little miffed that Barnes and Noble  moved there, but I’m getting over it.)

Studio 77: What's not to love about a place that sells cute bracelets and funny banks for which to save up for them?

2. Studio 77, 5001 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach. Eclectic, fun and convenient for anyone staying in Myrtle Beach, Studio 77 is the gift shop to beat all gift shops. I can always find something for everyone on my list, including too many things for myself, which is why I don’t go as often as I would like! What’s a Travel Belle not to love about a place where you can find elegant wedding gifts, super soft pajamas, and quirky travel accessories all in one lovely shop of wonderfulness?

3. Tanger Outlet Centers: Route 501 or Highway 17. Yes, the Myrtle Beach area is blessed with plural outlet malls. Tons of great stores, but highlights include Kate Spade (Highway 17), BCBGMAXAZRIA (both locations) and Converse (Highway 17.)

The sign at The Hammock shops is hard to miss

4. Pawleys Island, SC: Pawleys Island is always worth a trip, even if you don’t plan on laying eyes upon the Atlantic. First up is The Hammock Shops located on the east side of Highway 17. Nestled among the live oaks is the home of Pawleys Island Original Hammock Shop, as well as lots of specialty boutiques. Not to be missed is Island Shoes, which alone can make my 40 minute drive from Myrtle Beach worth it. Pawleys Island is also home to many delightful very un-stripmallish, strip malls with dozens of specialty boutiques, which seem to come and go over the years. A long time local favorite is Taz, a women’s clothing boutique, located at 11270-A Ocean Highway.

5. La Plage Swimwear, 2304 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach: La Plage Swimwear is quite simply the best place to buy a bathing suit in Myrtle Beach, perhaps even anywhere. The store is owned by local swimsuit designer, Tarra Grinna. Besides featuring her entire line of swimwear, the store is packed to the brim with swimsuits and accessories from other major swimsuit lines. Besides the huge selection, the most unbelievable aspect of visiting this store is the lighting in the  dressing rooms is actually flattering!

6. Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing: These two major tourist-centric shopping centers in the area are hard to miss. Broadway at the Beach is located in Myrtle Beach and Barefoot Landing is located in North Myrtle Beach. More than likely you will already find yourself at one of these locations as part of the throng of frolicking, sunburnt masses.

A disproportionately high number of fudge and ice cream shops compared to the shopping landscape at large in the United States is to be found at both shopping spots, but isn’t that what makes a beach vacation? Just be sure not to miss any of the sweet tooth action at River Street Sweets of Savannah, located at both locations.

In addition if you keep your eyes open at Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing, you will find some shopping gems that are well worth leaving your family left on their own to wander around for a bit. Two of my favorites are Tango Bay Clothing (both locations) and The Birkenstock Store which for a small shop has a remarkable array of brands and styles of comfort and walking shoes (Broadway location.)

My last piece of advice: Keep your eye out for Sasee Magazine, which is distributed for free at many businesses along the Grand Strand. Serious shoppers who are visiting the area will not want to miss this beautiful publication that features all the latest hot spots on the Myrtle Beach shopping scene along with some great writing!

* In case you are wondering, the writer was not compensated for this article in any way.

As Travel Belles, we like to arrive at our destination looking great. But nowadays, flying can be quite a hassle with all the increased security measures, long layovers and crowded airports. Whenever possible, I opt to take the train or bus. However, I have now discovered a series of items that make air travel more pleasant:

1. Scanner bag

Airport security demands you “take all metal items off and out of your pockets.” With the scanner bag, you no longer need to place each item individually onto the provided trays. The bag has a luggage tag with a quick-fold pouch inside to hold your cell phone, coins, iPod, keys, jewelry, pen, and whatever else could set off the detector.

2. Removed on August 14, 2011

3.     Jet lag relief pack: a mix of vitamins and neurotransmitters to help alleviate the effects of jet lag.

This kit offers relief for the symptoms of long distance airplane travel, whether sleep disruption, fatigue, disorientation, lack of concentration, motivation or dehydration. The pack contains 3 AM and 3 PM formulas that you mix with water. Together, they restore your body’s natural rhythm.

4.     Go Clean: Laundry- Bag

A drawstring bag made from heavyweight nylon keeps your dirty laundry sealed. The odor won’t spread, and the security staff will no longer be rummaging through your unwashed underwear.

5.     Ohropax Wax Ear Plugs

A Swiss classic. I’ve compared many different types on my travels, and these definitely keep out loud baby cries. Made of wax, they adapt to your individual ear shape.

gives new meaning to waxy ears AND keeps out sound

6.     Lewis N. Clark Comfort Eye Mask

This is more than the conventional eye mask. With additional cushioning, it keeps even the brightest rays of light out. Extremely useful when you want to sleep longer at a hostel, too.

7.     Travel Scrabble

I’ve found that keeping yourself busy makes time fly. For those cross-Atlantic flights, a game (or two) of Scrabble can come in handy. If you’re traveling alone, make friends with the person next to you by asking them to play.

8.    Veripur Hand Sanitizer + Moisturizer

Airports and planes are notorious for collecting germs. Both before and after you grab a bite at that sandwich the flight attendant hands you, be sure to take precautions . Wash your hands thoroughly during layovers, and use a good moisturizing hand sanitizer like the 3 oz. size of Veripur during your flight. This way, you increase the odds of coming home healthy and staying that way.

Note: Items 4 – 7 are linked to Amazon via affiliate links

Fall head over high heels for Odyssa designer travel bags

When it comes to this whole “packing light” movement, I’ll be the first to admit I’m a bit hopeless. I like taking a few of my pretty things with me when I travel, even if that does mean taking 5 pairs of shoes and a pair of boots for one weekend. “Few” really is such a vague word.

As some of you already know my problem runs much deeper: When it comes to how to  pack for a trip, any trip, long or short, and remain somewhat organized about it, I am totally challenged. For a travel “professional” this admission always feels a little scandalous.

But the flip side of this proclivity of mine for hauling my stuff all over kingdom come, has led me to many interesting places and people. Most recently, Ahn, the creator of the Odyssa designer travel bag. She was kind enough to send me one of her whimsical hand embroidered products to try for myself. As soon as I pulled it from the gift-worthy packaging and could see the stunning handiwork and feel the touch of high quality cotton for myself, I couldn’t wait to get packing!

This is the lingerie bag I received. It is so nice to have something both pretty and practical for keeping things organized while traveling.

So I did. I traveled with my Odyssa bag to Austin, Texas for SXSW last month, and on a college roadtrip with my daughter to check out colleges over spring break.  The bag is  attractive, functional and environmentally friendly- definitely a big step up from plastic zip lock bags. And yes, my daughter wanted one for herself.

I like what Ahn has to say about her inspiration to start Odyssa Bags on her website:

To Anh’s dismay after scouring the local mall and spending hours on the Internet she couldn’t find travel packing bags and luggage solutions that fit her needs. She wanted to upgrade from the typical multi-purpose plastic bag to something a little more eco-friendly and with a little more feminine charm. Anh continued to search to no avail, and eventually settled on a generic mesh laundry bag, and yes- plastic bags *gasp*.

(sure sounds like a Travel Belle to me;)

*Sigh* to have a suitcase as organized as this. Maybe with more Odyssa bags and by leaving half of what I plan to take at home like the pro packers are always advising.

In addition to lingerie bags, the Odyssa travel bag line includes  shoe bags, laundry bags, and Ayn’s signature “Odyssa” bags which are approximately the same size as the laundry bags. In other words, all kinds of nice options for protecting and separating whatever you want from potential suitcase chaos.  Ahn also offers customizing and private label services.

My favorite thing about the Odyssa bags is the combination of old world embroidery and quality, with funky, yet elegant style. Will my Odyssa bag help me pack light? Probably not. Next time I pack for a trip will it help me stay organized? Only time will tell, Travel Belles, but with my new pretty and practical designer travel accessory,  I have hope.

*This product was provided to the writer by Odyssa for review.  This in no way affects the editorial content of this piece.