White Dresses for Summer

For me, white dresses are like the leather jacket of summer, a staple that every glow girl should have in their closet. A great white dress always looks chic and can take you from day to night depending on your accessories. They are perfect to wear on vacation or to any summer chic party! Here are the ones that I chose from some of the brands I love!

Check out some of my favorite white dresses below, click to shop!

t

Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.

Click below to shop my favorite accessories to wear with white dresses.

Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.

Every girl needs a white dress - I hope this gives you inspiration to find your perfect summer staple.

xx Melissa

Photography by: Stefanie Marie

Trip to Rome and Southern Italy

Italy is one of those places that gets in your soul. The culture is so rich you can’t help but take in every part of it during your time there. I visited Rome, Sicily and Puglia last year with my family and want to share my experience with you in case you are planning to visit there this summer or some time in the near future. This part of Europe is a favorite of mine (my 5th trip there) and is rich with the most incredible, art, cooking, traditions and history. These experiences are so impressionable that you can’t help but bring some of them back into your home country.

I used an incredible luxury travel company called Lux Voyage to help me plan this trip including activities and restaurant reservations. I was also lucky to have been able to meet up with my blogging partner Janet Gunn and her family for part of the trip!

Below are highlights of where to stay, dine, explore and what to pack for this European vacation.

Click items directly in the carousel below to shop ‘what to pack’

Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.

ROME

Poolside at the Gran Melia Rome

STAY
First up we stayed at Gran Melia Rome, a nice family-friendly hotel in the ‘heart of the eternal city’ - close to the Vatican in Rome. The Gran Melia has delicious food with a restaurant run by one of Italy’s most famous chefs. It’s well-priced and very conveniently located if you plan to spend time in Vatican City. The green oasis and beautiful pool area brings peace and quiet to a bustling city. I also recommend staying at the JK ROMA if you want to be in the historic center of Rome near the Trevi Fountain, The Villa Borghese and the designer boutiques of Via del Corso. We stayed in Rome for two nights!

Vatican City

EXPLORE
With so much to explore in Italy, where do I start? Well, the Vatican is an absolute must-see at least once in a lifetime! We took an early morning tour (earlier the better) to the Vatican City, one of the most sacred places in Christendom, it attests to a great history and a formidable spiritual venture. A unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces lie within the boundaries of this small state. At its center is St Peter's Basilica, with its double colonnade and a circular piazza in front and bordered by palaces and gardens. Here you can also visit the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel! All this in one morning and we then took a tour after lunch through the Jewish Ghetto. Hidden in the heart of the city, it is one of the best attractions in Rome (and also one of its least-known). As the oldest Jewish community in all of Europe, this beautiful, thriving neighborhood is as central to the history of the city as it is to the Jewish faith.

The Jewish Quarter, Rome

“Best pasta in Rome” at the authentic Taverna Trilussa

DINE
What a treat! Italy is renowned for full flavor, olive oil, herbs, fresh mediterranean living and I love it!
When in Rome, we had dinner at Dal Bologese,  in piazza del Popolo. A true Italian experience, where sophisticated Romans mingle with models and celebs at this historically chic restaurant. Dine inside, surrounded by wood panelling and exotic flowers, or outside, serving timeless cuisine serving dishes of the Emilian tradition: including tagliatelle Bolognese and tortellini in broth. We also found the “best pasta in Rome” at the authentic Taverna Trilussa. A high end, rustic taverna famed for serving pasta in steel pans!

SOUTHERN ITALY: SICILY & PUGLIA

View of Taormina, Sicily

STAY
A 3.5 hour flight after our time in Rome to Catania we checked into Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina where we spent three nights and then went to the sister beachside property, the Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea. Taormina is a renowned resort area in Sicily; a small and elegant town with balconies covered in flowers, ancient ruins, and views over the sea and towards the volcano, Etna. Plus, there are some cute boutiques to shop and no shortage of great restaurants. Another great way to experience Taormina from its most privileged point of view is to take out a boat for the day!

With Janet Gunn Grateful Gardenia in Sicily at The Belmond Grande Hotel Timeo. Wearing Franne Golde magic pants in white.
Use code MM10 for 10% off while shopping www.frannegolde.com.
Silk top by Hark + Hammer, Bag by ClareV, Sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals.

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo. Wearing a Zimmerman ruffled floral playsuit. Similar here.

Click items directly in the carousel below to shop swim and beach wear

Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.

At the beach at Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea. Swimwear - Black one piece by Cami and Jax. Similar here

Day trip to Volcano, Mount Etna

Sunset at Borgo Egnazia

Climbing the steps at Borgo Egnazia

Borgo Egnazia. Dress by Nudz Beachwear. Similar dress by Natalie Martin

Our last stop in Italy was Puglia (pronounced “Pulia”), staying at the 5 star hotel Borgo Egnazia. Here ‘nature is powerful, peace is intense, harmony is full’ and it certainly was! This beautiful and unique destination is a visionary interpretation of a typical Puglian village, surrounded by olive groves within the gorgeous landscape in Southern Italy. You get your own designated concierge who will guide you and offer the best in local and authentic experiences there. The service is impeccable and a stay there is certainly a “bucket list” experience. Another great small boutique hotel worth a visit is La Perschiera—this 13-room five-star (adults only) hotel offers sea views from every room within its own private beach. We went for lunch and spent some beach time there.

La Perschiera. Solid and Stripe swimwear by Mara Hoffman. Similar here.

Poolside at the Borgo Egnazia

Lunch at the Borgo Egnazia

EXPLORE
In Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot and the home of Italy’s pasta, we embarked upon a full-day journey. Beginning in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, discovering its unique prehistoric trulli houses. Afterwards we continued to Locorotondo taking in its luminous white houses, charming churches, and panoramic views of the Itria Valley. Then continued to Ostuni one of the most beautiful towns in Puglia, extending across three hills, and known as "the white city" for its dazzling white walls and white-painted buildings. The genuine charm of these white-washed villages were simply beautiful. Our stop in Locorontondo, known as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy continues with everything in bright white apart from the blood red geraniums that fall from the window boxes. The streets are paved with smooth ivory stones, with the church of Santa Maria della Grecia as its sunbaked centerpiece.

Visit to Alberobello. Dress by Natalie Martin. Sunnies by Oliver Peoples. Sandals by Ancient Greek sandals. Similar dress here.

Town of Alberobello

I highly recommend taking a bike tour through the olive-tree covered countryside of Puglia! The culture of olive oil is one of the region's greatest treasures. Starting from Albergabici in Montalbano we experienced the region’s famous “Apulian gold” -  an underground olive oil factory, and flourishing olive farms. Extra virgin olive oil of Puglia is one of the most famous products in the world for its taste and it’s quality! The Borgo Egnazia with it’s full service concierge set up this tour for us from their property and it was well worth it.

DINE
A little more casual, was our lunch spot in Puglia at La Taverna del Duca, serving excellent apuglian cuisine and in Taormina we encountered Tischi Toschi a small family run restaurant with a relaxed Sicilian atmosphere serving locals with their fresh authentic flavors and recipes.

Lastly I wanted to note the brand new restaurant, Casa Gioli in Taormina mixing Sicilian art and upscale cuisine set in a splendid location.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A EUROPEAN VACATION
During this trip I took some of my favorite casual chic outfits  - think straw hats, flowing dresses, white jeans, swimsuit and comfy sandals.

Silk top by Hark + Hammer. Dress, similar here. Bag by ClareV. Belt Bag similar here.

Tips to remember for your trip to Italy
• Wear light layers, beach cover ups and tunics. Comfortable shoes a must!
• Bring jeans or light-weight athleisure pants if you plan on visiting Mt. Etna or take a bike ride
• Pack a straw hat and fanny pack (not your grandma's!). They also sell amazing hats in Italy so you can pick one up there too!
• Visit the Vatican early morning and book your Museum tickets in advance online from the Vatican website!
Or you can set up a private behind the scenes tour BEFORE the Vatican is open through Lux Voyage.
• Pack your Skyroam for safe wireless everywhere! Use code GLOWGIRL10 for 10% off your skyroam!

Have fun, eat well and embrace the romance of this beautiful country!

xxMelissa

La Peschiera Hotel. Swim suit by Cami and Jax. Sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals

Art & Culture Trip to Cuba

Cuba is one of the most unique countries in the Caribbean, an island brimming with vibrancy, soul inspiring music, and villages full of Cubans who thrive off a culture of social interaction and a characteristic of openness. I recently went on the most incredible art and culture tour where I visited both Havana and Vinales with a small group of women lead by my friend Rachel Melvald, Founder of Psychitecture. My time in Cuba was happy. Home to incredible history, architecture, culture, art and design, this trip was a beautiful experience. Most of the time we had no internet which made it so much easier to live in the moment. We drove around in vintage convertibles, learned to Salsa dance, sang, went to the ballet, museums, artist studios, Hemingway House, met new friends, rode horses, tried cuban cigars and above all I got to share this with my sister (and fab contemporary artist) Randi Russo.

Below are the highlights of where to stay, dine, explore and what to pack for Cuba or your next warm weather trip. We had a packed itinerary and got a lot in during our four day stay.

STAY
We stayed at The Hotel La Reserva, a boutique hotel intimately related to the neighborhood with a spirit that reflected Cuban soul. Characterized by Spanish style, both through the tile floors and big windows that open to the patio this balance between old restored house with amenities of a modern hotel were ideal. The in-house Art Gallery offered selected works of contemporary Cuban artists. Another fabulous boutique hotel to check out is Paseo 206 (we had dinner there and a tour of the property).

DINE
Cuban cuisine is a blend of Spanish, African and Caribbean influences. This cultural diversity in cooking results a noteworthy combination of spices and flavor. One of the nights, we ate at La Guarida a magical fine dining space offering family history and ambience. Contrasting this with oceanside served lunch of fresh lobster at Miya Cayito the following day with pre-ballet private dining experience at Paseo 206 later that night. Paseo 206 is a ‘romantic jewel nestled among the tree-lined streets’ in the heart of Havana. The Executive Chef, Vincenzo Frassanito at Eclectico, offers a distinctive interpretation of the Italian cuisine, emphasizing artisanal ingredients, working with local farmers and small producers.

Outside The Hotel La Reserva. Dasha Tiered Midi Dress by Alice + Olivia, Shoes by Fendi

Hemingway House

Restaurant Eclectico at Paseo 206

Rachel Melvald, Founder of Psychitecture at Hemingway House

Rachel Melvald and Randi Russo at Eclectico, Paseo 206

EXPLORE
With so much to explore in Cuba we indulged in the art culture. One highlight included our trip to Fabrica de Arte (FAC). The factory inspired art gallery is a super hip communal space where pieces from Cuban artists are displayed to the public. The atmosphere is like a combination of a bar, art gallery, performance arena and club. The factory brings together collective Cuban identity; and modern arts including design and architecture, visual arts, dance, and fashion. FAC is an absolute must-see!

We also went to the studios of famed Havana photographer Nelson Ramirez d’Arrellano and Esteria Segura Studio Space among others.

Havana photographer Nelson Ramirez d’Arrellano

Melissa with artist Esteria Segura

On our last full day of the trip, we went riding through endless fields in the Viñales valley with its green tobacco and fertile red soil, it felt like a land stuck in time. Lined with small wooden homes with faded paint and passing locals on old bicycles, horses and driving vintage American cars. At the Tobacco farm we experienced cigar rolling with the farm owners. A few interesting facts on Cuban cigars - 90% of the profits are paid to the government and they remove the center vein of the tobacco leaf which is the most addictive part containing most of the nicotine! I want to mention how much I normally dislike the smell and taste of cigars, however, these were smooth and sweet due to the fresh honey they use to seal their cigars.

Horse Riding through the Viñales valley

Denim skirt by AG, Top by Rebecca Minkoff, shoes by Golden Goose.

Enjoying a Cohiba cigar!

Beach day at Miya Cayito. Melissa wearing Mott50 X Margherita one piece swim suit.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A WARM WEATHER TRIP
With a beautiful blend of cultures, Cuban fashion is very casual, simple and lightweight especially for the warm climate. Think head wraps, cotton dresses, sexy, femine and colorful.

During this trip I took some of my favorite outfits which included: Alice + Olivia dress which I wore to the ballet. Then the gorgeously femine Wild Thing maxi skirt and tie top by Spell & The Gypsy Collective.

Click items directly in the carousel below to shop!

Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.

Melissa wears Wild Thing maxi skirt and tie top by Spell & The Gypsy Collective. Bag by Jade Tribe. Sunnies by Oliver Peoples.

Dinner at La Guarida. Melissa wears Flounce Neck Tank Dress by Zimmermann (ON SALE)!
Below: Pocket Belt Bag by Zimmermann, Rayette Sunglasses and ancient greek sandals

From the market visit in San Cristobal to a delicious lunch at hidden gem, Café Laurent, my time in Cuba was rich with culture and a variety of experiences. If you are interested in an organized custom trip to Cuba contact Rachel Melvald, Founder of Psychitecture at Rachel@psychitecture.com.

I also met New York fashion stylist Evan Elkowitz who offers customized fashion and arts tours in Cuba for small groups of women. Her next tour is April 10th - 14th, 2019. For more information regarding her tours, email Evan at evanelkowitz@hotmail.com.

Tour guide and fashion photographer David Mas took most of my photos throughout this trip!

Lunch at Cafe Laurnet. Devil Girls Graphic Tee by RE/DONE

Tips to remember for your Trip to Cuba:
• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Bring jeans for horseback riding
• Pack a Water Bottle
• Take along some toilet paper (limited amounts given out in public bathrooms) and pack anti-bacterial wipes
• Your bank card or credit card will not work in Cuba so you want to make sure to bring enough money with you! Euros better as the American dollar is automatically penalized 10% on any exchanges.

Adrianne Tassel Necklace by Anthropologie. Dress by Marina St. Barth.

I left Cuba with a feeling of appreciation and the trip also sparked a desire to travel more in 2019. I am sure to go back again as I was deeply touched by the Cuban lifestyle, culture and people. Definitely a destination to add to your bucket list!

xxMelissa