I have been to Italy only once, and that was in 1999, so I am desperate to get back and see the South, including the famed Amalfi coast. I imagine it might be like scenes from The Talented Mr. Ripley with sun-filled days by the sea and warm evenings dining al fresco (and without the sinister plot, of course!). It would be amazing to see the coastline by sailboat, explore the Amalfi Drive in a convertible, and walk the surrounding towns.

Staying at Capo La Gala on the Sorrento Coast would be my hotel pick. Perched on the hilltops above the Bay of Naples, this would be the perfect spot for sunbathing and staring out toward the sea with a Limoncello in hand.

Striped Hammam Towel | The Talented Mr. Ripley | Sunglasses | Gold Thor stud earrings | Nautical striped cotton dress | Park Bench Fedora | Mellifluous cinch sandals | Small leather wallet | Halter Maillot Swimsuit

For more travel daydreaming and Wanderlust destinations, be sure to check out Vancouver Island, Reykjavik, and Zanzibar.

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The Nautical trend has been hanging around for a couple of Spring/Summer seasons, and just about every clothing store you visit will have their version of the sailor striped boatneck shirt. Coco Chanel is credited for seeing the striped shirts worn by Breton sailors, and introducing her “marinière” shirt to the fashion world in 1917. They have never gone out of style. You could blame my Connecticut seashore upbringing, or the fact that my brother and I were dressed up in sailor suits when we were toddlers {see embarrassing photos below} but I am not sick of it yet.

1. Saint James Nautical Tee | 2. Sailboat wallpaper | 3. Striped pouches | 4. Compass, whistle and life preserver keychains | 5. Compass Pillow | 6. Sailboat Paper | 7. Whale tray | 8. Striped straw fedora | 9. Sailor Tote bag | 10. Rosewood Anchor falling knife | 11. Rope mirror | 12. Santa Rosa striped Espadrille | 13. Beside the Seaside Letterpress Print | 14. Forget me knot and Maritime Medallion necklaces by Madewell

{Above} Me on the left, my cousin, and my brother, just back from Newport probably. {Below} Me, in the family’s preferred toddler dress code: sailor style. {thanks a lot, Mom!} xo

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Top photo by Billy & Hells via Etsy |  President and Mrs. Kennedy view America’s Cup race, September 15, 1962, Photograph by Robert Knudsen via Apartment Therapy