Sicily and Rome

Our recent cruise around the Mediterranean was wonderful, giving us a brief introduction to new places and people which is really just a taster for more. Likewise I'm going to be as brief as I can and try not to inundate the blog with endless holiday snaps. Therefore today's post covers our first two stops in our whistle stop tour. The first photos are from Palermo, Sicily where it seemed to be a tad unusual to see a woman dressed in such vibrant colours. Maybe I looked like a circus clown to the local residents. But men and women alike, as we walked around the city, they certainly gave me more than a fleeting glance. 





Steve found himself promoted/demoted to position of blog photographer, but soon got into his stride. He spent most of his time heckling me whilst I barked instructions. We made a great double act - it was hilarious.


I bought this little bag in Rome the previous day. There were so many colours and styles to choose from, but I think this being the first choice was the right one. It's lined in pale yellow chamois leather (sorry Sally for yet again not taking a shot of the interior) and opens quite wide to hold a surprising amount of bits and bobs.



Jacket: Benetton. Maxi dress: eBay. Sandals: New Zealand. Handbag: boutique in Rome. Rings and watch: charity shop.







As we walked along this old fashioned street we found a wonderful vintage shop called "Magazzini Anita". 



It didn't take long for me to realise that this boutique was where I would spend today's pocket money. Steve loitered outside in the morning sunshine and I disappeared inside. I had a great time browsing and trying things on. The owner is a lovely lady called Elena who sources her wares from all sorts of places. The boutique was brimming with beautiful Italian shoes, bags and clothes, some of it new and some second hand. Elena was the perfect hostess helping me to find just the right pieces to suit my frame and colouring. For a fashionista this had to be the highlight of the trip so far. We swapped details, chatted about fashion and blogs and eventually I made my purchases.


Retail therapy complete, and bag in hand, Steve and I then continued with our stroll through the ancient streets of Palermo.



And here's what I bought.

Coat, trousers and blouse all from Magazinni Anita, Via Maqueda, 263 Palermo.




That evening was the first gala dinner on board the ship with the opportunity to meet the captain and his senior staff afterwards. We're on one of the diamond staircases which were the prime location for all of those wanting a glamorous setting for their photos. My outfit is the same as I wore for the island Christmas party as seen here. It was the right thing to take this ensemble along as I felt very comfortable in it. The first night on board had been a bit overwhelming. I knew we were going to be on a big ship, but little did I realise that we would be amongst over 4500 passengers. Considering our little island has a winter population of about 130 residents this vessel, MSC Preziosa, was a gigantic floating city by comparison. Some 18 decks high and 333m long we regularly got lost at the start and by the end of our cruise still hadn't discovered every bar, lounge or even all of the swimming pools.


Skirt: Susan Small, Enjoy Clothing. Blouse: Shubette Separates, charity shop. Shoes: Primate. Belt: eBay. Necklace: Debenhams. Clutch: Santa Cruz.



AND THIS WAS OUR TRIP TO ROME ON THE PREVIOUS DAY


The trip to Rome was the highlight of the cruise for most of us, with the Colosseum obviously being the major tourist attraction. We docked in the port of Civitavecchia which was an hour and a half away from Rome by coach.





Steve brandished the camera about today with great results.

Jacket: Vero Moda. Jeans: Gap. Waistcoat: Uniqlo. T shirt: Uniqlo. Belt: H&M. Trainers: Salomon. Handbag: charity shop. Scarf: old. Watch: charity shop.


We visited the Palatine ruins first of all which were extensive.






After a couple of hours we crossed to the Colosseum where we spent another two hours steeped in the history of this huge feat of architecture.




The tiers of marble seats were where the Senators sat to watch the gory battles.



As I stood here I couldn't help but wonder about all of the poor souls who had experienced the most horrifying of deaths in this arena.




 This must-have shot of the icon that represents Rome.



The dress theme for this evening was 70's/80's/90's disco. This jumpsuit was the best I could conjure up. My next post will feature Malta and Barcelona - see you all on Wednesday for that!

Anna x

Jumpsuit: H&M. Shrug: charity shop. Green pearls: Almost Perfect. Belt: eBay.
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18 comments

  1. Anna...what a wonderful experience!! What great finds in that boutique! I have two questions? No food pictures? And how many suitcases did you take? jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com
    ps...I'm so looking forward to more!!

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    1. Hahaha. Well spotted Jodie. I'm not a live-to-eat girl, more an eat-to-live, hence the lack of food pics. And we managed with two large cases and ever expanding hand luggage. Oh, and I also wore more home that I did on the way out in an effort to fit it all in the cases! See you soon x
      Anna

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    2. What lovely photos, Anna! I really, really want to go to Sicily. My OH and I are thinking of going next year.

      Your outfits are all lovely and I especially love the jumpsuit and the skirt and blouse.

      What a fabulous shop you found - I really love what you bought and I was eyeing up the blue jacket hanging up outside.

      Looking forward to next post....

      xxx
      Veronica
      vronni60s.blogspot.com

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    3. We barely scratched the surface of Sicily Veronica, but I would still say go. I think you could see lots if you hired a car and the weather was very pleasant even at this time of year. They don't have charity shops in Sicily though, so you might have to settle with this boutique as I did! See you soon x
      Anna

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  2. How wonderful to see some of your holiday photos and you and hubby enjoying yourselves!

    I'm darn jealous of your discovery of that vintage store! And what you scored. AND that gorgeous little yellow leather bag. That is the perfect size if you ask me. Great shape too.

    You guys are such a handsome couple on the stairs. Very glamorous!

    Looking forward to seeing more photos.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. You're too kind Suzanne! I didn't manage much shopping abroad but what I did made me very happy. Luggage space was tight so I couldn't really fit in much more. I had to wear the coat home as it was so bulky. Steve and I are quite the opposites - I'm the show-off and he's the introvert, so I'm pleased I got him to agree to some photos too.
      Anna x

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  3. Oh, I loved Rome so much - the Colosseum left me slack-jawed! Love your beautiful fancy outfits on board the ship!

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    1. Me too Sheila, I thought it was awesome - all that history! Thanks for the feedback x
      Anna

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  4. I LOVE how you've arranged your purchases from the vintage boutique! They look to me as if they want to head off, hand in hand and do some more exploring together. I'm dying to see how you style these new goodies.
    Don't worry Anna - I'm enjoying IMAGINING your bag's luscious interior :)
    Baci Sallyxx
    sarsaparillasal.blogspot.com

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    1. Many moons ago I was a chambermaid and we had to lay out the nightclothes on the bed in the evening. This arrangement is my take on that - I thought was a bit of a laugh! You'll see the coat styled up quite soon x
      Anna

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  5. Ooooh what great buys from that shop!!! Can't wait to see them styled properly.
    I adored the Palantine ruins and the Colosseum but after years of yearning to see Rome, I found I was disappointed by it - which was a real shock! Too noisy, too claustophobic, too many hawkers and this is coming from a London lass!
    And you look stunning in your cruise ship outfits. Beautiful.

    http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. I think I probably had lower expectations than you Jacqueline. Yes, it was over-run with tourists, but I suppose that's inevitable with such historic buildings. It was still a great experience. Thanks for the lovely feedback x
      Anna

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  6. I adore that jumpsuit on you, Anna, those colours are so bright and happy without being garish. And how I envy you, I love love LOVE Italy but sadly my man and I don't live near enough to go visit regularly. He's first generation Italian from Calabria so we try to see his family as often as we can.

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    1. Isn't Italy beautiful? And so you have family there - I realise you probably won't visit often, but when you do it must be wonderful to be steeped in the life and culture. Lucky you to have that authentic connection x
      Anna

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  7. I love that little shop window! Of course I would have disappeared inside as well. You bought such beautiful pieces. And you and Steve are stunning in the stair photo. The glam must have been intoxicating in its own right. And then the sightseeing... The history. It sends shivers down my spine.
    Barking is a common form of communication with blogger photographers. hahaha! I'm glad he was a sport and you could play together at this.

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    1. We did have such fun together. Dressing up for the evening sets a very romantic tone - I was in my element. Can I justify flying all the way back to Palermo just to visit this shop again? Big sigh, probably not. But it was a lovely interlude x
      Anna

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  8. I am going through all your posts now. Saw you with brogues and your grinning friend Bo (she seems very nice to be with). And now this post. My my, did you do well in Anita's.. I love the picture of Steve with that big paper bag in his hand haha. And you barking instructions (I so know where you are coming from haha). You dazzled me with both evening wear. I haven't got anything, so I better never go on a cruise. You looked ever so good. And with a handsome husband on your side,... that makes things even better.
    On to the next post.
    Greetje

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    1. My lovely husband is so long suffering. He had no idea he was going to be so involved in this blogging shenanigans. We did have fun though, more than if we'd just wandered around getting lost. Taking photos whilst being lost is a bit more entertaining. Thanks for all the lovely compliments. Seemingly some bloggers lose readers when they go off on holiday. Thank goodness my readers seem to have enjoyed the ride x
      Anna

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