The Joys Of Home, Italian Coffee, And Pondering A Style Reset

trumpet vines in bloomOur trumpet vines welcomed us home with a riot of blooms…

Home Again, Home Again…

As much as I love to travel, I also love that feeling of returning home, and of being in my own space. I relish those moments of being greeted by the dogs, of popping into the kitchen to make myself a decaf espresso before unpacking, and going to sleep in my own bed. Sorting through two weeks’ worth of mail…not so much.

Travel can be rough on the body. Not only the time differences, but different foods, banging luggage around airports and train stations, and not keeping up with certain routines catch up with one after a while. My nails are peeling, I have a couple of random multicolored bruises, and am carrying a few extra pounds from all of the bread, pasta, desserts and wine we enjoyed. (And we did enjoy…had many wonderful meals which I’ll recap in an upcoming post.) So getting back to routines can be as welcome as getting away from them.

We’ve sometimes picked up new practices or routines while traveling that we enjoy and are able to incorporate once home. On our first trip to Italy in 2011, the hotel breakfasts always seemed to include lots of fresh fruit. When we returned home from that vacation, I made a point to add a nice bowl of whatever is in season to our morning routine. We’ve kept it going ever since.

The Good Coffee…

moka coffee maker from Bialetti

This time, it’s all about the coffee. Italy hands down has the best espresso, but I like something I can sip in the morning. Our hotel in Venice served coffee at breakfast made using a “moka” pot. It’s a wonderful brew, somewhere between a strong drip and an espresso. No bitterness or burnt taste. I asked Gian Luca who was in charge of the breakfast each morning to give me a tutorial, and learned it’s fast and easy.

  • water goes in the bottom chamber, fill to just below the valve (the little button).
  • fill the hopper that sits on top of the water with grounds. The coffee he used was ground a bit finer than for drip, but not powder-fine. Do not pack or compress the coffee.
  • screw the top on, put the pot on a small burner (gas or electric) on high heat. Eventually you’ll hear bubbling as the water boils and travels through the grounds up into the top chamber.
  • when the bubbling diminishes, turn off the heat. Let sit for a moment, then pour.
  • wash the pot/parts with warm water only. No soap. (The woman at the Bialetti store where I purchased my pot also reiterated this.)

I really like the simplicity of this method, but especially the flavor and strength of the brew. I’ve been using it since we returned home and will continue.

Steps Toward A Style Reset…

That feeling of ennui I expressed in an earlier post, A Wardrobe Wake-up Call, has persisted, and has been exacerbated by living with such a limited wardrobe while traveling for the last two weeks. I’ve hit the wall with so much black, and even with denim to some degree.

And although we were mostly surrounded by other tourists, the periodic spotting of locals with some notable style chops provided a dose of inspiration. I think the Italians bring a certain élan and glamour to their style, even when they are dressed casually. (The men as much as the women!) As with Parisians, though, it’s all about the fit, balance and proportion.

My wardrobe needs some new life. What appeal to me now are lighter neutrals, a bit more structure, and a little color. Some interesting shapes and details that won’t overwhelm. My lifestyle is still casual, so I’m not looking for formality, just to add some pieces with more verve, like the jacket I purchased in Rome.

I picked up a few things in Venice and one in Paris, none of them black. They all fit at least one of the criteria above. A couple of them need to be shortened, but once that’s done I’ll include in some outfit posts. Some were spendy, others not so much, but all are great quality, classic pieces that will translate well to my LA style.

Routine Maintenance

And to address those extra pounds, I’ve restocked the fridge with fresh fruits and veggies and am back on my lighter eating regime. I’ve also booked some Pilates sessions beginning this week, and am massaging my favorite cuticle cream into my nails at bedtime to help repair them. (Think I need to make room in my toiletries bag for this next time we travel.)

Have you picked up any routines while traveling that you’ve adopted at home?

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37 Comments

  1. The first thing to do with your reset is to shop your closet. It’s got stuff you already know you like,

    1. Excellent thought. Having so many beautiful clothing items to work with, there are sure to be new and exciting combination possiblities Susan could come up with.

  2. I quite agree. After 10 days in Ireland, and a few more to go, I look forward to my routines at home… my wardrobe reset was already started before leaving home so that will continue, slowly 🙂
    BTW, your trip looked fabulous! Bella Italia! Ciao

  3. Glad you had a great time and are home safely — and I agree that travel inspires change and growth in so many ways. I’m also in a similar place, style wise, with the need to make some wardrobe changes. I think the season change — at least where I live — is inspiring me to wear less black (which is most of my Eileen Fisher collection) and more color. I’ve also been intrigued by all the pretty embroidered BoHo tops I’m seeing (peasant tops, as we called them in ’70s). I tend to be less serious about clothes in the summer, and want to have fun with longer skirts, wider pants, colorful tops.

  4. I think lighter neutrals will suit your coloring, but it doesn’t mean giving up black completely. You’ll just have to work it in. The value, color contrast model from Imogen works best for me. I’m a brunette with mid dark hazel eyes. Black doesn’t really suit me, but charcoal gray and navy work. I, also, found that I look better in patterns on a dark background as opposed to patterns on a light background. This finally made sense when I considered my value contrast.

  5. I am just back from a great time in France.I used a lot of your packing ideas,which worked well.I was inspired by seeing so many older couples enjoying life and each other in Europe.

  6. I have to chime in here, Susan, you look younger when not in black!! Serious! Black is so easy to depend on, like a uniform. Why cant us mature gals see that color is our friend? I’m not saying all bright parrot colors, but swap the black to a muted dark teal, denim color, or even (if it suits your palette) a dark wine/plum. You can still pair those dark muted pieces with a crisp white french shirt and get the same simple classiness. I am so excited to see what you come up with, as I am thinking the same as you are right now. Time for a change! My daughter looks great in black as she is dark tan, brown/black eyes and bold, but I am a gray/white haired medium complexion with dark navy blue eyes. Black just drains the life out of me! Oh, also have to smile. My grandparents were cuban (think andy garcia) and we always made our coffe in that little pot. Such a fond rush of memories when I saw that!! Beats a 500 dollar machine every time……..

  7. Maybe it’s a climate thing, but here in the mid-Atlantic, where we have seasonal changes the minute you get sick of your winter clothes and the dark, black clothing – boom – it’s 85 degrees, hot and humid…out come the white jeans and colorful tops.

    1. OMG. You are so correct! I can’t believe it. I just took a few Lilly Pulitzer dresses out of hiding–and I only wear them in the warmer weather–that’s so funny!!

  8. Hi Susan,

    I really enjoyed reading your last post.

    I love traveling, I plan my holidays sometimes more than 12 months in advance – I check out everything about my destinations. I’ll admit it – I’m ‘anal’ about travel. I travel alone, so I need to be. My clothing packing has improved after following your packing posts. I’m not into ‘carry on’ but, I’ve converted that into my style of packing.

    Over the last couple of months/weeks my colours are changing as I’m gradually lightening my hair as I age. I’m 62 in November this year and I usually see my hairdresser every 5 weeks. Colouring my hair every 5 weeks is becoming hard to maintain.

    My cosmetic choices are – BB cream, mascara, eye pencils in lieu of eyeshadow (s), superior quality eye cream and facial serums as well as facial moisturisers.

    I’m reading that matte colours are the preferred choice of ‘mature’ age ladies these days.

    The goal posts keep changing!

  9. My favourite v-neck merino pullover (bought post-moths) is a very deep violet, almost black, but not quite, so it is softer and more intriguing.

    Colour depends on our personal preferences, but also on the colours present in our natural and urban environment. There is a lot of burnt orange in Rome, for example, and I bought some tops there (fortunately nothing expensive) that just didn’t work in Montréal.

    It is also very important not to fall into the overly-bright or pastel clothing that is the signal of the geriatric bus-tour set (something pseu would never do, even when much older) but there are a lot of tones other than baby colours and black.

    I have a tiny mocha (three espresso cups) and a larger one (6 cups). The latter was bought for $8 at a yard sale (postage-stamp yards here) and I loved its heft and the quality of its stainless steel. Turns out it is an Alessi that cost serious $$$.

    Odd, I always lose a bit of weight when travelling, probably just because I walk so much, and don’t really eat three full meals every day. I tend to put on weight during our horrid winters, but was relieved not to have done so this past one. You are right about omnipresent fruit in Italy. And at home, throughout the Mediterranean, vegetables are a key part of the daily diet. Fortunately you are in a similar climate zone.

  10. Welcome home! I know exactly what you mean about loving to travel and loving to come home.

    And yes, last fall we returned from a European vacation with a burning need for that little espresso pot. I use the Lavazza espresso grind (ordered conveniently from Amazon Prime). Perfetto! And so smart of you to get a real-live tutorial from an Italian on its use. There are also videos on youtube.

    I’m so with you on broadening out from the basics that work for me. Yes, I’m sure your need for some change was motivated by your suitcase clothes. But it may also be thanks to the seasonal desire most of us have to feel a bit reborn a bit this time of year.

    I truly look forward to the changes you decide to make.

  11. We picked up one of those little coffee pots after using one in our self-catering suite in Portugal years ago, and although we’re mainly tea drinkers here in the morning, every so often, I’ll make up a small cup each and be transported to that rural view, past the swimming pool just below our window. . . .

    As for wardrobe resetting, our prolonged non-spring weather is confusing the issue here — there’s too much promise of renewal in what’s hanging in my closet, waiting for sunshine, for me to feel comfortable shopping right now, but I’m getting a bit antsy for lighter — and more! — colour. A funny space, actually, to be packing for a three-week carry-on-only adventure. I’m watching Europe temps now, crossing my fingers for some sunshine and warmth. . .

  12. I think we must have been living parallel lives for the past few weeks as I have just returned from a similar trip to Italy. The first thing I did was order one of those little Moka pots off Amazon! I don’t have any illusions that I’ll use it on a daily basis but I just want to look at it sitting on the stovetop.

  13. Espresso. I returned from Italy with a burning need for real espresso.

    Ten years ago, I was brought to Italy as a museum curator on business. Our group was wined and dined with the best the town could offer. Every evening, we were shepherded to the finest restaurant in town at around 8:30 in the evening, and our four-course dinner began with champagne. As good guests in a happy, talkative group, we dutifully worked our way through the food and enjoyed two wines before dessert, which was served with espresso at nearly midnight. I didn’t sleep for a week!

    On my return, I began a fruitless search for real espresso in our rural area. My husband finally took pity on me and gave me an espresso machine for Christmas that year. I’ve been happily trying to get back to Italy ever since, at least in my tiny cup.

    Your Moka pot is intriguing, and I think I might have to try one.

  14. I’m smiling from the memories you invoked for me this a.m. When we were in Italy, we absolutely loved the stove top coffee/espresso maker when were staying at Villa II Paradisino in Sesto; of course I had to buy one before ever leaving Florence, it’s a Bialetti and my wonderful family gave me an Alessi maker so we can serve a crowd. This is our Sunday morning ritual to read our respective iPads and sip our coffee and just check in with each other. As for your hand/cuticle dilemma; I have found that my all purpose coconut oil does the trick when I’m limited to what I can bring along – I use it to remove my make-up, control my natural wavy/curly hair’s frizz, shave my legs, etc….the only thing I cannot do is the oil pulling thing that is supposed to be a fabulous alternative to brushing your teeth.

  15. Welcome home! I must confess that I am one of those oddities who doesn’t really like to travel. I have a lot of anxiety – especially about flying – and my body really doesn’t handle change well. But my husband lives for travel so in the interest of a happy marriage I travel multiple times a year. I love the joy of returning home – both to the comfort and the satisfaction that I made it through another trip. I always look at how women of my age dress in other places and give myself permission for a slight style reset after a trip.

  16. This reminded me of bringing back a moka pot for my coffee-loving husband on my first trip to Italy in the 80s….and his love for coffee has only increased through the years! Now he has a vintage copper and brass La Pavoni which takes pride of place in our kitchen….and I enjoy a wonderful cappucino every day 😉 After 4 weeks in France and Spain this past month, I, too, came home quite tired of my easy-traveling black wardrobe, and am ready for some spring summer color!

  17. The thing I love about the traditional espresso pots is that they are simple and not yet another electric appliance. Also, they are indestructible. I have one that is 35 years old and still going strong.
    Adopting a good habit from your travels is a great way to bring the world home with you. Fruit and coffee sound like good ideas!
    Pilates also is a good idea. It got rid of my back pain and I feel in so much better shape–really strong and toned. I still need to run/walk for cardio, though.

  18. No routines per se, but I almost always find myself in a state of “re-evaluation” after a change of scenery.

    I can relate to the black clothing burnout. My sartorial preferences are an ongoing conflict between Eileen Fisher and Dries Van Noten.

  19. Merci for the reminder about the espresso pot! I dug mine out and am enjoying a delicious cup of coffee right now.

  20. And a quick PS — sometimes all a black outfit might want to lift its spirits is a wonderful new scarf…

  21. I had to say that I loved that Lo and Sons crossbody you wore in a couple of photos so much, that I ordered one in gray for myself. Love all the storage compartments!

  22. Thanks for all the great pics of Italy. Brings back
    Memories including the pot. We have been bringing them home for years and have a nice collection going from Italy and from France. They make great gifts but always with a lesson in how to use them. Every house we have rented in Italy had these pots. The first time using many years ago was interesting 🙂
    Was wondering if you could share more on your trumpet vine. I am wondering exact name and if they would grow in southwest Florida.
    Thanks and welcome home

  23. I’m sitting at my desk, and I literally laughed out loud after reading your comment about the extra pounds due to pasta, bread, desserts –whoa, that is so like me, and it made me laugh! I recently got sick of 2.5 pounds I had added on a recent 9-day trip where I ate, among other things, Fried Chicken for dinner twice! So, I whipped back into watching calories, and if I knew I wanted a richer dinner, I’d eat less all day. I also tossed in a little more caffeine to overcome the desire to munch. And, guess what? I dropped the 2.5 in one week. HURRAY! I believe we need to denounce that it’s harder at “our age” to drop a few pounds quickly… it’s doable 🙂

  24. Home, sweet home! Indeed!
    Glad to hear that you are updating your wardrobe to add some neutrals and/or some color. As we age, black can be a little harsh, too structured a jacket can be confining, etc.. Armani is a master at creating comfort and great looks. When I wear some favorite jacket of his, I feel immediately like the best dressed, never mind my shredded jeans!

  25. The Moka pot reminds me of an old-fashioned coffee pot my mom had years ago, it was the same principle in that the water went on the bottom. There was a basket with a stem that fit in so the basket was at the top. You put the pot on the stove and when the was no more coffee to be seen percolating in the glass knob on top, it was done.

    A couple months ago, our local grocery store had a clearance rack of 75%-off items they were discontinuing, mostly Italian foodstuffs. They had a couple small cans of coffee and I took one, paid $3 for it. When I tried the coffee I was “blown away”! It was the BEST coffee I’ve ever had! I ran back to the store, but they only had decaf. I then searched online and found it on Amazon Italy for 26 euros plus 6 euros shipping (and I’m not sure that was shipping to US). So, next time you’re there, be sure to buy a can of caffe torrefatto macinato, miscela di puro caffe Mekico.

  26. I feel so odd because the only reason I am fine with coming home from overseas is that my kids live in the States. I would sell Chateau Bonaparte tomorrow and pack up and move to France but a. Bonaparte loves living in the USA and b. my kids live here. I could sleep on the floor and be comfortable.
    But–I’m glad you are home safe and sound and I look forward to reading more about your trip!!!

  27. Hi Susan,

    I have been an admirer for quite some time. I can understand the desire to change up your style. I meant to respond to your other post about show ponies and wardrobe workhorses. I don’t know if you follow the Inside Out style blog but there is a great post “7 Questions to ask before you buy that hero for your wardrobe” there. I think that your show pony is the equivalent of her hero.

    Sometimes, we get in style rut and it seems to me that when I change on the inside, I need to change on the outside too. The accidental icon blog talks about this desire for change too and that “style is not static.”

    I really like your style – easy shapes with interesting accessories. I guess what stands out to me is the lack of contrast in your clothes as in tones of denim, black, etc. With this color scheme, what really stands out is your fair skin, blonde hair, and great smile. So maybe you were making a statement with the strong color contrast and the shapes? Still, it seems that your shapes, as in the Eileen Fisher, have become almost commonplace now. I know that I have some pieces from Lori Goldstein from QVC that are very similar in shape. I would guess that quite a few people are copying Eileen Fisher now. It seems like JJill has been copying it for quite some time.)

    I am in the middle of a change in style. I am in my mid 50s and looking for a style that I can use in a variety of settings without too much thought. This requires planning of course and feels a little like a version of Project 333 which I have not done before. My new favorite top is the NYDJ petite henley tunic and I have bought two blouses in watercolor prints. (There is pleating in the back which works well for my bust and broad shoulders.)

    Anyway, I will write more another time.

  28. The espresso I make at home never tastes the same as the coffee in Italy. I’ve convinced myself it’s the difference in water rather than my technique. And your peeling nails? The last time I came back from Europe I had the same problem. It went on for months!! No idea what caused it but please include the cure in your blog if you find it:)

    1. Water has different tastes between different North American cities, and between different European cities as well. One town where I had to travel for work had a large paper mill, and the water tasted of sulphur (very disagreeable). Remember that you can always buy spring water; our tap water here in Montréal is fine for drinking, but using a bit of spring water for espresso won’t tax either your budget or the environment very much.

      Though the other factor is that you don’t have the pleasure of a change in scene and routine, whether on holiday, studying, attending conferences or otherwise working.

      I can buy a moka down the street at Quincaillerie Dante: http://www.quincailleriedante.com/ (also in English).

  29. I have been thinking a lot about this post and trying to articulate what I think is so striking and different about French and Italian style compared to ours – for “normal” women of our age, that is, not celebrities.

    From my work and travel over the years, my experience has been that (REALLY generalizing here!) European women tend to wear far more fitted clothes than we do, and more skirts/dresses, for both work and casual situations. Not tailored, but fitted. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a French or Italian colleague in “Eileen Fisher” type shapes, or in my work uniform of mens-wear style pants (Lafayette 148 or Boss, for example).

    I think the “Eileen Fisher” shape is depressing and even aging after a while – did anyone see a recent VEEP episode in which Selena Myers thinks she’s entering menopause? She says to the doctor, “Just get it over with. Write me a prescription for Eileen Fisher…”

    I don’t mean to pick on Eileen Fisher here – but I do think that perhaps we need to tighten up our silhouettes.

    Footwear also makes a big difference – European shoe brands manage to be stylish and comfortable at the same time, so you rarely see women walking in sneakers, flipflops, or other sad looking shoes. I have terrible feet and have managed to find leather shoes in European brands that enable me to walk for miles but still look polished. (I know this is changing in Europe – and not for the better.)

    Sorry for going on so long!

    1. Hi Elle, I think for the most part that’s true about more fitted clothing. But I did see more women this time in feminine, wide-legged trousers in fluid fabrics. And some looser fitting tops were in stores too, though they often have some interesting details, and aren’t just plain boxy styles. It will be interesting to see to what degree these are worn once the weather warms up enough for women to shed their outerwear.

  30. Have been enjoying your blog and fashion tips. So glad you had a wonderful trip – and you have inspired me to not pack so much on our next trip! We took a cruise from Barcelona to Rome in January, and then stopped in London for a week of theater and museums – and I packed WAY too much! But, this post about the coffee pot really hit a chord with me. Our hotel in London had one of those electric hot water pots and an assortment of teas. We usually boiled our tea water on our stove, or zapped it in the microwave. While in London we became hooked on the VERY hot water from that kind of pot, and our first shopping trip home ( and yes, again – agree with you – LOVE to travel, but love the moment you come in the door and sit in your own chair, use your shower, make a cuppa when you want….) we purchased an electric kettle. We love it – and it reminds us of our cozy nights coming back to our room after a day exploring London. Right now, the kettle just automatically shut off….time for another cuppa. Thank you again for a great blog – look forward to reading more in the future!

  31. Damn, Susan, thanks to you I bought a puffer coat (actually I like it) and the moka pot (ditto) but melted much of the handle which now has a spooky alien aura. Plus the Missoni jacket is sold out in my size so consoled myself with several Missoni cardigans from eBay. The jacket intrigued me because I am the one whose style icon is Princess Paul, black dress with brooch, so strict jackets appeal, yet this one was a bit more relaxed. I really do enjoy your blog.

  32. I agree about travel giving one a new perspective. We recently got back from two weeks on the ocean in Central America and what I learned was to eat a very big breakfast with two eggs, yogurt, a potato cake and more fruit than I ever thought I could eat. We were not hungry until 2-3pm after this type of start to the day. The food was very low salt, there was plenty of food, lots of fish, but no desserts, or snacks throughout the day and I got used to not having them. We have continued the large amounts of fruit for breakfast, virtually no sugar and no snacking at home. I’m not sure it will last forever, but we’re several weeks in and have not veered from this new course. Also agree about the electric pot for fast and easy tea. Our bubbles with a blue light and it’s fun to use.

    I agree about classics that are simple and comfortable to wear and over the years I’ve become more strict about what I buy. I cannot bear to be tugging and adjusting my clothes so even if it’s a good piece, if it’s not comfortable, it gets donated. It’s also fun to add something that is new to your style, and make changes.

    I agree about shopping in ones own closet. If you step back and look at items with a new attitude, many of them can be worn in ones new style.

    I agree about color as one grows older, but I still like the basic colors. Color can be a boost but I’ve no desire to be too bright. One easy and low cost way is add color and variety is to invest in colorful scarves and add them near the face. They can be purchased at low cost on places like ebay, and then passed on to Goodwill. There is also the option of adding quality scarves a few per season and building a wardrobe of them.

    A good third of my wardrobe is Eileen Fisher, but I usually wear her cardigans over more fitted pieces so it’s a loose over fitted look, which is still comfortable but not bag-like. I wore one of her cardigans to dinner last night over a body skimming black knit dress and draped a colorful scarf around my neck.
    The comment above about being swallowed up by the silhouettes is so true. Baggy clothes are aging. If one is big busted or thick in the middle or hips, they look even worse, despite the fantasy that they conceal weight. In truth, they only look stylish on 6 foot tall models who need to eat a sandwich.
    Yet, I don’t want form fitting clothes anymore. I’m big busted and thick in the middle so anything structured that hangs from my chest sticks out so far I look dreadful. Yet, anything that clings in the middle looks equally dreadful. Structured clothing is no longer comfortable to me. I spent years in suits and pantyhose, and no more! I won’t give up my underwire bra, can’t, but that’s as far as I’ll go for confinement and structure, at his age of my life (69). Hmmm, where to find the answer?

    I have found the answer is in flexible weighty knits that fit very well in the shoulders and upper chest, bust, and hang well from there. A thin and flexible knit that does not cling, that hangs from the shoulders and chest, and slides past the waist works best for larger bosoms and thicker waists.

    One can find that style with multiple designers/companies. Eileen Fisher has some great linen or silk or linen/cotton/silk blend cardigans that fit the bill. For summer, I’ve also found with J Jill: Pure Jill capri’s, Wearever long tanks, their simple sleeveless tank dresses and J Jill Light and Airy Cardigan (linen) to be excellent everyday layering pieces. I do not expose my upper arms in public so the very loose and light cardigan over a sleeveless tank serves is a nice style that is not hot, as well as being a public service for those who see me (haha).

    Now all I need are comfortable shoes, good quality construction and with amazing style. I’ve found one or two of the three, but to find them together is rare.

    I also adore a flowing cotton long gown at home in the evenings and in the morning. Add some wool socks for cold mornings, and a cup of coffee, and I’m in heaven. There should be more of these available. Too much of loungewear looks like yoga pants and sweatshirts.

    God bless! Enjoy your years.