Milanese Sights

Cathedral

Dress: Urban Outfitters

An Italian fashion mecca, Milan’s architecture, art, music, and industry aren’t too shabby either. While the gothic Cathedral and the glass-vaulted Galleria Vittorio Emanuele can’t be missed, I scheduled some more out-of the-way excursions. I was able to snag tickets to view Da Vinci's Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. It was amazing. Then, I picked up 10€ gallery tickets to the La Scala Opera by waiting at the Evening Box Office {with this tip}. It was worth the wait, I saw a sold-out The Barber of Seville later that evening.

La Scala Opera

Galleria Vittorio Emanule

Santa Maria delle Grazie Church

Milan Sights and Shops

Sights

~Duomo for a view of an impressive gothic cathedral, Piazza del Duomo

~Galleria Vittorio Emanule II for a stroll down the arcaded gallery, Piazza del Duomo
~La Scala for a legendary Italian opera, Largo Ghiringhelli 1

~Santa Maria delle Gratzie for a glimpse at DaVinci’s Last Supper, Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie

Shops

~10 Corso Como for new trends and fresh design, 10 Corso Como

~D Magazine Outlet for the best designer discount {I found a Gambetti Valli tweed jacket for 199€}, Via Montenapoleone 26

~Sermoneta for buttery soft leather gloves in every color, 46 Via della Spiga

Italian Vacanza

Milan

While many restaurants and shops in France and Italy close during August for summer holiday, I actually enjoy traveling during this month. You can enjoy a quiet stroll with a warm summer breeze, museums aren't crowded, and if you know where to look, you can still enjoy wonderful food. Next week, I'll share some of my favorite spots in Italy. Here's a sneak peak.

Florence

Buttermilk Donuts

Whether it’s a classic glazed jelly donut from Stan’s Donut Shop in Santa Clara or a trendy bacon maple apple donut from Dynamo Donut in San Francisco, I miss good old-fashioned, deep-fried sweets. Although berliners in Germany are pillowy yeast donuts filled with jelly, they are often baked. Plus, the gourmet donut shop is not a concept that has taken hold in Europe. Here’s a recipe for a glazed buttermilk donut with a dense cake interior and a crisp exterior drenched in glaze.

Buttermilk Donut Recipe
Donut
1 egg
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 Tbsp. butter, softened
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
2½ cups all-purpose flour

Glaze
2 cup confectioners’ sugar
4-6 Tbsp. milk

In a mixing bowl, beat egg and sugar on medium speed until thick, about 3 minutes. Add butter, and mix until combined. In a separate bowl, combine baking powder, baking soda, and flour. Incorporate dry ingredients and buttermilk into egg mixture alternating with half of dry ingredients, then buttermilk, and remainder of dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Allow batter to rest in the refrigerator while you preheat the deep fryer to allow flour to expand.

Preheat deep fryer to 370 degrees F (190 degrees C). Flour a flat surface. Remove dough from refrigerator; dough will be soft. Roll to ¾” thickness. Cut with a 2½” donut cutter. Drop donuts into oil. Fry for 1½ minutes on each side. Remove and let drain on a plate covered with paper towels.

For the glaze, stir confectioners’ sugar and milk in a small bowl until it forms thick ribbons. When slightly cooled, dip donut tops in glaze. Makes 8. There's nothing like sugary fried dough.

Modern Turquoise

These aren't your typical turquoise accessories. With faceted stones, geometrical elements, and striking color combinations, these modern accessories are bold and fresh.

~Ariella: Turquoise Square Crystal Ring

~Asos: Turquoise and Red Skeleton Print Scarf

~Gorjana: Turquoise Capri Long Necklace

~Kenneth Jay Lane: Turquoise Hoop Earrings

~Milly: Turquoise Lucite Link Bracelet

German Wine Festivals

Wiesbaden Rheingau Wine Festival

Blouse: Marni

Cameo: Mandile Italy

August is the start of wine festival season in Germany. These festivals are a relaxing way to spend an afternoon and try new wines. Vintners have individual stands and offer 2 oz. tastings. Here are a few I’m looking forward to this year.

Stuttgart Wine Festival

Mainz Wine Festival

Wiesbaden Rheingau Wine Festival

Open for the past 35 years, this festival in downtown Wiesbaden showcases over 100 vintners offering Rieslings and sparkling wines from the Rheingau area. I love to go here for a glass of trocken {dry} Riesling and a cheese platter; August 12-21

Stuttgart Wine Village
Set up along the city center’s fountains, this festival offers over 120 vintners along with tastings from local restaurants and live music at night; August 24-September 4

Mainz Wine Festival
This festival is staged within the expansive Mainz Stadtpark and rose garden. You can sip a glass of local champagne and enjoy late night jazz; August 25-28 and September 1-4

Hamburg

Canal along Ludwig Erhard Strasse

Jacket: Maje

Jeans: J Brand

Handbag: Chanel

Hamburg is an eclectic city, with modern shops, winding canals, fresh seafood, and plenty of history. We spent a quick day trip exploring the city. I was in awe of the mix of architectural styles, from the brick expressionist Chilehaus built in the 1920s to Kirche St. Nicholas, the tallest building in the world during the late 19^th century.

Kirche St. Peter

Junfernstieg Pier

Au Quai Restaurant

Other Hamburg sights, shops, and eats:

Sights
~The Junfernstieg Pier for a boat cruise
~Rathausmarkt for a view of the main town square

~Hauptkirche St. Michaelis for a glimpse of the bronze dome that guided ships sailing up the Elbe

Shops

~Giselle for French brands, Grosse Bleichen 21

~Secondella for designer discount, Hohe Bleichen 5

~Urban Outfitters for bohemian accessories, Gansemarkt 45

Eats

~Au Quai for an overflowing seafood platter, Grosse Elbstrasse 145

~Café Sommer Terrassen for a café with live music on the canal, Südring 44
~Rive for a Michelin-rated experience, Van-der-Smissen-Strasse 1

Sunburst

I've spotted sunburst mirrors all over design blogs, so I had some great inspiration to incorporate an inexpensive option in my home. This Target sunburst mirror’s bronze finish fits perfect with our antique treasures. To add a bit of modernity but also tie in with mementos from our travels, I sewed pillows using Schumacher Chiang Mai Dragon and Kravet Riad fabric.