We made it to Italy safely. The flights were a learning experience, but I will tell you all about that in another post.
I don’t mean to shock y’all or be overly controversial, but Italy is beautiful. 
However, this time I feel like I am seeing Italy through new eyes. Eyes that watch The Jersey Shore, and Real Housewives of New Jersey/Orange County etal and I have a newfound sympathy for the epic bad taste showcased on those programs.
You see, in my recently educated opinion, design is all about context.
I can see how some poor Goo-Dee-Che gets confused about the difference between this:
And this:
I want to bring Italy home with me too. Sincerely. It is fabulous and overthetop and goooold. But this…
Is just not the same as this:
It’s confusing. Things can go bad very quickly. But I am just not sure there is any way to replicate the real deal, and so I empathize. Snaps for trying.
Just wanted to check in and say hi.
Gotta go eat some bread and gelatto.
Amen! Way to hit the proverbial (and gold-plated) nail on the head.
Whatever do you mean? They look exactly the same to me!!
as an official New Jersey resident I feel like I have the authority to say HELL YES!!! Its an atrocity to walk into a “house” that is so over the top and only have “wow its so big!” to the proud owner because, if you have nothing nice to say don’t say anything at all.
Hi! First time commenting, but I had to share that I just returned from the hotel you’re staying at and had the most wonderful, relaxing week there. I’m sure you have everything planned, but if you need suggestions feel free to email. Enjoy!
is that some Villa D’Este I spot in those photos -love love love that property. looks like a wonderful trip so far!
Villa D’Este is one of my favorite hotels and I love Lake Como! Gracie is a lucky girl she gets to go there as a toddler! Hope you’re having a fantastic time!
Ahahaha! You are sooooo right! There is a fine fine line between beautiful and not. It’s kinda like make up. If you can do it, it truly makes one look even better… If not, bad trannyville.
Yes! Love it! My husband calls me snobbish for my strong feelings (of hatred) toward the “Tuscan-style” homes I see here in the midwest. I’m sure people in Tuscany don’t have grape decals on their kitchen walls and columns all over their bathroom, but if they did it would probably be fabulous because it’s in Tuscany. BTW Gracie is the cutest!
One of my all-time favorite posts! You are so dead on. Keep it up, girl!
Villa De’Esta! My favorite Italian spot!I wish I could be right where you are at this very moment! Say hi to George for me! And I 100% agree with you on the whole bad Italian interpritation.It kills me everytime, because Italian done right can be so beautful.
villa d’Este is a special place!!
OMG- I just laughed so hard!!!! Thank you for calling this out!!!!
I thought that was Lake Como. Please kiss George Clooney for me when you run into him! I’d do it myself, except for that pesky restraining order.
Well the house pics you posted is the ever so failing Mellissa Gorga’s house, but tre’s isn’t any better…. but girl I have to say… YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!!! Their decorating tastes are beyond distasteful and i cringe every time I see their houses on TV!!!!!!!!
Is this Lake Como?! Such a magical place!!! You deserve it girlfriend. Enjoy your precious time with your family!
xo
My brain could not be more in harmony with yours if we tried. Gawwwwwdddyyy. So obvious why they would confuse the two