Or H’atelier as I like to call it.

I discovered this H’atelier on my last visit to beautiful (rainy) Florence. The atelier/shop is called Del Moro and they specialize in wonderful hand-made hats for both men and women.

They work with fabrics of all kinds, from felt to wool to straw and embellish them with silk ribbons, buttons, feathers and even long porcupine quills! (see image 3 below).

They make all types of hats for anyone who wants to add a touch of Italian flair and style to his/her look- from boho-style, to fedoras and panamas, to wide brim hats and basque berets. Take a look!

the long porcupine quill!

Inside the atelier

table full of hats being elaborated

view from the shop (just steps away from Ponte Vecchio)

hat window at night

This was my purchase.

You must think…what’s wrong with her?!?!

So many gorgeous hats to choose from and she goes for this?

I know, I have a thing for hidden articles, those you usually have to dig for and are usually not even for sale.

I love my green vintage rose. It’s hand-made and oh-so-delicate. Not sure what I’ll do with it, but it’s definitely going on my head. I cannot wait for my next wedding invitation to flaunt my lovely, XXL rose

Shop details are below:

If you’re not in Italy, I just found this online shop that carries Del Moro hats!

The yellow car

Ponte Vecchio

Love locks

View of the Dome from a hidden alley

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We know exactly how important shop windows and visual merchandising displays are. They either have it or they don’t.

When I was in Florence, I stumbled upon tons of vintage shops, however only the following two quaint little boutiques caught my eye. I really liked both their window displays together with the atmosphere and also the original display areas inside the shops.

The first one is called Pitti Vintage. The personnel was very nice and welcoming. Background music was Pearl Jam- that just set the bar waaaay up high. (ps- I’ve always had a secret crush on Vedder).

Shop details:

This next one is Vintage. Again, really nice saleswoman or owner, seemed more like the owner to me and really cool atmosphere.

Of course I didn’t leave empty handed, I got these beauties.

Shop details:

Hotel: Hotel Home

Where: Florence

Design: post-minimal, fresh, WHITE, sober

ceramic rose tea set

patriotic kitchen

golden rose mosaic

self-pic in the bedroom

Where- Da’Vinattieri

What to order-

The classic  Tuscan Schiacciata. It’s a typical Tuscan sandwich made with a sort of focaccia bread that’s baked in the oven so that it becomes hard an crisp and then it’s salted with thick grains of salt and olive oil.

It can be filled up with just about anything from mozzarella cheese and tomatoes to cooked or raw prosciutto (italian for ham) with olive paste or italian salami (most recommended is the mortadella) or any other type of cheese.

The place is as big as a phone booth and it’s always packed! I patiently queued and ordered my very own schiacciata with raw ham, goat cheese and fresh tomatoes. YUMMM!

I couldn’t get a shot of mine cause it was dripping in oil and I didn’t want to get my camera all gooed up.

Da’ Vinattieri is located on the same street as Dante’s Church in via Santa Margherita.