If you follow me on Instagram, (and I have three different accounts), @whatlizzyloves, (life and style) @lizzy_optometrist, (work) and @built_in_1873, (our Grade 2 listed Victorian home renovation), you will have seen that last week I went on a work trip to Lake Maggiore. What a privilege. I’ve been to several places in Italy before, most recently to Sicily in 2023. This was my first visit to the Italian Lakes though and I fell in love. I’m certain I’ll go again, next time with Ian.
I saved the work side of things in a Lake Maggiore Instagram highlight here so do take a look. This particular blog post is mainly about the outfits.
What I Wore in Lake Maggiore in May
I’m not an efficient packer. I don’t travel light and nor do I want to. I like to take a different outfit for every occasion with eyewear, shoes, jewellery and a bag. However, I have learned over the years to pack outfits rather than individual pieces. I hang my clothes in a row and select accessories for each dress. That way, I know I have everything covered. That said, I am wear my favourite accessories on repeat because I’ve curated a lovely collection and always enjoy getting them out of hibernation for summer. The same can be said for my holiday wardrobe in general. Every item is a carefully chosen investment that will last for years and that won’t date.
The weather in Lake Maggiore in May is warm, around 21C with a chance of rain. Despite a worrying forecast, we had wall-to-wall sunshine. On a practical note, mosquitoes prevail, so do take plenty of repellant.
Red Boden Dress with Kat Maconie Ric Rac Sandals
I bought this red sateen Boden dress last year for my niece’s graduation. I adore this shade of orange-red- it’s so vibrant and uplifting. It has a good silhouette too- very flattering around the waist. The shoes are Esta by Kat Maconie. I’ve had them for several years and still adore them. Because they’re multi-coloured, they work with a lot of outfits and the low heel makes for a practical option. My rattan bag with the statement chain handle is from Cult Gaia. I bring it out over and over and in fact, it was the only evening bag I took to Italy. Everything in this outfit is out of stock, but I have linked the websites so you can search for something similar should you wish. Both the Kat Maconie shoes and the Cult Gaia bag are very much in their respective signature styles.
Nobody’s Child “Viral” Felicity Dress and Cult Gaia Sandals
This Nobody’s Child Felicity dress was the hit of the season last summer. It’s rather reminiscent of the dress Julia Roberts wore to the polo match in Pretty Woman isn’t it. They have brought it back in several iterations here (different patterns, colourways and lengths). I wore it with Cult Gaia statement heel sandals and the Cult Gaia bag, but it works just as well with flip flops and wedges. The pearl hoop earrings* were kindly gifted by Ana Luisa a few years ago.
Self Portrait Broderie Dress and Lotus Sandals
This Self Portrait dress has been a holiday favourite for more than five years now. It is so pretty and feminine, particularly the detail at the neckline. My white leather wedge sandals with buckle detail* were a gift from Lotus last year. Named Cammie, they are available in seven colours. They are so comfortable and easy to wear. Perfect for sightseeing and they look great with dresses, shorts, trousers and swimwear. I might get them in another colour for our upcoming two-week holiday to Spain. The sunglasses are Chanel. I wore this outfit for a beautiful day out. We took a short boat trip to Isola Bella, one of the Borromean Islands and had a guided tour around Palazzio Borromeo.
Boden Bluebell Co-ord and Lotus Sandals
I dithered about buying this Boden bluebell print top and skirt co-ord, because the top is slightly cropped. However, it isn’t so cropped that I feel uncomfortable- indeed it sits just above the waistband of the skirt. It’s from two years ago so it isn’t in stock, but Boden have lots of beautiful skirts to choose from this season. My white heeled sandals* are another very kind gift from Lotus. The style is called Inaya and they are also available in gold. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that I danced until the early hours in them when I wore them again on the final night for the gala dinner and party. They are supremely comfortable and I might buy them in gold. My fabulous cat-eye sunglasses are by Swarovski and the earrings are from a gorgeous boutique in Crete that we happened across when we were on our honeymoon in 2021.
Emporio Sirenuse Maxi Dress and Lotus Sandals
My final outfit is my Emporio Sirenuse dress. This was part of my honeymoon wardrobe in 2021. It is very much a dress to wear abroad- although the spring weather so far this year,here in the UK has been amazing. This dress reminds me of Crete, of Sicily and is very much one to celebrate in.
Postcards From Lake Maggiore
Grand Hotel Dino
This is where we stayed. It was excellent. Beautiful buffet breakfast, excellent service, immaculately clean with great facilities.
Ciao x
2 comments
What a gorgeous setting! I have never been to Italy but so much of it looks spectacular. I love your style. I am also a big fan of dresses. I live in a very hot climate. A dress with some nice sandals makes me feel cool and put together. I like that you wear pieces that are several years old. There is so much fast fashion here in the US where I live. Thank you for a fun post.
Hi Kim, thank you so much! Yes, Italy is absolutely beautiful. I hadn’t been to that region before as I said. It’s truly spectacular in a very gentle way. I agree about fast fashion. I would rather invest in something that costs a little more but that I will wear- and enjoy wearing- over and over. I love clothes and accessories and have a lot of both. I have become ever more mindful of that and therefore have bought very little recently. Have a lovely day and thank you again.