On the Road with G&J: Rome and Naples

Today we're inspired by one of our favorite movies, Roman Holiday, so we're taking a trip to Rome and Naples. In addition to the fabulous sights, our favorite part of Rome and Naples is the incredible food and drink. Some of our must-have Italian treats are mozzarella di bufala in a caprese insalata, pizza napoletana, gelato and limoncello. You'll taste some of the freshest tomatoes, basil, olives and lemons in Southern Italy, not to mention some greatest wines. Fortunately walking is the best way to see the sights (on ancient cobblestone streets no less), so we never feel too guilty about our lunch and dinner choices! Like they say, when in Rome...[gallery type="rectangular" ids="1463,1461,1455,1462,1460,1442,1459,1453,1458,1457,1450,1454,1456,1452,1445,1451,1431,1448,1444,1437,1443,1436,1449,1446,1440,1439,1441,1434,1438,1433,1447,1435,1432"]

On the Road: Snapshots from Rhode Island

In keeping with our beach vibe we've established on the blog recently, today we're sharing some photos from my dad's recent trip to Rhode Island. We personally love the quirky details (and colors) mixed with the classic New England nautical designs. While we haven't visited Rhode Island, we can tell the smallest state in the Union has plenty of personality all of its own and is well worth a visit! We're envisioning a long weekend spent peddling around quaint villages on Schwinn bicycles, searching for classic Americana pieces at dusty antique stores, indulging in freshly caught fish dinners and turning in at some sweet bed and breakfast.

Sounds like a pretty fun trip.

To plan your "On the Road" experience to Rhode Island, click here.

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Our Obsession with All Things California

Oh, California. As the temperatures start to rise in our hometown of Memphis, we wish we could fly West for a visit. Here are a few of the reasons why California is always in our hearts: [gallery type="rectangular" ids="1291,1292,1293,1294,1295,1296,1297,1298,1299,1300,1301,1303,1304,1305,1306,1307"]

Where is your special place?

Guest Post: Portobello Road in the '70s

Today we welcome our first guest blogger and fellow vintage enthusiast, Kate! Kate hails from East London but moved to the U.S. in 1987 for love. She says she never would have left her family, London or British chocolate for anything less. We hear ya, Kate! Kate says, "I adore treasures from a bygone era. Back in the 1970s, and before it became the tourist destination it is today, I regularly scoured London's Portobello Market for clothes and bric-a-brac from the 1940s and '50s. Portobello Road in the '70s was magical. I wanted to emulate my idol at the time, the 1940s movie star, Rita Hayworth!  I used to walk almost the entire length of the market from Notting Hill Gate to the flyover at Ladbroke Grove. All the best vintage clothes stalls were under the flyover! Back then, most people wanted new clothes, not second hand, so I had my pick of rails and rails, and all were very inexpensive. I especially loved the crepe de chine blouses and embroidered knitwear. I used to pair them with modern skirts from Miss Selfridge! I still have a floral dress and also a cream blouse with a peter pan collar. The blouse has beautiful detailing on the collar and down the front, with lovely, dainty buttons. It was originally from Marks & Spencer and still has a very old 'St. Michael' label sewn in it. It is made from Tricel. Things were made to last back then! I also had a couple of bakelite bangles, now sadly gone. Coincidentally, during the 1960s, my mum worked as a secretary for Bakelite Xylonite Ltd. in the UK!"

Aren't Kate's Portobello Road dresses precious and completely timeless? We'd pair the dress with some neutral wedges and a straw clutch to make the perfect summertime outfit. The blouse would be perfect for the office with a pencil shirt and a summer wedge in a fun color (yellow perhaps?). We might even pull out a Bakelite bangle as our accessory of choice for this one! The possibilities are truly endless! Thank you, Kate, for sharing your vintage goodies and incredible Portobello Road memories with us!

Readers, do you want to share your favorite vintage pieces or family heirlooms on the Gerald & Joan blog? We would love to have you, so shoot us a message to learn more!

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