How did we get to August this fast?

Dear all,

Summer is in full swing and Olympics too!

I am here in the Hamptons till Labor Day, temperatures are definitely better than Europe now, while my son has just moved back to Palm Beach (school is starting soon) and it seems that even the hot Florida is not that hot compared to the weather in Florence today!

Now, tag me in your stories, write to me, stay in touch with social networks and if you need a special personal shopper session online, you can ask to:

personalshopper@jennifertattanelli.com

PALM BEACH AND THE HAMPTONS

Summer is no summer for me if I am not able to spend some time in the Hamptons, the nature and the beaches are just unique. At night is nice to wear a light reversible leather jacket or a super cozy cashmere sweater.

Long walks in the morning, daily stroll in town and beach picnic at sunset...does it get any better?

This is what the Hamptons are for me, a cozy and somewhat chilly (at night) place where to unwind till everything start to beat again...after Labor Day!!

A quick appearance in the Hamptons Atelier just to say hello to everyone cannot be missed,  even tough Catalina is doing a great job while I am away.

Since I never really stop, I was able to do also a quick trip to Palm Beach, yes Florida is hotter in the summer and yet near the ocean the temperature is still enjoyable and if it rains...wait 10 minutes till it fades away.

FIRENZE...

The events calendar in August tends to be a little slower, as people spend time with friends and family, seeking solace from the high temperatures. You’ll see many locals out for an evening stroll when things are a little cooler, often grabbing a chunk of fresh watermelon from a "Cocomeraio" (watermelon seller) and chatting with their neighbors in the piazza as little ones run around.

Speaking of watermelon, the feast of San Lorenzo on August 10 is an unmissable occasion in piazza San Lorenzo. The co-patron saint of the city is celebrated with free dishes of lasagna and slices of watermelon handed out to all in attendance, with music adding to the sense of occasion. A parade of characters donning historical costumes is another sight to behold! The tradition presents an occasion to visit the Basilica of San Lorenzo, where many members of the Medici family were laid to rest, including Cosimo the Elder and Anna Maria Luisa, the Electress Palatine. 

Ferragosto on August 15 is the annual ‘day of rest’ as Italians typically head to the beach or spend the day with their loved ones. The custom dates to the Emperor Augustus, who rewarded farmers for their hard work with a bonus day off. We’re happy to continue the tradition all these years later! 

If you find yourself far from Florence, you might want to check out Palazzo Pitti’s online exhibition (www.uffizi.it) created to mark the centenary of their Modern Art Gallery. The virtual exhibition goes into detail on 50 masterpieces, covering painting and sculpture from 1924-2024. Artists like Giuseppe Bezzuoli and Francesco Hayez are featured, making it a fascinating resource for all art lovers.

Swimming pools prove a haven, with many public and private pools opening up summer venues. A popular choice close to the center is the Olympic-sized pool, Costoli, near the Campo di Marte stadium, and Le Pavoniere in the Cascine Park is always bustling as the open-air urban aquatic center even features a cocktail bar, restaurant and pizzeria. 

A great way to dive deeper into your discovery of local life is to attend a "Sagra", a community food festival that brings out young and old for a celebration of the seasonal foods served with love! There’s often live music and entertainment, but the real draw is the home cooked food and communal style eating that creates a sense of togetherness. Not to be missed! 

When it comes to what Florentines like to eat at this time of year, something fresh and light is what’s needed for these sometimes-stifling temperatures! Panzanella is a summer classic, made with stale bread (don’t be put off, it’s a great way to use up yesterday’s bread!) ripe tomatoes, fresh onion and as much basil as you’d like, with, of course, a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil!

Enjoy a relaxing August!

Yours,

Jennifer