It is Hamptons time..

Dear all,

cheers from the JT Team in Palm Beach. Do not forget about them while traveling across Italy and summering in the Hamptons!!

With beach umbrellas open and towels laid out on the sand, we can finally kick off summer season! Even if in this heat our looks might need to be simpler, just pair a canvas bag, colorful shoes, lots of sunscreen, and we're ready for a beach day! July is the perfect month to rediscover the joy of mixing lightweight pieces and vibrant colors, creating outfits that carry you from brunch with friends to a seaside aperitivo. 

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

HAMPTONS...

We just wrapped up the 4th of July celebrations, great fireworks as always overlooking the Country Club golf field.

Town is busy and days are enjoyable, the heat spell we had in June has gone (yes!)  and we can finally dive in the busy summer calendar.

From the chaos of the big city, the Hamptons are the perfect place to devote time to ourselves and our families. Barbecues are ready to be lit, and Main Street welcomes families cooling off with ice cream, with no shortage of shopping time among friends.

One unmissable appointment is the Farmers Market every Saturday morning, where small farms sell their fresh, high-quality products. It’s a lovely stroll in the greenery, under sunshine and among bouquets of flowers, a perfect spot to create a quality picnic basket and enjoy it in the city’s green spaces.

The Hamptons evoke a timeless elegance, thanks to the “old-style” charm of wooden houses and hidden paths where light filters through dense trees surrounding the neighborhood, they create an aura only a few destinations can manifest. 

FIRENZE...

The heat has certainly hit Florence, but there are plenty of ways to keep cool as we soak up summer in the city. 

Museums are always my first port of call when the temperatures start to climb. One of the latest to inaugurate is a deep dive into a century of science at theGalileo Museum, taking visitors through its centenary of activity and its impressive collection of archive photos, historical documents, and scientific instruments. I’m particularly intrigued by Friedrich von Knauss’ Writing Hand that dates to 1764 and operates as a writer through a beautifully designed mechanism.

During the day, it’s too hot to do much walking about, but the lower temperatures of the evening are the perfect time to take advantage of the many outdoor film screens set up for the season! One such open-air cinema is at Villa Bardini, with the terrace overlooking the city proving the perfect spot to soak up some culture while enjoying a light breeze. Apriti Cinema is another option, with this year’s free entry films being shown in Piazza Pitti as the majestic Palazzo vies for your attention...and we can also bring you the popcorn since the Atelier is just down there!

Tours of the historic gates, towers, and fortresses resume for the season, led by the experts at MUS.E. They’re also behind Forte Belvedere’s cultural program that puts a strong focus on spreading knowledge about Florence’s history through its Firenze Forma Continua Lab series of workshops and tours, with concerts and talks forming the lineup too. The fortress on the top of the hill in the Oltrarno (meaning “other side of the river”) dates to the 16th century and was built by Bernardo Buontalenti at the behest of Ferdinando I de’ Medici in order to protect his family in the event of a coup, making it a particularly fascinating part of Florence’s cityscape.

Other exciting news from the Renaissance city is that the Vasari Corridor, which recently reopened following an eight-year closure, is offering guided group tours from 7-11pm on Fridays until December 26. I’d so love to experience the unique architecture and atmosphere after dark and can only imagine how special it feels to wander the centuries-old walkway over Ponte Vecchio in the calm of the evening!

For a little escape from the city and to discover breathtaking natural landscapes, "Calafuria" is a one of a kind experience above the sea, overlooking the beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea. A wonder of red cliffs and stunning views, natural pools carved in rock inherited from ancient Etruscan quarries, are the perfect spot for a moment of relaxation and pure adrenaline amid the breathtaking scenery. A place of timeless beauty.

There’s no doubt gelato is the first thing on our minds when we’re out and about sweltering in the city, but if you’re looking for an alternative, it’s well worth seeking out Zuccotto Fiorentino (literally translates as little Florentine pumpkin!) or even having a go at making your own. It’s a semi-frozen dessert that allegedly dates back to Medici times. 

A dome-shaped mold gives it a semi-spherical appearance (a bowl would do!), and it consists of a sponge cake soaked in liqueur or coffee, then filled with delicious sweet creams. There’s room for creativity, as you can either use ladyfinger biscuits or even leftover panettone at the right time of year, with chocolate cream, mascarpone, or gelato making perfect fillings. Gelatin gives it solidity, with the option of added chocolate pieces or diced candied fruit for a surprise inside! 

Have a wonderful July!

With love,

Jennifer