grand tourista – Ann Street Studio

A Travel Giveaway

January 28, 2013February 8, 2016Posted in TravelTagged europe, florence, grand tourista, grandtourista, italy, Polaroid, spectra, st regis, stregis, travel6 Comments

A major giveaway for a new generation of global travelers experiencing a new grand tour!

For the past two weeks I’ve shared with you our #GrandTourista journey with the St. Regis and all the wonder, beauty, and romance of Florence. I acquired sweet memories I’ll cherish forever and knowledge about a place that opened my eyes and heart… that’s the power of travel! The St. Regis is generously giving away a 5-night stay at a grand debut hotel of your choice and The Grand Tourista Bag designed by Jason Wu for St. Regis Hotels & Resorts —

Follow @StRegisHotels on Instagram to learn more about how you can win!

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The Finest Silk

January 24, 2013February 8, 2016Posted in TravelTagged europe, florence, Getaway, grand tourista, grandtourista, italy, silk, st regis, stregis, tradition, travel, vacation, weaving8 Comments

Silk has been in Italy for nearly one thousand years, but only one silk house has lasted through the ages.

Antico Setificio Fiorentino is the oldest silk-weaving workshop in Florence, in operation since 1786 with roots back to the Medici in the fifteenth century. There’s such amazing history in the shop… they still use the same 18th century looms (designed by da Vinci!), weave traditional patterns in bottegas, and only use hand-dyed silks without any chemical treatments.

The final product is absolutely breathtaking – rich in color, luxurious in sheen, and a wondrous work of art. It’s no wonder at quality this high they can count the Russian tzar and the Royal Palace of Denmark among their prestigious roster of clients.

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Scuola del Cuoio

January 23, 2013February 8, 2016Posted in TravelTagged craftmanship, europe, florence, grand tourista, grandtourista, handmade, italy, leather, scuola del cuoio5 Comments

Hidden in a courtyard behind Santa Croce…

The Scuola del Cuoio features a long hallway where skilled artistans stand at their stations, making the finest of leather bags, clothing, and home décor items. Often you will see an apprentice seated with a master craftsman, learning by their side.

It is absolutely incredible to walk through and see the attention paid to each piece, meticulously hand-crafted in traditional fashions. It’s no wonder they have become world-renowned for their devotion to quality work.

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A Day in Florence

January 21, 2013February 8, 2016Posted in TravelTagged europe, florence, grand tourista, grandtourista, italy, travel26 Comments

With such a beautiful hotel it can only live among a beautiful city. We had one full day to walk this historical city, to see the masterpieces, eat the food, smell the perfumes, and observe the Italian way of life. I fell in love with this place – the light illuminating the golds and greens of the landscape were exactly what I dreamed Tuscany to be. I look forward to our return, and many thanks to the St. Regis Hotels & Resorts for taking me along on a magical Grand Tourista…

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Living with Art

January 18, 2013February 8, 2016Posted in TravelTagged art, B&W, black and white, europe, film, florence, grand tourista, grandtourista, italy, statues, tri-x, trix 4008 Comments

When I walked into Piazza della Signoria in Florence on the #GrandTourista I was overcome by the beauty of the endless amount of emotion circling around me in these statues. What must it be like for Florentines to walk by these breathtaking pieces everyday? I was very surprised whenever I brought up the beauty of the art, the locals were just as proud as I was in awe. Even though they have lived among these works all their lives, they still see the power and passion.. and how can you not?

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…and then we ate

January 17, 2013February 8, 2016Posted in TravelTagged drink, etichetta, europe, florence, food, fortuni, grand tourista, grandtourista, gucci cafe, Il Santo Bevitore, italian, italy, se.sto, spg, st regis, stregis, travel, wine16 Comments

I knew going to Italy was going to mean a couple of things…

Good wine, good food, and especially good pasta, and I was certainly not let down. Our mornings started with breakfast on the private terrace outside our bedroom overlooking Florence’s Arno River… but that was just the beginning. Pour yourself a glass of wine (and one for me too) and let’s tour a taste of Italy!

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The Grand Hotel

January 16, 2013June 2, 2016Posted in TravelTagged europe, Firenze, florence, grand tourista, grandtourista, historic hotel, hotel, italy, mona lisa, mona lisa suite, personal-favorite-hotel, st regis, stregis, travel36 Comments

What is it like to step into a dream? To walk through doors where the historic Medici family lived and great works of art hung? To stay in a hotel that feels more like a home than your real home? The St. Regis Florence so graciously showed me all of these things as part of their #grandtourista tour. When you walk through the halls, the perfume of Firenze wraps around you and the balcony doors overlooking this magnificent city glide open filling your heart with romance and your soul with visual beauty. For a few lovely nights I lived in a dream, one of true elegance aided by the best personal service I have ever experienced. I’m sure you will believe me when I say my eyes watered with overwhelming beauty and love for the St. Regis, my dream home away from home….

Won’t you look inside with me?

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