You may recall from my last post seeing a photograph of me with my mama-in-law from Florence. She is a lovely woman and I am very fortunate to be part of her family now. There was a time early in our marriage when I wouldn’t make my husband Italian food because I knew he’d be comparing it to her stellar cooking. Fortunately, she’s taught me a thing or two since then, including her ragù recipe!
She has given me scans of some photographs of her time growing up in Florence, before and after the war, that I thought I’d share with you so you can see a little vintage snapshot of Florence, Italy.
My Mama-in-Law
Here she is!
Isn’t she gorgeous! I’m guessing this is early ‘50s. I can almost guarantee you she made her little hat. She’s given me some tombolo lace pieces, such as a dresser scarf, that are very similar, and I guess tombolo was one of those arts that “ladies of the house” learned from their mothers in Italy. This is her with her mother and one of her sisters on a balcony overlooking the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. She grew up on the same street that Amerigo Vespucci and Michaelangelo lived. Alas, she has since sold the last remaining apartment in Florence from the building her family owned. What a tragic shame. One day I must find this balcony in Florence and recreate this picture.
I think this photo is so charming. She said it was taken at their vacation home in Bardalone. I want a vacation home in Italy! Heck, I want a home in Italy!
This photo dates to 1948. I think her peasant blouse is charming. She would have been about 17 here. I should work more vintage casual pieces in to my wardrobe. Ladies didn’t wear dresses and heels all of the time.
I hope you enjoyed a little taste of vintage Florence.
1 comments so far.
A beautiful lady for sure!!!
I must ask my parents and grand parents for some vintage pictures… I don't think they own a lot from the 40's… It was war here in North East of France and they lost a lot of things from these era…