Californication at Melrose Florence

It was a rainy weekend here in Florence. Typically rain means a cozy day at home, but in Florence the rain makes the city sparkle. Umbrella in hand, I decided to head to the center for my favorite rainy day ritual: a tea at La Ménagère and thrifting at Melrose. 

I wasn’t the only one with a similar idea, the city was buzzing with people. After enjoying my “Tissana” I headed a few doors down to Melrose Vintage. Stepping into this Americana-themed vintage store is like being transported to another time and place. No longer surrounded by the renaissance, rather a feeling of California in 1960/’70s.

Room after room is filled with vintage treasures and decor that is just as intriguing. Each corner has something to offer, old hand luggage’s bursting with silk neck scarfs or a crate of vinyl records. It’s easy to get lost in it all.

If you love vintage levi’s and I mean who doesn’t? This store has one of the most impressive collections I’ve seen in Europe so far. You can find designer labels and vintage leather bombers, colorful short hot pants, and knit matching tops. I rarely come here and don’t find something that I love. 

This time around I fell in love with an orange, red, mustard, and lilac striped knit vest that ended up coming home with me. It was just the burst of color I needed on a grey Saturday in Florence.