Joanne Hegarty is a London based blogger and journalist who writes daily posts on how to live stylishly through fashion, interiors and food. Joanne's blog: www.balletpumpsandroses.com

While others dread it - I adore the chore of packing for a summer holiday and meticulously choosing each item of clothing that goes into my suitcase.
As a lover of fashion, and living in London where summer has been utterly abysmal - I cherish the opportunity to wear my favorite pieces from my summer wardrobe in a deserving hotter climate.
 
This summer - we decided to rent a villa in Umbria - central Italy, and unlike other wine producing districts such as Tuscany, we met no tourists from home - making our trip feel very authentic.

Against the backdrop of faded grandeur of this beautiful ancient city, I took a kaleidoscope of pictures of the items I wore to make the most of our brief taste of summer -  I hope you enjoy them.

Some of the highlights of our trip were the cuisine - oh my goodness do the Italians know how to cook - and I think I ate my weight in pasta and ice-cream.

We visited Civita -  a beautiful huddle of medieval buildings on a cliff edge, that is slowly vanishing before everyone's eyes.

 Year after year, more of the the town slips of the cliff - sending its residents fleeing for safety.
However, despite its sad story, this hasn't prevented visitors dining here in a handful of enchanting eateries or even renting some accommodation for short stays.

Fashion lover Florence - which mixes its old ancient buildings with high market fashion labels is a short train ride away and is a terrific way to spend a day if you want a faster pace.
Enthusiastic shoppers hungrily bought from the city's fashion heavy hitters Dolce and Gabbana and Prada, while others enjoyed lesser known home grown labels such as Manila Grace.
Orvieto is a nearby charming town - packed full of Italians eating al fresco in bustling cafes and a breathtaking cathedral that took 300 years to make.

When you are least expecting it, the stunning building pokes its steeple out from behind a shopping street and stops you in your tracks.

edited by Patrik Lundberg