Ali LaBelle - Creative Director & Strategist
Introducing Weekend With, our latest content series featuring interviews with fascinating women who love to travel. Discover how these bold personalities would spend a weekend away, from their destination of choice to their ideal travel companion. Come along for the ride as we explore unique perspectives on the art of traveling. Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or simply curious about new destinations, Weekend With promises to deliver insightful and inspiring travel stories that will leave you yearning for your next vacation. Sit back and join us on this exciting journey.
Who is Ali LaBelle?
I’m a creative director and strategist based in Los Angeles, CA. After nearly a decade leading creative strategy in-house, I now lend my expertise to a variety of visually-driven brands through my branding studio, Ali LaBelle Creative. My work is a reflection of the many books, films, pieces of ephemera, artists, cities, songs, and spaces that inspire me. I strive to support artists and identify new opportunities for creatives in everything I do.
Source: @alilabelle
Where are you going?
I'm going to Florence! I've been before but Italy is the gift that keeps on giving — every time I visit I leave with a completely new experience. I'm going for the food, first and foremost, but Florence is also such a good city to use as a home-base when exploring the smaller towns of Tuscany.
Who are you bringing with you?
My favorite person to travel with is my sister — we both prefer to prioritize finding hidden vintage shops and local bookstores over crossing landmarks off a list. She's as down for spending a whole day shopping or reading in a cafe as I am, so we make great travel partners. We also can share clothes, so double the outfits!
What’s your travel style?
Usually I like to hunker down in one spot for a while when I visit a new city. I love to plan a few special meals and museum stops, but I'm mostly after a sense of discovery when I travel, so aimless wandering is always the priority. Because I've been to Florence before, I'd probably spend this trip exploring the towns around it — I'd love to go to Cortona and Perugia!
Source: Ali LaBelle
Ali’s Florence Hit List
What I Like.
I love the walkability of Florence — it's the perfect city for a good day-long wander. Sidewalk photo booths, a panino on the go, a stop at a cappuccino bar, public art everywhere...it's a city best explored on foot.
What I Recommend.
Cibrèo (all four of their locations!)
What is your must-pack item?
Dieux skin reusable eye masks!
Carry-on or check-in?
Check it in — I cannot be bothered to narrow it down.
Hotel or Airbnb?
Hotel! I love beautiful hotels that make even the sleeping experience special.
Share a song, podcast, or book for the trip.
I like to read lighthearted fiction when I travel...maybe "One Italian Summer" by Rebecca Serle? Something fun and on-theme.
Source: Boutique Nadine