SUMMER COOL FIND: "SOFT-LIKE-A-CLOUD" RUFFLE SHEER TOP.

We’re in the thick of sale shopping season and internationally known online retailers have released some of the biggest price drops of the year so far. These retailer don’t drop sales very often, but when they do, they're worth heading to immediately, because there are so many great finds sitting in them. Right now, pieces are marked down up the 50% off and I did the digging to find the very best designer fashion finds worth adding to my cart. And I succeeded. From the buzzy swimwear that you’ll find in the suitcases of fashion insiders to dresses that are perfect if you’re on the hunt for a wedding guest look to the cool shoes that are about to sell out, there's a lovely piece I added to my wardrobe and want to share: a cool, feminine sheer silk-chiffon top by the Australian designer Christopher Esber, a very versatile piece which will be perfect to pair to white pants, even in the late Summer evening ahead. I’ve been appreciating Australian designers for some years, and in spite of their high prices, I sometimes like to seize the opportunity of a discounted purchase of their products, when I see it. And this was the case of my recent purchase, a stunning, delicately sheer ruffle silk tie-shirt with relaxed sleeves and delicate ties in chalky lilac, one of this season's hottest shades, which makes you feel as if you were wearing a soft cloud.

SUSTAINABLE-FASHION TREND: GET READY FOR THE BEACH WITH THESE GORGEOUS BASKET BAGS.

Ah, the sunny shores. Sand, waves, and unbelievably cute beach outfits, what's not to love? Spending a day by the sea is priceless, and having the right accessories is an additional pleasure. After all, it's easy to underestimate just how many essentials are needed for a sandy excursion. You have towels, sunscreen, snacks and books (the list goes on...) that all have to come along for the ride. And while you could just toss everything in a random tote you usually use to carry groceries, we suggest treating yourself to some of the best beach bags, either from luxury brands or from less known fair-trade labels.

Snagging one of those gorgeous totes and purses perfect for the beach or pool, but also for dinner and shopping will easily level up our Spring and Summer accessories game. There are options that'll fit everything we could possibly need, along with some picks that have just enough room for your wallet and phone. And what's most important, they're all made with natural materials and represent perfectly the sustainable fashion trend.

No matter where we're going or how much we want to pack there's something luxe for us, and these are the top picks for 4 of the best designer's straw beach bags in 2022:

1) Jacquemus Le Panier Soleil: its classic straw hue keeps it neutral enough to wear with anything, and the yellow/orange/pink leather details spice things up a bit. This one even has a shoulder strap for carrying.

Jacquemus Le Panier Soleil

2) Loewe small leather trimmed woven raffia tote: a very chic timeless piece which is perfectly sized to hold all daily essentials. This piece is trimmed with tan leather and embossed with the label's iconic motif, as a nod to this season's logo obsession.

Loewe small leather trimmed woven raffia tote

3) Christian Dior woven bag: a classic 30's French style basket with monogram cotton interior and external cotton labelling.

Christian Dior basket bag

4)Valentino straw & leather basket: a classic model in straw with leather details and golden V logo.

Straw and leather basket by Valentino

And for those like me who like craftsmanship accessories which are from less conventional labels, a selection of 4 models of less known brand products.

5) Personalised French-market basket bag: a lovely and versatile version of a French classic accessory, with the owner's first name initial, to be found at craft street markets.

Personalised French-market basket bag

6) Colombian Iraca palm straw bags by Apaya, Nannacay or Equal Hands: these brands are founded on the principals of sustainable fashion made with natural materials with no artificial chemicals involved and traditional handcrafted by local artisans. So these bags are luxury and beautifully unique pieces to be used and collected at the same time.

Iraca-palm straw bag by Apaya

Straw bag with pompons by Nannacay

Iraca-palm straw bag by Equal Hands

10 CUTE & WEARABLE OUTFITS THAT SPARK JOY, THIS SPRING.

For you who are fashion girls through and through, getting dressed in the morning is certainly one of your favorite parts of the day. And there are fewer times that you love getting dressed more than in Spring. The weather is finally getting a little nicer, the sun is out for a little longer, and you can rid yourself of the all-black attire that you wore almost every day between the months of September and March. But, because it's been a little while since we've had the opportunity to really get dressed in the spring, I've rounded up a few cute spring outfits to get your creative gears going. I've included looks that just about anyone can pull inspiration from, but because Spring weather isn't quite as hot as summer, I'm obligated to include a few looks that will keep you warm, too, and here's to never having to wear a puffer jacket ever again. 

Keep scrolling to check out all of the sartorial goodness. So, Enjoy creating your own looks! 

1) Jeans + blazer: You can't beat the classics. A black or blue blazer always looks good styled over a white t-shirt and a pair of true-blue jeans. I don't make the rules, but this look is one of my favourite of all times!

2) Breezy dress + loafers: Loafers have been replacing our pandemic-years' sneakers, and if you want to try new, edgy combinations, you can choose a glittery or metallic option to add something extra to your usual ensemble.

3) Colourful cropped cardigan + jeans: Go ahead, mix all the colours into one outfit. As evidenced on the streets of Paris, a mix of colors actually looks totally casual despite being very much out of the box.

4) Sheer skirt + matching pull: sheer skirt works for the day time if you keep the rest of your accessories simple. A matching pull is key to making the date-night worthy piece feel appropriate in the sunlight. 

5) Pastel suit + short vest: if you want to make vests work in your wardrobe, style them with pastel menswear-inspired suit. The resulting outfit is cool and feminine at the same time. 

6) Sweat suit + trench:  If you're running around and still want to look cute, style a matching sweat suit with other elevated staples like a trench coat. Choosing one in a fun color gives this outfit springtime appeal.
 

7) Party-ready top + jeans: Forget your sweaters: a glittery long-sleeved top is a cool way to keep warm in the springtime! Get in, we're going out! For your next happy hour with your best friends take your jeans-and-a-nice-top ensemble to the next level courtesy of a blinged-out crop top. 

8) Knit dress + ankle boots: Even if you're a sandals-wearer in Summer, when the weather is not yet very warm, ankle booties will always reign supreme in your closet. Pairing a chunky pair of boots with a sleek ribbed dress always looks cool, in my opinion. 

9) Pastel silk top + white denim: I may sound quite obvious to break it to you, but you should probably pick up a pair of white jeans this season. They're a timeless addition into your wardrobe especially in case of a slim-fit model, while opting for a pair that has a wider leg gives them a cool-girl look. Pair them with a pastel lightweight top to channel ultimate L.A girl energy. Of course, feathers are optional, but very, very fun. 

10) Floral mini-dress: the floral mini-dress has been chosen by many fashion girls as a passepartout for several seasons, since it can be worn for the whole season, with either a pair of sneakers, or ankle boots or even sandals during the hottest months.

HEIRLOOM FINDING: BIEDERMEIER ARMCHAIRS.

I have always loved the idea of storytelling through one’s home and sharing what homes mean to their owners, since homes can carry so many significant memories and special moments with loved ones. So, I find it very rewarding to use my antique items with a meaning and bring new life to things that are important to me. These antique pieces are more than just a part of history, they are part of one’s family history. Families that have held on to stuff for more than a couple of generations or more are likely to have some valuable family heirlooms and antiques in the mix. And finding a piece of antique furniture like an old chest, dresser, rocking chair, desk, or sofa can be exciting. Moreover, two or three well placed antiques can really elevate a space and give it soul, even if the space has a modern design, like an office for example.  

Of course, when accessorising with antiques it is important to keep an open mind and observe how these pieces blend with the rest of the space and not to find oneself at a loss either for the choice of the most suitable place to place them, or the restoration steps to follow, if they are not in good shape.

Recently, I decided to restore two Biedermeier armchairs to their original beauty, when I rediscovered them in the basement, as pieces of fine antique craftsmanship that have been kept in my family for two generations, and I realised that I liked their elegant structure, from the finely carved front legs, to the linear back legs and armrests as well as the upholstered seat and back. So, I considered having them restored and refinished to put them to use and add elegance to my sitting room. 

I chose reliable upholsterers, Bonzi Tappezzeria, a small team of master craftsmen, who were able to restore the original appearance of my antiques and make them a unique addition, helping me also with the

choice of a classic and sober damask fabric with a stripe motif in salmon pink and ivory, instead of the typical Biedermeier floral stripe, which I found too old-fashioned and not so well matching with the modern-classic ivory couch already present in the room.

My advice is certainly always the same: instead of donating or worse, throwing away an antique 

piece of furniture because it is not in great shape, consider having it restored so you can put it to use again. Refinishing antique furniture will give it new life and save it from becoming a victim of our throwaway culture.

Heirlooms represent family history, wealth, and treasured memories. They are more than objects, serving as symbols for stories that deserve to be recounted and preserved indefinitely, and their value is not necessarily monetary, but deeply emotional.

SELF-INDULGENCE AT HOME: MONOGRAMMED BEDLINEN.

Monogrammed bedding is an excellent way to add a little bit of elegance to the bed, definitely the ultimate in a well designed bedroom. Sheet sets, pillow cases, and shams can be personalised with any of our signature monograms. In this gloomy period of recurring crisis for the world outside, I find that the best way to try not to feel overwhelmed and depleted by the events is a little of self-indulgence, to feel spoilt in the comfort of your home.

Here is my small selection of both personal and heirloom monogrammed bedlinen.

- The Chain collection by Rivolta Carmignani, entirely manufactured in Italy,  has an essential, contemporary, yet classic design. From the historic archives of the company, the refined Chain motif, once selected for the suites of the most prestigious hotels in the world, has been now revised in new colours, Pearl grey and Capri blue embroidery on luxury, pure cotton sateen white bedlinens. I chose the second colour combination, perfect for a marine-inspired holiday house bedroom.

- Bespoke Egyptian Bedding cotton 600 threads bedlinen with either "ton-sur-ton" or contrasting monogram and lace trimming, made by a French expert embroiderer and perfect for our Provençal style guest room.

- Old-style, customised cotton percale bedlinen from my mother's trousseau, whose ivory shade feels soft yet fresh and gives a relaxed feeling to her bedroom, while the delicate yet ornate monograms and décor all around the edges add elegance to the ambience.

Of course, monogrammed sheet sets can be also a wonderful and personal wedding gift, but in this case of course, when making our choice, it is better to match the monogram style to the style of the bedroom to which it is destined, either classic or modern, since there are plenty of options in both versions, as you can see in the following pictures.

4 FRENCH CLASSIC ROMANTIC SONGS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY.

Even if this may sound as a cliché, it is undeniable that the French have always been fine connoisseurs of romance, with an impressive musical repertoire to reflect their expertise. With French being the language of love, and its many legendary composers and musicians, here is a classic French Valentine's Day mini-playlist in which both sad and happy love is played (to keep things fair). Personally, I find they make great easy-listening and perfect for serenading your best someone, in spite of their sounding a bit "agées" :

1) "Ne me quitte pas" by Jacques Brel, with its intensely sad universal power, even though the author actually did not consider it a love song.

2) "La vie en rose" by Edith Piaf, expressing the joy of finding true love.

3) "Le feuilles mortes" sung by Yves Montand and written by the surrealist poet Jacques Prévert.

4) "Je veux" by Zaz, more modern and full of the lively and fresh energy of gipsy jazz.

I hope that you liked this lovely short selection. Is there a French love song that you like to listen to in your romantic moments? Let me know it in the comment section! I might update this list with new French romantic songs in the future.

MY TOP 10 OF DESIGNERS' BAGS FOR PROFESSIONAL WOMEN.

Wake up in the morning, stumble to the kitchen and grab yourself the perfect office accessory. From the daily grind to the next steps on your career ladder, it’s important to keep the essential items safe and secure. From a backpack to a sleek leather tote, there are a wide variety of styles that you can sport every day and feel like either a business woman in a U.S. TV series or an off-duty supermodel. Go from nine to five in style with the 20 best designer work bags for the professional lady.

Saint Laurent Sac de Jour Medium Tote: Take on your big workday in style, thanks to this elegant Saint Laurent bag. This tote features timeless gold accents and the iconic branding printed on the front – the craftsmanship of its high-quality leather is worth showing off. The internal envelope is ideal for your keys and cards, and the medium size is perfect for your documents and important files. With such an incredible accessory by your side, you’ll ace every meeting with grace.

Fendi Leather Tote M size: Elevate your everyday office ensemble with this sleek, edgy Fendi bag. The oversized tote boasts polished Italian black leather, and the gold double ‘FF’ logo hardware is sure to turn heads.  You can switch from hand-held to your shoulder, thanks to its adjustable strap. This tote is effortless in style, meaning you can wear it with almost any outfit and look very modern. So, take your laptop with you, keep important documents by your side and do it with a fashionable twist.

Hermès Birkin bag 30 cm: If you are not afraid of looking too "deluxe style" and want to take your outfit ensemble to the next level, this stunning, iconic handbag is perfect for you. It features an outstanding construction with beautiful details such as the "tirets, lock, and clochette" and is available in many leather / colour versions.  It’s medium in size, meaning you can carry your tablet, papers, water bottle, and any other important files needed for a productive day at work.

LV On-the-go Tote PM: For an iconic and fashionable work ensemble, this Louis Vuitton tote will be the perfect companion, as suggested by its name and it is also a favourite of mine. Large in size and timeless in design, you can dress it up or down. It will be an ideal accessory for your next big meeting. The leather construction features a modern giant, discreet, iconic "empreinte" monogram. The beauty behind this bag is its versatility: thanks to its double handles it can be worn both as a handbag and a shoulder bag, as well as either at the office or in your business trips, according to your needs.

Mulberry Bayswater zipped Tote: Take your everyday essentials with you wherever you go, and do it in British classic style. This Mulberry tote is roomy so that you can fit a small laptop or tablet, files, and plenty of other documents. The calfskin leather is soft to the touch, and the zip + fastened closure keeps the belongings safe and secure. It’s the perfect accessory for your daily routine and is sure to garner a compliment or two, especially in this oxblood leather shade.

Prada Double Bag: Instantly elevate your daily outfits, from the office to an important meeting with your clients. This Prada Double bag offers a timeless design, and the stunning powder pink Saffiano leather will last for years to come. If you often wear dark shades, this is the best way to add a pop of color. You can fit a small laptop or tablet in here, with plenty of room for extra items to help you along your way.

Dior St-Honoré bag, M size: A timeless, elegant handbag designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri and named in homage to the emblematic, Parisian fashion district, for a businesswoman who strizza l'occhio to the very French style and wants a sophisticated investment bag she won't regret. Personally i love the iconic macro-cannage motif by Dior , which is so French-style , but there is also of course there are also a version in grained calfskin in lovely pastel shades, perfect for Spring.

Tory Burch Perry Leather Tote: This is one of the totes that are most seen on women in career from American TV series. You can go from the office to dinner with friends without having to change your bag in a very sober style. The timeless design is lightweight, with a rich pebbled leather finish and a stunning red pop of color. The size is suitable for a 13″ laptop, and the long strap sits perfectly on your shoulder. It also features a flat base, so you can easily store some of your important documents inside.

Senrève Maestra Bag M size: The Maestra’s appeal is simple: a stylish, functional bag with both a convertible strap that effortlessly transforms a satchel to a backpack and very well designed interior compartments. That is why I consider one of my favourite office bag in both Winter and Spring colour palettes.

Céline Belt bag, L size: The ladylike top-handle bag  is as modern and timeless as you can get when it comes to bag models. This original bag with both handle and strap, adds instant polish to absolutely any ensemble, thanks to its striking, structured silhouette and will soon become one of your most prized possessions.