PRE-FALL 2019 MUST-HAVE: THE BUTTON-DOWN DRESS.

As for Pre-Fall shopping, my last choice has fallen on one of the most versatile and refined garments that can be included in our closets: the "button-down dress" for the Anglo-saxons or "chemisier" for French readers. While the last warm and sunny days of Summer cloud our judgment, and at the same time the return to office  suggests us to choose Pre-Fall outfits, the button-down dress helps us to dispel any doubts in matter of look; and, this season, it's certainly a must-have garment, a mix and match passepartout. 

In pole position are the mini/midi models either in leather or denim, that we can still wear barelegged combined with socks + biker's boots, or on a pair of slim-fit jeans/silk camisole with sandals, to eliminate their formal mood and deceive ourselves that Summer is going to last a little longer...

Just scroll through the selection of midi button-downs I've chosen for you, and among them the black denim, midi, slim-fit model with lace embellishment on the hem I've recently bought in Milan. 

           

INTRODUCING THE FENDI BAGUETTE 2019 COLLECTION.

Hi dear readers, in today's 100th blog post I'll write about a bag that has been reliving its former success since the introduction on 2019 collections. The iconic Fendi Baguette bag had a comeback for Spring 2019, and since then the brand has been re-launching it in a big way. Originally introduced in the 90's and popularised by Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) of the TV series "Sex and the City", the Baguette is one of those quintessentially chic designs that makes it a fashion classic, being meant to be tucked right under the arm, just like the French carry a baguette.
For a while, the Baguette became synonymous with Fendi itself. But a trend is hard to sustain over two decades, and the Baguette was discontinued. Vintage Baguettes have spent the last few years fetching surprisingly high prices on the secondary market. It was clear there was still a demand for the iconic bag, and a book commemorating each of the Baguette models (more than 700 in total) was published in 2012. 

With the return of this bag model, Fendi presents it in various styles, all featuring a flap design with signature FF magnetic clasp and gold-tone hardware. Inside, there is one large compartment with a zipped pocket. Moreover, the new version has been released in three sizes, Medium, Large and Mini, with plenty of colour and pattern options, including either floral appliqués and beading embroidery, or the patterns of ironwork of the 19th century, or the coveted Carrie's purple sequin style.

The Medium size seems to have the most variety and is likely the most popular one, the Large Baguette is available in FF embossed lambskin leather and in colourfully accented denim, while the Mini comes in various shades of the embossed leather version, at this time. The Medium and the Large styles come with detachable leather handle and shoulder strap, while the Mini has a leather handle and a chain strap. In the new collection, there are also available two colour versions in suède material, caramel brown, peacock blue and moss green, which are certainly easy to be matched to Fall wardrobes. 

Personally, I chose a Medium size in a warm caramel shade of brown, partly because it matches perfectly with a FF logo pencil skirt from the past season, and partly because I find it a more versatile shade throughout next season.

Anyway, now, the Baguette is back, and appealing to the younger generation of fashionistas new to the scene, who may not have grown up with "Sex and the City". As it marks the successful return of a beloved classic, let’s see how long it sticks around.

THIS LB SUNDRESS BY CHANEL WILL MAKE SAYING GOODBYE TO SUMMER EVEN HARDER.

Hi dear readers! I hope you enjoyed your midsummer holidays. Now almost everyone is back to work, and it won't be long before you're sipping PSLs and wearing your favourite cashmere sweater again, but for now let's just revel in the bliss of another hot, sticky day and observe this little black sundress from last S/S Chanel runway  in wonder. Because despite the pumpkins and haybales that will be soon put on display outside your neighborhood grocery store, Summer is far from over. There's still plenty of sun left for miniskirts, sleeveless dresses and garden prints, so go ahead and wear them without reserve. 
As thick and miserable as the humidity can get, this sweat-inducing season is always a hard one to bid goodbye to. It probably has something to do with the fun clothes — bold colors, sleeveless dresses, playful prints, cropped silhouettes — that don't typically have a place in your winter wardrobe. The chic sundress by Chanel I chose is one of them. This summer version of the evergreen, under-the-knee LBD features a wide, round neckline, signature chain straps, and the glamorous detail of a Chanel logo brooch on both sides. The model chosen for the runway sported the dress with a wonderful strass signature belt and the edgy detail of a half-hidden tattoo on her cleavage to add a rock mood to this classic ensemble and get the look appealing also to the youngest ones. 
Sadly, the days for short-cut silhouettes and sleeveless dresses like this are numbered. Skin-covering knits and layer-able pieces are already beginning to hit the scene; so even those among you who are less sensitive to cold or those who live in sunny areas, will soon be trading out their shorts for layers of clothing, jackets and raincoats. 😒😭☔

A FEW MAKEUP ESSENTIALS EVERY GIRL SHOULD CARRY IN SUMMER.

When we are on a Girl's Talk meeting, I'm often asked what type of products I keep in my makeup bag on the regular, especially in Summer for touch-up on makeup during the long days at the office, or as essentials in my travelling tote for taking away tired look during a long journey - and my answer is always the same: multi-purpose ones. I generally don't vary my beauty looks very much, or at least I stick to a few basic products in my routine that slightly vary during the seasons. However, even if your beauty needs are everchanging, it's not realistic to constantly refill what you have in your bag. So, I advise you to keep it simple with things that could be used in a multitude of different ways.

Here's a few versatile products I think every should have on hand on a daily basis to have a look that shows off the freshness and radiance in the great outdoors:

• Water-fresh tint: beyond foundation, in Summer I opt for a water-fresh foundation that evens out the complexion with a sheer finish for a nude skin effect and a natural-looking skin texture. Colour imperfections are unified and skin is smoothed for a luminous and ultra-natural result. This type of product is perfect not only as makeup base, but also for touch-ups throughout the day.
• Concealer: In my makeup bag I always opt for something that can work as a staple natural formulation and sheer it out with a small blender, or simply stipple it onto the face where needed.
• Bronzer: In a pinch, bronzer can become the most universal product in your makeup arsenal. Use it either to warm up the face, or as a very natural blush, in a double layer on your cheekbones. Just be sure to select a product that's more on the matte side, as a shimmer just won't provide you with the same versatility.
• Mascara + eyeliner: Whether it be one coat or several, mascara and eyeliner always transform the eye. I choose black waterproof, which awakens, defines and compliments any eye colour. I generally apply it in thick layers on the upper lashes, and recommend you do too, unless you're going for a more natural look - in that case, brown is the best choice. 
• A universally flattering lipstick/gloss + matching lip pencil: I have something with me that I can take from day-to-night in a matter of minutes. I'm fond of either glossy caramel or coral shades since I'm blonde - one coat gives a natural flush, several results in a more bold look, and I can also use it as a cheek stain in a pinch. Combine it to a lip pencil in the same shade to get a more definite effect.
• Perfume/eau the toilette: I always keep a sample vial of my favourite perfume/eau de toilette in the makeup bag, so that I can spray myself with it when it gradually loses intensity, and keep its pleasant fragrance throughout the day.

Now, dear readers, it's time to wish you Happy Summer Holidays!🌞⛱🐚

SUMMER BASICS: THE SILK CAMISOLE.

What feels better on your skin than any other fabric? Silk, of course. This delicate and luxurious fabric elicits thoughts of lounging in silk sheets on a luxury hotel king bed, until breakfast service arrives with a cup of coffee and viennoiseries, if in Europe, or a large stack of blueberry pancakes, if overseas. Or on a yacht overlooking the Mediterranean as the sea breeze blows around your silk robe, if on a cruise. 

Fresh out of boats and breakfast service attendants? Unfortunately, me too, but there's still a way we can incorporate this rich fabric into our lives: camisoles. Silk perfectly complements

the style of camis, since they're usually the first layer of clothing and give your skin the natural benefits of silk. Did you know silk is a body temperature regulator? Think of it as insulation; it keeps your skin hydrated. So, how can't we do without all that against our skin for the day? Trust me, you'll be satisfied of your investment.

The models of silk camisole are basically two, but they're both versatile and can be styled in different ways. So check out my personal selection:

1) THE PLAIN SILK CAMI: this clean model is going to be staple in our closet for years to come. Personally, I chose a summery white version, that I find very chic, if combined with either matching or contrasting jeans, blazer/cardigan, and layers of delicate golden necklaces.

2) THE LACEY SILK CAMI: this more elegant version with matching/contrasting lace trimmings that everyone should have in their closet, seamlessly transitions from one look to the next, since it can be worn from suiting at work to an evening out on the town, combined with distressed denim/a sleek pencil skirt + cardigan and heels. I've got two colour combinations of this model: one in delicate aqua silk + cream lace trimmings, and another one in classic black silk + ivory lace trimmings. Anyway, there's such a wide selection of wonderful pastel shades on the market, that you'll be spoilt for choice, if you choose to buy one.

And you, which style and colour combinations would you prefer of this re-discovered trend?

ROMANTIC DINING ON LAKE GARDA.

Summer is the season of romantic candlelight dinners, and for me and my life partner also of celebrating our anniversary. Lake Garda is the perfect location for romantic dining, since several are the restaurants where you can delight your beloved with gourmet dishes, elegant table settings and superb views in a relaxing atmosphere.

This year, we chose the Magnolia Restaurant at Hotel Laurin - Salò Instagram, to celebrate the occasion, following the steps of my parents, who chose the location for their wedding party, several years ago... In this sophisticated venue inside an upmarket Art Nouveau villa overlooking Lake Garda, we enjoyed a romantic evening on the terrace with a charming view, and chose dishes from a refined "à la carte" menu with flavours from the lake, local wines and a careful service. And at the end of the dinner, an evocative, meaningful jewel from Gas Bijoux - St-Tropez was the perfect gift to celebrate our union: "The Tresses", a gold-plated bracelet consisting of intertwined plaited chains and decorated with delicate pompons at the clasp. Meaningful!...💞🎁

FRENCH-RIVIERA STYLE 2019: FLORAL CHIC.

Hot cruises, sandy beaches, and marine life - French Riviera fashion invokes many images, all of them speaking to us of style, luxury, and  he perfectly hedonistic approach to life. To enjoy this timeless mix between nautical and Parisian style, a certain loveliness of spirit is needed in combination with chic clothes and attention to detail that will make you look remarkably free-spirited and naturally gorgeous. The proper basics embodying this spirit are breezy garments such as off the shoulder white pieces and crop tops + long floral dresses / skirts. Light materials such as chiffon or georgette are definitely one of the hallmarks of this style, since we all love the way they drape over the body and hug it in all the right places.  That's why I immediately fell in love with this dress, as soon as I saw it, during a shopping day in Cannes, during my last trip to the French Riviera.

It's a long gored dress in semi-transparent aqua voile with graphic coral-coloured poppy print is the embodiment of this careless marine and flirty glam. And the cross-over V-neckline, together with the waist highlighted by a removable tie-belt, raglan armholes and short bell-flared sleeves add feminine charm to the model.

Now that I'm back home, its light evocative shades will bring pleasurable memories and feelings of my last sunny holiday on the French Riviera, while accompanying my remaining Summer evenings on the lakeside...