6 LOOKS FOR WORKING FROM HOME AND DOING OUR ERRANDS IN STYLE DURING NATIONAL QUARANTINE.

The world is a weird place right now. There are no two ways about it. We're all spending more time at home than ever before and the future feels very uncertain. Though, as a writer in "The Atlantic" so eloquently put it: "The most isolating thing most of us has ever done is, ironically, almost surely the most collective experience we've ever had in our lifetimes". Essentially we're all in this together, and if staying home is what it's going to take, at least, we can remain connected digitally through social media. 

With new posts each day, influencers, editors, and celebrities are showing us exactly what working from home and social distancing look like for them, and let me tell you, it's a lot more than just tattered old hoodies and jogging bottoms, especially if our daily routine schedules Zoom conference calls with office staff. Whether we’re working from the home office, desk, dining table or bedroom floor, these outfits which are basically in black, white and denim, prove that we can stay just as put together, no matter where our workspace may be.

1) Silky wrap top + pants / jeans + delicate jewelry

2) Turtleneck + jeans / skirt + minimal necklace

3) Floral /polka dots voile blouse + black jeans

4) Classic white shirt + jeans 

5) Silk blouse + jeans / Comfy dress + statement necklace 

6) Head-to-toe black off-duty outfit, with trainers & cap, which can be easily cleaned and sanitised, once we’ve arrived home, without forgetting surgical mask + protective gloves, for any errands outside our premises.

Waiting for better and more "coloured" times to come...🌈🌈

GLAM DETAILS FOR POST-LOCKDOWN BUSINESS ATTIRE: 
THE CÉLINE MICRO BELT BAG.

Looking forward to going back to office, after this long period of remote work and social distancing, I'm finally here with my review on the Céline Micro Belt Bag in Caramel colour, whose style I've always loved as a go-to office bag. I had been eyeing it up for around 3 years or so, since I was sure about the most suitable size to choose, but not so much about the colour, which I wanted in a light, refreshing and versatile shade to be worn mainly during both transitional seasons and in Summer. 

1) The design and details: What has always attracted me to the Belt Bag style in the first place is purely the design and how classy, sleek, minimal this model looks, while still remaining beautiful and stylish. It's been part of the Céline collection for many years and will remain a classic as much as their Luggage bag. As you can see, it has a top handle and a large, cool flap closure with a hidden circular metal component which slots into the runner to secure it shut. Moreover, a zipped closure under the flap keeps everything secure inside. It also features an outer zipped pocket on the back of the bag, an inner flat, a slip pocket. Actually, the flap can be quite fiddly to open in a rush, but a lot of people tend to leave it just hanging over the strap, which is really cool too! The great, stylish touch remains the belt that is knotted across the front, purely for aesthetic design purposes. Also the branding is minimal, as it is with all Céline products, so it only has a little gold stamp on the front bottom location of the bag matching with the hardware metal.

2) The sizing: There are 3 different sizes in total, starting at the largest which is actually called the Mini, to the middle size of the Micro and the smallest size of the Nano, so if you love the design of this bag but think it's too small or too big, you can opt for another size instead. This micro version is  9" in length, 8" in height, and 5" in depth, so it's quite a decent size and holds enough office essentials, such as my LV Agenda Personal size and my IPad mini, besides the usual stuff one puts in a bag. Luckily, this can be worn also cross-body style, since it comes with a removable, adjustable strap with a 21" drop. For me the micro is ideal, as it's small enough to be worn on my body without being overwhelming, but it's big enough for me to carry a lot of extra items that I can't usually fit into smaller cross-body bags.

3) The leather: The Belt Bag is made of grained calfskin so it has that drummed, matte effect to it. It's a really sturdy leather and it's strong, but it can easily get scratched. I've noticed that it's quite delicate, even though it doesn't seem treated or as smooth as my Céline Luggage bag. It features a calfskin leather as well, as you can see, and that's more of a suède type inside, or the underside of the leather, if you will. Céline bags are crafted in the most luxurious skins. These leathers are natural and unique, of extremely high quality, but it's necessary to protect your purchase from both humidity and overexposure to direct lighting or sources of heat and avoid contact with liquid, grease, perfumes and cosmetics as well as keep it stored in the dust bag when it's not being used. I'm really delicate with my bags anyway, but since this doesn't have any metal feet on the bottom, I'm very careful where I place it too, so as to avoid scratching the bottom. Since it's a classic, it's always an investment piece as it can be sold for almost the same price you paid. If you know Céline and adore the quality as much as I do, you will appreciate this one. The craftsmanship is outstanding!

4) The colour: there are several perfect neutral colours available for this model, but the Caramel shade I chose is incredibly versatile and suited to literally everything I want to wear, whether it's warm or cool toned outfits! 

5) Ways to wear the bag: this bag is also versatile in how you wear it, that it works for any occasion, thanks to the detachable strap: 
Cross-body, so it sits securely on your front, or back, however you choose to make it sit. 
Draped off one shoulder, which is my favourite, being really easy and stylish. 
On the crook of your arm, which is also very easy and chic with both dresses and jeans.
Hand-carry, so you can easily hold it down by the side, in your hand by the top handle, like either a true office bag or a perfect travel bag.

With that being said, I wanted to make sure I did it justice, shared the right photos with you, and wrote as much as possible about it to help any of you who might be wanting to make the purchase. It's worth it, if you love designer bags, and one you'll reach for regularly! 
Anyway, if you have any questions about it, please, just leave me a comment below and I'll answer.

FIRST PURCHASE OF SPRING : THE PEACH-COLOURED SATIN BLOUSE.

During this gloomy period of Coronavirus Disease spread and before the starting of a stricter quarantine in Italy, shopping was a healing remedy for low morale, especially since the heralds of Spring airiness are generally light-coloured, feather-light pieces. That's why my first purchase for next season was a glamorous cropped satin blouse and with a plunged back décolletage.

Satin style tops have always had a special place in my heart, and the one I chose was love at first sight, with its subtle peach hue that I find so becoming and a true "passepartout" for several outfits. Moreover, silk blouses are considered by many to be a staple of women's fashion and are never considered out. In any era, you simply can't go wrong with one of these versatile pieces.

Fashionable people have even been known to claim that a woman can go a long way with just a pair of jeans, a pair of slacks, a pencil skirt and an array of silk blouses in her wardrobe. What makes silk blouses such desirable commodities? Perhaps the reason is the fabric itself, which is soft, lustrous and has a subtle sheen. Then, there's also the fact that few fabrics drape as beautifully as silk does. 
Here are just a few reasons why a gorgeous silk blouse will never go out of fashion:

1) It's a timeless statement, showing the inherent taste in your choice of pieces that are always à la mode;

2) Incredible versatility, since it can be paired with both dark wash skinny jeans or sleek pencil skirts and tailored trousers;

3) It's comfortable, since it's capable of holding in heat during winter, but it's also breathable so that it can keep you cool in Summer. What's more, it has moisture wicking properties that keep you comfortable all day and all year long. No matter what the weather is doing, silk will keep you relaxed.

4) Endless variety of jewel hues, patterns, different cuts and styles.

5) Blouses as an investment, since trends may come and go, but great taste never goes out of style. any woman who has a collection of silk blouses will always have something amazing to wear, no matter the occasion.

🌷S/S 2020 KEY THEMES FROM RUNWAYS THAT ARE GOING TO LAST.🌷

In this new decade, throwaway trends are becoming increasingly passé, and we’re all looking for clothes that will have a lasting impact within a capsule wardrobe. The S/S 2020 runways were notably more commercial than usual, with a focus on classic legacy buys rather than whimsical and artistic creations, which could potentially fall into the fad or impractical category. The overarching theme of the S/S 2020 fashion week, which describes the aesthetic for the next season is the buzzword "wearability", which I usually find obvious to describe clothes, given it's their basic function. Anyway, the boundaries between seasons are becoming much less defined and we might be seeing a focus on sensible dressing. That doesn't mean that the fashion month was without those high-impact moments. 

Ready for more details? Here are all the silhouettes, colours and themes which will define 2020 dressing, as well as the small finishing touches which are coming through in this new decade. So, let's  keep scrolling for what's what for Spring.

1) Seventies Re-Run: The ’70s. Again. Perhaps it doesn’t feel entirely new. But the difference this season is that ’70s-inflected pieces are more wearable than ever before, thanks to a plethora of streamlined suits and easy-to-wear midi dresses, since these are clothes to last a lifetime.

2) Polka dots: Next Summer we can expect many viral spotty dresses and blouses, since designers played with the classic polka print by moving beyond the usual navy-and-cream colour combination.

3) Summer leather: Leather was one of the key fabrics for A/W 19, and this is continuing into Summer, showing that the boundaries between seasons are becoming less defined, even though with lighter shades and lightweight leathers.

4) Shorts-Suits: The difference with suiting this season is the multiple personalities that the suit embodies, since each brand did their take on the wardrobe classic, including short suits and skirt suits, often in sophisticated leather, making this trend a trans-seasonal look that offers even more options to layer and mix and to transform it in one of the key street style trends for 2020.

5) Jungle prints: Luxuriant green leaves, abstract blooms tropical prints have been flowering during S/S 2020, with palm trees and vivid colours invading dresses, jackets and footwear.

6) The décolletage: when it comes to necklines, it's all about showing off as much décolletage and shoulder as you can, by means of scoop, square and slashed necklines. The game of conceal-reveal got the upper hand, with a series of gossamer-light, lace-trimmed slip dresses, bras, bodies, tank tops that spoke of sexiness more insistently than in previous seasons. The designers gave way to this newly sensual outlay, as a new era of body confidence. Do you dare?

7) Statement collars and Puff sleeves: Victorian high collars appeared on romantic dresses, blouses, together with puff-sleeves.

8) Blue denim: Super-refined denim making everyday style a cinch? Yes, please. The spring collections deliver a variety of blue jeans, from Bermuda shorts to ’70s kick-flares and upcycled grunge numbers.

9) Updated trench coat: Fashion’s love affair with trench coats - that practical, dependable, goes-with-everything outerwear option - shows no signs of abating and this spring staple is going to be more playful than ever in 2020, with reinvented details that make the difference. 

10) Waistcoats: Now this is an item that may terrify many and bring back 90's flashbacks. You read that correctly - the waistcoat is making a comeback thanks to the abundance of tailoring on offer for spring, perhaps provided the coolest styling inspiration, with an unbuttoned black waistcoat layered over a white blouse.

11) White summer dress: another summer staple that designers have re-imagined with in line with the "keep it simple but never boring" mantra. Feeling ethereal? You're in for a treat: spring is looking perfect for wafty white dresses. Of course, that doesn't mean your old nightgown will do. Side note: it's a great season for the off-the-peg long dresses. Consider this look carefree summer immortalised (so long as you steer clear of children, pets, and red wine). 

12) Craft Fair: Rustic raffia gets a seriously luxurious makeover for spring. No longer consigned to a life of holding together sunflower stems, it's now being woven into one-of-a-kind ready-to-wear delicacies, fringing and embroidery which looked like the best expression of luxury craft. 

13) Shirt and Polo-shirt: the classic masculine shirt and the preppy polo-shirt is going to be a successful buy for 2020, with chic, minimal cotton models or knitted ones that you can wear to work or during the weekend.

14) The little black dress: over than 75% of all runways shows had at least one black dress in the collection.

15) Neon and Sunset colours: Fluoro shades have been prominent on the runway for several seasons now, but for spring, we saw a more refined spin on neon, with highlighter gowns and dresses. At times, the spring 2020 colour palette resembles a tequila sunrise, as vivid oranges dominated, punctuated with bright pinks and yellows.

What's "the moral" from this fashion report? Behind this desire for more classic, timeless pieces is the topic that's now at the top of the agenda of every fashion office in the world: "sustainability", since the fashion's industry impact on the planet can't be ignored during the fashion month, and there's no doubt sustainability will have a significant impact on how trends are shaped over the next decade. So, the headlining trends will all seamlessly transition into many of our wardrobes and stay there for the foreseeable future. 

💕💘3 VALENTINE'S DAY LOOK FORMULAS TO WEAR,

 NO MATTER WHAT YOUR PLANS ARE.💝💞

Valentine's Day is on the horizon and conveniently falls on a Friday this year, which means everyone is bound to have plans — relationship or not. And whether you're looking to impress at an upscale dinner or spend the night out with friends, you'll definitely want to plan ahead, since, no matter where you stand when it comes to the holiday, it does provide for a good excuse to get a new, glam outfit. That said, figuring out what to wear inevitably adds to the stress Feb. 14 can bring, which is why Valentine's Day looks for any occasion are important — whether you're spending it with friends or that special someone. Plans for the big day can range, but if yours include something along the lines of a romantic dinner with your significant other, a night out with friends, or a dinner party with your girls, then, you know you won't be slipping into loungewear. Which means, you're left with the task of securing pieces to create a look that's a nod to the occasion, but doesn't come off cliché. So I searched my picture archive to find 3 possible look formulas to choose:

1) Black ensemble: "classical chic" with the addition of some statement details which transform the outfit in a less obvious option.

2) Subtle-shaded glam: an elegant option with an anticipation of Spring.

3) Pop of colours: a less formal option, but still elegant and consistent with the theme of V's Day.

Now dear readers, it's up to you! I hope the ones who are still on the fence about the outfit to choose will find a helpful suggestion to feel special on their V's Day date.

WINTER CHIC: THE BLACK MINK FUR COAT.

Fashion trends come and go, but one that exudes timeless style is the fur coat - with all due respect to animal rights activists. A fur jacket is one statement outerwear no fashionista should be without, when temperatures start to drop. A chic piece which not only keeps you nice and snug, but can also single handledly glam up any ensemble. Once upon a time, fur coats were quite a niche look: either super rich socialite, or granny-chic style, you know. Anyway, I love fur coats and think that certain items of clothing are more than just coverage against the elements, but can have great significance, whether it be sentimental value, an interesting history, a symbol of an achievement, or some other meaning. So, if you, like me, are neither a grandma nor a rich socialite, and instead had a 9-5 job, a tube ride/car drive to work every day, and just a strong a penchant for fashion, well then, you really don’t need to wait until you make your first million, or reach the beautiful age of say 60 to be socially acceptable in a fur

coat. During these last cold winter weeks, even if, actually, cold is not so bitter as expected, a recent addition to my outerwear collection and also a wonderful birthday present from last December has become a staple in my closet: a bespoke, black, medium length, mink fur coat, supple, elegant, versatile, perfect to be worn with both pants and skirts/dresses. It was purchased at Pellicceria Contemporanea - Brescia Facebook: @vintagecontemporaneobrescia, Instagram: @vintagecontemporaneofirme, a store located in the historic centre of Brescia. Carla and Ilenia, the obliging and helpful owners, with the co-operation of specialised craftsmen, chooses the materials accurately and sells these luxury pieces of outerwear, keeping very low prices thanks to high stock turnover rates. So, if you think that the downside of buying a fur coat is finding the right one without breaking the bank, you don't need to either chase the retail chains for latest faux fur trends out there, or just find a great fur sale to get your lust quenched: this will be the suitable address for you. 
The collection in store will catch your eye, since it reinterprets classic heritage glamour with contemporary volumes and feminine appeal, as well as the essence of chic but never ostentatious luxury. The Maison's laboratories, located in Milan area, can create "made-to-measure" garments, following your special requests for colours and sizes, shaped with the natural hues of beige, brown, grey, and black, while daring with a few accurate touches of colour. The use of precious materials, ranges from sable to fox and mink furs, weaving them according to a mannish sartorial style that marks the store's timeless values of elegance. The concept of styling is revealed, renewed as well as linked to the shop's identity also in the collection of vintage and regenerated branded clothes, cashmere knitwear, and accessories, selected directly from US stores.