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...

STYLISH TRAVELLING LUGGAGE FOR FASHION GIRLS.

The season of holidays has started, so it's impossible not to write about the choice of stylish luggage. All fashion girls love travelling in style and in trendy appearance, so elegant luggage becomes a must for their journeys. Being a fashion victim to the branded handbags will make you modify all your old bags with the brand that you care for, being crazy about buying all the little accessories from it, just to complete the looks.

Personally, I have a fashion craze for Louis Vuitton bags and luggage, but I find that these luxury, delicate items are not fit for travelling by plane, since they can be easily damaged, if not carefully handled, so I only use them when I travel by car and I can use the whole set including the beauty case and the garment bag. Louis Vuitton is synonimous with luxury, finery. The traditional craftsmanship of its products is characterised by flexible leather and chic design, and that is certainly the reason of the brand's huge popularity. Anyway, if you're not addicted to a particular brand, the market offers such a varied range of sizes, colours and styles, that it's impossible to fail picking what is comfortable to you and can cover all your needs as well. There are many types of traveling bags for an exact trip, from; climbing bags, backpacks, luggage, shoulder bags, suitcases and more. 

And good news is that there are several occasions to buy a good travel bag at low costs by purchasing it throughout the sale time, two times a year, or shopping online from huge online sites. In addition, there are some seasonal decreases coming throughout the year. Just remember that the good quality often comes at a high price, but when a you need a luxury travelling bag, then spending money on these items is absolutely a valuable deal. So, enjoy the traveling bags selection I made for you, and prepare for your trip in a chic and stylish style. And don't forget to wear simple outfits, when travelling, focusing on how to be comfy for a long time: pick a casual sweater, jeans, and sneakers, and prepare yourself for a nice journey with your favourite brand. 
For me, it's time to pack for a week's holiday in St-Tropez. Bye bye! 😎🌞

THE DIORAMA BAG BY DIOR: THE EPITOME OF MODERN FRENCH-CHIC.

The accessory market is always shifting; slowly, one designer moves up the ranks while another moves down, and trends ebb and flow. In this ever-changing scenario, Dior is often present with either new models of bags or updated versions of its classics.

As you have probably noticed, I have a soft spot for classic models of bags, so there is something special about finding an alternative clean design from a renowned fashion house.

The Lady Dior is a classic bag and the small black patent version is a favourite of mine, whenever I need to get dressed up for an evening event. On the other hand, when I'm in the mood of summoning up the careless French chic, the Diorama plays her best role with clean architecture on a fashion-forward design. This model is also a great option if you want a timeless yet fashionable, ladylike bag that can be carried during the day, but works beautifully for evening, especially if you choose the more edgy metallic shades. 

The Diorama is a classic, timeless beauty, ready to be carried by many for years to come. Like all iconic models, there are several versions in different materials and colours, and it is available in four sizes: Mini Diorama (7.09" x 4.5" x 1.6"), Small Diorama (8.05" x 5.12" x 3.15"), classic Diorama (9.8" x 6.1" x 3.15"), Large Diorama (11.4" x 7" x 3.5"). My favourite version is the classic Diorama in chic pastel-coloured shades of plain calfskin + pale gold/silver hardware, which invariably remind me of a "promenade" along the Croisette, in May, under the spell of the delicate scent of flowers, the sun glaring out of a clear blue sky and a soft breeze blowing from the Mediterranean and through the palm trees...

🌞HOW TO WEAR LEATHER IN SUMMER WEATHER IN 8 EASY OUTFITS.🌞

While still waiting for more kinder weather to come, this would therefore appear to be a good moment to take stock of the key pieces to have in our closets next season. Cotton, linen, and silk are all standard fixtures in any summer-ready wardrobe. Leather and suede, on the other hand, probably don’t come to mind when you’re getting dressed on a hot, humid day — but that doesn’t mean you should disregard these pieces entirely, especially since we all work in air-conditioned environment. Don’t get stuck thinking only of the heavyweight hides you wore through the winter. Leather of a lighter variety has been a key trend for Spring, and you can expect it to continue well into the coming season. When it comes to how exactly to wear leather in Summer, a few updates and some strategic styling will make it better suited to the rising temperatures we all hope will come soon. Certain pieces will always have a place in your outfit rotation, or at least in mine since I'm a great fan of leather, no matter the time of year. A simple leather jacket, for instance, is as essential now as ever. An elegant blazer style can be worn to the office to help elevate a plain shift dress, while a classic moto is perfect when you’re wearing a light camisole or slip dress on a cool night and want that just-enough extra layer. Beyond these seasonless staples, look for leather in summer-friendly forms. In other words, less coverage and lighter colours. The latest collections feature sleeveless and short-sleeved tops and dresses, as well as leg-baring mini-skirts and trouser shorts that help keep things airy and comfortable. Sunny brights and soft pastel hues also work since they won't absorb heat like classic black. Ahead, shop some of the coolest leather pieces for your warm-weather wardrobe, and discover chic ways to wear them in the  months ahead.
1) A modern blazer: for the minimalist, a boxy leather blazer is the perfect extra-layer to wear with a simple fitted white dress and barely heeled sandals. 

2) Short sleeves: pair a short-sleeve leather top with summery pieces like a printed skirt, shorts or pants. 

3) A lightly-coloured leather shirt: wearing a shirt that incorporates elements of bright white is certainly the seasonable way to wear leather, but also the evergreen boho-chic version is in.

4) A cool mini-dress: a puff-sleeve leather mini-dress or a more sporty shirtdress strike the perfect balance of feminine and edgy.

5) Tailored shorts: tailored leather shorts can be a power player in your Summer work wardrobe. Add a refined silk shirt and a statement belt for a fully polished look. 

6) Bright pants: a bold-coloured pair of leather pants fells suited to Summer's bright, splashy mood, while a sheer blouse helps keep things cool in the heat. 

7) A leather skirt: boho-chic has been a summer obsession for several years, so we will certainly be able to dig out a leather plain, laser-cut, or lace-up skirt from our closets and try cute combinations for the new season.

8) A moto jacket: no leather list would be complete without a classic moto jacket. Choose either a sleeveless or lightly-coloured version to throw it on over a slinky slipdress or chiffon pleated skirt, this Summer, for the perfect outer layer. 

🚗MILLE MIGLIA🚗: 

"THE MOST BEAUTIFUL RACE IN THE WORLD" IS ITALIAN.

Like every year, Mille Miglia has been back, a unique vintage regularity car race, over 90 years of passions, emotions, and traditions along the non-stop itinerary from Brescia to Rome and back. Often regarded as the most beautiful car race in the world, the modern competition is a re-edition of the historical race which took place in Italy twenty-four times from 1927 to 1957, so participation is limited to cars, produced no later than 1957, which had attended (or were registered) to the original race. The route (Brescia–Rome round trip) is similar to that of the original race, maintaining the point of departure/arrival in Viale Venezia, Brescia-Italy. 

Along the classic route from Brescia to Rome and back, the Mille Miglia crosses through the artistic and natural beauties of Italy, a real travelling museum of exceptional historic and sporting value that is immersed in the extraordinary cities of art and Italian evocative natural landscapes. Car lovers meet the racers (Formula 1 champions, celebrities, actors, and athletes) and discuss the route, placement expectations, and the examine the models of cars, during the whole event. Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Ferrari, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Fiat, Audi, Bmw, Bugatti, Maserati, Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Bentley: the most fascinating cars all meet during this race, coming from the garage of car collectors or from car manufacturers’ museums.

  Personally, I'm very fond of the oldest models of Bentleys as well as of convertible models of Jaguar, so, if I ever had the chance of taking part in a Mille Miglia race, I'd like to drive one of these models. This year the race has started on Wednesday, May 15 from Brescia, after a brief show of the Frecce Tricolori (Italian Air Force aerobatic team), overflying the old city centre in honour of the event and arrives in Rome on Thursday, May 16. The cars are due to be back in Brescia on Saturday, May 18; an award ceremony follows right after the arrival. At the end of the competition, on Saturday May 18 there is a  Great White Night in the streets of Brescia’s old centre. For further information about the itinerary, you can visit the website www.millemiglia.it. Even for those who aren't car enthusiasts, a stroll through the historic streets and squares of Brescia especially during the performance of car control procedures, to mingle with the festive crowd of thousands of car lovers and jet-setters attracted to Italy from all over the world is always a thrilling and amusing experience to be remembered, of course without forgetting the umbrella, since traditionally this event is often "wet with rain". ☔🌂

THE IRRESISTIBLE CHARM OF ENGLISH ROSES.

English roses are perhaps the perfect compliment to any garden thanks to their rustic charm    reminding of romantic cottage style. The success of this kind of roses, which were bred by the British rose breeder David Austin (they are also called David Austin Roses) in his garden in Shropshire, England, is in their combining the positive re-blooming attribute and wide colour range of modern hybrid teas and floribundas with the vigour, form, and intense fragrance of the old garden roses. Most noteworthy are their romantic and soft cupped blooms with many nuanced petals and arguably the most intoxicating fragrance anywhere in a garden. Moreover, it is easier to learn how to grow English roses than traditional tea roses, consequently they are more of a landscape shrub rather than a finicky rose with more definite colouring. 

English roses are also a fabulous choice for cutting. Personally, I've always been a huge fan  of the pink, cream and yellow varieties and love using them for informal tablescapes or combined to other rustic flowers in a small cluster on my bedside table. Their abundant and incredibly beautiful blossoms, coupled with their delightful fragrance, make them real favourites to enjoy indoors or give to loved ones. And since it's always a special pleasure to cut flowers, fresh from your own garden, if you're so lucky to have one, you'll find that, thanks to their repeat flowering qualities, English roses produce exquisite blooms time and again, so that you'll always find a few perfect blooms that beg to be brought indoors. And when the rose bush you cut your flowers from is covered in blooms from early summer till frost, this pleasure can be happily renewed... 
So, dear readers, here are the varieties chosen for our garden. I'm sure you'll love them...

Wildeve: Soft blush blooms with a pretty apricot hue, the outer petals paling to almost white, produced on long arching branches forming a bushy, mounding shrub. Named after the character in Thomas Hardy's "The Return of the Native". David Austin, 2003.

William Morris: Apricot/pink double flowers with strong, exquisite fragrance,  blooming in small clusters forming a shrub throughout the season. This variety commemorates the University of East London's centenary year, David Austin, 1987. 

Graham Thomas: bears medium-sized, cupped blooms of an unusually rich, pure yellow. there is a light Tea fragrance, with a cool violet character. It forms a bushy, vigorous shrub, with smooth, green foliage. David Austin, 1983.

Cottage Rose: bears medium to large pink blooms in large clusters and with a mild fragrance. It forms a bushy, medium-tall shrub, with smooth, green foliage. David Austin, 1991.