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...

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...