Chic Cycling in Milan: Dolce & Gabbana's 2012 Fashion Bicycle

Photo courtesy of Dolce&Gabbana - With Erika Boldrin

Yesterday, during Milan Design Week during the Salone del Mobile, I was invited for the launching of Dolce & Gabbana's new limited-edition leopard print bicycle inside of their boutique Spiga 2.  Along with other fashion-industry insiders, we rode our bikes throughout the city, dodging the crowds and arousing the curiosity of bystanders.  It was a hot event, and lots of fun.  Back in the boutique we took a virtual trip to the Sicilian roots of Dolce & Gabbana by drinking a well-earned glass of fresh lemonade.

50 of these handmade and individually numbered Dolce & Gabbana bikes will be for sale in several of their boutiques around the world.  So go check them out to see for yourself.  Beyond its undoubtedly fashionable appearance, I can assure you that the ride was smooth and comfortable, even on the rocky Milan cobblestones!

Before leaving, I was given a couple of cool Dolce & Gabbana lipsticks to try as a thank you, and I will be writing a review of them here soon on The Chic Trotter, so follow me for more info!

Thanks a lot to D&G for the invitation!

http://www.dolcegabbana.com/

Ieri per la settimana del design durante il Salone del Mobile a Milano, ero presente al lancio della nuova bicicletta leopardata di Dolce & Gabbana in edizione limitata.  Dalla boutique Spiga 2, io e le altre invitate fashioniste siamo partite per fare un giretto per le strade della città, schivando la folla e destando la curiosità di tutti presenti.  E' stato un evento molto cool e ci siamo divertiti tutti.  Al rientro in boutique, abbiamo fatto un viaggio virtuale alla Sicilia di Dolce & Gabbana, sorseggiando una ben meritata limonata fresca.

50 biciclette numerate saranno disponibili in tutto il mondo nelle loro boutique, quindi vi invito ad andarle a vedere.  Vi posso assicurare che oltre all'apparenza decisamente fashion, l'andamento era morbido e confortevole anche sui sanpietrini di Milano!

Prima di congedarci, mi hanno regalato un paio di rossetti di Dolce & Gabbana e a breve ne dedicherò una recensione sul blog, quindi seguitemi per saperne di più!

Grazie mille a D&G per l'invito!

Chia Beach - Easter Weekend in Sardinia

I spent Easter weekend with friends in Sardinia, overwhelmed by the spectacular views of vast uncontaminated beaches that were practically uninhabited.  Although the wind was strong and the temperature still cool, the sun warmed my skin and filled me with joy.  Spring has finally arrived!

A Pasqua sono stata con amici in Sardegna.  Sono rimasta sconvolta dalle viste spettacolari di spiagge incontaminate e pressoché disabitate.  Anche se il vento era fortino e faceva fresco, il sole mi scaldava la pelle e mi riempiva di gioia.  Finalmente é arrivata la primavera!

What I'm wearing:
Dress:  Mango
Trench:  Burberry Prorsum
Scarf:  Heavens Genève
Ballerinas:  Ralph Lauren
Sunglasses:  Chanel
Tights:  Calzedonia

Navy and Soft Grey - Sporty Classic

This Balenciaga skirt with a maxi-zipper is my favorite.  I love the length and volume, and it's so beautifully cut and finished.  Soft grey with navy blue is very classic, but my Hogan bag and boots make the outfit more sporty and springlike.  Perfect for my coffee break in San Eustorgio park!

What I'm wearing:

Cardigan: Marina Yachting
Skirt:  Balenciaga
Sleeveless turtle neck:  Camaieu
Bag + Ankle boots:  Hogan
Sunglasses:  Chanel
Necklace:  
Tights:  Calzedonia

Urban Cavalier - Lux & Low Cost

I love this H&M horse print, and it is actually long enough to wear as a little dress with leggings, but here I preferred to pair it with a leather skirt.  These are some of my favorite colors, maroon, caramel, chocolate brown, burnt orange.  I also tried to focus on mixing textures and materials, warm tones and cooler ones, and some of my favorite low cost items with pricier accessories.

What I'm wearing:
Button-down shirt + Skirt + Tights:  H&M
Jacket:  Max&Co.
Bag:  Jamin Puech
Boots:  Ralph Lauren
Belt:  Zara
Sunglasses + Watch:  Chanel

Marni at H&M - Chic Spring Silk

 

Last week I managed to buy some items from the beautiful collection, Marni at H&M.   This sale turned out to be quite an adventure.  I arrived at the H&M near Milano's Duomo at 10am to discover that people had been waiting outside the shop since dawn to get a numbered bracelet that would allow them a mere 15 minutes of shopping.  There were crowds of people desperate to get in somehow before everything was sold, and I realized that I probably wasn't going to be buying any Marni.  In a last-ditch effort, I blurted out, "I guess the only way to get in at this point is by bribing someone!".  Little did I know that this comment would introduce me to my fashion guardian angel.  After chatting for a little while in line, fellow fashion blogger  www.ilariaginevra.com very kindly gave me one of her two entry bracelets.  Thank you Ilaria!  I'm thrilled with my purchases.

What I'm wearing:
Top:  Marni at H&M
Jeans: Zara
Bag:  Gucci
Shoes:  Ralph Lauren

Rock Chic - Urban Edgy

What I'm wearing:
Jacket: D-Type
Leather leggings:  Drome
Shoes: Pierre Hardy
Bag: Chloé
T-shirt:  Mason
Hat: Divided

My Style - Farewell to Winter

What I'm wearing:

Coat:  Etro
Skirt: Max&Co.
Bag: Jamin Puech
Sunglasses:  Chanel
Boots: Storie  Gloves: H&M  Hat: Motivi
Scarf:  Pashmina  Tights: Calzedonia

My Style - What I like

Photo by Sandro Brant

If I had to define my style, it would be feminine chic.  Perhaps it would help to say who I typically dress for...women first of all, and then for people who appreciate the little details.  I prefer sensual to sexual, sophisticated to knock out, feminine to femme fatale.  This isn't to say I don't like to wear a dazzling neckline or show a bit of skin, but let's just say that I like to keep it reigned in just to the point where men on the street might whisper an appreciative comment, but wouldn't think of whistling.

I like frills, ribbons, sparkles, textures, materials, transparencies, and layers.  I love flowing silks, well-tailored or perfectly fitting clothes, solid colors, stripes, carefully chosen prints, and I have a weakness for skirts and summer dresses.  Of course, accessories are what brings everything together and show a distinctive flair...so I'm slowly hoarding shoes, bags, belts, scarves, jewelery, sun glasses, and hats.

I decided several years ago ONLY to buy clothes that fit me (almost) perfectly in the store, no more massive alterations.  It's fine to shorten a hemline or slightly modify the waistline, but altering it drastically to make it work for me means that I'd be ruining the original intent.  A piece of clothing should suit me, by enhancing my stronger features and cleverly concealing my weaker points. This is what makes an article a classic.  If it makes me look and feel better, then I will be wearing it more often and with the casual ease that ensures that I can "carry it off" rather than looking like I'm playing dress up in my mom's closet!

Warming Up White

White is one of my favorites all year round.  It is fresh, clean and pretty.  Warming it up with a bit of leather can help it to transition into fall.




What I'm wearing:
Dress:  Gado Gado by Marghriet Wageraar
Camisole:  Intimissimi
Boots:  Ralph Lauren
Belt:  Twin Set
Bag:  Salvatore Santoro
Sunglasses:  Madonna for Dolce & Gabbana

Pretty in Pink

When it's time to choose an unforgettable evening look for a cocktail party, try light colors such as this pretty petal pink, rather than dark and anonymous shadow colors.

What I'm wearing:
Dress:  Vintage
Headband:  Accessorize
Lace Bracelet:  La Perla
Shoes:  BCDG
Bag:  Chloe
Watch:  Chanel

Making Mustard Palatable - Autumn City Look

 

Mustard is hot this season, but it's not always complexion flattering when used as the primary color in an outfit.  Try using it as an accent, blended with other warm, autumnal colors to make it more palatable if it's not quite your color.






What I'm wearing:
Shirt:  Erika Tanov
Pants:  Ralph Lauren
Shoes:  Repetto
Bag: Salvatore Santore
Belt:  H&M
Sunglasses:  Madonna for D&G

Watch:  Hermes