ASOS A/W 2012 - Super Chic Fashion on a Limited Budget

All photographs were taken by The Chic Trotter

The London-based Asos 2012 Autumn/Winter collection is a fabulous example of what affordable online ready-to-wear and accessories can offer.   Whether you're on a budget or simply wanting to pick up an unnecessary but super-hip item without the guilt of double-digit prices, Asos is the place for you.

The collection is rich with jewel colors, enticing textures, and over-the-top statement pieces.  Although there are basics, it's the cheeky-chic patterns, sequins and faux-fur that make this collection so much fun.  And you can afford it, trust me.

The items I photographed here are from Asos' custom brand, but the website hosts more than 900 international brands and designers too.  They offer free shipping in the countries they are operating in.

Go to their website to find out more and start shopping:  www.asos.com

Direttamente da Londra, la collezione Autunno/Inverno 2012 di Asos prêt-à-porter e accessori è un esempio favoloso di ciò che si può trovare in vendita online a prezzi veramente ragionevoli.  Sia per quelle con un budget limitato, sia per chi vuole potersi concedere un pezzo super-cool senza sensi di colpa, Asos è l'ideale per tutte.

La collezione è colma di colori ricchi, materiali e texture infiniti e pezzi statement stravaganti.  Ci sono articoli basici, ma sono le fantasie scherzosamente chic, le paillettes e le eco-pellice che rendono così divertente la collezione.  E puoi assolutamente permetterteli, fidati!

Tutto quello che avete visto qui sono pezzi che ho fotografato della linea di abbigliamento Asos, ma il loro sito ospita e vende articoli da oltre 900 marchi e stilisti internazionali.  In Italia la spedizione è gratis.

Andate a vedere il loro sito internet per saperne di più e iniziare a fare shopping:  www.asos.com

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!

Io e Meg - Delightful Boutique near Milan's Solari Park

Silk tunic by Hoss  

 Liberty cotton tunics by Io e Meg

Bijoux by N2 Collection - Les Néréides

This marvelous little boutique is just around the corner from my home.  It's been open for nearly a year, but I only just discovered it today, to my delight.  The style is romantic and they carry a beautiful selection of European brands: delicately colorful clothing by the Spanish brands Hoss and Nice Things, as well as French Des Pétit Hauts, and their own Io e Meg private label made of Liberty cotton.  Bags by Sud and English Orla Kiely, as well as charming French bijoux by Les Néréides and Hope Hope Hope, and fanciful scarves by Yago.  It's the perfect shop for an afternoon treat or a special gift.


Questa meravigliosa boutique é dietro l'angolo da casa mia.  E' aperta da un annetto, ma l'ho scoperto solo oggi, felicemente.  Dallo stile romantico, hanno una bellissima selezione di marchi europei: vestiti dai colori tenui delle griffe spagnoli Hoss e Nice Things, dalla Francia Des Pétit Hauts e una linea loro fatta di cotone Liberty.  Le borse sono di Sud e dell'inglese Orla Kiely e i deliziosi bijoux francesi di Les Néréides e Hope Hope Hope e le fantasiose sciarpe di Yago.  Qui ci si può concedere uno sfizietto pomeridiano o trovare un regalo unico.

Find them in one of their two Milan locations:  

Via California 22  Tel. 02 4984920 (pictured here) 

On the corner of Via Sacco and Via Marghera  Tel. 02 4986310

www.ioemeg.com

ES Intimo - Beautiful Lingerie and Beachwear - Near Milan Duomo

In Via Mazzini, just off Piazza Duomo in Milan, hidden between many well-known chain stores, you will find this fabulous little boutique.  It's practically bursting with beautiful pieces from brands such as Aubade, La Perla, Cotton Club, Cosabella, Blumarine, Miss Bikini, Grazia'Lliani, Princesse Tam.Tam, Poisson D'amour, and many others.  The selection is great, from luxurious embroidered and beaded beachwear, to colorful tunics, romantic baby-dolls, and french lace adorned lingerie.  It's the perfect shop for treating yourself to something pretty, sexy, playful or practical.  Here you can find beautiful beachwear even in the winter, and it is also one of the few shops in Milan that allow you to buy bikini tops and bottoms separately, to fit your individual needs.  Stop by and check it out!

In Via Mazzini, a pochissimi passi dal Duomo di Milano, nascosta tra tanti negozi monomarca conosciutissimi, si trova questa favolosa boutique di intimo e costumi da bagno.  Il negozio è colmo di pezzi meravigliosi di brand di alta qualità come Aubade, La Perla, Cotton Club, Cosabella, Blumarine, Miss Bikini, Grazia'Lliani, Princesse Tam.Tam, Poisson D'amour.  La selezione è fantastica e passa da tuniche in cotone ricamato, costumi impreziositi con perline, copricostumi colorati, a baby-doll romantici e lingerie di pizzo francese.  E' il negozio ideale per concedersi uno sfizio bellissimo, sexy, giocoso o basico.   Qui si trovano i costume da bagno anche d'inverno ed è uno dei pochi negozi a Milano che ti permettono di acquistare i pezzi del costume separatamente, in base alla propria misura.  Passate a farci un giro!

Via Mazzini 2, Milan  www.esintimo.it 

Shopping at Anna Ravazzoli - Chic Fix in Milan

Anna Ravazzoli has been a fixture in Milan since 1970 and has made her mark by carrying some of the most exclusive luxury brands in two her tiny boutiques, across the street from each other.  One is dedicated primarily to clothing and the other exclusively to accessories.  The selection is not hugely vast, but it is fabulously contemporary and on the edgy side.  The sparse design of the shops helps to give a sense of exclusivity to the pieces found inside, which are beautifully showcased.

Brands include Givenchy, Balmain, Lanvin, YSL, Chloé, Valentino, Ferragamo, Céline, Giuseppe Zanotti and many more.

Located on Corso Genova 16/13    Tel. +39 (0)2 8323088

(conveniently nearby Biffi...so why not stop by both while you're in the neighborhood!)

www.annaravazzoli.com

Antonia - Fashion One Stop Wonder in Milan

Antonia is has been written up in all of the major fashion mags for good reason.  This shop is lovely, and if you're planning on going high-end shopping in Milan, put this shop on the top of your list.  They carry Balenciaga, Derek Lam,Victoria Beckham, Bottega Veneta and many others.  As mentioned in my previous post, Antonia is now also managing the clothing and accessories selection for the new department store Excelsior.

Via Ponte Vetero 1

http://www.antonia.it

Excelsior - New Shopping Paradise in Milan

It would take pages to list all of the brands that are sold and beautifully displayed in this new fashion mecca in Milan.  Excelsior is the newest department store in Milan, and the three floors dedicated to clothing and accessories are managed by Antonia (read more about this fabulous shop in my other post) and this means that the selection is top notch and eclectic, carrying both the big names and harder to find niche brands and novelty gift items.   They've also got a Tiffany's boutique and a perfume bar.  When you're ready for a break, Excelsior houses a fantastic gourmet food and wine department, a couple of chic restaurants and a café, a Ladurée macaron corner, so it's also a great place to eat a hot meal or take away a tasty fresh salad and a great bottle of artisanal beer.  This place is not to be missed!

Galleria del Corso 4, Milano, just behind the Duomo.

 http://www.excelsiormilano.com

Biffi Boutiques - Trot Down to this Shop in Milan

In Italy, Biffi is a long-standing reference point for fashion retail excellence.  The selection they make is eagerly observed by shop owners in the know, because if Biffi has it then there's bound to be a good reason.  They carry brands such as Marni, Emilio Pucci, Junya Watananbe, Fendi, Gucci, Antonio Marras, Stella Mccartney, Tory Burch and many others and have a well balanced selection of clothing and accessories for both men and women.  They also offer a personal stylist service, and sell online.  The flagship boutique is not huge, but it's well worth stopping by:  Corso Genova 6, Milan

http://www.biffiboutiques.com

DMagazine Outlet Milan - High Fashion At Great Prices

This is no ordinary outlet.  You can find many of the great names in fashion in these chic outlets in three shops around the city, strategically placed in the high-fashion areas.  They've got Prada, Miu Miu, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Comme des Garçons and many more.  Sizes can be limited, and it's not the cheapest outlet out there, but it's always worth it to have a look around and see what's available.

Go check them out in:  Via Montenapoleone 26, Via Forcella 13, Via Bigli 4 

www.dmagazine.it

Il Salvagente - Fashion "Lifesavers" in Milan

If there is one shop in Milan that every model comes to know sooner or later, it's "Il Salvagente" or the "lifesaver", and they do live up to their name in a fashion emergency.  These people are legendary in fashion circles. Their outlet is a regular supplier for all the stylists in town for fashion shoots.  They carry an incredible array of top brands, from Chloe' and Balenciaga, to Dries Van Noten and Margiela, and many, many more...at incredibly discounted prices.

This is the kind of tip I'm not so sure I should be sharing...

Go do a fly by in Via Bronzetti 16.

www.salvagente.it

Cavalli e Nastri: Chic Vintage in the Heart of Milan

Photos via www.cavallienastri.com

Let me assure you, this is not your average vintage shop.  You will find no dusty, faded, wilted worn or dismal pieces in this exquisitely selected collection.  This whimsically named shop, Cavalli e Nastri  (or "Horses and Ribbons") is just what you needed if you're looking for vintage Hermes, Gucci, Chanel, YSL, they've got 'em all.  You'll find fabulous prints, mint-condition bags, costume jewelry, and even home furnishings in their three Milan locations.

Hit their shop in Via Brera 2 for starters...fashion stylists beware, you will leave with a lighter wallet!

Check out their website at:
www.cavallienastri.com

Jennipie - Pretty "Petit Four" Lingerie - Oh la la!

photo via www.jennipie.it

I've always had a thing for cupcakes, and what girl doesn't like a little lingerie?  The next time you're in Milan, pop over to this fabulous little boutique, tucked away in Corso Magenta.  It feels like you've entered a romantic pastry shop, full of pastel colors, cupcakes, and flowers, but really this little gem of a shop sells frilly panties, silky babydolls, bathing suits, and super-feminine accessories.

These scrumptious little confections make the perfect gift in their little pastry-box packaging.
So make the trip, this place is pure flirty, girly fun...

Go check out their website, you'll see what I mean!
www.jennipie.it