September 27, 2010

Does One Really Need to Pay $1500 for an Italian Handbag?

Does the label really matter?

At our home, we have been getting the usual fall catalogs in the mail these days (and I thought we were all trying to save trees and save money- what happened to that?) But, never mind the political correctness for a moment- the PRICES of handbags.I just don’t get it.

First of all, yes, I love Italian leather handbags. Italian leather is of superior quality, the workmanship is magnificent; the attention to detail, the comfort, style, and durability is unsurpassed. But one can have all of that without paying a crazy amount of money. I’m not saying it’s ever cheap, and while cheap handbags are fine, you all know what I mean. Are the designers laughing all the way to the bank? And sometimes the bags aren’t even leather!

Let’s talk for a minute about the necessity of having a well-known designer label on a bag. Why does one need it? I’m just posing the question. It gives us prestige,we think it shows our sense of style without having to create our own. Does it tell people that we are wealthy, or happy, or well-adjusted or does it tell the designers that we are willing to pay whatever it takes to validate ourselves and show off to others their labels on our purses, and on watches and jeans?

The designs themselves are stunning. Granted. But often it really is just the name that is generating the high cost. Soft leather handbags can be found online for a quarter of the price- and it gives us the chance to create our own style and look without having to follow the pack.
                                                           

September 13, 2010

Murano Glass Jewelry by Ercole Moretti

Anyone who has been to Venice and its island of Murano, or has seen jewelry online, knows how overwhelming the choices of glass jewelry are to the eye. We know how confusing it can be. Well, you’re not alone.

The initial vision of colors, luminescence, shapes and sizes is enough to scare away even the most trained person. We have learned to eliminate fairly quickly what we don’t want for our clients, and to focus on what interests us the most. What we pass over first is jewelry that’s commonly seen in shops in the US. At Serena Italian Imports, we specialize in bringing unique gifts ideas and unusual designer costume jewelry to our clientele.

We are featuring Murano glass jewelry from Ercole Moretti. One of my favorite pieces from that line is our Moretti Rectangular Ring, a very simple Murano glass ring. A Moretti Square Ring is also available. At $32 they are sweet treats for yourself or for a friend. This adjustable ring is perfect for any size hand.

There are glass beaded necklaces in various styles and also an adjustable bracelet, our Moretti Murrine Bracelet.

Trust our eye at Serena Imports to bring you all that is special and unique from Italy. We’ve done the legwork, and can bring Italy to YOU!

Here’s a video of Ercole Moretti’s glass jewelry from Murano. You’ll also see some of our necklaces from Raffaele Piccoli. Hope you like the accompanying music, too!

September 1, 2010

Importing From Italy Is What We Do Best

Next month Serena Italian Imports' staff is heading to Florence to see some Italian designers, order new merchandise, and check out a few showrooms. Once travel dates are chosen, and our day to day schedule starts to take shape, I get these fabulous butterflies inside; the excitement of returning to my beloved city of Florence overtakes me.


Tempered with that though, is the sadness of leaving my family for a week. Even though I know that everyone will be fine, and that they can all get by quite well without me, I still don’t love leaving them.

We’ve got some great appointments lined up: leather handbags at Gianni Chiarini, a day’s trip to Rovigo, near Venice, to see the Annalisa Miniutti handbag showroom, a morning at Angela Caputi for a new look at her stunning fashion jewelry and to see what next spring and summer’s jewelry will look like, a short train ride for a visit at the Tuscan glass IVAT showroom. And that’s just what we’ve planned so far!

In addition, you can be sure we will be doing our own personal shopping every possible minute, as well as taking lots of photos and videos to show you what’s happening on the streets of Florence.

I must get to my favorite museum in Florence, the Bargello, a stop I make every time I’m there, plus much more cultural activity still needs to be planned- not to mention get-togethers with dear friends, and restaurant plans. And- I get to speak Italian for a full week!