Cleaning Out The Closet

I spent three hours in my closet the other day. No kidding. Out with the old, in with the new. Even though trying on clothes, and deciding what stays and what goes can be tiring and a bit tedious, the end result is so satisfying. It has been proven to me over and over again: less is more.

I usually end up with two piles, plus a cleaned out closet. One pile is “get rid of it, you’ve never even worn it –aka “you’ve worn it a million times, time to go” and the other pile is “Not ready to get rid of this yet, guess I’ll decide next year”. I try to keep the latter pile as small as possible, and try to be brutally honest.

Here is where the fun begins- time to put outfits together and be creative. Can I wear last year’s top with a new scarf or a new Italian necklace? How about those tight Italian jeans with this year’s new wedges? What about that 10 year old dress from Florence? What can we do this year that's new? I love letting my own style and personality come through in my choices. Mixing designers is one way; I also like layering and mixing textures.

The easiest way for me to dress is to keep my clothes neutral and add pops of color with accessories. I do this with scarves, belts, Italian jewelry, a watch, sometimes an Italian handbag. But I’m careful to never overdo it.

And really, in addition to all of the great fashion items of this season, one of the best accessories is a great lipstick, and THE best accessory is a smile. Try it on- you’ll feel great.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas for the Women we Love

Looking for Mother’s Day gift ideas? I know, it can be a tough one. Does she like chunky necklaces, beaded necklaces? Maybe Murano glass jewelry? The truth of the matter is, the lucky recipient adores you. And she’ll no doubt love whatever you get her because you are an important person in her life.

Just the fact that you’ve put thought and care into getting your mother or sister or loved one that perfect gift is enough for a woman to get all choked up. Take it from one who knows. I’m the type that gets all teary eyed just spending more than 30 seconds in the Hallmark aisle at CVS.

Please visit us at Serena Italian Imports!

For a few creative gifts, here’s a collection of Italian jewelry and other Italian ideas that might help.
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The Excitement of Seeing the UPS Man!

Even though I don’t have the pleasure of meeting all of my clients in person, they have become very important people in my life; I do feel like I know them. And there are so many more that I’d like to get to know. Italian jewelry and Italian handbags have connected me to people all over the world.

So when we choose Italian merchandise to import, we are thinking of our clients and what we think they might like for the season. They are always with us!

I’m thrilled when I see the UPS man at our door with our boxes. I can’t wait to present the new merchandise to my dear clients. And all the better that the arrival is from Italy- kind of like when we were little and stood at the window waiting for the long distance relatives to arrive!

Our newest line of Italian jewelry is carried in the US only by Serena Italian Imports. It’s light, delicate and perfect for spring and summer. The colorful stretchy bracelets have Swarovski beads - and no worries about wrist size. Included in this line are also simple Swarovski beaded necklaces and stud earrings.

Let us bring Italy to you- and we hope you feel the same sense of excitement when YOUR package arrives from Serena.

Exclusive Swarovski Crystal Jewelry

A Blog that I Love- to Share with you from Serena Italian Imports

There are never enough hours in the day to play in our closets and put outfits together- and of course there’s never enough time to scour the stores looking for great pieces, italian accessories or otherwise, to add to our wardrobes. Here’s a blog that I love which helps with both issues: www.fabulousfloridamommy.blogspot.com

This active, upbeat Florida mom does the work for us! You’ll find individual pieces of clothing, shoes and accessories, and often you’ll find entire outfits put together. The best part is that she provides links to each piece of merchandise, including coupons and special sales, so you can very easily purchase whatever you want. Inexpensive pieces are sometimes mixed with more pricey items, but in general everything is reasonable (except for a tiny splurge item every once in a while!)

I think this Fabulous Florida Mom provides a wonderful service to those of us looking for trends, time-saving information, and casual looks. And for women who do like a little help putting things all together, take advantage of this. It’s like having your own personal shopper online.

visit http://www.fabulousfloridamommy.blogspot.com/

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Happy Valentine's Day from Serena Italian Imports

Top Ten Tips-How to Fit Right In During Your Italian Vacation

We all love italian travel, and we want to be comfortable. But even though we are proud to be tourists, and are adventurous, we also want to try to fit in and present some semblance of style and sophistication in our actions and in our dress. Here are a few tips:

1.Be polite. In shops and restaurants you will almost always be greeted with “Buongiorno” or “Salve”. Respond in kind! And when you leave, grazie, buongiorno, buonasera or ciao go a long way towards showing kindness and respect.

2.Try to learn how to correctly pronounce a few italian words before you travel: grazie, prego, per favore, mi scusi are musts. And maybe even learn how to say a few favorite wines or foods like formaggio, pane, vino rosso, or vino bianco.

3.Stick to wearing neutral colors in the cities, adding a little color for accent. Leave your hot pink tops at home.

4. Men- wear long pants, no matter how hot it is! Shorts are great for the beaches, but not the cities. Baseball caps and fanny packs should be left at home.

5. Women- wear a scarf around your neck, no matter what the season! Wool,pashmina,or cotton; and in the summer throw a cute long linen one around your neck and let it drape.

6. Enjoy your cappuccino in the A.M. Italians don’t drink cappuccini after a meal or in the afternoons. But a caffe’, an espresso, anytime. Have one standing at the local bar with a little panino.

7. Order a salad after your main course, not before. Unlike in the States, a salad is not an appetizer. But try pinzimonio, a raw veggie antipasto, instead!

8. Eat where the locals do. Try to delay dinner until 8:30 or so, that way you'll be able to dine with Italians. And try to get away from restaurants surrounding tourist attractions. There’s a fair chance they are mediocre and overpriced.


9. Buy something Italian to wear in your first few days. A scarf at one of the open markets, a piece of Angela Caputi jewelry,a belt,or a pair of gloves- and wear them right away!

10. Try to “fare la bella figura”, having an air of what appears to be unstudied sophistication and fine aesthetic sensibilities. It's lots of fun!

Here's a great Italian look! courtesy of The Sartorialist

Some New Year's Thoughts From Serena Italian Imports

Tanti auguri!

Those of us who are small business people, whether we sell Italian handbags, Italian jewelry or anything else, are seeing signs that the worst is over and that 2011 will be a prosperous and fulfilling year for all of us.

Looking back at the past few years, wiser now, albeit a bit greyer, we must realize that whatever our circumstances may be, we’ve all been through some unbearable times- as individuals, as families and as communities.

As I’ve gotten older, I realize more and more that nothing lasts forever. And this is true for both extremes- the fabulous highs and the “in the pits” lows. This realization and acceptance is very liberating to me. I can enjoy and appreciate the highs while they exist, be they personal or professional - and accept them just for what they are. I’m able to stop striving for perfection in every area of my life, because it’s an unattainable goal. And I can give up thinking that true happiness only occurs when every area of my life is in harmony. Why did it take me so long to figure this out?!

What remains is a substantially calmer place, warts and all. So businesses carry on, and we make space figuratively and literally for 2011.We plan with realistic hopes and dreams that this coming year be successful. In the spirit of making space for the New Year, we have sale priced a large selection of Angela Caputi jewelry. So have a look and give yourselves what you really wanted for the holidays!
Our best wishes to you for a year of good health and happiness.

Un bacione a tutti.
 




Angela Caputi Jewelry on Sale

 




Angela Caputi Window in Florence