Serena, Italian Style: angela caputi

Showing posts with label angela caputi. Show all posts

October 12, 2011

Florence, Home away from Home

After a very misty early AM, the streets are waking up. It's 8AM, I've had my usual room service of yogurt, brioche and tea, and am watching the local news. This hotel room has become my home away from home over the years. It is consistent, comfy and nurturing.

I'm also looking through my favorite fashion magazine, Grazia. The local magazine stand, known as an edicola in Italian, is one of my usual stops on my first day, where I load up on Italian fashion and news magazines. I've been reading Grazia for over 30 years. It's full of glossy fashion photos of this season's trends, and has interesting articles. This edition is heavy- I think in a pinch I could use it to do some bicep curls!

Off this AM to Angela Caputi's shop and showroom. A presto!

July 20, 2011

A Trip To Paris

I adore Italy, of course. But when the opportunity arose to celebrate my aunt’s special 80th birthday in Paris with her and with her 3 daughters, I jumped at the chance. My husband and I had spent a week in Paris a few years ago, and it is such an interesting city to experience.

It was easy for me to quickly get my bearings, and there’s no better way than having a trusty map- I had a Michelin Paris Poche and a more local area map that the hotel gave me. Just walking and following along with a map is the best-and it’s great exercise for the brain. In this age of heavily relying on our GPS devices, we all sometimes forget to follow our own senses of direction.

When I travel, I must experience the city, not just be there. My eyes are everywhere- what do people look like, how are they dressed, what are they doing, how do they interact? Life abounds in the cafés, at every hour, weekday and weekend. Friends are meeting, chatting, eating, embracing, strolling.
A few latest fashion trends, some of which we also see in the States, but some uniquely European, are: painted toenails everywhere, so fun, in all shades of red and orange, strappy gladiator sandals, some with zippers in the back, cross body bags, scarves with every kind of summer outfit, scarves on men, thick-rimmed eyeglasses, especially in black.

Fortunately, my favorite Italian jewelry designer, Angela Caputi, has a small boutique in Paris, so I visited her shop and chose a rich and warm fall collection of her jewelry due to arrive in September. Look for deep, rich reds, warm greens, greys, beiges and more.

Next time I’ll tell you my ten favorite places and sights in Paris.