I think I've mentioned before that I am now a regular contributor for the Italo Americano Magazine based out of California. You can read a preview of some of my articles they've published so far here, and it is a really great opportunity that I am taking very seriously.
Part of that is making an effort to get more involved in press days and events throughout Italy so, this past weekend, I attended the opening of the 2nd edition of Italy's Biennale del Disegno. The BDR is a massive biannual Drawing exhibition held in the ancient city of Rimini and is the only event of its kind in Italy. I also had the absolute pleasure of discovering a magical bed and breakfast tucked away along the city's harbor, "Il Brigitta" - The Bridgette Guest House.
This house was completely breathtaking and I've decided to write a full review on it as a thank you to my incredible host, who is one of the most modest, interesting and creative women I have met in a long time. When I was given a tour of the home I found the breakfast room to be just striking, with a perfectly set table in French Provincial linen, complete with antique silver vases, turn of the century furniture and sculptures made by Giuseppina Venturi, otherwise called "Brigitta" by her friends!
The breakfast parlor overlooks a stunning oasis of a garden, with an ancient maritime pine tree and beautiful rose bushes that have been flowering since the 1700s!! They were so fragrant that you could practically smell them from inside the house, and the perfectly curated garden was home to three or four species of song birds that sang cheerfully as we chatted outside.
I can't wait to share all of the details of this home, because I have honestly never experienced such a delicately and lovingly curated space in my entire life. Every single detail was taken into consideration, such as the custom made tiles in the entrance way inspired by traditional symbols from Lazio, antique lace trimmed curtains and perfectly placed accents and embellishments.
In the 5 story home, part of the ground floor was once a boutique where Brigitta sold various items for interiors such as fabrics, furniture, lamps and of course her art work which is a mixture of nautical and whimsical and completely utilizes recycled and found materials into sculptures. They would be perfect additions to a house in Maine or for a lake-side cottage.
What I Wore
My husband put together this outfit for me. I know that sounds strange, but he loves dressing me and I like it when he picks out my clothes because I find it highly satisfying to wear something that he likes seeing me in. He loves it when I wear skirts and relatively form fitting clothes that show off my curves, so I'm trying to make more of an effort to incorporate feminine touches into my everyday outfits.
My leather jacket was bought in Canada something like 15 years ago, my skirt is from H&M bought 8 or so years ago and shoes are by the brand Pierre Darre and my gold watch cuff is by Anne Klein.
Francesca Cuoio e Cashmere in Modena
My friend Francesca has recently taken on a wonderful entrepreneurial endeavor by opening her own boutique in the centre of Modena and selling the luxury silk, cashmere and cotton items that her business partner makes with his family business.
Her boutique, Francesca Cuoio e Cashmere (meaning leather and cashmere) is a multi-brand store that features their very first collection of feminine and refined exceptional quality knits (they produce for some of the world's top brands) along with handmade Italian jewelry and leather bags.
My striped fine cotton knit top is part of their current summer collection and is available now in-store. You can find them at Via Cesare Battisti 33 in the centre of Modena and soon on the blog I will be sharing their story and the story of their new brand.
Boldrini Selleria
My bag is by the historic Italian brand Boldrini Selleria, an institution in the world of handmade leather bags made entirely in Italy in a saddlery inspired style with natural vachetta cow leather. Boldrini Selleria bags are exclusively sold in Modena through Francesca Cuoio e Cashmere, which has an extensive range of their collection in a variety of colors including bright reds, blacks, natural tans and browns.
I am already so in love with this bag, and to be perfectly honest, I know the Boldrini company because of the work I do with my husband. Aside from having their own brand they're also the makers of some of the big designer brand's bag collections (which unfortunately I cannot name but trust me you would be blown away!).
This bag retails at Francesca Cuoio e Cashmere for the reasonable price of just over 220 euro and features vegetable tanned natural leather, solid brass metal accessories, an adjustable strap, three interior compartments, fine stitching along all edges and "rigatura a fuoco" meaning a decorative rifling that has been branded along the edges.
This was probably one of the most enjoyable outfit photo-shoots I've ever done and I want to sincerely thank Brigitta for taking the time to help me take them. She was an incredible hostess and I cannot wait to share more of her beautiful guest house and artwork with you. I also wanted to thank Francesca for the lovely items from her store and my friend Claudia Valentini who works for the Emilia Romagna Tourism office for being a wonderful host and tour guide and for arranging my incredible accommodations and meals - GRAZIE CLAUDIA!
And now onto your style!
#REASONSTODRESS DRESS TO IMPRESS FASHION BLOGGER LINKUP
This week I'm so happy to have Victoria from The Mummy Chronicles join me, check out her look this week here or her favorite blog post of all time here!
Victoria is one of my all-time fave mom style bloggers with practical looks that are absolutely wearable in real life and for real mom situations. Her blog is filled with insights into her fit life (this lady can run!), car reviews and deals and fashion tips for women who aren't sure where to begin. I love this black and white striped look, and you can read the full post here!
Victoria hosts her own linkup and you should stop on by her blog to say hello!
Welcome to the #REASONSTODRESS DRESS TO IMPRESS LINKUP for fashion and style bloggers!
This linkup is hosted by REASONS TO DRESS - An Italian lifestyle blog about an expat-Canadian married to an Italian leather artisan. Part of this new linkup is sharing up and coming style bloggers and we're always looking for fabulous co-hosts who will be interviewed and featured - email [email protected] for info!
REASONS TO DRESS - An Italian Lifestyle Blog About Fashion, Travel & Life in Italy
THE MUMMY CHRONICLES - Where syle meets fitness, fashion, cars and more!
THIS WEEK'S BANNER / INSTAGRAM IMAGE :
- PLEASE : Linkup your STYLE related posts, new and old! Or Linkup a FASHION related picture from Instagram with the hashtag #REASONSTODRESS
- PLEASE: Add the badge or a link back to EITHER of the weekly hosts
- PLEASE: Follow each host on at least 1 social network , we're friendly, social and generally over-sharers! Let us know that you've followed so that we can share the love!
- PLEASE: Please be social and visit a post that interests you. Don't forget to use the #REASONSTODRESS hashtag to let people know how you found them!
