Arm Party = Layering Bracelets + Bracelet Combinations. Probably Leandra Medine, better known as The Man Repeller, when coined the Instagram hashtag #armparty last year had no idea that this would become a major accessory trend. This trend involves piling up to your wrist every possible bracelet - everything from bangles and cuffs, to rope bracelets and silver or gold. And in NYC every major trend is never overlooked: bright coloured bangles are the celebrities of this summer, with gemstone-embellished wristlets and leather strapped cuffs sit next to metallic gold bracelets. You probably all have noticed that the jewelry this summer is chunky and bold, a bit geometrical abstract but also and baroque, sparkly and colorful.
There was a time when jewelry accessorizing meant statement earrings or necklaces, but not this summer: you have to host a summer arm party and your wrists are the centre of attention.
I
have recently been told by my friend back in Milan about a new viral multi-colored trend for all
the Italian fashionistas: Cruciani’s bracelets! Unfortunately they are not sold
in the US for now, but it is a fun, colorful and summery trend worth to write
about.
The
phenomenon of four-leaf clover bracelets by Cruciani broke in August 2011 when, in
front of Cruciani's boutique in Forte dei Marmi (Tuscany), people were
queuing to grab one or more colors of the bracelet of the summer. And the word
of mouth did not take long to spread all over Italy.
Cruciani’s
bracelets made their grand debut in
Milan back in September 2011 at THE fashion event of the year, Milan’s Vogue
Fashion Night Out. Cruciani dedicated a limited edition of the bracelets, created
ad hoc for the Milan’s Fashion Week
and its success was instant among the Milanese
fashion crowd. Cipriani’s partnership with the famous textile group Caprai, made
this collection even more valuable for the exclusive craftsmanship. The
bracelets are all made from needle lace macramé by Caprai textile group: absolutely
100% made in Italy.
The
most famous Cruciani’s bracelets are easily distinguishable from 7 shamrocks
macramé lace flanked by a C. In particular, the bracelet with the cloverleaf
was born from an idea by Luca Caprai and now it is available in a variety of
subjects: from the famous four-leaf clover, to hearts, to the ultimate success,
the butterfly. Each represents a symbol, respectively luck, love and femininity
and freedom.
The
price of the bracelets Cruciani varies depending on the model, but the average
for each bracelet would be 10 euros, that is $14 dollars, so it is really
budget friendly! You can check all the bracelets out and buy them online (shipping
in Europe) at www.braccialetticruciani.it. You can find
the complete list of licensed retailers in Milan here.
Today is the day that in
Milan everybody – and I literally mean everybody and the city becomes a “ghost
city” for the entire month of August – goes in vacation, as it is the first
weekend bridging into August. All my friends back in Milan are ready to leave
for the beautiful beaches in Italy, or are already travelling to do so.
So, thinking about vacation
time and tanning on the beach, I am thinking also about beachwear!
And in Milan everybody LOVES
Calzedonia’s swimwear – which is unfortunately not available in the US. I have
been a dedicated and loyal fan of their collections since they opened in 1986
in Italy and season after season they have become the most trendy, fashionable
and successful Italian brand for hosiery and beachwear. So as I am not in
Milan, I have missed my yearly Calzedonia’s beachwear shopping, but my mother
was so nice to send me one J
Calzedonia’s beachwear for
Summer 2012 is all about bright colors! My favorite collection is the one
called “Raffy”, simple styles and young lines for an easy to wear bikinis to
comfortably fit the body. Patterns are declined into three different models:
push-up, bandeau (my all time favorite!) or triangle tops. And you can choose
whatever color you prefer, as each pattern is offered in every color of the
season. Raffy collection is a timeless trend for all women, with different body
types, as you can mix and match different styles for top and bottoms and
different sizes as well.
Below some examples of the
swimwear collection for this Summer. It is not easy to find a definite one
trend for the swimwear this summer, the brand likes to present various offers
from bandeau bikinis (the most popular trend and I would say also the most
comfortable for tanning), triangle bikinis, to more edgy paillettes bikinis.
What do you think?
The brand launched a campaign for this Summer to recycle old swimwear, in collaboration with "I: collect Ag", a company that operates in the field of environmentally compatible recycling.
Until June 30, all types of swimwear for men, women and children, regardless of brand - and not necessarily purchased from Calzedonia - would be revived in the form of insulating material for buildings, share rubbery carpets, upholstery. But even stuffing of toys, bags or rags for cleaning.
Green initiative, among many others that occupy the front pages of newspapers in this period, which also brings an economic advantage to those who embrace it: for every old lady costume, whole or bikini, which will be returned, there will be a discount 5 euros on the purchase of a new bikini. An interesting idea without any doubt.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
My best
friend Benedetta in Milan is a true fashionista. She is always on top of every
trend and as long as we have know each other, we have always shared the same
taste in fashion and often bought the same clothes without even shopping
together! As now we are living in two different cities, the way we can share
our fashionable findings is sending pictures of our new purchases to each other
and this blog is becoming quite handy also to share with other fashionistas as
well.
The
other day Benedetta sent me an email saying that she bought this fabulous pair
of “sneaker heels” and I was curious to see the pic, and here it is!
A white
sneaker with a neon pink pump drawn on it! I haven’t seen them worn here in
NYC, but she told me that in Milan is becoming a trend. The brand Be&D
has introduced the “sneaker heel” that plays tricks on the eyes with a hot
pink silhouette of a sexy stiletto along its side. Unlike other heel
lace-ups, these shoes are actually real sneakers; meaning your feet
will be planted safely on the ground at all times. Some might argue that
Be&D is running along the same lines as faux evening wear, such as “à la
tuxedo” T-shirts, but Benedetta and I like them a lot as a clever, clever, and fun
alternative to this season's trend high fashion sneaker, featured in various fashion magazines as well.
So, if you want to
give a twist and not wear your colored Converse this summer, go for this fun
pair of sneakers. The price is pretty affordable too, Be&D Brightlight Big
City sneaker, $128, on beandd.com. You can view the Moda Operandi video below directed by Bettina Santo Domingo and including all the graphic-printed sneakers in the Be&D collection. Enjoy!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Bright color is apparently not a trend to follow just for ladys this summer in New York. Also gentlemen, in their own way, can try it out. And for today's Father's Day, Saks Fifth Avenue suggests the best fashionable present for fathers of every age: bring a pop of bright colors in a man's outfit with bright and neon color socks! Of course these are designer and tasteful collection of fine socks, from single-colored to bold patterns in a huge array of brights, from cotton to merino and cachemire-silk. Great present idea.
