high top fashion

I'm loving high-top sneakers lately.  You get the sportiness of a trainer with the height of a boot, while still being casually trendy and comfortable.  Talk about the best of both worlds.

Deceptively simple and perfectly refined—a chukka style sneaker, like Stefano below from Peter Nappi, in black cavallo leather featuring single-piece construction, medium toe, minimalist eyelets, leather laces, and vero cuoio sole. Hits above ankle, is made in Italy from a single piece of leather, and is the perfect example.  You can rock this with jeans and your favorite t-shirt, or a suit, and everything in between. 

Culver is a featherweight high top plimsole that comes in a soft velveteen calf or suede. Just recently released for fall/winter 2015, it comes in colors of dusk and chalk, tones inspired by the coastal landscapes of John Lobb's homecounty of Cornwall.

Bedford High Top Sneakers from John Varvatos bring a certain coolness to any wardrobe and pairs the appeal of casual kicks with a sleek and fresh option that will pair with both your weekend and work week attire. Features lace up styling, contoured topstitching and a textured sole.  Phone Paul at JV in Los Angeles for more details or to order your own: 1.310.859.2791.

Gucci is fierce for floral with these crazy awesome blooming high tops -  Beige/ebony GG supreme canvas with blooms print, made using an earth-conscious process and feature a traction friendly rubber sole, leather tongue, and the traditional logo canvas you know and love.  Jenny at Gucci Boutique Orlando is your go-to for details or to order: 1.407.903.1033. 

Geox literally have your feet breathe a sigh of relief, and I'm love these Box 8 high tops.  Soft suede, grainy Italian leather and padded canvas at the ankle form high-top city sneakers that also feature a sturdy rubber sole with patented Respira technology that expels moisture as you walk.

And for the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity, dream for Jackson, the Hermes men's sneaker in calfskin with black and orange Sport sole, orange H relief print and white laces.

everything has a story

It's no longer "just enough" for retailers to have the right products in the right place at the right time with the right signs at the right prices.  Consumers demand the best assortments, with the next-best-things, at their fingertips with immediate availability, at prices they can afford or want to pay, and the most incredible service.  Who could blame them?  With the rise of eCommerce solutions and "two-hour shipping", brands are forced to think outside the box and dazzle the customers.

One advantage traditional brick-and-mortar stores will always hold over eCommerce and other non-contact shopping solutions is the experience.  To capitalize on this, brands are amping up their customer service and literally rolling out the red carpet.  You're no longer just getting a haircut; you're probably drinking vintage champagne or feasting on delectable dolci.   You're no longer navigating parking structures at the airport or waiting in line for an espresso; you're probably being chauffeured in a sedan by the airline and whisked away to the discrete and ultra chic lounge for private check-in and the most extravagant bar, food, and pampering options.  You're not just buying shoes or traversing oceans; you're paying for the experience.

Part of the luxury retail experience is this service.  It's expected.  And it definitely woos clients en masse.   At Christian Dior, I learned straightaway the importance of product knowledge and mastering the codes of the House.  These minute details are part of the story, and clients absolutely eat it up.  So whether describing the intricate detail of the Broderie Cheval t-shirt and its Luneville stitching, the intricate process of hand washing and air drying the calf skin before constructing the coveted Gaucho collection, or describing the pomp and circumstance of Madam Chirac personally requesting the creation of the Lady Dior bag for Princess Diana as a symbol of France on one of her many visits to the country, instilling a piece of this history, an air of this luxury, and enhancing the experience drove the business like none other.

When you get to peak into the business owner's mindset, or learn the story behind a particular piece from a designer, you have so much more appreciation and understanding of the process, the direction, and the artwork behind the product.  It transforms the experience from just shopping in a store to acquiring artwork from a very curated and edited offering.

A few weeks ago, I was browsing my favorite shoe store in Nashville, Peter Nappi.  At Peter Nappi, the most incredible footwear and small leather goods are fatti a mano (made by hand) in Italy.  The space is impressive, the product quality and styling are simply beyond.  I was hooked.  The space envelopes you and quickly transports you to Firenze.  But what I wasn't expecting to see and feel was the detail, the love, and the story behind the designs.  The impressive space is often rented for special events and private parties, but business comes first.  So as you're shopping, you may notice caterers, sound engineers, lighting professionals, and other event staff quietly and unobtrusively preparing for the festa della notte.  While trying not to drool on the countless boots and bags that I thought I couldn't live without, I noticed these incredible arrangements on the bar:

I didn't want to intrude, and couldn't help to take a look at the floral displays.  Simple, elegant, and oh-so gorgeous.  I had to take a closer look:

 

Nestled in the midst of these fabulous flowers was rosmarino - fragrant, textured, and so unexpected!  Come to find out, these arrangements were personally created by the store's owner in honor of her daughter's engagement.  When you love a space so much, investing heart and soul to create the perfect environment, how can you not feel love?  Seeing these arrangements, and knowing the simple story instantly made me know that my obsession with Peter Nappi sarà per sempre (will be forever).  Seeing the love and care taken, the genuine understanding of all things Toscana, and honest passion manifest in every detail is so obvious.  They're not just shoes; they're more than that.  They're the time spent by the cobbler in Florence.  They're the artisanal methods and traditions passed down from generation to generation.   It's not just leather.  They're repurposed leather pads from a boxing gymnasium in Eastern Europe from the 1930s.  La più bellezza.

I feel the exact same way about Tanis & Co. at modelcitizen.  Fashion isn't just something to buy - it's a way of life.  The ladies at modelcitizen truly represent their namesake, living their best with style, class, and kindness.  One could easily order the latest frock from Parker, fabulously flattering denim from Current/Elliott, or the most iconic wrap from DvF - but the experience, the fun, the advice, and extraordinary level of service provided at modelcitizen separate the professionals from the amateurs.  You might find tens of thousands of options at a department store and only like one or two pieces, but the hand picked offerings at modelcitizen are incredibly edited and perfectly selected, leaving you with limitless choices that are all top notch and stunningly suited.  You could spend years globetrotting, searching for the coolest accessories, most stunning dresses, and most flattering denim around, or you could just take a trip to modelcitizen.  Whether virtually or in person, the service and selection are quite impressive. 

You don't have to own a business or design your own range to exhibit ownership and elevated attention to detail.  Caring for your teammates and clients, focusing on as many aspects of the business as possible, and treating the store/space like your own will instantly elevate your value to the company and solidify your presence to the clients. 

Don't get me wrong.  Not every product or store must come with an elaborate experience and endearing story.  Automobile oil changes need not come with complimentary service for your vacuum cleaner.  At the risk of sounding insensitive, I don't really care to learn the detail of refining oil and creating petroleum for fueling my Fiat.  I just need to know that the price is right and the fuel is safe for operating. 

There's a time and place for everyone and everything in retail.  Thankfully as consumers, we can put our money where our mouth is and signal to retailers what we like, what we don't like, and what we expect.  And if you're lucky, and if they're smart, they'll engage in dialogue to learn exactly what you're hoping for.  

From the retail perspective, do us all a favor this holiday season - take a moment to thank your favorite associates, managers, owners, shopkeepers, service providers, and designers.  Tell them what you like, what you may not be in love with, and feel free to ask questions to learn more about the brand, the design, or the people who work there.  Relationships are two-ways.  And in retail, relationships are everything.  After all, tutto (e tutti) ha una storia.  Everything (and everyone) has a story. 

luxe loves and lavish lusts

There's nothing more wonderful than giving the perfect gift to the perfect recipient.  Gifts out of obligation aren't gifts; giving gifts out of obligation is impersonal, often lacking meaning, applicable function, or inspiration.  I love giving gifts that you know the recipient will use, but on a much grander scale, with an extra dash of style + class.  Here are a few things I'm loving, for a variety of recipients on your shopping list:

-- Burberry's Prorsum collection is beyond fashion forward.  Imagine having next decade's must-have designs, right now.  The best fabrics and materials.  The most delicate, yet durable construction by hand.  I recently had the privilege of seeing an incredible python and shell embellished trench coat.  One of fifteen made, it can be the perfect gift for the fashionista in your life.  US$15,000.

-- Peter Nappi brings an old world elegance to footwear, small leather goods, and a handful of very edited gifts and accessories.  Fatto a mano a Firenze, Italian for handmade in Florence, each piece is simply beyond.  The colors rich; the leather luxurious; the construction durable.  I literally spend hours in their Nashville studio, taking a journey not around an industrial building in Nashville's trendy Germantown, but a stroll down historic streets of Florence and Toscana.  I've been in love with the simple, elegant Nina clutch since I first saw it.  Perfect for the globetrotting gals in your life, this envelope style clutch has neutral suede lining, antique silver hardware, contrast black leather strap closure.  US$250.  Phone JJ and Joe at +1.615-248-3310 for more details or to place an order.  Global shipping available. 

-- Nordstrom has found the perfect mix of stocking something for everyone, with quality, style, and value at all price points.  I'm loving their Moncler Bellette lacquer down coat with fox fur ruff.  From the private jet to the supermarket, this gorgeous geometric chevron quilting streamlines the fit of this three-quarter puffer coat.  Avoid the typical marshmallow look and have an actual silhouette, thanks to the secure zip pockets and center-back seaming that help define a waist. Lavish fur trim and a liquid-shine finish make a sporty and luxe statement for everyday elegance, while soft down fill offers plush warmth throughout the cold-weather season.  Fashion + Function with Style + Class.  US$2210.

While you're at Nordstrom, be sure to stop by the Tom Ford Beauty counter.  I've been obsessed with skincare for more than 15 years now, and I must say I am so impressed by the products on offer by Tom Ford.  On my last trip to the gorgeous Green Hills' location, Tonya showed me two products I'm in love with - for both face and hands.  I'm always surprised how people neglect the skin on their hands.  There's nothing worse than seeing an older man or woman, who clearly has had some nips + tucks, but the wrinkliest, oldest looking hands.  To combat this, I recommend to moisturize and protect your hands daily for both men and women of all ages.  Tom Ford's Intensive Infusion Concentrate Extreme serum and Intensive Infusion ultra-rich moisturizer are perfect for this. Born from Tom Ford's personal passion for high-performance skin treatments that bring real results, this miracle working serum contains the most concentrated form of the patented Tom Ford Infusing Complex.  This complex packs a one-two punch of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to the deepest levels of the skin, reviving skin's health and radiance and creating a flawless, fabulous finish.  Just a tiny drop of this Concentrated Serum over the face, neck, and hands make for radiance, youthfulness, and vitality that won't fade away.

 And this moisturizer is packed full of intensely nourishing and moisturizing ingredients, like antioxidant rich Shea Butter, restoring skin's brilliance and vitality, and a super special infusing complex that helps skin stimulate its natural repairing mechanisms by prompting cells to replenish their natural energy, along with an army of vitamins and nutrients to shower the skin with the perfect amount of moisture, with a smooth, vibrant appearance.

Together, skin looks and feels brighter, tighter, fresher, and more vivacious.  Phone Tonya on +1.615.850.6700 to place an order or book an appointment for a demonstration in store.

-- The fine folks at Filson have brought style + class to outdoor goods since 1897, and they don't disappoint with the incredible Men's Snowflake Cowichan Sweater.  Some background: the Cowichan Tribes is the band government of the Cowichan, a group of Coast Salish peoples who live in the Cowichan Valley region on Vancouver Island.  With nearly 4,000 registered members, its the single largest First Nations band in British Columbia, Canada.  This unique wool sweater is handmade by the members of the Cowichan tribe with thick, handspun, one-ply wool yarn in three colors, making the warmest sweater imaginable that'll last for decades.  Perfect for the outdoor enthusiasts in your life, or the city dwelling guy who has a bit of a wild side.  US$490.

 --  I love bracelets.  For men or women, I feel like you can't have enough.  Stacks on stacks on stacks.  From woven sailor bracelets to silk or leather chords to solid gold cuffs and diamond encrusted chains, I love them all.  David Yurman offers this stunning, streamline cuff in 18k yellow gold that dreams are made of.  10mm wide, it's absolutely perfect for that extra-special someone in your life.  US$7900.

-- my top three favorite design houses of all time are Christian Dior, Hermes, and Goyard.  Incredibly luxurious, the everyday elegance these brands offer is manifest through historical codes, time-tested and treasured methods for construction, with the finest materials and design elements.  One of the most glamourous ways to add some style + class to your winter wardrobe is with bright, fun gloves.  I absolutely adore these fire orange Grand Prix gloves from Hermes, which feature cognac contrast suede piping and bright palladium plated metal hardware.  US$750.



 -- one of my favorite gifts to give includes really great linens.  From simple tea towels for everyday use in the kitchen, to more extravagant linens for the bed, you can never go wrong with this category for gifts and special occasions.  Belgian based Libeco not only respect the time honored and tested methods of traditional linen products, they are fiercely committed to protecting the environment, while creating the most exquisite linens. 

What is your favorite indulgence?  In a dream world, what would Father Christmas deliver under your tree?  What would you unwrap on the sixth day of Hanukkah?  What would your sweetheart surprise you with?

light the way

I just spent a few weeks on holiday, visiting family and friends back "home" - and I must say, I never realized how much I love lighting until now. You don't realize how much you notice something is missing until you experience it again - and Florida wins with lighting. Maybe it's the outdoor lifestyle, the eternal summertime climate, or the constant stream of visitors. Lighting sets the mood, highlights product, location, and features, and sets the amateurs apart from the professionals.

Consider this: 

Lighting for ambiance: special colors can create mood. Hues of blue evoke cool, calm, and quiet, while hues of red are warm, cozy, and intimate. Notice the red up lighting at the entrance to the Grand Bohemian's lobby bar - it brings instant sophistication and a certain chicness.

Lighting for ambiance should be of appropriate brightness, too. Bright, white light gives the impression of sterile nature and cleanliness - perfect for doctors' and dentists' offices, grocery stores, and car washes. 

Landscape and architectural lighting can really bring a dash of style + class to your home or business. Amplify your investment in landscaping by highlighting the features at night, as well. I love this office building in downtown Orlando - the effect really makes for easier enjoyment of the landscaping, regardless of time of day. 

And how boring would Epcot's Spaceship Earth be without the incredible night lighting? 

Lighting inside is just as important. With the right space, light sources, and decor, you can really maximize your image. Take a panoramic look at one of my favorite stores in Nashville, Peter Nappi:

The entrance is inviting, the shoes and accessories are highlighted, and the ambiance incredible. Imagine how terrible the effect would be if only fluorescent lighting was utilized! The store literally envelopes you, bathing you in luxury Italian lifestyle. 

Consider the purpose.  There are generally three types of indoor lighting - general or ambient lighting, purpose lighting, and accent lighting.  General lighting sets the atmosphere and tone, usually provided by one large light source, like a chandelier, or many smaller lights, like a lighting system or multiple sources.  Recessed lighting may provide a room's general glow, mixed with lamps for ambiance and creating space.  Task lighting is typically smaller lights, used for specific purposes - like a reading lamp, a light over your stove for cooking, or in a particular work space.  Accent light is purely for creating drama, texture, and excitement - highlighting inanimate objects like art, architecture, and decor.  

Light effects so much - from your mood, to the experience, and even quality of sleep.  What do you think?  Who has the best light?