Brunello Cucinelli

There's something undeniably inspiring about someone with a personal creed, a mission statement for success in a life focused on uncompromising beauty, supreme quality, and absolute goodness.  This is Brunello Cucinelli.  Maybe it's our shared love of the same color palette, or how I dream of the most luxurious leathers and softest cashmere, often staples in his collections.  Either way, I'm definitely a fan and hope to own a few pieces before I die.  And if not, I'm sure everyone wears a little Cucinelli in heaven anyway.

I can't enough of this backpack from the spring/summer collection.

A backpack with an exquisitely summery nature, the "Summer" bag in canvas coupled with viscose linen and buffalo leather takes up the shapes of a classical deconstructed duffle in a high quality rendition. It has a long adjustable padded shoulder strap and a double opening: with a branded Brunello Cucinelli zipper on the side and closure folded over the hook on the top.

I love how the neutral colors are always so calming, allowing for a few key splashes of color to breathe life and character with style + class.  I really love this look below.  If I were to make one minor change - I wouldn't roll up the sleeves.  But if I had better biceps, I'd probably roll up all of my shirt sleeves.  This is casual chic at its finest.  Everyday elegance. 

These aren't just clothes and accessories. Questa è la tradizione; è l'amore; è arte.

Saint Pantone

The separation of church and state is a beautiful concept.  Not everyone needs to believe or not believe in the same religions, let alone same thoughts and life decisions.  Over the last few weeks, it seems like the separation of "church" and "fashion" is more of a blurred line.  Dolce & Gabbana have released an array of hijabs and abayas conjoined to their 2016 spring/summer collection.  This trend isn't new, especially seen in religious-inspired jewelry, especially from designers where religion and life go hand-and-hand, like Giorgio Armani's rosary inspired necklaces or Bvlgari's cross bracelets and rings.

Several years ago, a friend saw my rosary-inspired necklace, and asked a few questions about the rosary.  I explained the symbolism of the beads, their spacing, and the order and purpose of the prayers. She mentioned that it seemed kind of boring and repetitive.  To her surprise, I agreed.  You see, I believe that the prayer I offer while praying the rosary isn't primarily comprised of the prayers I'm reciting.  The bigger prayer at hand are the people, special intentions, and concerns that flood my mind and heart whilst praying.  Like the rosary was designed to be trance-inducing on purpose, allowing you to tune out the world and tune in to your prayers.

This idea isn't just limited to praying the rosary.  Tonight while at mass, my mind started to wander a bit.  And of course, the "retail" in my heart went right to my mind.  That's when I realized - the ceiling at my Cathedral is a perfect display of the 2016 Pantone Colors of the Year - Rose Quartz and Serenity.  The design could very easily be an Hermes scarf, the pool at one of Gianni or Donatella Versace's mansions, or one of many architectural pieces of the Medici family palazzi in Firenze.  Not only do I love the colors, but I love the mix of geometric patterns, lighting, and proportions.

Where have you found unexpected inspiration?  Do you have a favorite city or place that jump starts your creative juices?  What shapes your fashion foundationf?  Who is your muse?

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. 

thanks + giving

As we get closer to holidays, I was thinking about cool host(ess) gifts.  These are great items to stock up on year-round, for those "just in case" multipurpose gift-giving occasions.  They don't have to be complicated or costly, just of really great quality.

-- tea towels.  You can never have enough kitchen towels.  They can be festive, inspirational, humorous, or purely functional - but you can always use more tea towels.  Flour-sack style towels are especially great for people who're big drinkers or entertainers, as they don't leave lint on glassware. I also love the intricate patterns and delicate weave of traditional European linens, like those from Garnier-Thiebaut.  Their vibrant pops of color are sure to brighten any kitchen or space, and are of amazing quality and durability.

-- candles.  Just like tea towels, you can never have "too many" candles.  Their light, warmth, and fragrance turn a sterile space into the most romantic room.  If you know your host(ess) well, pick a fragrance that you know they'll enjoy or invokes their personality. If you don't, standard wins are always balsam, cinnamon, lavender, and vanilla.  One of my favorite candle companies is Nest.  Once Laura Slatkin had sold her home wildly successful fragrance line to Bath & Body Works, she started the more luxurious, incredibly special Nest.  Better fragrances, less junk ingredients and fillers, and a lot more love, I'm always so impressed with the quality and longevity of their products.  For fall, I'm especially loving their "winter fireplace" inspired Hearth, and know it'd make the most wonderful way to show thanks and giving.

-- Caveat: my next suggestion is far from inexpensive.  But the experience, the product, and the scent-sation is worth it, 100%. Santa Maria Novella's soap, or anything for that matter.  How can three simple words conjure up such time-tested techniques for making the most exquisite products for bath, body, and home?  Melograno (Pomegranate) is my favorite, hands down.  Once you have tried Santa Maria Novella's Pomegranate soap, it is impossible to imagine wanting to use anything else. Triple milled, each exquisite bar is hand molded one by one using 19th century equipment, aged for 60 days in ventilated cabinets, and then hand-wrapped. The all-natural whole milk formula is infused with the classic Florentine scent of pomegranate oil for a lather that is rich, gentle and softly moisturizing. And because each soap is hand pressed, all Santa Maria Novella soaps will last about three times longer than ordinary soaps while maintaining their shape and scent. Suitable for all skin types.

 -- wonderful, seasonal ingredients.  If your host(ess) is a foodie, consider a small assortment of beautiful fresh fruits and vegetables.  Maybe present them in a sweet basket, or a reusable grocery bag.  I'd also recommend a small collection of herbs, seasonings, and spices.  If your recipient is a drinker or entertains frequently, a great bottle of wine or small batch bitters makes a lovely gesture of appreciation.

The gifts need not be expensive, either.  If you're being hosted by a family, one of my favorite gifts is a "movie night in a bowl" - take a large bowl, add a box of microwave popcorn, some sweet treats, and a family friendly / audience appropriate movie.  Wrap in cellophane, tie with a bow, and voila - instant gift, less than $20, that also encourages the family to spend time together (often a gift within itself).

-- I love gifts that keep on giving, like a subscription to Kinfolk or Saveur.  It's no secret that I love to cook, to eat, to entertain, and to travel. So you can imagine my surprise and delight when I opened the letterbox about a year ago and discovered Saveur. My best friend ordered it as a gift, and I'm still thankful. Both Kinfolk and Saveur are simply beyond. Travel. Food. Drink. Beautiful photography. Compelling writing. Fabulous recipes.

Come se dice "delicious subscriptions" in Italiano?  "Kinfolk" and "Saveur" obviously.  

The most important thing to remember is this: your gift should not offend.  I try to refrain from bringing wine unannounced.  When I'm planning a party, I take great care in selecting the food and drink on offer, making sure everything is in perfect harmony.  I'd hate to bring a bottle of my favorite wine as a gift but give the unintended impression that I didn't trust the host(ess)'s ability to properly pair, let alone bring something that wouldn't compliment the other menu items.  This is why I also refrain from bringing flowers - the host(ess) probably has decorated accordingly, so I try and avoid this option, unless you know the recipients well or have established past precedence.  (Don't get me wrong - sending flowers in the days following the event is always a wonderful gesture of thanks and praise.)


But then I got to thinking about the ultimate gift - that of sharing time and talent.  Kinfolk, one of the coolest communities of creative people on the planet, posts a little video section.  Here's one of my favorite: a flower potluck!

 


Next time you're planning a cocktail party or small gathering to sip and snack on all things delicious, consider throwing your own "flower potluck" as well.  I'm sure we all have a small collection of vases from previous arrangements.  Set out a few vessels, sharp sheers, flower food, and other ribbon / accouterments, then invite your friends to bring some of their favorites - whether from the garden or yard, or their favorite florist or market.  You could be specific and assign categories, like greenery, fill, centerpiece, etc., or just keep it open and free.

Once you've had the "flower exchange", continue on savoring the refreshments and company.  Everyone gets a personalized take-home gift!

Gifts don't have to be expensive, but they should always come from the heart.  Remember, the ultimate gifts to give are that of time, love, and friendship.  What's the best host(ess) gift you've ever received? 

Footwear: for the soul, for the sole

Chiudi gli occhi é imagina. Close your eyes and imagine. 

Peter Nappi's grandson was born in America, but his heart and vision are purely Italiano. Since 2011, Peter Nappi has lived at the most unassuming studio on Nashville's Adams Street in what was an industrial boiler room. 

Imagine old world Firenze, where cobblers hand carved custom foot molds, freezing in time and space the exact curvature, measurements, and every nuance of your feet to make the perfect footwear every time. 

Now imagine that same craftsmanship, that same quest for perfection, created in the warmest, most welcoming studio. There's nothing industrial about the service, the products, or the experience at Peter Nappi, a far cry from the building's previous life. 

Take a look at the beautiful leather gymnasium mats: 

To anyone else, they'd serve exactly their purpose. But to Peter Nappi, they become the most beautifully crafted footwear: 

I'd venture to describe Peter Nappi as intrinsically curated, but everyone associates "curated" with "museums" - and "edited" implies a strict regime, and I don't want those connotations. Imagine the most exquisite footwear, small leather goods and handbags all expertly crafted from luxurious leathers by hand in Italy. Belts, cuffs, wine totes, and key fobs are mixed with clutches, backpacks, and handbags, all to compliment the heart and sole / soul of the company. Peppered into the mix, you'll find the most brilliant collection of European home decor and gifts, including one of my favorite bath and body collections: the coveted Santa Maria Novella and eyewear by Persol. 

Stay long enough, ask the right questions, and you might even be offered an espresso or Peroni. 

I've never actually considered bringing a Kinfolk, bottle of wine, and the best antipasti available to just relax and enjoy in a store until stepping foot in Peter Nappi. 

Imagine a group of people so committed to their vision that they literally live the brand. Imagine a level of concern and specificity so great that no detail is too small. Imagine a welcome so warm that the front doors are literally always open. See something you like, but not quite? They can make it for you. Have your Nonna's old crocodile coat you're not sure what to do with? They'll imagine for you the most beautiful shoes, and accessories with the leftovers. 

Close your eyes and imagine the best. Now you're imagining Peter Nappi. 

Ti voglio bene per tutti. To care deeply and love, but not in a romantic way. Reserved for family, friends, and to those you're familiar. Intimacy without being sexual. 

Peter Nappi cares deeply for your heart, for your soul / sole.  

Big shout out to JJ for her time, her insight, and the incredible service. Ci vediamo a presto!

sexiest commercial ever

I'm obsessed with this commercial. And not just because there's an incredibly sexy Italian woman.