the BELLA ROMA collection, Part I

Naturally, I would not go all the way across the world without bringing back some lovely vintage to share. And by some, I mean two suitcases full!

I'm delighted to introduce the Bella Roma collection, a limited amount of spectacular vintage all discovered in Rome, Italy. I'm going to release it in batches, all in all there will be about 30 incredibly well made pieces. Look for it all here in its own section in the shop, starting later tonight.

Ciao!

Italy is For Lovers

Whether passionate and young, deep and well-versed, or platonic and faithful, Italians are simply not afraid to show their affection for one another. Though the architecture, food and aesthetic of Italy are certainly impressive, I think the most beautiful thing about the country is the unabashed attitude towards love.

Living freely and well takes precedence over work; it is simply something that has to be done and fits in around everything else. Living in the US, I find that it's usually the other way around. I admire and aspire to adopt this mentality in my own life, though breaking bad habits is certainly a struggle.

This abundance of love is perhaps the very thing that makes everything else beautiful. A perfect lasagne is made by hand to tame an empty stomach. A flawless piece of Carrera marble is brought to life by the brilliance of a Renaissance sculptor. A glove is cut, sewn, and fit by an eighty year old man who learned the trade from his grandfather.

I hope these photos capture a bit of that essence and will inspire you as well.

Tanti Bacci,
Giana

MEGA SALE!

It's that time of year- I'm gearing up for fall in the shop, and that means tons of stuff on sale at super cheap prices! In addition, a lot of regular merchandise has been reduced. Check out sale section in the shop now!

A Girl's Gotta Twirl!

When I found this awesome 50's skirt, I nearly fell over; the print is everything I ever asked for in a skirt! Splashes and splotches of red and black on a linen background, and so full that a girl's just gotta twirl in it. Oh, and ric-rac trim to boot!!






When I pulled out my zebra print shoes with the red heel backs, it seemed like it might be overkill to pair with the skirt; but I think I worked it by keeping everything else simple.






My skirt, necklace, purse, and bangle are all vintage, and the shoes and top have been in my closet forever.






I got a whole lot of looks strutting around Manhattan today, and I don't care if they were because of my crazy matching or because I had major cleavage.. this was fun to wear!

A Kitchen Formal

Imagine the days when a day consisted of vacuuming, going the butcher to pick out a perfect ham and prepping a jello mold full of vegetables for your dear husband's return from work. Oh, and don't forget to put on some lipstick and your best kitchen dress before your darling provider walks through that door. What?! A kitchen dress?!! Yes, there is such a thing as a formal house dress, and Princess Peggy has got a good one for you:

Brilliant, and available here.

Going home!

image here

We're leaving the coop to go home to southern Cali to visit our families until August 7th! We have some fun things planned, and of course there will be shopping. The shop will stay open but all orders will ship on the 8th when we return. We are so relieved to be getting out of town; David just took the bar exam and it seems like I've been working 80 hours a week these days so it is much needed. Ciao!

New Jewels

When you work this hard, you have to reward yourself once in a while. Or once a week. Just wanted to share two new little presents I bought for myself while out on a shopping trip this week. One is a 40's jeweled sterling scabbard and dagger pin (I've been wanting one forever!) and ring is a 10k gold and pyrite turn of the century piece with the most elegant little shoulders! Why two pieces in one trip you ask? Well, I'm The Greedy Seagull of course!