The Newly Opened Trevi Fountain, Rome. photo: Colleen Kohse
Audrey Hepburn & Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday (taken from google images)
I’ve been meaning to do a travel post since my last holiday but it’s been so crazy lately that I ended up having to hire a friend to go around Italy to capture some nice shots for this post.
Well that’s not exactly true. It’s just that a friend got to go to places in Italy that I’ve not yet been to and took some remarkable photos and of course she had the most amazing time. Because as she puts it “when you need a ‘spiritual’ lift, there’s no better place than the sights and delights of Italy!”So much history, so much art, so much fashion, so much food, so much style, so much…….everything.
My new favourite scooter. photo: Colleen Kohse
I agree. Twice I’ve been to Italy but never made it to Rome. Crazy, right? I’ve seen Milan, Venice and almost every quaint little corner of Tuscany including Florence. On my second visit I had to make a choice for a little side trip either to Rome or to Florence. Because of my timing situation I chose Florence.
Sunset in Florence. photo: Colleen Kohse
Florence is smaller, there’s lots of fabulous famous art everywhere and it’s such a beautiful, walkable city. I need to make a separate trip to Rome. And then I need to go to Lake Como and Capri. Sooooooon!
These pictures will whet your appetite for your next viaggio molto bella.
Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo, on Lake Como. photo: Colleen Kohsephoto: Colleen KohseOutside a perfumery in Montipulsiano. photo: Colleen KohseSorrento. photo: Colleen KohseMini mannequins (taken thru window) Rome. photo: Colleen Kohsephoto: Colleen KohseFunky Hotel Furniture. photo: Colleen Kohse
Colleen’s impression: It’s all about colour in Italy. From pastels to brights, the shops are springing up in splendid colours.
Market in Como. photo: Colleen Kohsephoto: Colleen KohseHoly Cannollis. photo: Colleen KohseAnti Pasta in Como Market. photo: Colleen Kohse
Whenever you get a label that reads “made in Italy” you immediately feel an element of understated elegance, refinement and quality.
photo: Colleen Kohse. Colleen just visited their store location in *Capri, off the Amalfi Coast. She is killing me with her enviable photos.
The clothing is usually a cut (excuse the pun) above the rest. Mostly you feel an attention to detail, design and fit. And I gravitate towards a cut that is simple and sensual.
The Flavio Castellani label is a reflection of the “made in Italy” style of sophistication mixed with a fun look for the feminine and modern woman. The brand is the outcome of the combined creative spirit of fashion designer Rita Ricci and the management skills of Flavio Castellani.
La moda e’ eleganza e raffinatezza.
La moda e’ arte e questa e’ la mia passione.
Fashion is elegance and refinement . Fashion is art and this is my passion. Flavio Castellani
An Important Italian History Lesson:
One of my favourite kind of pants to wear once the weather starts to warm up is capris. Thanks to a designer by the name of Sonja de Lennart who invented *Capri pants in 1948. The pants’ name derives from the Italian isle of Capri, where they rose to popularity in the late 1950s and early ’60s.Grace Kelly was among the first movie stars to wear capris on the island. There have been many more since. Audrey Hepburn immediately comes to mind. To me they are the perfect pant – comfy casual with flats and a Tee but can be dressed up with heels and a nice shirt.
How about you? Do you believe the “made in Italy” label is more special?
photo: Colleen Kohse – Limoncello Coccinelle bags to brighten up your day
This is a LifeStyle blog. Are you getting tired of hearing the term “Lifestyle?”
It has become such a common catch-phrase so I looked up the word in Wikipedia just to make certain of the meaning and know that I’m on the right track. According to them, the term denotes the interests, opinions, behaviours, and behavioural orientations of the person (in this case me, the blogger).
So this blog focuses on things that matter to me on a wide variety of subjects about things that attract my attention, pique my interest and what I find personally inspiring…with an emphasis on style with everything from food to fashion or just plain fun.It tends to attract a certain following of like- minded people. I do not have the following of Gwyneth Paltrow or Martha Stewart yet so I gravitate towards tasteful subjects of interest and try to put a personal element into the story whenever possible, which is fairly often, and without controversy. It encompasses my aesthetic of living in general…which I think is pretty simple…for the most part.
In a perfect world I would probably spend my life outdoors. As it stands, whenever the weather allows for it I do exactly that. Luckily I have close to 1,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space which I try to make feel as comfortable as possible to enjoy. This is my perfect lifestyle – doors wide open…indoor/outdoor living. And dogs are very important! As soon as we got an early surprise summer I scrambled to plant a few geraniums, set out pillows, get fresh flowers and get it together.
Now I’m trying hard to pair down and keep things simpler but at the same time so many things have been collected from various travels (including many rocks & shells) and they’re hard to part with because of the memories. I’m one of those people who finds it hard to let go. Almost everything is from somewhere else and has a meaning. And I’m not traveling so much these days. I’m just a homebody who wants to feel like I’m still traveling.
Which included making these simple summer salads:
(L) Grape|Tomato & baby Bocconcini with torn Basil & Balsamic Glaze. (R) Kale, Yam, Feta & Sundried Tomatoes in a light vinaigrette.
Anyway, this turned out to be a random post because the last four days have been busier than usual with some last minute plans – which are sometimes the best. I ended up with a ticket to the Who concert on Friday which was so much fun (who says guys in their 70’s can’t rock!) and time spent with girlfriends and last minute brunches/dinners, a committee meeting and a fundraiser. And I have no clue what I’m going to write next. But know this….some exciting things are about to take place…..
It’s always an adventure one way or another
These napkins are very hard to come by – they invoke memories of time well spent.
If there’s anything the Chanel Resort Collection 2017 spectacle taught us aside from how to throw the ultimate party, it’s that accessories like pearl-studded berets, floral-trim fedoras and spectator shoes (aka the oxford or two-toned brogue) look mighty cool worn with almost anything – especially a killer attitude.
Leave it to Karl Lagerfeld to achieve the unexpected and the spectacular.
It appears that each Chanel show is outdone by the next and this latest example was really something extra special. For Resort 2017 Lagerfeld chose the intensely beautiful cityscape of Havana; a locale at an historic turning point in international relations, and a collection that was relatable, wearable, exquisitely made, and joyfully youthful.
I visited Havana with a friend when I was living in Jamaica and we really felt transported back in time. The people were vibrant and full of life and eager to make us feel welcome. As tourists we visited all the touristy places including all the Hemingway hangouts but we also met locals who told us where we could find a very good authentic Cuban (off the beaten path) restaurant which we loved. Cuba held more allure for me since becoming friends with a close relative of Che Guevara; someone I met overseas. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Of course the Mojitos were the absolute best.
The Chanel Resort Collection 2017 – May 2, 2016 (my picks from a ton of photos)
You cannot mistake this look
The American fashion press who flew into Cuba for the Chanel Resort show landed two hours before the first U.S. cruise ship to have docked in Havana in nearly 40 years. The passengers of the Adonia had no idea what to expect when they set foot on the dock; in the event, they were surrounded by crowds of Havana residents, high-fiving greetings. The historic thawing of relations between the Castro regime and the United States was palpable, a warmth that was stoked to fever level.
Seven hundred guests of Chanel were taken to the open-air street show in a multicolored convoy of the city’s open-top Buicks, Cadillacs, and Oldsmobiles. The owners tooted their horns through the streets of Old Havana, while people came out to line the streets, crowd dilapidated balconies and rooftops, wave and laugh. It could easily have gone the other way—who knew there could be such a welcome in a poor, communist country for a super-luxurious brand and the wealthy women who wear its finery?But it was the people of Cuba who set the atmosphere running—a sense of exuberant excitement that involved everyone from the models to the normally impassively unimpressible members of the press.
With guests sitting on park benches in the open air of the tree-lined Paseo del Prado, the models strolled naturally in flat brogues, flip-flops, and slides. Here was Chanel at full range—black spencer jackets over wide-legged cuffed pants; “debutante” dresses with swirly skirts hitting calf length in lace or organza; skinny long tube dresses in macramé or tattered tweed; huge floaty dresses, neatly belted, in ’50s car prints. The Chanel embroiderers had pulled out all the stops, decorating sleeves with dense layers of tattered fabric (a subtle homage to Hispanic ruffles, surely) and sequin-encrusted little dresses in the peachy-pinks, lemony-oranges, and greeny-blues you see in every direction in Havana.
Take a bow
It was Chanel that started the new lark of traveling Resort shows—immersive summertime trips to evermore far-flung locations—and Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci have been joining in. Occasionally, it has to be said that descriptions of spectacular locations can overshadow collections that aren’t so worth writing home about. But with this show, Karl Lagerfeld achieved it all.
What made it work, in essence, was the easy styling, with T-shirts and flats, a casual attitude that the models clearly felt happy in—so happy that the end of the show broke out into an anarchic kind of carnival where the girls and the audience and the local band all got mixed up together, dancing.
Claire Danes lit up the Met Gala in an illuminated Zac Posen ball gown that was part princess, part futuristic.
GOWNS and GLAMOUR fit for a King
Manus x Machina (fashion in the age of technology – think handmade couture vs machine made)added up to a mix of futurism with sparkling silver and gold form-fitting creations on the red carpet. The Met Gala is the occasion to pull out all the stops and in my opinion these 12 stunners nailed it!
Zoe Saldana in Dolce & GabbanaA Perfect Statue: Cindy Crawford in BalmainModel Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa
Kendall Jenner’s Atelier Versace gown plays with laser-cut velvet and blue Swarovski crystals for a body-hugging statement. Joan Smalls (behind her) wears Balmain.
Emma Stone melds Old Hollywood elegance with high fashion in a corset detail dress by Prada.Lara Stone in Tom Ford – channels Brigitte BardotZendaya keeps it simple yet impactful in a gilded one-shoulder Michael Kors gown with a train and turtleneck detail.Sienna Miller in GucciBlake Lively in BurberryBeyoncé comes off her Lemonade launch in a pink-hued, form-fitting dress with floral embellishment by Givenchy. What about the Bod?
I’ve walked by this nicely laid out store on many occasions stopping to admire what appeals to me…. clothing that looks attractively simple, functional and well made. Clothing you must try on to experience the fit. I’ve seen their glossy ads in high fashion magazines and out of curiosity I went in yesterday to have a good look around. There was a familiarity about the store. Now I understand why.
Kit and Ace is a Canadian apparel brand founded in 2014 by the former lead designer of Lululemon Athletica Inc. Shannon Wilson and her stepson JJ Wilson. Shannon brings her aesthetic to the line. So the philosophy is similar to Lululemon even though the clothing is more elegantly casual everyday wear.
For men & women
I was interested to see lightweight technical cashmere that you can put right into the washing machine and not worry about it piillng or stretching. Apparently it does not. They also feature washable silk and many fabrics have 4-way stretch for comfort. The tees come with a guarantee that they won’t shrink or warp even after being washed and put in the dryer. So no dry cleaning necessary.
Their STORY
Your time is precious and your comfort is paramount.
We create designs that look good and feel amazing, so you can
forget the small stuff and get on with the big stuff.
The Art Wall is a nice touch:
Art is the opportunity to inspire and perhaps start a conversation.
The wall showcases beautiful art created in Vancouver. They change it every 3 months to feature a new local artist.
Acclaimed former interior and graphic designer Eileen Fisher launched her self-named collection in 1984 making her mark withclean lines, simple shapes, and a timeless, functional style.And she designs clothes with a conscious.What does that mean?
Just as farm-to-table is changing the way we think about our food and where it comes from, farm-to-closet will change the way we think about clothing. Because clothes are an agricultural act. An odd way to think about garments maybe, but true when they’re made of natural fibers.
I love wearing my Eileen Fisher silk shells but this season her key ingredient is organic linen. The company uses flax grown by farmers who rely on age-old practices and modern insights to control weeds and pests naturally. It’s harder than spraying a field with synthetic chemicals, but worth the effort.
By supporting organic farming, you’re helping to protect the soil that sustains what we eat – and what we wear. So you can feel even better about what you’re wearing.
A great meal is only as good as its ingredients, and a great look is only as good as the materials it’s made from.
A few favourites taken from the website:
Organic Linen Long Tunic – USD 228.00
Eileen Fisher tunic in lightweight, breathable handkerchief linen.
Available in your choice of color.
Ballet neckline.
Long, dropped sleeves.
Loose fit.
High-low hem hits mid-thigh.
Pullover style.
Organic linen; machine wash.
Imported of Italian material.
Long Organic Linen Jacket USD 248.00
Eileen Fisher organic handkerchief linen jacket—available in your choice of color.
Mini mandarin collar; button front.
Their vision: for an industry where human rights and sustainability are not the effect of a particular initiative, but the cause of a business well run. Where social and environmental injustices are not unfortunate outcomes, but reasons to do things differently.
“Wide brimmed and narrow, some tall, some not, some fancy, some colorful, some plaid, some plain. She doted on changing hats at every opportunity. When she met the Prince, she was wearing one hat, when he asked her for a stroll, she excused herself, shortly to return wearing another, equally flattering.” – William Goldman, The Princess Bride (loved that movie).Hats are radical; only people that wear hats understand that. Philip Treacy (Irish milliner/designer based in London).
“Take off your hat,” the Girl King said to the Mad Hatter.
“It isn’t mine,” said the Hatter.
“Stolen!” the King exclaimed, turning to the jury, who instantly made a memorandum of the fact.
“I keep them to sell,” the Hatter added as an explanation; “I’ve none of my own. I’m a hatter.” – Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass The Wide Brimmed Stetson, a Personal Style Favourite (last 4 photos)
When transitioning into Spring I begin to obsess about making changes to my wardrobe bit by bit. Spring cleaning on a whole other level.
Photo: d. king
I start to put away my heavy sweaters, wool clothing and switch my hefty luxury cotton bathrobe for a lighter waffle cotton, but not before making sure everything is stored away clean. Which brings me to some products to help in the process.
I am one who takes care of her belongings in every possible sense. I’ve been using Wolford wash for delicates like good nylons (namely Wolford) and undies for ages and Mrs. Meyers Lemon Verbena concentrated laundry detergent which is gentle on fabrics as well as the earth. I take all of that into consideration as a lifestyle choice. Also I prefer natural clean products with a delicate scent.
Which brings me to something that recently caught my eye when I walked into Hill’s Dry Goods Clothing Store on 4th (in Vancouver). Aside from noticing the obvious clothing labels I discovered a new cleaning product for clothing. It’s called The Laundress. I looked into the product further and thought I’d share some tips from the people over there that might help benefit you when springing into Spring:
FRESHEN FAIR WEATHER FAVORITES POST-STORAGE:
Our spring wardrobes are in full bloom with this much welcomed warm weather, but are they really ready to be worn? If your garments were in storage throughout the winter, chances are they’ll need a bit of freshening up! Here’s how to rejuvenate your pieces:
Be on team “steam” Steaming has MANY benefits and we love treating stored garments to a quick session before adding them back to our daily outfit rotation. The process removes wrinkles and kills most germs and bacteria, which helps eliminate odours. Add a capful of The Laundress Ironing Water, scented in our Classic scent, to steamer’s water tank for fragrance.
Spritz to achieve the ultimate “clean laundry” smell Banish musty odours and freshen garments by spritzing one of our fabric sprays – Fabric Fresh Classic is perfect for this task! It’s scented in a unique blend of lily of the valley, jasmine, sweet musk and sandalwood with a touch of citrus. Added bonus: it’s allergen-free so it’s appropriate for even the most sensitive of noses.
“Yikes” moment? Here’s how to conquer yellowing…
On Cotton, Linen & Durable Synthetics
Treating very yellowed items Presoak the item in a basin of hot water mixed with 1 capful of The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternative. Then wash as normal.
Treating moderately yellowed items Add 2 capfuls of The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternativeto a wash load (without detergent). Then wash again (using detergent) as normal.
Treating mildly yellowed items Add 2 capfuls of The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternativeto the wash load along with detergent.
On Silks and Delicate Synthetics
Treating very or moderately yellowed items Presoak the item in a basin of tepid/lukewarm water mixed with ¼ cup white vinegar. We use The Laundress Scented Vinegar. Then wash as normal. For extra stain fighting when treating synthetics, add 1 capful of The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternative to the basin of warm water. Do not use on silk or wool.
Treating mildly yellowed items Add ¼ cup of white vinegar to the wash load or handwashing basin along with detergent. Wash as normal.
The Laundress Product of Perfection Even if everything looks clean, your nose can sense when things are going sour. Spray stubborn smells away with our nontoxic formula that freshens items by eliminating odor-causing organisms. It’s free of allergens and skin-irritating sodium phosphate typically associated with fabric fresheners.
TRANSITION FROM WINTER TO SPRING WITH THESE TIPS:
We love our winter woolies and wish to keep wearing them for months (and years) to come! That’s why we at The Laundress take storing, both long term and short term, seriously.
Improper storage can result in the deterioration and yellowing of fabrics or prompt the growth of mold and mildew. As we can’t imagine our sweaters enduring discoloration and more (and know that you can’t either!), we’ve perfected the art of prepping and packing away seasonal wardrobes. Learn the start to finish process and the products we recommend for best results!
Wash garments before storing long term Washing before storing prevents mystery stains from appearing over time – even if no stains are visible we recommend including these pieces in your laundry load! Perfume, body products, body oil, food, and dirt can show up after some time and they are much harder to remove. Storing clothes clean also decreases the likelihood of a bug or moth attack.
When washing woolens and down, we suggest using The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo. For cotton, linen, and durable synthetics, The Laundress Signature Detergent is ideal. Always wash items that are starched before storing – moths love starch!
Pack items in a breathable, cotton bag When storing wool, cashmere, and all fabrics to be stored folded, it is best to pack in a breathable fabric, such as cotton or linen, with a zip closure. We opt against plastic bins as this material can cause textiles to discolor over time. The Laundress Large Zip Storage & Laundry Bag and All-Purpose Storage Bag will work to protect the fabric’s integrity by shielding dust and critters. Did you know that moths can’t eat through cotton?
Delicate pieces and those prone to wrinkling are best stored folded with acid-free tissue. This practice is ideal for long term storage. Do not hang knits, silks, or synthetics as this will alter the pieces’ shape.
Fur, leather, and outerwear are best stored hung. Improper storage of such pieces can result in their drying out which causes the loss of natural oils. We recommend. The Laundress Hanging Storage & Garment Bag – it fits up to 6 jackets – over traditional, plastic garment bags as they can cause yellowing and prompt mold growth.
Store in rooms that are clean, cool, dark, and dry Avoid storing in attics or basements as humid areas are optimal environments for moth breeding, mold, and mildew. Areas that experience extreme temperatures or direct sunlight are not ideal as both will lead to the deterioration of fabrics. It is best opt for rooms that are clean, cool, dark, and dry.
Prepare for silverfish, moth, and bug issues before they happen Take preventative measures against critters by storing clothing with The Laundress Cedar Drawer Sheet or Lavender Pouch. Both cedar and lavender are scents that naturally repel bugs and moths. Spritzing garments with The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Spray, our nontoxic, allergen-free fabric spray, is helpful as well! Avoid using moth balls as they are toxic, deadly, and have a noxious odour (which is nearly impossible to remove). We do not recommend cedar blocks/chips as their oil can transfer to fabric and create stains.
If your closet has been attacked by critters, you’ll need to quarantine the scene.
Treat mold and mildew growth on garments If mold or mildew becomes an issue, worry not as such pieces can often be salvaged. The Laundress Stain Solution, Stain Brush, and Scented Vinegar are our go-to for mold removal.
Reorganize closets and drawers each season Clean drawers, closets, and clothes with each season to freshen items and ensure the absence of critters! Remove clothing and accessories from storage and launder as normal. While waiting on the wash cycles, vacuum and wipe down drawers. We use The Laundress Surface Cleaner and Lint-Free Cleaning Cloth to lift dust and lint. The Surface Cleaner is safe for all surfaces throughout your home, and is made with natural ingredients so it won’t harm fabrics!
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
You must be logged in to post a comment.