Arizona Haul

I was in sizzling HOT Scottsdale, Arizona and the fashion deals were just as hot as the 100F temps.

On my list was a black dress and I found 2 outstanding ones at Marshalls. This BCBG was a steal at $29 and I can wear it with a plunging neckline or just a normal V. The tea length makes it very sophisticated for a night out!

 

IMG_8202Next up is this Michaek Kors dress – also from Marshalls. It has very flattering draping as you can see in this shot. I gave myself the Beyonce treatment with natural wind. I’m showing this dress for a night out but it can easily be dressed down with flat sandals and a tote bag for a day of shopping or brunch. Great buy at $39.

The sandals I’m wearing in these photos are from Macy’s clearance and were $28. Alfani suede ankle straps but look like very high priced designer sandals.

 

Let’s talk about more shoes.

 

On the left are Fly London sandals. A brand I have always wanted. As soon as I saw the pattern and colours I knew these wedges were mine. They are super comfortable so a good investment. Cheap and cheerful finds on the right are yellow wedges from Macy’s and fire red kitten heels from Vince Camuto. Both $34 each.

IMG_8268

I couldn’t resist these super cute flip flops!

Consignment shopping can be a touchy issue for some people. Some women do not like buying second-hand but I grew up buying vintage in my teens so not a huge stretch to the consignment experience. The store we visited in Scottsdale had an amazing selection of clothing, bags and shoes. My whole squad scored!

IMG_8260

This Gucci dress was $145 and is from the Tom Ford era of Gucci. I love the draping and the round hem. It has a built in super fashionista cape and is a perfect match for my new Gucci Marmot mini bag. Bellissima!

I like to be on the look out for the next season when I’m shopping. My final pair of shoes was these embroidered flats by Tahari. Jewel tones on black. These will look great with jeans, leggings, skirts. In other words -everything.

TIP: make your shopping dollar go further by buying non-seasonal items on deep discounts.

IMG_5590

 

 

 

Italian Heritage Month

June is Italian Heritage Month in Canada so of course I’m celebrating!

Italy is known for fashion and luxury brands. My favs are Gucci, Prada and Fendi for accessories. From Prada I have a vintage nylon cross-body that is my “go-to” on the weekends. My “hack” to make this bag useful is by inserting a organizer so my stuff doesn’t tumble around in there. I also have a pair of espardrilles and peep-toes. When buying designer shoes (even on sale) always lean toward the classics. You want to get your money’s worth and wear them for many seasons.

Fendi is all about vintage for me. I have had this backpack and circle bag for many years. I love the double FF pattern.

Gucci is a recent love for me. These bags are pure Italian luxury for me.

Italian style without the hefty price tags? It’s possible but you need to look for it. This patterned bomber jacket was a steal at Winners for $59 and this jumpsuit is a collab between Missoni and Anthropologie. $170 vs $1160.

Taste of Italy is super easy to find in the6ix. My fav spot for a quick bite or an after work prosecco is Sud Forno. Try it! For arancini and polenta fries CIBO is my “go-to” to get my fix.

IMG_6677

 

Knit It

Knitting is a great past time for winter and also a creative way to add original accessories to your wardrobe. I tend to stick to small pieces that I can finish in a short period of time. Scarves, capelets, and cowls are all fun projects that can be completed quickly. I am currently working on a shrug in shades of turquoise. It’s chilly in my office and I thought this was a great way to stay warm without bulky layers.

Commuters

I’ve seen a lot of girls knitting on the train. It’s a great way to pass the time during a long commute. Using circular needles keeps the work close to you and doesn’t jab the person sitting next to you.

Knitwear Kings

My fav knitwear designers are Missoni and Brunello Cucinelli. I love the colour and pattern of Missoni knitwear while Cucinelli cashmere is the ultimate luxury. Both brands are based in Italy which is country known for its’ knitwear industry.

My Mom knit me this extra warm, grey infinity scarf so of course the doll had to have one as well. I used crochet to create the doll’s infinity scarf because I had the yarn and the hook readily available. It took 10 minutes because it was such a small piece.

I just joined the resistance and started knitting a pussy hat.

img_3458

 

Italian Haul

I’ve been back for a couple of weeks from my trip to Italy and as always I was depressed to leave la dolce vita and return to my everyday vita. That being said, my everyday vita allows me to live la dolce vita for short periods of time. On to the fashion and the shopping…

ITALIAN STYLE

Having visited both the North and South on this trip I can say the style language is very different. The North boasts Milan – fashion capitol of the world and mecca for modern art and design. Northern Italian woman love their jeans and even if they are ripped to shreads, they are styled with lovely ballet flats or neat, clean sneakers + a blouse or crisp white shirt. You won’t see a pair of dirty, grungy Converse anywhere. You see neat, tidy Converse or Stan Smiths.

The South is totally different. It was still full summer in Sicily. Women were more bohemian in dresses and frilly tops paired with flat sandals and high heels.

THE HAUL

Shopping was not the number 1 priority but I did take advantage of every opportunity made available. My primary shopping was done at Foxtown in Mendrisio, Switzerland. It is about a 40 minute drive from Milan and on every Asian Tour of Italy package. It is no Great Lakes or Sawgrass or any other big outlet Mall you can think of, but the quality of high end designer stores is what makes it famous.

I focused my attention on handbags and footwear. Specifically Gucci. img_2935I wanted to celebrate the completion of my certificate in Digital Strategy from U of T with a Gucci Bag. I did my research so I knew what styles I liked and I definitely wanted the double GG canvas. I love the rose gold trim and fold over closure on this bag. It holds a ton and also has a cross-body strap. It’s the perfect Forever Gucci bag at less than 1/2 price. This style has been updated for 2016 but the fine straps and hint of pink add a touch of elegance and femininity to this bag.

 

I scored on img_3199ballet flats at Tods. I love Tods shoes. Their driving loafers are famous for comfort and pedal to the metal grip but I’m not a loafer girl – I’m a ballet flat girl. I chose a tri-colour suede and leather combo in royal blue, charcoal and black as well as a deep rose patent leather. These were marked down twice so I basically payed for a regular pair of no-name leather flats but got Tods quality instead.

If you’ve been reading my blog you know I have been searching for a dark green blazer. My favourite Italian brand Benetton came through. This blazer is soft and drapes well. I know it will look great this fall. Especially when I pair it with the chunky stone necklace I bought in a local market.

FASHION DOLL

I couldn’t leave her at home. I had fun shooting the doll in Italy. Thanks to Elena for your patience and help setting up the shots.

 

 

PRE-ITALIA

Trip preparation can always be daunting. Going overseas for an extended stay is really challenging. How much should I bring? Will it be hot, cold? How many pairs of shoes will I need.

SCHEDULING

I planned my trip to Italy when peak tourist season is winding down but it’s still summer weather. I did not want to worry about bring clothes for 2 seasons but then again shopping for clothes in Milan is not a hardship;) I also had to plan around my host’s availability.

WARDROBE

Neutral and versatile are my key words when packing for a trip.To beat the heat I have dresses and culottes. Jeans and a hoodie are good ideas for the plane because it gets cold on a long haul flight. Comfortable sandals and sneakers for exploring. Thin layers that can come off and on as needed.

PACKING

I have fallen in love with packing cubes. They hold a ton and keep everything organized within the suitcase. They also make unpacking really easy. I did upgrade my ticket to allow for a second checked bag. More for way back…

CARRYING

Must haves for me are a lightweight cross-body bag and a backpack. This Coach bag is great for everyday and has lots of pockets to keep me organized. The Herschel backpack will hold my camera, water, guide book and any other essentials while touring around.

IMG_2824

RESEARCH

I have had to prep for 2 different portions of this trip.

  1. Milan Shopping
  2. Extended stay in Sicily

I wanted to experience outlet shopping – Italian Style and my cousins and I are deciding whether to go to Arese which is just outside Milan or Foxtown in Switzerland. We will also be going to Milan to visit Fondazione Prada which is a modern art museum funded by Prada. We will ofcourse also go shopping in Milan.

My cousin Elena and I will be flying to Sicily for a week. I’ve been reading up on the history of the island and I’m really looking forward to seeing Siracusa and Agrigento with its’ Valli dei Templi. For all this site seeing I have had to do a thorough cleaning and prep of my camera. Although my SLR is a few years old it takes amazing photos. Be sure to follow me on instagram @latonizzo and @modacarta. I’ll be using both accounts.

IMG_2832

modacarta DOLL

I could not possibly leave without the star of this blog. I have created a fun, versatile wardrobe for her and I’m looking forward to shooting her in la bella Italia!

img_2834

Arrivederci! a Presto!

 

Italian Edge

Recently I purchased a Valentino handbag. Not “the Valentino” of Rockstud shoes and dark floral boots fame but Mario Valentino.

Mario Valentino was a leather craftsman from Napoli and his fame as a fashion designer peaked in the 80s with edgy leather clothing, and sky high shoes and boots. Helmut Newton shot a lot of the brand’s iconic ads. I took inspiration from these 2 ads for my paper design in this post.

Since the founder’s passing in 1991 the brand has focused on handbags.mia-black I purchased this one at the Saks Off 5th. It’s great size for going out because it will carry a full size wallet and a larger sized phone.

Paper Art

This black outfit was inspired by the halter style on some of Valentino’s leather outfits. I love tight skirt with over-skirt and billowy pockets. I added some printed black paper to take away the starkness of the outfit.

edge