Recently I promised a few new site updates.  Well, here’s another update!!

We’ve cleaned up the tag section of the search page, making it more organized and clear, so you can search by ‘People, Places, or Features’ with all tags listed to make everything more intuitive and visual.

Don’t forget that you can search multiple tags at once, as many as you want, and click ‘Search’ on the top right to see results for all.

Hope this makes things a bit easier to navigate– stay tuned for more updates.

Fur and bare legs… It’s a thing.  Lots of people say “If it’s cold enough for fur, then it’s too cold for bare legs.”  Quotes like that, to me, seem like getting dressed based only on a concept rather than reality.  I find that if my core is warm (especially my arms and legs) some cool weather feels good and seems to balance my body temperature.

We have to remember that when people go out for the day, they’re not spending hours and hours walking around outside: we’re in and out of shops, in and out of cars, or in and out of apartments.  If anything, I get too warm during the winter wearing my coat around all the time.  Also, remember that the temperatures in the morning and at the end of the day (when we’re going back and forth to work) are different than at lunchtime when the sun is in full force.

Dressing for the weather is a very inaccurate science, and quoting tired concepts or rules only shows a lack of understanding for the variety in our lives.

Another great Burberry collection.  The outerwear was fantastic: reimagined, refit and restyled for a hip young lady.

Actually, this brings up a point. I was a bit surprised as to how many of the London collections seemed totally based on dressing for the cocktail hour.  There were so few clothes had any relation to cold weather. I guess it’s a business strategy, but a very narrow one.

Glamour is not lost, sometimes It’s just hard to see.

Editor of Elle Italia

Which cultures or sub-cultures have influenced you lately?

Since I’m currently traveling in Morocco, I find myself wrapping scarves mixed with jewelry around my head like the old Berber women—I look forward to wearing long gypsy dresses, sequined pieces, and pastel colors for the spring.

What are the most interesting pieces you’ve picked up when traveling?

An old, colorful Peruvian bag and an Argentinean pendant.  I really cherish the pendant; it’s a gaucho medallion, in silver and mother-of-pearl, with the initials of someone very special.

Favorite weekend escape?           

Pietrasanta in Tuscany, but if I had more time I would go to Careyes in Mexico.

What do you consider your ideal environment to work and create?

In the craziness of my mess: in my hotel room, in my closet and in my bags.

My assistant hates me because when I say, “Don’t worry I’ll take care of the clothes and put everything in place” I actually just strew everything around…

Where do you seek visual inspiration most often?

I look to books, landscapes, and images– Tim Walker photographs are my favorite. I love the way he contrasts the real world with fantasy, the old and the new, the surreal proportions and ability to play with nature.  His photograph ‘It rained outside and we camped inside,’ reminds me of when I was a child and always built little cabanas in my room.

Any particular movies?

Pretty Woman—or I suppose that’s the most romantic, so I would say Amarcord.

What materials would you like to experiment with?

Nature’s treasures: shells, wood, and leaves.

Daily reads?

Vogue.it for the horoscopes, a selection of newspapers, and of course Italian Elle.

How do you approach getting dressed?

I don’t think too much of what is appropriate or not, I just dress to feel special.

When do you feel most feminine?

When I wear something special, sexy and fun at the same time—my favorite collections are Moschino and Alberta Ferretti.

Never leave the house without?

Red lipstick! It adds a spark when I’m running around all day and makes me feel more sexy and confident.  I like a shade from Dolce & Gabbana, the Scarlett Johansson one.

Which shops you could spend the whole day in?

Wait and See in Milan on via Santa Marta, and lots of vintage shops.

Do you have a skincare regimen that keeps you glowing?

I always use Shu Uemura Face Oil and Eight Hour Cream.

Favorite meal?

Popcorn and vanilla ice cream, mixed together…

Are you athletic?

I go everywhere on my bike and run with my dog—I also love to dance.

What would you tell your 18-year-old self?

Don’t stop– but the thing is I never did.

Which photograph do you feel best represents your personality?

The funny ones for sure! You’re the only one who can catch that sparkle in my eyes when I’m having the most fun with fashion.

I’ve also found that having a dog that matches your Uggs also helps the overall look!

Current career?

My boyfriend Nicola and I own a shop in Arezzo, Tuscany called VOGA– I enjoy my work so much! We’re complimentary in the sense that I work closely with customers, and he loves working on the business side– he’s rigorous and tidy, while I am quite the opposite, so our respected roles suit us well.

What do you find challenging about owning a shop together?

Things are more difficult now that we have a baby.  She stays with us in the shop sometimes and travels on buying trips. It’s definitely harder to place orders during the buying meetings and run around fashion week carrying all of her things in addition to all of mine!

You always seem to be running around in heels…

I still wear heels every day regardless of how busy I am. I wouldn’t wear sneakers or a down jacket, they’re too casual for me, it doesn’t feel right. Every morning I get dressed based on my shoes… I even pack them in my carry-on when traveling in fear of losing a pair!

Do certain pieces instantly make you feel more feminine?

Beautiful shoes! My favorites are a pair from Louboutin in Daffodile beige and my winter orange ones from Zanotti– I always feel more powerful when wearing them.

Have you worn anything recently that felt exciting and bold?

A certain Dolce & Gabbana leopard print dress– I felt excited because it was different for me:  a little sexier, a little bolder.  I also find myself feeling this way when I wear my favorite hats from Maison Michel.

Where do you continually find inspiration?

Venice, especially during the biennale of art—you can find inspiration for everything there! It would be amazing to have a special installation from Maurizio Cattelan or Dan Flavin in my shop.

Fonteverde a Thermal Centre (Thermal Baths) in San Casciano dei Bagni is where I go for peace of mind.  It’s not only relaxing but has a wonderful view of the Tuscan hills.

Where’s your favorite place to have a drink?

The Piazza San Francesco Arezzo Bolgheri with a glass of red wine from Terre di Piero.

Most visually inspiring movie?

La Piscina with Alain Delon and Romy Schnieder is just stunning.

Do you wear many heirloom pieces?

I have a Jackie O bag from Gucci that  my mother gave it to me many years ago– every time I wear it I like to think about how trendy it was when she was wearing it. For the evening, I wear a very special python bag made by my dear friend Marco Pasini.

Favorite shops in Paris?

Merci and Bon Ton in Paris always have interesting ideas and creative installations. Also Bonpoint– the little polka-dot coats and dresses are very Parisenne and cool for my daughter Antonia!

Which publications do you read most often?

I always enjoy Dazed & Confused, Vogue Paris, and Monocle.

Music that keeps you going?

Italian music is my favorite, mostly from the 60s and 70s — singers like Mina, Mia Martini, Serge Gainsburg and Dalida. Sometimes in the shop we’ll play the Colette Podcast.

Skincare/Grooming regimen?

AESOP is my go-to– I use the Facial Crème Hydratante à la Noix de la Camélia, and Geranium Leaf Cleanser for the body, also Kiehls lip balm and hand cream.

Most memorable style advice?

I always remind myself of something Vreeland once said, “The only real elegance is in the mind; if you’ve got that, the rest really comes from it.”