The Box Clutch

{clutch photo c/o Asos website}

After discovering this beautiful box clutch on the Asos website, I knew I had to have it!  I would style this with a white tee, light grey skinny jeans and killer black stilettos - done!  With a piece like this, you really want it to speak for itself and stand out with the rest of your look.  Here are a few other box clutches that are just to die...I can't wait to get my hands on one!

{from left to right, top to bottom}

1. Gold Clutch-Peep Toe 2. Ottoman Clutch-All Saints 3. Silk Clutch-Matthew Williamson 4. Framed Clutch-Moschino 5. Studded Clutch-Alexander McQueen 6. Gold Lame Clutch-Moschino 7. Knuckle Clutch-Hot Topic 8. Tortoise Clutch-Louis Vuitton 9. Pink Silk Clutch-Peep Toe

XOXO,

Sorellina

My Italian Adventure: Part I

{taking in Lake Como}

It is soooo hard to be back from what I can say was one of the best weeks of my life (besides the week I got married).  There is something about Italian culture that is so (for lack of a better word) PERFECT.  I absolutely love everything about it.  Here is a list of words that describe my most adored aspects of Italy as a whole…

pesto – vine ripe tomatoes – creamy cappuccinos in beautiful cups – chocolate croissants – spritz cocktails – paper thin pizzas – vintage bicycles – effortless style – leather – buzzing vespas – afternoon siestas – gelato – tiny Italian cookies – vino – pecorino romano with honey and pears – stilettos on cobblestones – salty bread soaked in olive oil – breathtaking views – vintage fiats – gondolas – nautical stripes 

For those of you who have been to Italy, what do you love most about it?  For those of you who have not been – you must go soon!

Stay tuned for more on my Italian adventure including photos of an amazing antique market we stumbled upon in Siena, a full re-cap on the ridiculous food we ate, and of course a roundup of the fun items I brought back with me!

{fresh olives right off the tree}

{enjoying an afternoon cappuccino}

{gondolier in Venice}

{Ti Amo Venezia (I love you Venice)}

{shopping for leather goods in Florence}

{cute old  man on his bicycle in Florence}

{the Duomo in Florence}

Ciao for now,

Sorellina

Her version...My version

Guest Blogger :: Laura Naples of NEAPOLITAN (Sorellina's older "Sorella")

Many months ago, I spotted designer Catherine Malandrino's shortlist of 12 Things [She] Can't Live Without in Elle Decor. This black pearl ring, pictured left (which happens to be her engagement ring that she wears on her pinkie - how incredibly chic is that?) stood apart from the rest of her glamorous picks. I've kept a mental image of that gorgeous ring, so I was pleasantly stunned to find a lookalike version at none other than Topshop, pictured right. While I wish the pearl was the same black color, the scale and details can't be denied - it's an absolutely clever take on Malandrino's vintage Van Cleef & Arpels bauble.

(Another thing Malandrino can't live without? Her signature citron color, used to "grid" the layout here - Pantone 395.)

Top image and black pearl ring image from Elle Decor. White pearl ring image from Topshop.

Style your shelf

Guest Blogger :: Laura Naples of NEAPOLITAN (Sorellina's older "Sorella")

The perfectly placed objects on this bookshelf, designed by prop stylist (and recent HGTV DesignStar winner) Emily Henderson, create a little oasis of personality, warmth, and intrigue. I love the idea of having a place in my home where the eye can happily feast on a collection of favorite things - from books to vintage ceramics to jewelry - that feels both styled and a little spontaneous.

Below are pictured some eclectic vintage and handmade pieces that I think would work beautifully in a Henderson-inspired "shelfscape".

Clockwise from top left: Black and brass bird; White pitcher; Gold paper bowl; Aged glass candleholder; Agate paperweight (sold); Wishbone; Vintage teapot; Horse marble bookends; Black scalloped bowl;  Bone square box.

Of course, a bookshelf wouldn't be complete without reading materials. But as Henderson shows, books appear as beautiful objects themselves when offset by other works of art and even favorite accessories. Why not enjoy your display-worthy pieces everyday?

Clockwise from top left: Faceted bracelet; Gold dictionary; No Sleep Till Brooklyn bangles; Vintage re-covered book; Painting People; Bone inlay box; Horn watch; Chad Wys landscape; Clear sunglasses.

So here's a peek at my bookshelf - always evolving. My current favorite things are the silhouette portrait of my daughter, the huge gold (vintage) American Ballet Theatre book and the tiny Jonathan Adler owl, given to me by my little sis.

Nesting

Guest Blogger :: Laura Naples of NEAPOLITAN (Sorellina's older "Sorella")

Greetings Sorellina friends! While Kristen takes some well-deserved time off, she's asked me to pop in to share some of my current musings and finds. So, we'll begin with my Fall wish list for the home: a collection of pieces that feel seasonless, classic yet special, and a good balance of masculine and feminine. With the air getting crisper and the days becoming shorter, I'm finding myself in serious nesting mode. Now how to save up for this supposed Fall home makeover?!

Clockwise from top left: Desert swirl table lamp; Bronze Age flatware; Cubist camel throw; Montego sofa; Urban Outfitters foil pillows; Plexi-craft trunk

DIY - Red Bow Necklace

When I saw this cute little bow necklace adorning Ella Peru's 2010 fall collection I instantly searched to find it and make it mine.  Considering this designer is Canadian and only sells her duds in Canada - I had no luck finding it. Then I thought...hmm...I can make this for sure!  It may not look exactly the same, but I knew I could create something that was similar and just as cute.  This was seriously so easy.  See my how-to below.

What you will need:

- An old gold necklace (or a really cheap one)  I bought mine at H&M for $3.95.

- Thick satin or grosgrain ribbon (about 6") I obviously choose red, but this would be really cute in a fuchsia or a pretty grey.

- Needle and matching thread

- Scissors

- Pliers

Fold a piece of ribbon three times until you get a thick rectangle.

Tie another piece around the center of the rectangle to create a bow shape.  Then turn it on its backside and sew the center piece to the rectangle so that it stays in place.

Put little holds at the edges of the bow with a needle so that you can put the rings from the chain through both ends - then use pliers to close the rings.

Voila!

XOXO,

Sorellina

Retro Bride

When I saw this simple ivory frock on Asos website the other day while browsing the dresses, I couldn’t help but think what a cool and fun wedding dress it would be.  Even though my wedding has been over since last February, I am still obsessed with everything wedding.  I picked up the new issue of Martha Stewart Weddings yesterday and read the whole thing in like an hour…

Anyway, since the dress is so basic, I pulled together a look drawing my inspiration from the dress.  The ensemble is so 60’s mod – very “Twiggy” or “Bardotesque”. 

This look would be perfect for a Palm Springs, Vegas or City Hall wedding.  Ugh…someone needs to steal this round up and rock it on their wedding day pronto!  I am obsessed.   

The best part of it all?  The dress is only $100!!  

A good lesson I learned after my wedding is: spending less on the dress and more on the shoes/accessories.  This makes much more sense because you will wear all the other pieces again!  However, I think I would definitely do a repeat appearance in this dress.

Shoe-Miu Miu, Polish-Deborah Lippmann, Eyelashes-Shu Uemura, Eyeliner-Helena Rubinstein, Necklace-Ann Taylor, Veil-Jennifer Behr, Bag-Miu Miu, Lipstick-NARS

XOXO,

Sorellina

From the Runway to Reality

I was so elated when my sister discovered this jacket at Anthropologie (still in stores), not only because it is so obviously fabulous, but also because Givency sent an almost identical one down the runway at their spring 2010 show!  I love how the direction of the stripes on the lapel change and the black piping lining the perimeter of the jacket.  Even though it is so specific it can surprisingly be worn with so many different looks and colors.  I also feel that it is relatively season less.  I will be wearing it through winter with a long black dress and boots and into spring with a light airy pink silk frock.  The list goes on....This piece is without a doubt one of my favorite things in my closet.

{Jacket-Anthropologie, Silk Shorts-J.Crew, Tank-Alternative Apparel, Bangle-J.Crew, Necklace-Target, Watch-Hugo Boss, Clogs-Steve Madden}

XOXO,

Sorellina

Design Details: Chevron

Blame it on Missoni or Charlie Brown - when it comes to design elements of apparel and interior design, a chevron pattern is one that I will never tire of.  The delightful v-shape adds instant interest and personality to any outfit or room.  I especially love playing with the design using different materials such as sequins and metals. 

{Pillow - Necklace - Sweater - Clutch - Rug}

XOXO,

Sorellina

Obsessing Over

This necklace...

{Can you even believe that this necklace is $19.00??!!!!  It is so regal and luxe looking.}

This haircut...

{I am loving this makes-no-sense layered effect and effortless waves.  It is perfectly messy and chic.}

This top...

{The combo of this casual jersey and soft cream tulle is to die.}

This dress...

{I would wear this with a black leather motorcycle jacket. Ultra chic!}

Ciao!

Sorellina

PS - cant wait to show you the outfits I am planning for my trip to Italy!  I have started packing tonight and am pretty sure it will take me until the night before I leave - Sept 15th!!  Ahhh!!

Rainy Days

I am totally craving a brisk, rainy fall day to happen to me.  To most people, rainy gray days are perceived as depressing and uncomfortable. To me, they feel cozy and put me in a place of sheer contentment.  I get visions of sitting at my favorite little coffee shop all bundled up reading a new mag or shopping boutiques in a fun neighborhood wearing my favorite rain boots paired with a cool umbrella.

{clockwise from left}

Vivienne Westwood rain booties - Clear Dome Umbrella - Clear Plastic Cape - Ruffle Umbrella

Also in rain wear fashion...THIS JUST IN...Loeffler Randall Rain Boots!!!!  They Just came out today.  These little cuties will be having you do a rain dance tonight for sure!

XOXO,

Sorellina