My Magical Mystery Life

Guerlain Meteorites

2011-02-05T08:34:00.000-08:00

I've always been caught by those little coloured pearls, but I've never had the courage to buy them.

I've always thought they were expensive, that I wouldn't have used them, and...

Boy I was wrong! After years and years of contemplating, last week I finally bought Guerlain Meteorites in Teint Rosé and I'm addicted. They are the perfect finishing touch to my make-up and make my skin look much better.

And I was wrong on the price too: I've paid 37.50 euro (with little discount) for a product that will last forever.

Guerlain Meteorites also come in Teint Beige and Teint Doré, and also in pressed powder.

Visit Guerlain to view their whole range, which I'm now addicted to! I've always been a loyal Chanel customer, but some Guerlain products really intrigued me. Will keep you updated.

back again!

2011-02-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

"It's been a long time, now I'm coming back home..." sang the Beatles, and I must admit it's been way too much time since my last post.

I'm still on the hunt for the perfect everyday bag, I have not found "The One" yet.

I'm instead happy to announce that a second Kelly has entered my collection, and I have added some shoes and Hermes scarves too.

I think I should take some pictures for you all!

Orchestra Mozart and Diego Matheuz

2010-07-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

I love classical music and for me it was a great surprise to read that Claudio Abbado was going to conduct the opening concert of Ravenna Festival 2010. An occasion not to be missed, so I booked my tickets.

Unfortunately Mr. Abbado had to cancel all his June dates due to health problem and he suggested that his pupil Diego Matheuz could conduct the "Mozart Orchestra" at the opening concert.

The whole program was

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Sinfonia n. 41 in do maggiore K 551 “Jupiter” (1788)
Sergej Prokof’ev
Concerto per pianoforte e orchestra n. 3 in do maggiore op. 26 (1921)
solista Nikolai Demidenko
Felix Mendelssohn
Sinfonia n. 4 in la maggiore, op. 90 “Italiana” (1833)

Needless to say, the whole concert was breathtaking. I was impressed by the power of Diego Matheuz, also given his young age (he's 26).

More pictures can be found here

The inexpensive outfit of the day 06/09/10

2010-07-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

So what did I wear for the concert? It was quite an hot day and the concert was going to be held in a close space.

As Mozart's "Jupiter" was going to be played, I decided to wear my "Hommage à Mozart" scarf as a top. Unfortunately it kept slipping on my shirt so I soon converted it into a kimono belt (not pictured here).

So the whole outfit was

- Max & Co. white shirt;

- Stefanel trousers

- Hommage à Mozart scarf

- Gucci white high heeled shoes (not pictured)

- Vintage LV Speedy 30 (again, not pictured!)

I'm back!

2010-07-27T07:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a while I haven't been posting, but it really was an exhausting period and didn't have much time to blog!

But now I'm back and will try to keep things more updated, ok?

Artcurial Hermes Vintage Sale

2010-05-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

On May 11th French Auction house Artcurial will schedule an Hermes Vintage auction. This is a special appointment for anyone collecting Hermes since you can find not only bags but also saddles, shoes and scarves. Hermes auctions are usually held twice a year, in May and November. I will probably place a bid for a little something, keep finger crossed for me!

First Nude and First Jimmy Choo!

2010-05-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last post and I'm happy to show you my newest shoes purchase!

This is an Ebay find, not cheap but definitely at a much lower price than retail. They arrived brand new with box, dustbag, all card and even ribbon!

This is my first pair of Jimmy Choo and so far they're one of the best shoes I have. I wore them last night and they're pretty comfortable, that means that they're perfect for the two weddings I will attend this summer.

Happy Easter

2010-04-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

I wish everybody Happy Easter!

This funny card is courtesy of Hermes newsletter

The inexpensive outfit of the day 03/28/10

2010-03-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist and had to bring my Kelly at the seaside! I wanted to test the shoulder strap as I've never carried her that way. I liked the idea of being able to have my hands free while eating ice cream - yummy!

On Sunday I was wearing Blauer leather jacket, Zara t - shirt, Levi's jeans, Hermes "La Comédie Italienne" scarf and 32 beige box Kelly.

I don't consider my Blauer leather jacket an inexpensive outfit, but at 70% sale price it surely was a deal, not to mention it's an investment!

Romagna mia, Romagna in Fiore

2010-03-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

It looks like that the long and cold winter has Finally left, and Spring is arriving bringing warm and sunshine.

On Sunday my husband decided to drive me to Riccione, a seaside location well known for its nightlife and shops. Although we live quite near to the sea, he decided to go a bit southern this time and not to the seaside locations we usually go to.

Here are some pictures of the country just outside my small town, aren't the colours so vibrant! Sorry if they're not best quality pictures, they were taken while the car was moving.

So we arrived to Riccione and there were many people sunbathing and guess? even bathing!

Being the very first sunny and warm Sunday there was so much traffic on the main road back home that we decided to drive another road linking several seaside location and just near the sea. I took some pictures (always from the moving car), it was nice to see the beach still desert but with the beach lido ready (here called "bagni")for the season

I have to admit I enjoy living in this part of Italy, and for all those of you wondering what's the title of this post, it's a song that's considered the anthem of Romagna, my region.

The inexpensive outfit of the day 03/13/10

2010-03-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

I strongly believe that the right accessories can change an outfit, even if you're wearing old or inexpensive clothes.

In a world where economy is weak and we could loose our job from one day to another, I think it's important to save as much as we can and put our money towards something that will last in be in fashion at least a decade.

I think I'm lucky to understand if something is rightly priced in terms of quality and what not, that's why I love Zara among other fashion brands that charge you 80.00 euro for a simple t-shirt made with bad material, and believe me, I don't want to pay more than 100.00 euro for a D&G skirt that had the whole stitching coming off after twice I've worn it (it happened to me).

So who said that you have to pay top prices on clothes to have the right look? I'd rather invest in accessories!

So today I'm wearing a Burberry polo (it was a gift, so it doesn't count, right?), Lee white jeans euro 40.00, vintage pearl necklace (costume jewelry that my dad bought to my mum), Hermes "La Comedie Italienne" scarf worn as a belt, beige box Hermes Kelly.

My wishlists

2010-03-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

You can see that I've added to wishlists, one is a futile one and includes the fashion items I would like to add to my closet, while the general wishlist includes things I would like to do in the next few years.

With this economy going on (and I think we haven't seen the worst yet) I'll try to be good and save as much as possible, but I need some reward sometimes, don't I?

Anytime I reach one goal I'll delete the item from my wishlist, just to remind me that with a little patience and effort I can do what I wish, and most important I have to be happy and content with it.

Paris Fashion Week - Chanel

2010-03-10T01:37:00.000-08:00

Another stunning collection by Karl Lagerfeld, and at least a FW collection that is meant to be worn during cold months!

Paris Fashion Week

2010-03-10T01:23:00.000-08:00

After Milan, it's Paris turn to host fashion catwalks for FW 10/11.

Christian Dior - I consider John Galliano a pure genius!

Yves Saint Laurent

Lanvin

Milan Fashion Week - Bottega Veneta

2010-03-06T01:04:00.000-08:00

I'm slowly discovering Bottega Veneta, one of the most luxurious brands on hearth.

I'll post about their bags later (if you've never touched a BV bag, please run to one of their stores and feel how buttery soft is the leather they use).

For now I'll show you some pictures from their FW 10-11 collection. Enjoy!

Milan Fashion Week - Marni

2010-03-06T00:59:00.001-08:00

I don't own any piece from Marni, but I've always been intrigued by their dresses and accessories - not for the ordinary woman!

Milan Fashion Week - Gucci part 3

2010-03-06T00:55:00.001-08:00

Milan Fashion Week - Gucci part 2

2010-03-06T00:54:00.001-08:00

Milan Fashion Week - Gucci part 1

2010-03-06T00:39:00.000-08:00

I didn't like the last Gucci womenswear and accessories collections, they really looked back to late 70's - early 80's for my likings.

I'm happy to have changed my mind now that I've seen their FW 10-11 collection, Frida Giannini hit my heart this time. I've already eyed some dresses that I could consider worth investing in, and some other looks I could easily copy.

More images on Gucci

Milan Fashion Week - Prada

2010-02-28T02:00:00.000-08:00

I'd love to have a life to wear these cocktail dresses! My days are mostly in jeans!

Going nude

2010-02-28T01:19:00.000-08:00

Apart from the Gucci shoes I wrote you about yesterday, I'd love to add a pair of nude pumps to my wardrobe.

They work great both in winter and summer with any colour, because nude is such a neutral.

These are my favourite in nude so far

Christian Louboutin Simple Pump 70 in patent leather - euro 424.50 through Net - à - Porter

Jimmy Choo Gilbert leather pumps - euro 345.00 through Net - à - Porter

Fendi raffia and suede pumps - euro 609.49 through Net - à - Porter

Fendi pumps are beyond faboulous, but I can hardly justify spending 600.00 euro in a pair of shoes that aren't even made of leather.

My dream would be a pair of Christian Louboutin Ron Ron in nude, the model is the one below but this is camel (use your imagination, take the colour of the Simple Pumps and apply it here!) These are around 400.00 euro (not cheap, I know!)

Milan Fashion Week

2010-02-27T02:06:00.000-08:00

One of my dreams is to attend a fashion catwalk. It doesn't matter if in Paris or Milan, Haute Couture or Pret - à - Porter, but I'd love to look at one of these shows. They look magical, although I'm pretty sure there isn't any magic when you have to attend these shows for job!

So far these are the outfits I liked the most

Emporio Armani

Alberta Ferretti

Milan Fashion week hasn't arrived to an end yet, so stay tuned for more pictures!

Gucci shoes

2010-02-27T01:50:00.000-08:00

I'm not a collector of shoes as I'm a collector of bags instead, there are only a few models I'm really in love with.

One is this Gucci sandal, I've been wanting it for a while but still didn't have the courage to splurge more than 300.00 euro on a single pair of sandals that would not get used daily in summer. But these are so gorgeous (plus my husband loves them to death), so I might reward myself.

This model is also available with the monogram fabric, but I prefer the anonymous one - so under the radar!

Buy it through Gucci

Online shopping

2010-02-21T03:07:00.001-08:00

If the shopaholic inside you suffers when shops are closed, or if you're stuck in the office 12 hours a day, Internet is here to rescue with website that sell luxury stuff.

I'll list some here, all are reputable with authentic items of the current or previous collections.

Note: these are European sites, so if you're buying from outside Europe you have to add custom duties to final price.

Yoox - Italian based company selling items from the past seasons. They also sell designer furniture. I've bought several times from them (including my Renée Caovilla wedding shoes!) and never had any problem. Only flaw: it doesn't show the original price, only discount price so you really can't understand what the saving is
Luisaviaroma - another Italian company selling shoes, bags and clothing from the current season. Shipping is free for Europe, Usa and Canada
Net-à-porter: UK based company selling items from the current season, probably the most clicked online shopping website.
The Outnet: same property of Net-à-porter, but selling items of the last season. They show both original price and sale price. Fun ideas: they have "Go! Go! Gone!" sales, selling an item for a limited time and, as time passes, price decreases. But you have to be quick, someone can buy it before you do!
MyTheresa: based in Germany, born from a luxury store in Munich that started its activity in 1987. You can find collection from well-known stylists and new talents too.
Browns: from England and with different stores around London, it also sells luxury items for men (so you and your half can be shopping together for once!). They also have a section for brides with dresses and accessories (go check the Bridal Louboutin shoes!). A nice part of the website is the Changing Room, where you can pick up several clothes and check if the combination works well!

Have fun!

Hermes Picotin

2010-02-21T01:22:00.000-08:00

Another bag I'm thinking of as my workhorse is (how strange) an Hermes bag called Picotin.

Picotin literally means "feedbag" and it actually resembles a feedbag for horses.

It comes in different sizes, PM MM GM TGM.

There are two versions of it, the original one completely open on top, and the new one with a leather strap ending with a lock (as shown above).

As usual, choices in leathers and colours are never-ending. The most used leathers are probably togo and clemence which are really buttery leathers.

I got the chance to try a toile Picotin PM at my local Hermes store and it is a cute bag indeed, but the PM won't suite my current needs. The best size for me would probably be a GM, even though a MM already holds a nice amount and can also be carried on the shoulder, even though it's mostly a purse to carry handheld or on your arm.

Some celebrities were also spotted wearing the Picotin:

Brooke Shields with a black GM (not sure) with blue contrasting interior and pipe

Kelly Rutherford with a Gold MM

Katie Holmes with a Potiron MM

All these women are quite taller than me so their bags should look a bit bigger on me.

Prices should start around 1500.00 euro for a PM in clemence, please check with your local Hermes store or visit Hermes as they sometimes are available for online sale.

Pro: lightweight, easy to carry with both formal and informal outfits, holds a ton even in the PM size (much more than your essential)

Cons: it has open top (the lock version partially closes the bag) and no pockets, but you can easily order a bag organizer to put all your belongings inside without creating a mess.

We all need some orange, don't we?

2010-02-18T05:34:00.000-08:00

As anticipated, my husband and I went to our local Hermes store so I could try some of their bags.

Bad news is that I didn't buy any bag, good news is that I bought a little something for me.
Since last Summer I've fallen in love with Hermes silk scarves, and I'm currently building a collection of music-themed scarves (some are still missing, but I'm at a good point!).
After wearing my " Musique des Spheres" a few times, I immediately thought I needed a scarf ring to wear it properly, but didn't have any specific model in mind.

The SA showed me some of their classic rings, but nothing suited me and my lifestyle, then I came across their new style, called Tribord.

It's square shaped and it has the carriage engraved, which is the logo of maison Hermes.

I got it in gold colour to match the hardware of my 32 Beige Box Kelly, how insane can a woman be?

Here it's shown with my Concerto scarf and alone with it's cozy pouch.

It will soon become available on the Hermes

Update on my workhorse search

2010-02-11T10:02:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a busy day for me: make up session in the morning and bag hunting in the afternoon!

It was raining but wasn't discouraged by the bad weather, so my lovely husband was so kind to come with me to visit Louis Vuitton and Hermes.

The Louis Vuitton store was packed up with people, it really looked like a market square, and this in a medium Italian city. I wonder how the Paris motherstore looks like on Saturday.

The visit was pleasant anyway, the male SA showed me the bags I asked for and gave me some advices.

I was first shown the Neverfull MM in Damier Azur, and I'm amazed at how lightweight yet practical a bag can be. It looks like you truly can bring your entire world with yourself without making it too heavy for your shoulder.

Next the Galliera PM, they only had it in monogram so I couldn't see the Damier Azur version, but it was enough to give me the impression of an elegant everyday bag, but not big enough as a overnight bag. I didn't try the GM size, being the PM big enough for me as a bag. The SA suggested me to buy two bags to carry together (nice guy!), the NF as the travel bag and the Galliera as the formal bag. I'm a big bag lover, but I can't stand women carrying two bags at the same time.

Last I wanted to try the Palermo PM: it looks nice on me, but maybe too bulky when worn crossbody.

This was all for LV.

We then walked a few meters and entered the Hermes store. I think anyone should enter an Hermes boutique at least once in their lives, it's really an experience.

I asked to be shown a little scarf ring, some scarves and then asked to try some Evelyne. They had PM, MM and GM sizes, the GM being too big at a glance.

Unfortunately it's not what I'm looking for. Believe me, the Evelyne is great for an everyday bag, it's lightweight and the leather I tried (Clemence) is a sturdy one, but again it can't be used as a overnight bag if needed.

As for now, the winner is Neverfull MM in Damier Azur, but I'm still thinking about it (also because my wallet is nearly empty and my money tree doesn't give good fruits).

Couldn't resist!

2010-02-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

As I told you last week, on Saturday I had my Chanel make up session booked.

Let me say it was fun, although on a hurry because the woman before me was 20 minutes late to her appointment. Nothing to say, that guy does his job well and I looked good for once in my life! (well, twice...I was nice on my wedding day too!)

As expected I couldn't resist and bought something.

I needed a foundation so I bought Pro Lumiere #20 Clair, it looks a bit light on me at first but it gets better as I apply Irréelle Soleil powder on my cheeks.

Then the new Ombre d'Eau liquid eyeshadow in Sand #60, it goes well with my general tone (I'm a brunette and brown colors really compliment my face). I was curious about these new liquid eyeshadow, so I thought I could give it a try.

And last, my favourite item of the current SS 10 collection: Le Vernis Nail Colour in #505 Particulier. It looks a bit dark at first, but once you apply it on your nails it is a wonder.

It's a very elegant shade, I already got many compliments on it. I usually don't wear any lacquer on my hand nails, but I applied this one with great result.

This colour is a best seller now and it could be sold out in a short period, so hurry up if you like it

what a difference a haircut makes...

2010-02-04T09:22:00.000-08:00

Today it was kind of "me" day. After a stressful morning at work, I had my eyebrows done and also headed to my hairdresser to have my hair dyed and cut.

He did a great job, and the day is going a bit better than it was at around 11.00 a.m.

I think I'm going to reward myself a bit more with some manicure and pedicure to be ready for spring (and the new Chanel nail lacquer, see below).

And you? Tell me about your "me" days!

Chanel

2010-02-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

Even though I don't own any Chanel bag or accessories (not yet, shame on me), my house is full of Chanel make up and skin treatments.

Really, Chanel facial creams are the only ones that work well for my complexion (and I have tried many, of any price range), and their make up is just to die for.

Last week I visited my store and noticed the new SS 2010 make up collection, and was intrigued by the nail lacquer #505 Particulière. It's kind of grayish color, Hermes leathers in etoupe immediately came to my mind!

I bet it will be a best seller like their #18 Rouge Noir, which I adore and is my favorite so far.

On Saturday I'll be visiting my store again for a make up session with a Chanel make up artist (my first!), I'm afraid something will come home with me in a tiny black box. Will keep you updated.

Buy Chanel at your local store or visit Chanel for more info on fashion on beauty products

To monogram or not to monogram?

2010-02-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

These are other models I'm considering as my new everyday bag, and they're both by Louis Vuitton.

They only come in the infamous monogram pattern, so not Damier Ebene or Azur to save me.

They are called Palermo and Tivoli, both Italian cities, the first in Sicily and the latter in Lazio, near Rome.

Both models come in two sizes, PM and GM: I'm considering Palermo in PM and Tivoli in GM.

Pros: the Palermo has an additional strap so that it can be carried cross body, while the Tivoli in GM size can sit on the crook of your arm or on your shoulder (impossible with the PM size unless you're 4 years old). As I stated in my previous posts, monogram canvas is a sturdy material that can go through any weather condition or public riot. They both have zippers on top so close securely.

Cons: being immediately pointed out as Louis Vuitton, or worse, fake bags immediately as they see the light of the sun. The number of fake Louis Vuitton being carried is enormous here, and I don't want anybody to think I'm joining the party.

Palermo PM is 725.00 euro and Tivoli GM is 900.00 euro, buy them through Louis Vuitton

(Left: Tivoli - Right: Palermo)

(Tivoli ad: Scarlett Johansson)

New Burberry store opening in Venice

2010-02-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

Burberry announces the opening of the new store in Venice in Calle Larga XXII Marzo 2308, opened daily 10.30 a.m. - 7.30 p.m.

Hurry up! Sales are still going on in their e-boutique!

I'll check some of their bags later, there may be my workhorse waiting for me...

The Beatles

2010-02-01T10:22:00.000-08:00

They accompanied every good moment of my life: when I fell in love with my husband, our first journeys together, our wedding.

They are always with me, both with mop top hairstyle and long hair, both collarless and funky Sgt. Pepper's suits.

The title of this blog is a small homage I pay to the Fab Four, and I can't describe the excitement feeling I had when Paul McCartney opened his gig in London last December playing The Magical Mystery Tour. I was there!

(Above: Paul McCartney performing "Mull of Kintyre" with a pipe band on December 22nd at O2 Arena in London)

Hermes Evelyne

2010-01-31T09:45:00.000-08:00

Another best seller by Hermes: their Evelyne is one of the most gorgeous messenger bags you can find on the market.

It comes in 3 sizes - PM, GM and TGM which is more a luggage to me. I think some TPM were also released but they should be out of production.

Some models come with an adjustable strap (III models), some don't (II).

Being Hermes, we have a variety of leathers and colors to choose from. I like the Evelyne in bright colors, such as Bleu Jean, Rouge or Jaune.

Left to right: TGM, GM and PM

(photo by The Purse Forum)

Pros: it such a funny bag, you can have different colors in different sizes, and cheer up a grey winter day! It's a nice messenger for everyday use, easy to take things out of the bag (the II and III versions also have a pocket on the back).

Cons: again another bag that is open on top (it only has the little leather strap to close it). I would prefer it without the huge "H" embossing, but you can always wear it against your body if you don't want people to know you're carrying Hermes. It's not a problem for me in Italy where so very few people know Hermes bags, so I think I could live with it.

I'm not considering the price a bad issue this time, with the PM in Clemence leather retailing for euro 1590.00 - this is a bag that will get a lot of use. Let's say you're going to use it everyday for 5 years (and believe me, this bag can last much more) you've spent less than 1 euro per day.

Buy it through Hermes e-boutique or contact your local store

Hermes Massai

2010-01-31T09:07:00.000-08:00

We all know Hermes for its luxury silk scarf and the iconic Kelly and Birkin, but le Monde d'Hermès offers so many different bags, and any is a real treasure.

It was only when I started searching for my everyday bag that I discovered the Massai, here worn by Jennifer Aniston in both sizes GM (the graphite one) and PM (the cream one)

Pros: it's a sleek, understated bag. It looks great with a casual outfit or for a nice dinner out, and it's Hermes! Hermes bags can last decades if taken care of with the right leather products.

You can order this in different colors or leather, they also come with a toile/leather combination which is a must for summer days. It has a zipper on top, which makes it safer when going out in public places

Cons: it can be quite difficult to get things out of this bag given its depth. And forgot to say! the price is nowhere near friendly - a PM sells for around 3500.00 $ or 2500.00 euro, more or less!

But as I said, Hermes bags can last decades, so this is definitely an investment if worn everyday for many years.

Call or visit your local Hermes store for prices and availability.

Going Azur?

2010-01-31T07:25:00.000-08:00

First, I'm not a fan of Louis Vuitton monogram canvas. I like understatement in a bag, and LV isn't exactly understated. Everyone can recognize a Vuitton bag with their monogram pattern, although not everyone can tell a fake bag from an authentic one, and the thought of someone assuming I'm carrying a fake bag is quite disturbing.

But I have to admit that LV bags are great for everyday use.

I bought a vintage Speedy 30 (maybe 25 or 30 years old) and it's the best bag for bad weather (even snow), but still I can't love it enough to wear it daily.

Monsieur Vuitton comes in my aid, by designing two great bags in their Damier Azur canvas.

So my workhorse list begins with Damier Azur Neverfull and Damier Azur Galliera.

The look is so fresh, perfect for summer days but looking great with darker outfit too.

Pros: look both lightweight, hold a ton, look great as overnight bags too. Very versatile look, they should perform well in any weather.

Cons: open top without zipper, Galliera only has a metallic button.

Being 163 cm tall, I think I should go with Neverfull MM (euro 460.00) or Galliera GM (euro 980.00).

What do you think?

Buy them through Louis Vuitton

What's next?

2010-01-31T06:22:00.000-08:00

You all have to know that I've a great passion for bags: bags that can only fit my wallet and home keys, bags I could fit literally into, handheld bags, shoulder bags, any color or leather. I love them all and love to advice my friends about purses.

I'm trying to build a collection with some staples I think will never go out of style (I'll get a picture of my growing collection, I promise!)

But I yet have to find the perfect workhorse. A bag which is practical for work, going to the supermarket or to the gym, and traveling. It has to be big enough for me (I carry my world with me) but lightweight at the same time.

And most important, it has to perform well in rain. It rains in Italy, no doubt, at least in this part of Italy. Whoever told that "Italia è il paese del sole" (Italy is sun's country), surely didn't visit where I live.

Not every leather loves a spring rain, you have to wipe them before rain drops leave their horrible marks - on your new expensive bag.

So I'm on the hunt for the perfect everyday bag - and I need your help. Are you ready?

Count me in!

2010-01-31T06:13:00.000-08:00

Here I am!

Welcome everybody to my very first blog, I'll start introducing myself: I'm an Italian girl and would like to share here some of my passion: music, fashion and anything great life has to offer.