We think this photo paints enough words

and will stoke enough fires.

What do you think about this Campomaggi bag, the newest addition to the Pierotucci Collection?

It’s obvious that we could go on about the soft washed leather leather.

or the external flap over pocket with the unique leather buckle.

or the zip closed pocket on the backside.

or the comfortable rolled top handles.

or the all cotton lining.

or the convenient internal pockets.

or the antique brass colored hardware.

or the adjustable cross body strap in leather.

or the fact that the strap is removable.

or the protective cloth storage bag that is included with the bag.

or the lush smell of real leather that surrounds the bag.

or the rich earthy color.

I think you get our point,  Campomaggi bags.

Campomaggi Messenger Bag Product Review from Pierotucci.com

In all its washed leather glory, Campomaggi once again provides us with a cross body messenger bag meant to impress. Perhaps the size says it all, not too large so you won’t confuse it with a business bag yet with a decorative buckle and strap which adds a touch of casual class. The bag highlights all the “natural” imperfections which come along with the trademark Campomaggi washed leather such as uneven coloring and distorted sizing but these are characteristics that add to the personality of the bag – and perhaps distinguish it as a one of a kind.  However if size is important, always ask the sales staff for the precise measurements of the bag you are receiving because the variation in size can vary from 2 -3 cm from bag to bag.

All in all, what’s not to like about this bag, weighing in at less than one kilo? This cross body bag is a comfortable carry with the adjustable all leather shoulder strap. The details with the Campomaggi bag snaps and hardware in an antique brass color are the perfect match to the deep earthy shades of Italian washed leather. Available in varying shades of cognac leather or dark brown leather. If color is important, it would always be best to speak directly to the sales staff – have them send a photo of one of the Italian leather bags.

Don’t be fooled by the front buckle, the flap actually closes securely with a magnetic snap. The inside of the bag is all cotton lined making it easy to keep clean. The interior compartment has one secure zipped pocket with a pull tab and the phone pocket will comfortably hold a Smart phone or iPhone – tested right here in the shop, the phone will easily slip in and just as easily retrieved.

What’s different? Compare to many other Campomaggi messenger bag, this particular bags has contrast stitching on the external seams including the darts at the base which give the bag it’s depth. The external seams add to the slimness of the bag accenting the fact that the bag is intended for casual wear and not as a heavy duty tote.

What’s there to like? There is an easy to get to back pocket, with a secure zip closure and a long pull tab for quick open and close action. This pocket is lined in the characteristic brown cotton and the soft texture of the material is definitely a plus for keeping your electrical – technological gadgets.

What would could be different? The front buckle, definitely a signature of the Campomaggi bags is a bit awkward and the prong of the buckle sticks out at a strange angle. If the bag isn’t filled, it has a tendency to “flop” around and look a bit unsightly. Easily rectified once you throw in your wallet, phone, (make-up … or smokes).

When  compared to other Campomaggi bags, the price is right for its size and if you mentioned that you saw this review – we will guarantee free shipping on the bag.

leaving on a jet plane, don’t know where I’ll be landing

Always loved the idea of packing an overnight bag.

Then showing up at the airport and buying the next flight out.

A weekend – that is three days – of surprises, surprises and more surprises.

Campomaggi overnight travel bag, would be the perfect accessory since it converts well from a pieces of hand luggage to a walk around town travel tote.

First stop … Prague, maybe. how about you?

Don’t “Break The Bank” Holiday Gifts From Campomaggi

I’ve been searching all over Florence for gifts for my family and friends. But with a virtual world of technology at my figertips, I can’t help but want to look online before I dive into a big purchase. And even more importantly, I don’t want to be homeless after Christmas. So, what can you buy this season that is sure to impress without breaking the bank? Well, I think I found the answer.

Have you ever heard of Campomaggi? For those of you who haven’t, Campomaggi is an Italian brand that handmakes leather goods using a vintage washed leather that is absolutely one of a kind. With a very particular look, Campomaggi has been able to seperate itself from the rest of the brands here in Italy and around the world. Their main focus is leather handbags for men and women including business and travel bags, but they are no stranger to smaller leather items, which happen to make fantastic gifts. Here are a few favorite of mine.

The ipad case comes in a dark brown and a cognac like most of their items. This too, has that distressed look and a deep, rich looking color. It has a thick felt lining on the inside to ensure your ipad is safe and sound and to secure it shut, there is a snap closure with the campomaggi symbol on the bronze, antique button. I bought my mom an ipad for Christmas this year and I’m sure this would make a great gift to accompany it.

Then there is the tabacco pouch. I have to be honest, the concept for me is stll a bit foreign since I’m not a smoker. However, I am surrounded by smokers in Italy and a majority of people that roll their own cigarettes, whether it’s to cut back on costs or because it’s what they prefer. Either way, this handmade leather pouch is beautifully made and a great idea to keep all of your rolling papers and tobacco together. With a snap closure, this rustic looking pouch has a chain so you can hook it to your pants or bag. On the inside you’ll also find two compartments, one with a zipper and a card holder.

If you’re looking for just a card holder, here it is. This card holder, like the rest of the lot, uses a dark vintage looking leather to give it a bit of a rugged look. You can find two open card slots, one on each side. By all means, this card holder is for simple folk that prefer to carry just a few cards on them. The essentials, let’s say.

And finally, there is the washed leather cell phone holder. This phone case comes with a stud snap closure and two more soley for decoration. It also comes with a loop so if you please you have the option of being able to loop it onto your belt.

All of these handmade Italian leather items pricepoints are from about 50 to 150 euro making them the perfect items to gift. Something that’s handmade and hard to come by in most places speaks volumes for itself. Not to mention, Italy’s leather is considered some of the best leather in world.

I wouldn’t mind the ipad case for myself, but I suppose first I should start with getting an ipad. Happy shopping!

What is Eco Pelle aka eco leather aka recycled leather?

The increasing use of environmental friendly raw material has made the designing fashion world take notice. Clientele are becoming more and more savvy concerning the environmental impact of certain types of raw material such as nappa leather. The advantages of using an alternative such as eco pelle also known as bonded or recycled leather are numerous, ranging from recycling waste products to cutting production and costs. This new consciousness has pushed designers into relying on eco pelle aka bonded leather, when sketching their newest handbag models and the reasons go far beyond customer satisfaction to include, product consistency, durability and a wide selection of leather effects make bonded or recycled leather a quality option to genuine leather.

It is a common question when visiting the only leather factory in Tuscany Italy that offers tours showing Italian craftsman and women cutting and assembling handbags: what do the tanneries and leather jacket producers do with all those scraps of leather? In the instances where the pieces are large enough to be utilized for smaller items such as leather wallets, key chains these pieces are gathered and re-cut. There is also the popular Fortunata Tote Bag which uses the remnants from other patterns which are a little larger and fit to create these one of a kind designer handbags. However, in the case where the pieces are too small, then these fibers and scraps are gathered together and reduced to a fibrous powder. This by-product then becomes the base of a man made equivalent to genuine leather sometimes called composition or bonded leather. This option utilizes what is called “wet blue” or leather off cuts direct from the tanneries and the scraps from the pattern cuttings which are destined to be thrown into landfill.

Cost is always a determining factor when analyzing production costs. The reduced cost of “eco pelle,” as the Italians would call it, is determined not only by the actual cost of the raw material but also in how well it covers the needs of the bag. Since composition or bonded leather can be made with consistent color and size, this allows for a better use of the leather. Animal hides will often have markings such as healed scars, growth marks, grain variations and color variations not to mention the varying thickness and odd shapes. Designers like Braccialini, who use intricate designs and require much manual labor, find that this type of synthetic leather is a perfect solution containing the price. This type of savings has positive results not only for the producer but translates into savings for the consumer as well.

Commonly used for items that take quite a beating by the consumer like upholstery for furniture, cars, trains and book covers because it is prized for its longevity durability! It is these very reasons that fashion designers are considering a recycled leather for handbags, shoes and belts. When top Italian fashion designers like Francesco Biasia offer a new model they need to know that there is a price quality combination will protect their reputation and entice more shoppers.

Another important factor in using this faux leather is that it is virtually stain-proof. In fact, in many cases you can just wipe it down with no worries. In addition, recycled leather weighs less than genuine leather. This is an important consideration when considering fuel consumption on transport vehicles, a genuine leather upholstered train seat will weigh more than a recycled leather thus requiring more fuel for transport. Or a multi use tote bag is much lighter to lug around than a Campomaggi washed leather tote bag.

Though these factors are important, it is clear that in the fashion world this type of leather is distinguished due to its versatility. A designer can truly let their imagination create colorful fashion wonders such as pink faux python or a striped faux crocodile? Designers are in heaven when it comes to personalizing their handbag, shoe or belt collection with the ample selection of leather effects and the diversity of the colors. Fashion is always looking to push designers to the cutting edge, looking for practicality as well as beauty.

In a society that is becoming evermore conscious of how the raw materials are acquired, it is obvious that more and more environmental friendly alternatives will be made available. The rewards of producing recycled leather coupled with the characteristics of a stronger material, easier to clean and more versatile in its appearance has made this a viable alternative to genuine leather.

U R Ox Blood Red this Fall

This deep red hue embodies hints of brown, making it so much more versatile than traditional red. If one had to describe it you could say part burgundy, part scarlet, completely dramatic! It was all over fall/winter catwalks in February, with Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, Peter Som, Yigal Azrouel and Rag and Bone all tapping into their Taurean sides, while the red carpet is now reflecting the hue.

U R Ox Blood Red di naturalitalianwoman contenente christian dior perfume

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/tap-into-taurean-trend-with-oxblood-red-20120711-21vkg.html#ixzz27Oaz30EH

Back to school with a Campomaggi washed leather tote

I am already a fan of the washed leather look from Campomaggi so when they showed me this north south tote bag with a few special features and lots of Italian appeal – it was as the Italians would say, sfondere una porta aperta, in other words using a battering ramp to on an open door.  

What was there not to like?  The size is ideal for carrying the iPad, Netbook or laptop as well a some notebooks or text books.  There are handy internal organizing pockets for pens, pencils, Smart phone or iPod and a soft cotton lining to protect all my electronic accessories.

Practical yet aesthetically appealing are the layered external pockets with flap topa and buckles to keep them securely closed. The pockets add to the rugged country charm, yet give it a busy look. Especially convenient is the adjustable  shoulder strap that can be clipped on with the heavy duty antique brass colored metal clip. The rolled leather handle comfortably fits on the shoulder, but it is a comfortable alternative to be able to wear it as a cross body bag, especially on the long haul. 

Perhaps the detail that truly caught my attention was the unique zip security latch. I can easy see this bag as the perfect companion on campus but I wouldn’t exclude this Campomaggi tote bag as an ideal travel companion and with this chain and hook to secure a closed zip makes it safe for not losing bits and pieces along the route.

Even though Campomaggi bags have a tendency to be on the heavy side, I would say that this bag is not excessive for its size and won’t wear you out carrying it from one side of the campus to the other or from one end of the airport to another.

The only downer is that Campomaggi has been running a back log of orders, and if you don’t find it in stock – you need to wait for the next delivery. In fact, Pierotucci offers a waiting list if the selected Campomaggi is not immediately available – along with free shipping on almost all of their Campomaggi bags – this one is no exception.

This bag has made it to my wish list -and even if it does arrive in time for the class bell, I will be just as enthusiastic to find it under the Christmas tree. 

Battle of the Sexes, Campomaggi vs Caterina Lucchi

In one corner we have Italian designer Marco Campomaggi, in the opposing corner we have Italian designer Caterina Lucchi. Yes, it’s true, not only are these two very talented Italian handbag designers but they’re also husband and wife. While their handbags do share some similarities, for the most part, they each have a very distictive style that can’t be mistaken. So who do you prefer, Campomaggi, a vintage looking collection that uses washed leather and natural colors, typically more unisex in style or Caterina Lucchi, a handbag line unmistakably feminine that combines washed leather in an array of unique colors?

Campomaggi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caterina Lucchi

The Wonderful World of Campomaggi in Color

Campomaggi is breaking into color with a new style of bags that combine a vintage look with a touch of edge. Stepping out into the wild world of color, this new line up consists of vibrant and  less common shades but still reminiscent of Campomaggi’s unique and unrecognizable style.

Check out this tote for example. In comes in a grass green and an earthy wine color with a worn, vintage look and studded detailing along the top edge of the bag. Fashion forward, vintage yet modern and in fantastic colors, this bag is without a doubt the tote of the season.

Sunsets, Everglades and Campomaggi all seem to have

a feeling of comfortable relax or at least that is how I see it when I put them together.  When I came to Pierotucci in Italy from my home in Florida, if anyone ever asked me if I missed the beach I had to say not really – beaches you can find anywhere . . . maybe not all as beautiful as those in Miami and the Caribbean but….

If I were to pinpoint what I missed the most (besides my fantastic family  )it would be the sunsets and the Everglades.  We would always laugh in my family because even if we just came out of one of South Florida’s infamous afternoon thunderstorms, you could always count on a sunset.

And as many times as I have been to the Everglades, I always found it fascinating  . . . well except for the enormous mosquitoes, they were just plain annoying!  Those huge expanses of sawgrass reeds and the wooden board walks that were made to carry you into the depths of alligator land, I always found it to be quite unique and relaxing.

And when I think of  the Campomaggi bags, with their washed leather and distinct vintage look I get the same relaxed feeling.

A walk in the wilderness by naturalitalianwoman featuring a Campomaggi Cross Body with adjustable strap and exterior pockets

Band of Outsiders check shirt / Cuffed pants / n.d.c. n.d.c shoes / Beauty product / Campomaggi Cross Body with adjustable strap and exterior pockets / Toscanella Cuoio Leather Belt with silver colored buckle, 4 cm wide / Nomination Bracelet, style BOND stainless steel with geometric charms