Archive for category Guest Writer
Chocolate Brown Leather
Posted by Pierotucci in Designer Handbag Fashion, Guest Writer, New Designer Handbags, New Leather Jacket line, Pierotucci on May 27, 2012
A Lifetime of Leather
Posted by Pierotucci in Guest Writer on May 25, 2012
Fashion comes in waves, does full circles, goes in and out of style but what’s always around in one form or another is leather; leather shoes, leather jackets, leather handbags, even leather hot pants (here’s to hoping the last one never makes a comeback). Whether it was your suede, fringed vest from the 60’s or your extravagant ostrich boots from the 80’s, you name it and at one time or another it has probably been a popular fashion trend.
I’m sure many of you know exactly what I’m talking about. The leather jacket or handbag you’ve held onto over the years, whether you’ve worn it to death or it’s still in great shape, you just can’t manage to part with it. That is truly the beauty of quality leather, Italian leather! After working with leather and living in the city most famous in the world for their leather (Florence, Italy), I can honestly say, without a doubt, Italian leather is the best in the world. You have to think of buying leather as an investment, if your leather good lasts through decades it has certainly done its job. In fact my wardrobe is beginning to take shape, including several handmade leather products that are sure to last a lifetime.
My first major investment in leather apparel will include a skirt – the questions is short or long – classic black or splurge for a color?
I am trying to take advantage of my geo position, so it is only logical that a travel bag – something light , durable and flexible will be on the top of my list.
A lady can never have enough 1) pair of shoes 2) handbags – and 3) gloves. I love the elegance and chicness (is that even a word) of adding a pair of gloves to an outfit!
Black and Red City Threads
Posted by Pierotucci in Guest Writer on May 22, 2012
We have a new blogger starting with us today – so welcome! She had a bit of fun playing with all of our fashion toys including Polyvore. Here is her first try using our leather handbags:
€1.098 - unger-fashion.com
€239 - jades24.com
£120 - houseoffraser.co.uk
€355 - pierotucci.com
€470 - nathalieschuterman.com
$14 - modcloth.com
$8.99 - stylesforless.com
£15 - mango.com
$26 - narscosmetics.com
$18 - narscosmetics.com
$165 - nordstrom.com
Florence excursion includes wine and Italian leather jackets
Posted by Pierotucci in Guest Writer on May 15, 2012
This blog piece is a special treat from one of our recent guests, who sent it to us from her recent trip to Florence Italy. We were quite pleased to be considered one of the highlights of her trip. Thanks to Michelle for the story – I did a little research and pulled up the photos on the vineyard – and of course added one of our factory.
APRIL 2012 : I was really excited when my colleague suggested an authentic wine tasting at a Medici Villa high in the hills of Chiantigiana. The weather was perfect, and the villa was bathed in late evening sun as we approached.
Dialetta, the owner, was outside to greet us and gave us a very warm welcome. She took us up to the enormous terrace overlooking the hillside where the panoramic view was amazing. After we went into the front landscaped garden where she told us a little of the history of the villa. I could just picture my daughter Natalie having a grand wedding party there! From there she took us down to the cellar and talked about the different wines that they produce. It was all very interesting, and I was definitely eager to start tasting.
From the cellars it was back upstairs to the kitchen. She already had some wonderful Tuscan bread warming in the oven and the table was laid with hams, cheeses and olive oils, and of course the wines were breathing. We tried three different wines, all of which were absolutely delicious. I did my swirling and sniffing to get the best of the bouquet and it really does work! I can honestly say I don’t know where those 2 hours went. We enjoyed the whole tour immensely and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who visits Florence.
As well as wine, I am also definitely into leather. Quite conveniently, we had been told about a leather factory quite close to the Villa. We had called before hand to make sure we could have a look around the factory (before going for our wine tasting tour) and they were more than happy to accommodate our little group. It is one of the only Florentine factories who make their own collection of handbags. It seems a lot of the factories in this region make for the high end labels such as Gucci, Prada, Jimmy Choo etc. It was a real treat to see bags that are made entirely by hand. From the cutting, stitching, putting each piece together, even painting the edges. We were shown how each bag has to have a pattern that can contain 30 or even 40 pieces. Their label is called Toscanella and they use beautiful earthy hues inspired from the Tuscan countryside. The bags are a rustic classic style that never date. I have to admit I had my eye on a Tobacco one which is definitely on my wish list. How handy that my 25th wedding anniversary is coming up next month. DH only raised his eyes as if to say “oh no, not another handbag. How many do you need”? Err, who said anything about need! The person who showed us around was very amusing. He was called Enrico and a typical jovial Florentine. He explained how the different leathers are used and what happens at the tanneries. The leather comes only from animals in Tuscany and the South of France so it was all pretty much homegrown.
We had a wander around the beautiful showroom too, very dangerous and I was getting tugged quite strongly by my DH. He was itching to get to the wine tasting and I couldn’t blame him, we’d had a long day, lunching, shopping, sightseeing – and my brother was loving every minute of it. This was all a real treat for him as it was his first time visiting Florence, and its always that bit special when you get off the beaten track to see behind the scenes instead of always staying with the crowds.
See through summer with Braccialini Handbags
Posted by Pierotucci in Guest Writer on May 3, 2012
A special thanks to Kateo from Polyvore, who used one of our Bracialini Italian Designer Handbags in her set See through Summer. We love the way she mixed the soft beach-y colors with whimsical touches of green all of which are nicely accented with sparks of color complimenting her use of this fanciful summer handbag from Braccialini in Italy.
$50 - topshop.com
£7.99 - hm.com
£9.99 - hm.com
$168 - simplysoles.com
€115 - pierotucci.com
$95 - calypsostbarth.com
$35 - oasis-stores.com
$180 - shoplesnouvelles.com
£23 - mango.com
$18 - macys.com
$16 - swell.com
$40 - dwr.com
$380 - realpalmtrees.com
Hey Bro! Cortona, Under the Tuscan Sun and Leather Handbags
Posted by Pierotucci in Guest Writer on May 1, 2012
So, my dear brother and his wife are coming to Florence from London for the weekend. They came the same time last year and the weather was perfect, so hopefully we will get lucky again. We hated each other as kids but now, as we get older, we thankfully get on like a house on fire. This year I have set my sights on Cortona – a beautiful hilltop town and yes, the fabulous setting for “Under the Tuscan Sun.
It’s a real treat to see places with him that I don’t get the time to do otherwise. A wander around, him taking bucket loads of pictures ….yawn and then a well earned rest at a typical Tuscan restaurant. This is one of the most exclusive areas in Tuscany for the big wines, such as Super T
uscan, Brunello and Montepulciano. I think one or two ….. or three glasses would be in order, or not, depending on who will be driving home. I think I will nominate my DH! Fortunately, he won’t be reading this.
Another treat on the agenda is a wine tasting at a medieval villa on the outskirts of Florence. Chianti country is again, the perfect climate for superb wines and this is going to be another tricky number as there is a half hour’s drive home afterwards. Maybe a night at the villa could be an option?
Keeping my brother and his wife entertained is really not difficult. They are easy to please and as long as they are eating and drinking and seeing the wonderful sights of Tuscany, and enjoying my company of course, there really isn’t anything else to worry about.
Oh, maybe one last thing – a quick visit to the Pierotucci leather factory to show him how they make hand made leather bags - a fast becoming almost obsolete trade. He is a bit of a shopaholic and may not be able to resist one of their superb hand made messenger bags.
His and Hers in Leather and Lace
Posted by Pierotucci in Guest Writer on April 26, 2012
We are seeing it all over the fashion scene, the use of leather to accent clothes, handbags, and leather jackets and what’s more its the creative use of leather that is so much fun. Several designers have been showing a wide selection of bags and jackets and throwing in variations on the theme with elaborate corsets, harnesses and masks, a little beyond my comfort zone, but if you are looking at fashion it is hard to ignore.
Italian designers in particular have been playing with using leather and lace – well actually its more like lace made out of leather. Caterina Lucchi and Pierotucci have spiced up their collection with some lacy accents. In particular, a designer leather jacket created for the Spring / Summer 2012 collection which uses a leather lace trim reminiscent of the eyelet fabric with a 1950′s vintage inspired daisy design. 
Usually the Italian cut in a jacket can be a bit demoralizing since they usually nip and tuck where an American, Brit or Aussie would rather insert a pleat or dart, however this particular jacket is cut true to size. You could even say it has a tendency to lean a bit more towards the ego stroking. A model at 5’7″ 160lb can easily fit into a size 46 leaving plenty of room for a cashmere sweater or tee underneath. What’s fun about this jacket is the simple cut is softened by a feminine touch of frill around the edges.
Also very noteworthy are the unique Caterina Lucchi handbags created by a designer straight out of the central part of Italy. One of her newest trends is leather totes and clutches with a mix and match of washed leather and varying leather lace designs. Her bags are normally large, bulky and ornate while always maintaining a feminine flair to them with pastel colors, tassels or in this case, a patchwork of lacy leather designs.
And as for the his, we are seeing lots of leather accents on the runways. Though we haven’t quite reached leather lace on the jackets, designers like YSL are showing wool and tweed jackets with contrasting leather sleeves, collars, edging and shoulder or yoke patterns. Especially noticable are the two tone jackets, where the sleeve is black or dark brown leather and the body of the jacket is in a softer, paler shade of woven material. 
However if we want to find the lace, there is a new look with Campomaggi where they are offering a stark contrast by adding some frills. They are using laser cut leather lattice (say that 10 times fast!) on their men’s totes. The rugged washed-leather body of the bag and the over sized metal accessories (all or which are traditional characteristics of Camomaggi) are offset with the two exterior pockets covered in leather lattice lace. I find it rather surprising that they have managed to add this touch without detracting from the distinctly masculine feel that distinguishes the Campomaggi style. Though perhaps I shouldn’t be so surprised, Campomaggi has had an enormous success with their bags and this is just another example of offering the public not only a style that is out of the ordinary but also catering to those addicted to the trendy market and who require something new to ohhh and ahhh about.
The Pierotucci Italian Leather Factory proudly carries on the Florentine tradition of designing, assembling and selling handmade genuine Italian leather bags, jackets and accessories such as wallets, gloves and belts. They are based in Florence and surrounded by the beauty of the Chianti vineyards, the perfume of delicious food and a culture rich in art and craftsmanship.
We give thanks that we have something to give
Posted by Pierotucci in Guest Writer on April 2, 2012
In August 2011 we wrote about the Pierotucci Project called “Japanese Fortunata for Relief Aid,” and as amazing as it may sound, exactly one year to the date of the tragic event, we sold the last of these limited edition FORTUNATA bags. This was an initiative designed to help those who suffered during the March Tsunami in Japan and the purchase of each one of this bags resulted in a donation from Pierotucci to the Japanese Red Cross to assist the rebuilding of a land and people that saw devastation and lose beyond our imagination. We are very thankful to those who purchased one of these FORTUNATA Bags for helping us to aid those in need. We would like to recognize that this contribution is not only from Pierotucci and those craftsman and women who had handmade each and everyone of handbags but it is also from the heart of each person who purchased this symbol of solidarity.
We have purposely chosen to represent Japan in a moment of beauty and the cherry tree image seemed the best choice since Japan is known to use cherry trees 
as a gesture of goodwill. We have constant contact with the Japanese population when they come to visit Tuscany and many of our co-works here at Pierotucci are Japanese. Their pain was shared by all of us as they checked in on family members and friends during this tragic time. There was no question of our eagerness to find a way to contribute individually, as well as a business community, to assist in their rebuilding. In looking for a photo which could celebrate Japan, my colleague told me that the moment of the cherry blossoms was extremely important to their culture, it is known as Hana-mi and would be an excellent symbol. According to the Buddhist tradition, the breathtaking but brief beauty of the blossoms symbolizes the transient nature of life and the act of “flower watching” is considered to be a spiritually revitalizing activity. We wish joy and strength to the Japanese in this period of revitalizing of their community.
We are eternally thankful that we were able to give. Thank you for making this possible.
Matteo and Marco Tucci
Owners of Pierotucci srl
We are in LA today and its wonderful!
Posted by Pierotucci in Guest Writer on March 27, 2012
We have been invited to visit LA today – virtually that is – by Lipstick and Leopard Print who has graciously offered to host us on her blog about food, fun and fashion.
Please click His and Hers in leather and lace and come follow us, the temps are warm (around 18-20°C) and we expect lots of sunshine and clear skies. Its the perfect environment for talking fashion and sipping a cocktail!
Leather and Lace by Campomaggi and Caterina Lucchi
Thanks for stopping by and we look forward to seeing you in LA!
Cocktails for Him and Her
Posted by Pierotucci in Guest Writer on March 26, 2012
I find it particularly fun to look back on my life and trace the twists and turns that bring us in contact with persons and opportunities. Our guest blogger today is one of those winding roads that always makes me smile, and though we have never met face to face, I am quite pleased and proud to be sharing our blog space with this special friend from LA. I invite you to read her story, leave a comment and then visit her blog. Brittany Sage lives in Los Angeles, Ca with her husband Wade. She loves writing about her adventures with food, fashion and fun on Lipstickandleopardprint.com.
My husband, Wade and I met in 2004 while he was tending bar. The first thing he made me was a French 75. It was love at first sight for both! Since then there has been a resurgence of mixology amongst the foodie culture. Cocktails from yesteryear are being reinvented all the time. Here are our favorite cocktails and how we make them.
The French 75 has been around since 1915. This is the real deal old-school cocktail, with it’s namesake stemming from “the feeling of being shelled with the powerful French 75mm field gun”. In other words this drink will do the job. These days, however, this drink has survived the times and can be served among the classiest of the old school cocktails. Originally, it was made with powdered sugar but we like to use homemade simple syrup as a fun and delicious substitute. Here is a slightly modified way of recreating the original cocktail with a couple of twists that will definitely improve your end results.
Brittany’s French 75
2 ounces dry gin
1 teaspoon simple syrup (recipe 50/50 water and raw cane sugar)
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
3 ounces sparkling french rose
In a cocktail shaker, shake the gin, simple syrup and lemon juice with ice vigorously. Strain into a martini or other long stemmed glass. Top with sparkling wine or champagne (if you are feeling decadent). Garnish with a fresh twist of lemon.
Simple Syrup
This is the easiest thing in the world to make. In a sauce pan, simply melt 1 part sugar with 1 part water. We like to use raw or turbinado sugar because it is rich and pure.
Use the wide end of a zester in a spiral motion to create the perfect lemon twist!
Wade’s Rye Manhattan
The key to making this drink is simply to use the right ingredients and to stir instead of shaking it. When you shake a Manhattan the vermouth tends to get foamy and change the flavor noticeably. Let the ingredients do the talking not the bartender! I like to use small batch rye whiskey because of its distinctive flavor characteristics. Also, choose a good bottle of rouge or sweat vermouth, such as Dolin. this can effect the flavor dramatically.
As a bartender, I would strongly advise using a good bitters and there are many. Good aromatic bitters tend to have a spicy quality, finishing with notes of clove. Try them all, they will last you a lifetime and can be used in many other creations. I also like to use a rye based bourbon because of it is full bodied and spicy. Perhaps, the most impressive impact you can make with this cocktail is the maraschino cherry.Try the real deal and you will be hooked! I always thought I hated maraschino cherries because of those unnaturally bright red things they try to pass off as edible in most bars. However, the imported (and more expensive) variety are well worth the investment. They have a dense texture and a refined flavor that you’ll never forget.
Rye Manhattan
4 ounces small batch bourbon
1 ounce sweet vermouth
2 dashes of bitters.
Can be stirred with a spoon and served on the rocks or strained into a martini glass. Garnish with real maraschino cherry!
Good ice is essential in making a great cocktail! Buy a silicone ice cube tray that actually produces ice in the shape of a cube. Experiment using different kinds of specialty water. Using good water for your ice makes a huge difference in the end result.
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2012 Leather Jacket Collection
