50 shades of Green, with Italian flair

This torta  just looked too delicious and fresh not to post with our 3rd installment of 50 shades, Italian style.

It looks like 6 shades of savory delight with a repeating layer of … my imagination says whip cream.  And my tastebuds say Perfect!

Perfect, exactly like the next 10 pairs of Italian leather gloves for women featured in this blog post.

It’s blah, cold  and rainy today in Tuscany so these wild shades of green are just what you need as you dress to go strolling around Florence or Rome.  Sunday’s Italian Style.  They have turned it into an art form to wake up late, eat hardy (pasta, pasta, secondo, dolce, vino, more vino and but of course un espresso) then dress to stroll the centro (better known as  the city center) here they will excel in socializing, watching, checking things out and well, just being seen is an accomplisment in itself.  Many times for the guys they do this with their ear attached to a radio to listen to their favorite team (win!)

So the Pierotucci selection of Italian leather gloves in green are the perfect touch to  brighten up a brown leather jacket or a black shearling.  And with this dip in temps – hopefully a little green will encourage spring on its way.

Parties, Champagne, and Dashing Men in Silk Ties

This time every year is always filled with all sorts of festivities. You have work functions, holiday parties, dinner parties, sales meetings, family gatherings, Christmas recitals, and who knows what else to RSVP to. I know just how hectic the holiday season gets especially when you’re trying to fit in work and shopping in between everything else that’s going on. But the one thing you don’t want to worry about is looking your best. Let’s face it, we all know that the better you’re dressed, the better impression you make. I don’t mean you have to go out and buy a $10,000 designer suit, I just mean it’s nice when people take a little pride in their appearance and generally people take notice.

Maybe it’s because I was a girlscout that I think it’s better to be prepared. So, prepare yourself this season. If you’re the guy that wears the “fun” Christmas tie with blubs that light up year after year or you know someone who does, help them out, maybe it’s time for a bit of an upgrade. I’ve heard a nice Italian silk tie can be fun too. What you wear can help you command a little more respect in the work place, have you looking quite dashing at this year’s holiday party, and just leaves an overall good impression. And besides all that, from a woman’s point of view, very much including my own, we love seeing men dressed up!

Neckties have a long history too, they date back hundreds of years to times of war where soldiers could often be seen wearing them as a symbol of a specific group they belonged to. The Romans were particularly known for this to be easily identifiable.

And nowadays, it’s not just women who have tons of options for their wardrobe either. For one, you can find several types of ties like the ascot tie, the bow tie, and the cravat. There are even matching handkerchiefs and pocket squares to accompany your choice. Plus, you can tie your necktie in a number of ways. From the traditional Windsor Knot to the well-known Atlantic Knot, which is notable for being tied backwards. See, the possibilities are endless.

For all those non-tie wearers or for those who rarely put one on, here’s a little cheat sheet for you. No sense in putting a tie on poorly; kind of defeats the whole point, doesn’t it? This demonstrates how to make the Windsor Knot in five simple steps. And if I can do it, simple it is.

So look sharp this Holiday season and add that Italian silk tie to your jeans and dress shirt or your three piece suit to look more dapper than ever.

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!

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth is -OR- Put it Here…

In your wallet, of course! Wallets are important too. Until just recently I have never put as much weight on my wallet as I have my handbag and I’m sure many of you can relate. Obviously, your handbag is the most important of the two but I have recently started rethinking this theory of mine. In fact, there is definitely a right and a wrong style of wallet for me not to mention your wallet usually carries the bulk of importance in your handbag. I carry a ton of cards, what I wish was a ton of money, and a bunch of other random stuff I won’t bore you with. My point being, I need a wallet that serves my needs not just my style. Allow me to show you the options you have these days for beautiful women’s leather wallets.

First, and in my personal opinion the most classic of them all, is the Checkbook Wallet. Checkbook Wallets pretty much serve the purpose of holding a checkbook. Bet you wouldn’t have guessed that for yourself. This typically means that they are usually longer in length than other wallets. And now, with check becoming a thing of the past, many wallets are still made with this particular style in mind but without a spot to place your checkbook.

Then you have the ever so popular Zip-Around Wallet. This one is my new favorite. With the zipper feature, you can rest assured that nothing will fall out especialy if you’re someone that stuffs their wallets to the brim. You should see my mother’s wallet! It’s actually a little horrifying and I don’t know how its possible to find a single thing in it. I swear there receipts in there from twenty years ago.

The Zip-Around Wallet can also fall into the category of a Clutch Wallet. The Clutch Wallet usually has loads of compartments and a zipper or kiss lock closure big enough to hold your cell phone, lipstick, and keys in addition to your basics like your money and cards. In fact, it’s this exact reason we have named it the Clutch Wallet because if you dare to be so bold it can all together replace carrying a bag and double as a small clutch purse.

Then, of course, you can take these wallets and find them in half the size, also known as a Compact Wallet. So if you carry a smaller bag or just prefer a smaller wallet, you still have several different styles to choose from like a Compact Clutch Wallet or a Compact Checkbook Wallet. You get the idea. Some may even consider the idea of having a Compact Wallet in addition to a larger wallet for special occasions. For example, when you go out in the evening time and are carrying a small clutch or handbag, a compact wallet may be a much better or more practical option. This is something I need to invest in because all my clutches are way too small for a normal size wallet.

Lastly, there is the Traveler’s Wallet. There are definitely different versions of this type of wallet but it usually serves more as a neccessity than a fashion statement. Afterall, we do like to make sure our money is safe and documents are in a secure place, wherever we go. The Traveler’s Wallet has special compartments for your passport, id, even you plane ticket/s.

Of course, there are a million other wallet styles and slight variations there of. But these are a good base of styles to help you discover or rediscover what you need from your wallet. So whether you’re a minimalist whose wallet is perfectly and beautifully organized or you experiece a whirlwind of old receipts and crumpled benjamins every time you open it up, there is without a doubt a style for everyone.

What Can Every Man Not Live Without? Hint: It’s Small, Important, & Italian

An Italian leather wallet, of course! Ok, I know what you’re thinking, but honestly, have you ever thought about the unnerving selection there is for wallets these days? Maybe this is something you actually spend time thinking about, even if it is only once every 15 or 20 years when you decide that it’s finally time to replace your wallet and probably only because the hole in it has become so large your money no longer stays put. Well, allow me to enlighten you about the wonderful world of wallets and maybe it will be easier to pick a gift out for someone this Holiday season or perhaps even for yourself, in which case I’ll feel I have rightfully done my job.

The two types of most commonly used and sought after wallets for men are the bifold wallet and the trifold. As you can surely image these are exactly as they are named.

The Bifold Wallet folds over just once, making two equal halfs. It typically consists of a fold long ways to places your money in that is often divided into two or three secetions so if you need to separate your money for any reason, you can. The bifold is also known for having 6-10 credit card slots and if you’re really lucky an additional transparent flap where your id can be stored for easy access because everyone knows how much of a pain in the neck it is to have to constantly take your id card or drivers license in and out. In Europe, where coins count for a lot, you can often find a snap closure coin case on one side of your wallet like the one found below.

The Trifold Wallet is usually not far behind the bilfold as far as preference. This style folds twice creating three equally sized panels and is usually smaller but bulkier in size than the bifold. In many cases there is a transparent window in the middle or side of the wallet to display your id and of course tons of space for credit cards.

Then you have specialty wallets for specific occasions. For example there is the Coat Wallet which is a sleeker design in order to gently slide into your pocket. Or a nice Money Clip Wallet for those who are minimalists or like to change from a larger wallet to something easier to carry in the evening on a night out. One side folds open that is strictly for your bills of money and the other side of the wallet usually has about 3 slots for cards and on occasion a flap for your id. In my opinion, the Money Clip Wallet is a nice, elegant type of gift especially since it can serve an alternative purpose.

And of course, let’s not forget about the Front Pocket Wallet. And what’s this one, you ask. Not much different than a traditional bifold really except for the fact that it’s specifically designed to be slim enough for your front pocket as opposed to placing it in the backside of your pants pocket. If you prefer to carry your wallet in front and some may argue it’s a more secure place than your backside, this is the wallet for you.

So the next time you’re searching for a gift for yourself, friend or partner be sure you know what kind of wallet type personality they are. It truly is like women and handbags. We all have a preference.

An Italian Christmas for Wine Drinkers, Italian Leather Wearers, and Gold Jewelry Lovers

We have exactly 25 days left of the hustle and bustle before Christmas day is resting at our doorsteps. So what’s the solution to gift giving this Christmas? It’s simple, give the gift of Italy. I’m not talking about buying tickets for the family to Italy, although I’m sure no one is objecting. What I mean is bring Italy to you. Every Christmas I go home with a suitcase packed full of gifts from Italy for my family. Just in my region alone, Tuscany, they specialize in olive oil and olives, cheese, wine and liqueur, leather, gold jewelry, and pottery just to name a few. With all these options you can gift just about anyone in your family or circle of friends. Like, your foodie mom who can pinpoint even the most particular of flavors, your wine lover aunt and uncle that are always searching for a new bottle of vino to try, your greenthumb best friend that needs a new pottery piece for the garden and almost anyone with a beautifully handmade italian leather handbag, jacket, or wallet. I myself, have just wrapped up an orange leather handbag for my sister, black lambskin gloves for my mom, and an amazing couple bottles of wine for my dad that I’m hoping he’ll be generous enough to share. So stop procrastinating already and get shopping!

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas From Pierotucci.

5 Easy, Personalized, Italian Gifts For Dad This Christmas

If you’re like me then you know how difficult shopping for dad can be. I swear, every year I think that I may have found something he likes but honestly I still don’t have a clue. Year after year shopping for my dad has become a little bit of a stressful thing. What I do know is that the gifts that never seems to disappoint are always those most personal. Turns out if you take something simple and give it a little personal touch it can make all the difference. So, here is my stress free solution for Christmas gifts this year.

All dad’s, whether they know it or not, need the basics. By basics I mean, a belt, wallet, somewhere to put their change. I feel like men become rather attached to these things. And another thing I haven’t figured out is if it’s becuase they don’t want to have to go through the motion of shopping and looking for a replacement despite the fact they may desperately need one or if they are genuinely attached to their raggedy looking leather wallet, belt, etc, that is dying to retire.

At any rate here it is. Have you ever heard of embossing or guilding? Well, just to brief you, embossing is the process of stamping leather with engraved plates using heat. And obviously, in the case, with initials, names, or a short message. There is a similar process where leather is gilded. Gilding is the same idea as embossing, the difference is with gilding you use a fine gold, typically 18k, leaf that is imprinted into the leather.

 

So the five things that would look great and are perfect for personalizing are, leather wallets, gloves, coin cases, belts, and business card holders. All things that are needed and practical and add in Italian leather and you’ve got a winning combination. I would say most men have at least two or three of these things. I feel like this type of gift can work for just about any dad. Let’s see, there’s your business dad, who needs his belongings to look sophistictated and classy so monogramming something is just obvious is this case. Then there’s easy going, sentimental dad that will love it just because it’s from you (more or less how my dad is). Or maybe your dad is crazy, sports enthusiast dad that would get a kick out of “Go Broncos” or “Charger Time” embossed on his wallet. Anyway, you get my point. The possibilities for personalizing gifts are endless.

Well, here’s to hoping you do in fact find the perfect gift for dad. Good luck everyone and happy hunting this holiday season.

Gifts For Dad by lisbethusala featuring leather gloves

I Like Driving Lamborghinis At High Speeds and Looking Good While Doing It

I’ve noticed over the past few years that more and more people are passing off things, big and small, as accessories. Now a days just about anything can be considered an accessory. From your luxury sports car that drives at unbelievable speeds to your gorgeous Italian designer handbag. So, I decided to give this a bit of a twist myself. I, for one, love driving and more than just driving, I love driving fast. And yes, I do the whole stare and drooling routine everytime I see a lamborghini casually zoom past. Unfortunately for me, this happens way more than I’d like to admit since moving to Italy, it’s like I’m in a constant state of stupor.

  

Here are my thoughts on the matter, if you’re driving a nice car or just driving fast, you might as well look good while doing it. And, of course we don’t want to forget, safety first. I would have felt irresponsible, had I not mentioned that at least once. So what have I found that is both stylish and can serve a purpose? Driving gloves, of course.

In my particular case they’re a bit more for style but for those that use them regularly, they’ll tell you they improve the grip you have on the steering wheel, increase your feel of the road, and protect your hands while driving. Overall, driving gloves give you more control.

Typically drivers gloves are made of a soft leather like lambskin and are unlined with external seams. They also feature open knuckles and back to allow the driver as much flexibility and comfort as possible. In addition, there are small holes cut in the fingers and palm area that allows for ventilation. To ensure the glove fits properly and stays in place, there is a snap closure on the backside of the hand that fits around the wrist. There are, however, variations of the glove. Some include a lining to keep the hands warm while driving, others prefer fingerless driving gloves.

The history on driving gloves goes back to motor cars. The original purpose of them was to serve keeping ones hands clean while driving. And many early steering wheels were made from wood, making them much more difficult to grip, hence the driving glove eventually becoming popular for both men and women.

With so many choices to chose from I went with a classic white glove, very similar to the ones posted below. They’re simplistic and elegant, not to mention the rush and need for speed I experience every time I throw them on. Sometimes I just couldn’t be more pleased with my purchases. Once you put on a pair of driving gloves and set off on the road, driving will never be the same.

What is Kidskin Leather?

Kidskin is skin or hide that comes from goat. This type of leather, as you can probably guess, typically comes from the hides of baby goat, also known as kids. Kidskin is often used due to its well-rounded features, including its adaptability, durability, suppleness, and the fact that it is impressively light weight.

Like calfskin, kidskin is considered to be a higher quality leather and this is generally reflected in the cost of its leather products. Because kidskin tends to be a bit lighter in weight than calfskin while remaining a very strong material, it is often used for a number of leather items. This allows the leather to be quite flexibile and can be used to produce just about any type of leather clothing or accessory. However, it is most commonly used to make women’s and men’s leather gloves, boots and women’s shoes.

In fact, kidskin and leather gloves have a long history with each other, dating back to Victorian times. WiseGeek.com writes,

In the late 19th century, elbow-length opera gloves made from kidskin were an elegant alternative to shorter glove styles that only reached the wrist. These soft leather opera gloves became an important and popular component of lady’s formal wear, reaching their peak of popularity during the Edwardian era. In modern times, gloves made of kid leather are usually worn as winter outerwear rather than formal wear, but they continue to be popular with both men and women due to their warmth and soft, supple texture.

Of course, with any leather item there is special care that accompanies it to help ensure a long and lasting lifespan. Like most types of leather, kidskin should be placed and kept in moderate temperatures to avoid areas with extreme dryness or humidity. Doing this will help the leather keep its natural look and texture over time and reduce the possibility of the skind cracking. To upkeep and clean your kidskin you can dust off the leather, if necessary with a soft, dry cloth. The item can then be cleaned very cafeully with luke warm water. In addition, you can use a leather cream and conditioner. Once you have treated your leather set the item and leave to dry naturally without covering.

Italian Leather Gloves by lisbethusala featuring leather gloves

Lambskin vs. Calfskin – What’s the Difference?

Here at Pierotucci we use several types of high quality Italian leather, both lambskin and calfskin included. It’s not a matter of one being better than the other, as both leathers are considered a luxury material, but there are in fact several differences between the two. As a general rule of thumb, we typically stick to using lambskin for leather garments such as jackets and coats and calfskin for handbags, wallets, and other leather accessories. The reason behind this is quite simple. Lambskin is a much softer, buttery type of leather and also much more light weight, easily forming to the body. You wouldn’t want to put on a jacket that weighed you down to the floor, would you? Calfskin however, is a tougher and thicker leather than lambskin, therefore better for handbags because the leather retains its shape more easily. Beyond the idea that lambskin is ultimately best for garments and calfskin for handbags, lambskin is also very insulative and protective, especially for its thiness. It stands up to cold climates better than any other synthetic material, which makes it the obvious choice for leather jackets. In comparison, calfskin is soft (although typically not as soft as lambskin) while remaining highly durable, making it good for harsh conditions and withstanding abrasions. So, the next time your’re out and about shopping for leather, feel the texture of it, look at the thickness, see how heavy it is and soon you will be a leather expert too.