Wouldn’t you love the thrill of exploring a 007 spy leather briefcase?

The classical characteristics of a business bag normally focus on the primary use of carrying around one’s business in a suitable and organized method.   Therefore in makes sense that a business bag will be as diverse as the many user’s themselves.  Some leather bags will want lots of compartments where they can store each item on its own, some leather briefcases will lean towards just one large space  – don’t forget you will have those who want tons of pockets for pens, phones, calculators, camera’s and more and those that prefer a lightweight, slim bag so that it looks more like a prop than it does a piece of equipment to be used.  Whatever its ultimate design – it is always considered a necessity.

Perhaps one of the more classic types of briefcases includes the classic Italian leather business bag with a comfortable rolled top handle and a convenient removable / adjustable should strap. These elegant models go as back as those lovely black and white photos showing the “working” man coming and going to the office – a box shape with a click to open and close, were slowly replaced with a less rigid model featuring flap over tops and button lock closures. The old-fashion rigid box frame briefcases usually  bring to mind James Bond 007 and the  spyworld or something similarly devious, where as the softer models from leather represent the sharp business person, who dresses to impress – maybe even a doctor.

With the rising number of women in the office who were there to wheel and deal, designers were forced to create new looks that were appealing to both genders.  Perhaps the emergence of female counterparts forced the designer market to accept the fact that a briefcase – though it must be functional – was a growing fashion accessories . . . for both the male and female.

A true women’s business bag will make the leap from work to play, from formal to casual, from necessary to fashion accessory in the blink of an eye. Literally it must serve a sa briefcase one moment and a leather handbag the next.

Texture, shape, comfort and elegance have taken on a new importance in the projection of and construction of a leather briefcase. Attention to details, color combinations, cut and hardware have become just as as focal as how many pockets, will it hold my iPad3 and is there room for my adapters / folders / samples.

Once fashion stepped in, it was obvious that Italian leather was not only the first choice because of its quality, durability and excellent craftsmanship but also due to the wide range of colors, textures such as embossed and saffiano finishes and most certainly for its intrinsic elegance and beauty. An Italian leather briefcase or business bag breathes a quality of success into the user. It speaks of tradition, of experience and of know how . . . and where would business be without these things.

Diving off the coast of Madagascar for a cameo performance

Diving in the shallow waters off of the African coast, one could at one time find a wealth of colorful tropical fish like the Picasso Trigger fish or Cypraecassis rufa. But that last name will probably not stick out to unless you put it into a more familiar context.

It is also better known as a bull mouth helmet or a Carnelian (sometimes written cornelian) Shell.  Besides being sought after for its natural beauty, this shell has become a favorite for the carving of cameo brooches, pendants and earrings. The latin name might not make it sound as elegant as the end results, but Italian artisans have been carving them into beautiful objects since about the early 1800′s.

Curious but true – this hard substance is actually a snail shell! Found off the southern African coast, this sea snail is common in Mozambique, the shores of Kenya and Madagascar. Not only is the strong and durable shell noted for its presence in cameo jewelry art, but for this very reason (high resistance) this group of shells are also well represented in the fossil records. Described as having a conspicuous, solid, thick, heavy shell, up to 17 cm, once can find it has a dorsally reddish color with broad spiral bands bearing rounded nodules. Thick outer lip in light orange and accents of orange with white ridges.

These shells are not only attractive to the jewellery market for their striking colors and durability but also because they naturally lend themselves to the art of cameos. A cameo nearly always features a relief image with a contrasting color negative image. The composition of this shell with the various layers makes it ideal for using the art of intaglio to carve out images of beautiful women, Greek and Roman gods as well as rulers and kings.

Actually it wasn’t until the 18th century that cameos were made of shells – normally the Renaissance cameos came from hardstone, mussel or cowry shells – however they all provided that distinctive dark background to the white or whitish relief image. Then with world exploration – and unfortunately exploitation, cassis tuberosa from the West Indies became the raw material of choice when making cameos.

There is a downside to the over harvesting of shells – and actually any type of exotic fish from these natural beautiful waters. After years of emptying the African coast of this elegant and important creature, places like Kuruwitu are only just beginning to re-establish a balance in their oceans. Beautiful Helmet Shells like this one have been removed from the coastal waters in their hundreds of thousands to sell to tourists. It’s role as an important predator of sea urchins made it a fundamental element to the survival of the eco-system.

Since these creatures feed on sea urchins their removal from their natural habitat in mass quantities resulted that sea urchins proliferate uncontrollably killing off coral reefs and destroying the natrual environment. Which explains why areas like Kurumai have worked hard to protect their shore lines. We encourage you to read about the work being done to save the environment off of Kenya.  We also encourage you to buy your cameo from a reputable vendor who will document that the shell has been harvested according to all international regulations.

A lady never takes off her gloves

In today’s world filled with electical gadgets, apps that do just about everything, online communication and about a zillion other things that make life seem so streamlined and fast, it’s easy to forget about the fashionetiquette niceties that once ruled a persons social life.

If you are like me, you will love to watch those films of yesteryear with Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire – or Audrey Hepburn and then daydream about the elegance and sophisticated chic that they seemed to have so naturally.  They would come on the screen with a pair of kid leather gloves, perfectly matched with their outfit in color and simplicity or a pair of opera gloves reaching above their elbows. (sigh)

When you think of cold weather and gloves, an image of a pratical cashmere or wool lined leather glove comes to mind.  FACT:  Gloves exist to protect your hand from the elements, keep them warm in sub zero temps … but hardly anyone thinks of the rules of etiquette that governed a lady until fairly recently.

But did you know that there was a time when it was a FACT:  that a lady a lady never takes off her gloves to shake hands.  There was an entire set of etichette rules that governed the wearing of gloves.  I guess twitter messaging etichette has superseed the etiquette on gloves….the difference being that  gloves would actually come with instructions and etichette rules where as for text messaging and Twitter you have figure it out on your own.

Palm vent on Italian leather gloves with cashmere lining

Today’s selection of Italian leather gloves from Pierotucci range from classic with side or palm vents for the perfect fit. The vents on a glove allow the glove to be fitted along the fingers, the knuckles and the wrist while permitting the large part of the hand to slip through the opening.

Opera gloves have what is called a mousquetaire, a little button on the inside of the wrist which allowed one to take the fingers out of the glove without having to take the entire glove off – which was considered to by ungraceful, definitely not something to do in public.  However this opening also served the same purpose as the vent on the smaller gloves, it permited a glove to fit the contour of the arm and hand by allowing for a larger opening to slip the hand into the fingers at the narrowest part of the glove.

Suede gloves with back ventS

The back of the glove, contrary to the way it sounds, is considered the part of the glove that is shown to the public. And it is here that most designers will put something decorative, like points or top stitching.

Vents are normally not found on the back of the glove. It is more common to find the vents on the side or the palm of the glove, where they are hidden from view.  Vents are not a necessary part of a glove, especially if the glove has a a full elastic wrist or a cuff which flairs around the wrist.  In both cases, the opening will accommodate the hand to slide in without stressing the leather around the opening.

A creative solution to the vent is to incorporate the design around the vent like in the image you see below.  The designer used a contrasting nappa lambskin to create a vent on the back of the glove.

Vent incorporated in leather on the back.

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.

Why wouldn’t you wear one of these ladies?

By now there are hardly any taboos when it comes to cross dressing.  Men are wearing skirts and ladies are decking out in boxers.  I’ll admit, quite a bit of this goes on mostly at the level of  fashion catwalks – but its clear that today’s fashion designers are not looking back and are quickly erasing the fine lines between acceptable and unheard of.

Personally, I always like the slightly masculine lines of Armani so to take this jump and wear one of these just like the ladies below wiouldn’t bother me at all.   I am especially attached to the Moschino and GianFranco Ferrè designs that are just a bit more whimsical with floral designs and textured silk and wool.

Italian silk ties for men . . .and women?

Would you wear one of these to work?

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.

With 30 Days Left to Christmas Shop, Would You Like Wine or Italian Wine?

With such little time left for holiday shopping you better get a move on it. And you know what always makes a nice gift, anything Italian. What is it about sticking the word “Italian” in front of another. Watch, I’ll prove it. Would you like a glass of wine or would you like an Italian glass of wine? I bought you a leather jacket for Christmas…I bought you an Italian leather jacket for Christmas. Isn’t this a gorgeous designer handbag? Or better yet, isn’t this a gorgeous Italian designer handbag? See what I’m saying? So, let’s just cut to the chase, go Italian this Christmas.

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