Posts Tagged style

Did you know that the Italian Good Luck Symbol the Corno . . . .

The Corno, the Italian good luck symbol.

Since 3500 BC the corno (animal horns) were hung at the entrance way of caves and dwellings.  They represented power and fertility, both of which were integral parts of survival for early man.  It is with these humble beginnings the Italian fascination with this symbol and their tendency to associate the corno, in all its curves and a brilliant shade of red, as one equivalent to good luck.

This is where the Pierotucci designers came up with the name #FORTUNATA for their versatile leather  handbag collection – and the symbol attached to each and every Italian leather handbag.  This little dangling charm is commonly used throughout Italy to fend off evil, bad luck and omens.

What better charm to have gracing your handbag than one that is trusted to bring you the best of luck and save you from those unexpected events of life.

Italian leather handbags from FORTUNATA and Pierotucci

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When a description is all you got to go on

A photo is certainly what will catch your eye faster than a wordy or detailed title, but if you are going to buy you need to read in between the illusions in the title and the hype in the description.  A good product description is absolutely a must !  Of course there are those who will play with innuendos and double meanings in a description in order to hood you but then once you get your package – rip open the box and pull it out . . .  there is always that tell tale slump of the shoulders, turn at the mouth and general sense of disappointment because you “thought” you read one thing, the picture seemed to show you what you were reading yet the final product just doesn’t match up.

Givenchy weave leather clutch

We were recently pulled into this drama while flipping through runway photos of the new FW 2013 lines of several top designers when we found a bag that we just adored.  Particularly appealing was the use of contrasting colors and the design was reminiscent of Bottega Veneta, Cosci (now defunct)  and Pierotucci.  We downloaded the photo to use in a blog post – similar to this one.  But then today – another photo (different angle) of the same product opened our eyes to the fundamental difference . . . and this is where a detailed ACCURATE description makes all the difference.

The second photo labeled the bag as a braided leather effect.  First off, braided leather? Is English their first language? When I checked out the Webster definition

Braided = Interlace three or more strands of (hair or other flexible material) to form a length

. . . and

Weave:   interlacing long threads passing in one direction with others at a right angle to them.  When I was 9, I would braid my hair and it in no way resembled this Givenchy pocket clutch.

Givenchy-weave-leather-clutch-detail

Close up of the embossed leather – effect weave.

The second thing was the use of the word “effect.”

Have a look at the photo and the truth comes out.  From the point of view of the above image it appears as if there are actually two different pieces being put together.

But alas, with the wonders of modern photgraphy AND with these up close images on the web sites I was actually able to see that the word effect was just another way of saying – embossed!  It was a printed weave effect on the bag, not even a true weave.  This purchase would have 100% resulted in one very unhappy shopper.

Looking at the detail you can even see that the paint job was a little haphazard – only making you really wonder how long the color would last with continual use of the bag.

From the photo I would have thought that the final product was closer to a Cosci leather handbag.  If you lool at the photo of the designer handbag below you can actually see the two different pieces.

Cosci_Italian_Leather_Shoulder_Bag_style_purse_11451

Last year Toscanella Italian leather accessories came to the market with a weave using three different colors  in a weave to create a unique one of a kind image.  There are four different color patterns, using a terracotta chamios intertwined with 2 of the seven main colors of vegetable tanned leather.  Now this is a true weave and one where the colors will truly stand up to the test of time.

Toscanella leather wallets three color weave.

Close up view of the Toscanella three color weave.

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50 Shades of Italian style, think brown

50 shades of brown silk, leather and taffetaThis will be 50 shades in an installment plan.

Creativity and imagination is all about using texture and color to create a fashion. The multitude of shades that make up “brown” let’s you go wild; tan, camel, cognac, bronze, fawn, sepia, lion, chestnut, chocolate, coffee, mahogany, tawny, desert sand are just a few of the variations on a theme.

Brown is the perfect neutral color – warm and cosy, easily mixed with gold highlights or it can be cool and hard complimented with silver accents.  We have selected 10 pair of Italian leather gloves in nappa lambskin and suede leather in shades of brown for our first part of 50 shades of Italian style.

From the classic driving glove to cashmere lined suede leather glove in two tones, brown Italian leather gloves definitely make up the first 10 slots of 50 shades of Italian style!

Italian leather gloves in various shades of brown.

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Change your look in 3 easy steps

Italian leather reversible beltsIf all things could be as easy as the interchangle belt buckle from Pierotucci. All it takes are three easy steps and you can change the color of your belt from a black calf leather strap to a dark brown leather strap.  From formal to informal – with the flick of the wrist …

So here’s how you can change your look in three easy steps.  First take your MADE IN ITALY belt buckle, available ineither  a shiny gold or silver.  The belt buckles come in two different styles, the classical buckle with the center prong or the panel buckle with a short prong used as a clip.  The buckles shown to the right are both for 3 cm (1.18 inch) wide belts.  This width is ideal for either formal or casual pants, though not normally indicated for jeans.

MADE in ITALY belt buckle with interchangeable clamp

Arrow indicates released clamp for the leather strap.

Step one:  Open the clamp at the end of the belt buckle.  You may need to insert a sturdy knife or screw driver to pry the clamp open.  Work it carefully so as not to scratch the leather beneath.  Your MADE in ITALY gold or silver tone belt buckle with open, leaving the slot free and clear for you to pull leather strap out.

Now in most cases you can simply turn the belt around and change your look by going from black to brown.  However, you might also have other color leather straps and as long as these straps are the same width as the open slot on the belt buckle, you can interchange them as many times or wasys as you would like.

Interchangeable leather belt buckle

Once slot is open you can take out and put in new strap.

Step Two: Extract the leather belt strap. Leave the clamp open and carefully slip the leather strap out, becareful not to scratch the strap on the open clamp. Select the new leather strap (or turn it over for the reversible color) and insert the leather strap.

Step Three: The last step is to close the clamp. It will require a little bit of pressure, if you are going to tap the clamp down with a small mallet, be sure to cover the belt buckle with a soft cloth so not to scratch it.

And wa – la you have now officially changed your look in three easy steps!

Italian leather reversible belt

Belt Buckle with closed clamp.

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Tip 1: Keep your leather handbag looking brand new

How to care for your Italian leather handbagThe most important thing to remember about your leather handbag or leather briefcase is that leather breathes – Marco Galli,  our Italian leather craftsman will  tell you è vivo or rather it’s alive.  This means that it’s appearance is influenced by the environment in which it is used and stored.  Any kind of leather, even those that are treated, will eventually absorb excess moisture and in doing so will change the appearance of your leather bag.  Especially creating a problem with unwanted molds, smells and discoloration.

When your handbag, bag, briefcase or even a leather accessory is not in use it is best to store them in a soft cloth bag.  Most top quality designer handbags such as Toscanella, Pierotucci and Fortunata come with a flannel-like bag with a drawstring closure.

If your handbag doesn’t have one of these bags, you can easily sew one together or as an alternative use an old pillow case.  It is important that the bag is a neutral and/or fixed color so that there is no color transfer during the storage time.  It is also imperative that it has a large enough opening  so that it is easy to slip the bag inside and so there is no need to bend or fold the bag in an un-natural way during the storage.

How to store your leather handbag

If a protective cloth bag is not provided with your purchase, or if you don’t have the opportunity to make one yourself you can use a plastic bag.  This option should always be considered temporary because a plastic bag does not allow for a constant free flow of air.  However if you tie it with a loose knot and poke several small holes in the bag it will provide protection.  The nature of a plastic bag is to contain the moisture, so as soon as a cloth bag is available for your leather handbag you should switch it over.

Tips on how to care for your leather bag

Though this is not the best storage option, it is possible to use a plastic bag with certain restrictions.

The handbag should be wiped down before putting it  into the storage bag thus removing any lose dirt or moisture.  Look at our Tip 2 for more detailed information on how to prepare the bag to be put into storage.   If you store your leather bag with dirt you risk the possibility of color transfer.  Some leathers are not as absorbent to color transfer, however vegetable tanned leathers, natural leathers, rawhide or suedes will easily absorb dirt and color and it can become permanent if not cleaned properly.  Before storing your leather bag, it should also be emptied completely – especially of makeup, perfume, pens and pencils – all of which can leak or break and thus destroying the beautiful appearance of your leather handbag, briefcase or leather accessory.

The first step for properly caring for your leather bag, handbag, briefcase or leather accessory such as a pochette, wallet or belt is storing it correctly when not in use.

A soft, flannel like bag is the ideal method of storage.  This allows for constant circulation of air keeping the bag dry.

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The Italian Secret to Looking Chic & Sophisticated is the Color Black

Go Gold this season. I have been talking a lot about black. Black can be many things, it’s magic really. It can make you look slimmer, more sophisticated, sexy, and incredibly professional.  Overall, black is a winning color for most people’s wardrobes or I suppose just for most people. But you know what you should never forget, is metallic. And no, I am not talking about the trendy, overly bright 80′s colors that have made a very unfortunate comeback. I’m talking about keeping it simple and classy with silver and gold. Add just a touch of gold to your black evening dress and you have turned something so simple into the dress of the night. I think sometimes, we really do have to realize that less can be more. Making those simple adjustments to your wardrobe, like a hint of colored accents to black can go a long way. I have to say this has been a good rule of thumb even for myself. I, too, have fallen into Italian ways, I wear black all the time but I’m also obligated to wear black at work. So, I casually throw in just a hint of color every now and then. It keeps things exciting and that way I can steer clear from the monotony of all black, all the time.

Look classy in Black and Gold

Bodycon dress
€79 - ricketyrack.com

Leather sandals
€745 - cricket-fashion.com

Black wedge
€63 - boohoo.com

Shoulder handbag
pierotucci.com

Mini clutch
pierotucci.com

Bottega Veneta leather glove
€300 - net-a-porter.com

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Furla, Fortunata and Flats floating around in Florence

purple porselli fortunata tote bags and furla handbags

Window shopping in Florence and this is what I found

Animal prints from FURLA

Vibrante suede from FORTUNATA tote bags

and pastel colors from Porselli, 100% Itailan leather Ballet Flats

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Fall Fashion – Vintage and Washed Leather

The leaves have started to ever so slightly change from their bright, lively green to a more subdued, relaxed color with hints of yellow and brown. It’s that inevitable changing of seasons and with a change in weather comes a change in wardrobe. Surprisingly, I am finding myself more open to the thought of warmer clothes, long sleeves and scarves fashionably drapped around my neck. So why not follow suit this Fall and find a handbag rich and warm in color too. At Pierotucci, Caterina Lucchi’s latest designer handbags are in and more eye-catching than ever. These beautiful vintage inspired, washed leather handbags come in two gorgeous colors, a dark brown and a unique shade of green. And to finish off it’s vintage look, there is a beautiful hand stitched, intricate leather detailing on the front of this must have leather handbag. Take a look and tell us what you think. Would you wear this bag?

Vintage Fall Fashion

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Black Leather & Red Accents in Classic Black & White

Black Leather & Red Accents in Classic Black & White

Lipsy pleated dress
$78 - lipsy.co.uk

Fendi high heel shoes
marissacollections.com

Leather tote
$365 - pierotucci.com

Leather cross body handbag
$235 - pierotucci.com

Stone ring
mdcdiamonds.com

Diamond necklace
jewelry.1stdibs.com

Leather glove
$130 - pierotucci.com

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Campomaggi in Green

Campomaggi in Green

Cotton harem pants
yesstyle.com

Leather tote handbag
$375 - pierotucci.com

Canvas wallet
$285 - pierotucci.com

Belt
$135 - pierotucci.com

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