What’s worse than Friday the 13th in Italy?

Friday the 17th basically the equivalent to the anglo-saxon Friday the 13th. I always wondered what the Italians saw in the title of the film Friday the 13th – since for them its just another day …

It is said that the origins of  are found with the Roman number for 17 which is XVII. Now if you take those same symbols and rearrange them to make the Latin phrase VIXI, it means “I have lived”, which can also be interpreted as “I am dead.” Not a pleasant thought…  However some indications show that this number has had negative vibes even as far back as the Greeks.

In any case, throughout Italy you will find that they spend just a little bit more time making sure that there are no black cats around, that their good luck charms are nearby and that they avoid ladders, feathers and laying their hats on the bed.

As for us here at Pierotucci Leather Factory, we just keep a Fortunata Italian leather handbag by our side for the course of the day – and we are pretty sure we are warding off the evil eyes!

 

 

What is a messenger bag and where did it come from?

The convenience of a messenger bag  was initially for those working in high and uncomfortable places.  In fact, the original design of the messenger can be traced back to the utility lineman’s bag from the 1950′s,  constructed by De Martini Globe Canvas Company.  The necessity of keeping their hands free is exactly the reason that it has incorporated itself so easily into everyday use.  Made from a heavy durable canvas – the style has transformed into fashion statement and some of the most notable designs, with space for iPads, Smartphones and Kindles are made from genuine Italian leather.  The idea of being able to keep your necessities close by – yet giving you free movement makes this the ideal accessory.

A style that has practical origins has made it self into a fashion statement for both men and women. Originally conceived for bike messengers and postal workers, this leather bag is normally characterized with an adjustable cross body shoulder strap that allows for the bag to rest comfortably on ones lower back or side while handling a bicycle.

Though handbags are often considered just a women’s accessory, one can not deny that with a “hands free bag”  works just as well for men and the things won’t fit into jacket and pant pockets.  Campomaggi for example has turned this functional bag into a washed leather accessory and though their designs typically cater towards the men these Campomaggi bags have funneled there way into many a ladies heart. These Campomaggi bags use washed leather to give them a rugged, almost country look. The cross body characteristic of the messenger bag is what made it so innovative when it first appeared on the market half a century ago and is what keeps it so functional in today’s world. Change the size of the bag, hang it on your back or on your side, or even more positioned towards the front – but as long as it has that cross body strap it will be considered a off spring of the ever famous messenger bags.

There are also the Toscanella leather messenger bags for men and women which utilizes 7 different colors of vegetable tanned leather. Each and everyone of these bags are handcrafted in Florence Italy with genuine leather. The unisex messenger bags offer several options like an adjustable leather or canvas strap, the possibility of customization and monogramming and cotton lining. In addition, these quality Italian leather bags all come with their own protective cloth bag for storage purposes.

What’s up at on the drawing board at Pierotucci today? #leatherbags

Making the cut is the first step to a quality leather handbag or, in the case, messenger bag. Using a genuine soft grain leather with an embossed pattern which we call buffalo,  you can see Marco in the first part measuring out the pattern pieces of this men’s messenger bag which he will then hand-cut with his coltello.  He will examine each hide that he lays out for the a homogeneous color and no unusual markings.  Normally a piece of leather in this style will have a uniform color – but to assure a high quality finished product special attention is paid to every step, his quick eye will notice if there are any strange or accented marking that will be too obvious once the bag is assembled.

After all the pieces have been assembled they are passed over to Renato, who has worked years in the area of prepping the pattern pieces for the final assembly. This messenger bag that they are cutting (1288-BU) is the large size and that means that the larger pieces of leather need an interior support to be sure they maintain their form in use.  Renato adds a feather-light adhesive support to all major components of this bag – you could say that he is adding a little bit of skeleton support to this messenger bag.  Once this step is done it will pass over to our leather craftswomen (and man) who work on assembling and sewing the bag together.

Cultural mistake

I never been one much into fashion myself – I come from Miami where all we really need to go out is a pair of shorts, a t-shirt, flip-flops and a 2 piece …. my experience certainly didn’t include Paris Fashion Week.  After college, my next stop was Europe on a student budget – so once again, shopping at Milan Fashion Week was not high on my list.

This little fact never really bothered me or even put me into serious ridicule.  My friends and cohorts were in the same situation as myself – we didn’t have the $$ to spend of fashion and we just didn’t keep up with the “Kardashians”.

However, after deciding to prolong my visit to Italy, my new environment (namely my ex-boyfriend) made it quite clear that my lack of knowledge (and my dismal fashion sense) were definitely a hindrance in our relationship.

This is not my him, however if mine had looked like this . . . note he is sporting a jacket in panno Casentino

Nothing made this ever so evident as when I was finally introduced to his “best friend.”  It was a bit of a big  ordeal, because his friend lived a couple hours away with his new wife and child.  And since this was definitely going to be a grown-up evening I was eager to put my best American foot forward.  I was prepared to highlight my playful nature and sense of humor.

It was a pleasant evening all the way around – nice people, good food (in Italy when do you not eat well?), stimulating conversation – tons of questions about the USA and the president (who at the time was Regan – I think)  - and a few fun moments cuddling the baby.

As we are walking out the door to start our long trek home (thorough woods and over the hills) I made a “humorous” that has haunted me ever since.  Teasing my then boyfriend, his wardrobe came up and I told his friends that they should try and convince him to spend a few dollars (the ones he saved not going to a restaurant but eating at their house) and change out his winter coat – to make my point, I showed them how the one he had on had all those little balls that aged wool gathers.

Three adult turned to stare at me as if I had just insulted the Pope himself…grown three heads….and turned a dramatic shade of purple …. all at the same time!

Perhaps I really should have known better.  Critic an Italian about their fashion sense … and then wouldn’t you know it?  The material that was used to make his coat  was the prestigious panno Casentino, prized for the curling tufs of wool on the surface – the very same which I had attempted to ridicule.

Note the rough texture – this is a distinct feature of panno Casentino.

It could be that since I was presently residing in the Casentino Valley, a small but very self sufficient area located approximately 45 km southeast of Florence they thought I would automatically know “la vita, morta e miracoli” of the area.  For example maybe I should have known that the valley at one time was extremely famous for its wool production, in fact in the 1800′s the sheep count was 86,000 – more than triple the number of residents in this Italian valley.  And … yes that’s right, maybe I should have known this was the birth place of the panno Casentino – a resistant and lightweight wool distinguished by these surface curls, the very thing that makes it water-resistant.  Not only that, but maybe I should have known that it is well recognized among the Italians as a status symbol!

What I can say is that I now know all this (and so much more)  - and even after 20 years, I have not forgotten that evening, the embarrassment and the many qualities of the panno Casentino.

In my attempts to tease this guy I wound up setting myself up to be the last laugh.

Travel to release stress and Go Red for Women

For more than one reason February is associated with red and hearts – Pierotucci is embracing the challenge to show you something red every day. Just a little reminder to Go Red for Women and take care of your heart.

So the doctor told you to relax to release a bit stress on the heart? How about traveling! Pack a quick overnight bag with a sweater or two, a change of underwear, socks, and some jeans. Don’t even think about it, just make a quick decision to throw some things together and then run with it. With this trend  of quick, cheap flights in Europe , traveling at the spur of the moment has become an easy option. Just check out anyone of the low cost airlines till you find one with a decent enough price and then press BUY!

Sure there are a few discomforts – like having to pack with 10 kg or less or no assigned seating or … no airline food (the jury is still out on how much of a discomfort that is).  But it definitely allows for a lot more freedom in traveling and as long as you are prepared with all your docs, luggage and handbag, and of course a little bit of spending money – it definitely de-stresses the entire adventure.

So pick your destination:

Then your travel partner*:

Then pack your leather cosmetic bag and a quick carryon:

And you’re are off.

If your preferred travel companion is not available, runner ups (like your boyfriend or girlfriend)  are always good fun!

Become aware, check out the site http://www.goredforwomen.org to learn more about heart disease and symptoms of a heart attack.

A romantic breezy day in Paris

If I had one day and just one day in Paris . . . I would spend it eating chocolate eclairs and drinking coffee at a small bar, walking the streets snapping photos of silly things, splashing my hand in the  Siene, standing underneath the towering church of Notre Dame, searching for the tip of the Eiffel Tower and holding hands with my sweetheart.

A Romantic breezy Day in Paris di naturalitalianwoman contenente ballet flats

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?

4 easy ways you can safeguard your handbag

I totally remember the first time I encountered face to face a pick pocket, he was about 9-10 years old and I was fresh off the plane – a novice in every way.  I was visiting Florence on my own, my guide book in hand and a look of wonder on my face – which must have been two dead give a-ways that I was a tourist, of course that and my backpack carelessly slung on my shoulder (apparently easy prey for the zingari – Italian word for gypsy).

As I stood admiring the church Santuario S.Maria del Carmine (Firenze) and those huge wooden doors, I was unexpectedly surround by about 5 – 6 kids. Hey I am game, I grew up as one of 4, so I am used to noise, excitement – but not a 9 year old sticking his hand in my leather travel backpack while the other four try to distract me with jibbering and jabbering in another language. Maybe it was the fact that I was used to having kids all around that made me notice his sticky fingers grasping in my bag.

My first instinct, turn around and slap him!They all ran, hollering and screaming for the road and no one was around to be the wiser for their attempt but, it left a mark on me that has lastest until today (20 years later and it still haunts me.) If I had to be honest, I don’t know what effected me the most: the surprise I felt when I raised my hand to shoo the kid off or the fact that some one actually tried to rip me off … in broad daylight … in front of this religious monument … the list goes on.

Since then I have worked many jobs, including travel agent. During this stint I listened to tourists who had travelled all over Italy only to hear repeatedly their first and lasting memory, the fact that they too got ripped off – most times at the airport on their way home. What always surprises me is that these are adults, who I would have considered to be worldly and not at all gulliable like I was .  And though, I dislike speaking of this down side to travelling I am going swallow my dislike because I believe no one should go home with those types of memories from a place as beautiful as Italy.

Of course, picket pockets come in all shapes, sizes, smells and dress – they can be they man in a suit sitting next to you in the waiting area … checking the partenze schedule … just like you or they can be the lady in the long, patchwork skirt with a baby on her hip, an unusual color combination between shirt, jacket, skirt and wearing bathroom slippers, following you around with a cup in her hand or as in my case, a group of street urchins (believe me it sounds like something out of a Dickens novel … and it looked like something out of a Dickens novel … but if the description fits ….)

So a here are a few pointers on keeping your valuables, your handbags, your pockets and your money a little safer.

keep it closed with snaps, zips and buckles: If the bag you are carrying has them then USE THEM. Make it as hard as possible to get inside.
keep it attached between your body and your arm: Some won’t even try to get inside, they will just pick off the whole bag – so keep it secure, close to you … not hanging low in one hand or unattended on your back.
keep it small: the bigger the target – they easier it is to pick it out.
stay alert: This doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the scenery and immerse yourself in the culture – but you should never loose sight of the fact that you are surrounded by others.

I’d like to close with this safetyhandbag site I found that I felt gave some pretty good tips.

If you have anything to add – leave a comment.

Hands down, these are absolutely the best one of a kind styles

Everyonce and a while you will see a style – and just know it is all about you and better yet when you know that you will be the only one who has it!

Normally this glove designs would never make it to our ecommerce site because they are one of a kind.  What I am saying is they cut only one pair AND its available in one size only

But, we must admit that this year of craftman offered such great variation of styles, colors and sizes  that we thought it would be fun to shop for some of these wild combos.

Here are a few of our favorite options.

A feminine ruffle accents this 4 button length pair of gloves.

Classic black is always a must in your wardrobe.

Ox Blood colored leather has been a hit with lots of top designers.

This fur accents makes me think of sleigh rides and snowy fields – how about you?
How about a little bit of fun with these metallic gold colored gloves in Italian lambskin leather?

Metallic colored leather in silk lined gloves.

These are definitely unique – and make me think immediately of Breakfast at Tiffany’s….

Suede leather opera gloves, style Audrey Hepburn.

Can you travel in fashion on 10 kgs or less?

With all these great low cost flight offers from European companies like Ryanair, Vueling and Easyjet, the urge to travel … and let’s face it, the possibility to travel grows and grows. The drawback, well besides all the missing leg room and forgotten luxuries (like food and water!) is that one also has to learn how to pack a 10 kg or 23 pounds bag into a 55cm x 40 cm x 20 cm amount of space AND it needs to last the duration of the ticket.

This could be a bit of a no brainer in the summer but how about if you are travel from November thru April in the northern hemisphere?

After doing quite a bit of traveling myself I have come to the following conclusions:

First rule of thumb has got to be find a carry on that is expandable and light. Who wants a piece of luggage that takes up 25% of your weight limit!! – I am all about expandable leather travel bags. They are light weight, durable and please . . . they look good.

Second, don’t over pack…this is one I like to repeat (in a loud voice) for my boyfriend (Mr. 4 Seasons) – but I believe he has his 4th seasom ear muffs on when I say it.

Third, …well actually I am not an expert so I will just pass you over to a few articles.

Though there seems to be some differing opinions on folding and rolling –  the tips are the pretty much the same. Here are three of my favorite articles.

http://www.fabsugar.com/How-Pack-Carry–Suitcase-12445037

This is a video, so no trick photography of before or after shots that leave you wondering.  I find ziplock bags curious. That might work for space . . . but I don’t know if they were weight conscious.

http://www.myjetsetstyle.com/2011/03/12/how-to-pack-like-a-freaking-ninja-8-days-in-a-carry-on/

Pretty wacky – the video is a bit long … but her packing method is, well, you need to see it to buy into it. I will admit her video is more like a personal accomplishment then about giving you packing ideas.

http://holayessica.com/2012/09/02/how-to-pack-a-carry-on-bag-avoid-extra-ryanair-fees/

She is topic specific, because I normally travel Ryanair …. and this airline is a stickler (to put it nicely). I mean even your Italian leather handbag (y’know the one you just love to show off) needs to fit into your carry on.

In any case, where ever you are traveling – and however you decide to get there – I wish you fun, fun and more fun!