Black & White

A fantastic example of proportion and color blocking. A slim silhouette of B&W complimented by an over-size glam weekend bag, keep this summer girl looking cool.

These black drop-crotch pants are absolutely gorgeous! She is sooo chic in her paper-thin white tank. Her classic-style sandal looks fresh and contemporary. Even her watch and iPhone respect her B&W.

Veronica, Vintage Treat

William, On the Road

I bumped into William the other day as he ran last minute errands in preparation for a trip to California. Some highly anticipated stops on his itinerary include, San Francisco, Yosemite, and Joshua Tree. I thought that his look was a perfect way to transition into a vacation that mixes cosmopolitan with nature. His look is complete: a scarf to keep your neck warm when a cool breeze blows your way; an ever handy cardigan for cool mornings or nights; a white cotton button-down, perfect for the summer heat; the essential cut-off jean shorts; and a pair of slip-ons that you can easily slip off at the beach, or when at a park, to run your toes through a patch of plush grass. 

Rebecca and Ricardo, short story

Blue Seas

Hello there. Sorry I've been away. My terrible two-year old (his birthday was yesterday; we munched on meatballs and rosemary-roasted potatoes and he blew out candles atop a home-made brownie cake) spent the past week in Paraggi, a seaside town located just over a mile from Portofino. One would think that I would have shot tons of pictures, but when your travel companion is a two- year old, travels with more clothes and gadgets than Madonna on tour-I'll explain later, you're lucky if you put on your bathing suit right-side out. Which I failed to do one day. I did, however, manage to take a couple shots of the picturesque surroundings from my dear friend Sami's garden.

Back to my Madonna comment. A couple of my friends and I attended her Sticky and Sweet performance here in Milan two weeks ago. AMAZING. SHE'S 50. I'LL BE 33 on Thursday. She can perform for three hours in nosebleed-high heels while my collection of vertiginous babies are relegated to the cab ride and dinner table! Anyway, as we were leaving the stadium, we walked past a sea of pink trunks with the inital M stamped top and center and the words WARDROBE tumbling after. I was forced (scared that security would apprehend me, but none-the-less forced) to hug one. And while I was hugging, I read the words ambiance. The trunk was as big as my worktable, almost 3 x 7 feet. Those are a lot of candles. And her highness deserves every one of them!!!!!!!

Ok, this photo is totally gratuitous for those who love boats. This is the Maltese Falcon, a mega-sailing yacht created for venture capitalist Tom Perkins back in 2006. It was anchored in Paraggi Bay for about two days. I would run to the garden every morning to check if it was still there. Dreams of sunbathing on deck in my favorite Etro kaftans and bikinis. I know, I am totally delusional, but what's wrong with a totally extravagant daydream every now and then? Especially now that I am back home in Milan, armed with my camera, and headed outside to confront the 90.5 degrees of street style that await me.

Stimulating the senses, Sebastian

Sebastian's attention to detail is riveting. His mix of checks and paisley, brilliant. His combination of accessories couldn't be more eloquent. They speak of bountiful trips to flea markets here and there. The kind of excursions that reward you with favorite pieces that make every outfit utterly complete.

My Orange Summer

This season my favorite tangy, citrus hue has made its way onto my color radar. It all started back in May with a service exercise on Via Torino.  With the entire road blocked off and traffic standing still, this vibrant color confidently stamped itself onto my summer road map. From the streets of Milan to those of Florence and Capri, orange has been the recognizable color of choice. 

My card tucked into a transparent-plastic pocket on an animal-print windbreaker by Undercover

Layering, leggings and shorts

Inma, Statement Clutch

Inma shines an edge on her lady-like look with this extra-large patent clutch. 

Muffy, Swedish Rose

A Lady and A Gentleman

There were of course many, many, many beautifully dressed people at Pitti, but these two made a lasting impression on my mind. I shot the gentleman first, and later, when I laid eyes on this bellissima donna, a harmonious thread sparkled through my fashion imagination. Summer-white combined with staple colors navy or black. Chic!

i ♥ bluette

When Length Matters

With all the micro minis present on and off the runway, it's nice to see a pavement- grazing skirt now and then. These looks are dazzling! The look above was Florentine aperitivo material. The one below, which I fondly call "day drama," was worn at 12 noon in Milan. When length is more.

Easy Saturday Afternoon

I bumped into Richard this past Saturday while taking a stroll with my very tolerant husband (he waits patiently while I take pictures) and our bubbly, almost two-year-old son. Richard was in Milan this past weekend to visit his sister Kate. They had done a little shopping earlier that afternoon and were on their way to have an aperitivo when I spotted him. What struck me about Richard was his classic-outdoors sporty look and how well it has translated into the urban-casual context. What we would normally wear in the country for an easy afternoon of fishing blended seamlessly into the cosmopolitan side of our lifestyles.

The Girl Who Needs No Introduction: Simona