Exciting, exciting news!!

Well, first of all, I just got an invite from Max Mara to go see their new Bridal collection!
They are promoting the new line with special events in the various flagship stores across Italy.
On Dec 3 I will go try some dresses and talk to one of the style consultants from the shop.

Even more exciting..I was having coffee with a friend, who also happen to own my favorite shop in Rome. he has great taste, knows me and my taste well and knows fashion in the wider sense.
We talked about various dresses, designers, fabrics ( he killed my shantung silk idea), styles and...HE OFFERED TO DESIGN SOMETHING FOR ME!!!
I am terribly excited about the idea of having a B's original design. For now, I quite like these sketches by Minnesota designer Katherine Gerdes.

Will keep you posted!

The perfect dress

The perfect dress is impossible to find.

I keep flipping through magazines, browsing the net, talking to people, going into design stores, but so far, nothing seems to scream : pick me!
Is it so hard for everyone? I want something simple, classy, not too revealing, but flattering. I want green shoes, high heels, especially if the dress is going to be plain.
I looked at Vera Wang, J Crew, Pronovias, Armani, but still, nothing works for me.
I am now 99% convinced that I am going to have a tailor do the dress, but I still need to know what style, fabric, cut, length to go.

I wish my genius grandma was still alive. She always had the perfect suggestion when it came to dresses. She had the knowledge of the material, of how it would wrap and fall, hug and fold on a person's body.
She was strangely less conservative than my mother, and would always have great ideas for outfits. I really miss her.

On the other hand, I am truly enjoying the constant discussions with every female member of my family, trying to give a suggestion on the dress. V neck in the front, or V neck in the back, pleats in the front or flower in the back, empire waist or cinched at the waist. In a way, I think this is a big part of what weddings do. They bring people together.

Thanks to all the people, friends and relatives that are coming together for this special day!




The dress in the picture is by Pronovia

Inspirational Boards Anyone?

I keep looking at websites full of pictures, ideas, photos, possible arrangements.

The other day I spent about 2 hours staring at pictures from a Nigerian wedding. Is this what wedmin (as my lovely friend at The Spice Spoon calls it) does to you?
It mushes your brain into something that is only turned on by white dresses, flowers and catering plans??

So now it is time to start saving ideas, images and create my own ideal wedding plan, so when the times comes (sooner than I think) to pick colors, decorations, centerpieces and of course dresses, I will be more prepared. For now, I have attempted a digital Inspirational Board (thanks Jessica for showing me the way) but I know I will just end up piling lots and lots of magazines, fabric scraps, menus, more magazines and endless pieces of paper.

Curious George

Who are you, looking from The Bank Of New York Mellon Corporation?

Wedding Planning - the menu

So far all we know is that we are going to have pavlova... or at least this is what Mr. R demands.
I guess the other sure thing is that we are going to have some (at least some) gluten free options.

Last week Mamma and I headed to our trusted caterer, the same one we hired for my brother's wedding, and inquired about some options. The lady who welcomed us (she also happens to be the boss) was extremely kind and reassured us that everything could be done, and the GF request would not be a problem at all. In fact, her own daughters are gluten intolerant so they had plenty of options for a GF menu.

After a few day we have finally received the menu. A fantastic four pages menu filled with delicious options...but now the confusion is even greater! How to pick?

This is the part of the menu I know I want for sure:

Angolo del fritto :

fiori di zucca , salvia, menta , melanzane

formaggio pizzelle , crema e mele , spring rolls

olive ascolane , panzerottini

calamari, moscardini e gamberi


Angolo rustico :



Prosciutto S. Daniele a taglio

Lonzino

Lardo di colonnata

Selezione di salumi della cinta senese

Bruschettine mignon con zucchine, peperoni, melanzane e pomodoro

Cesto con pani vari e pizza


and of course...PAVLOVA !

Wedding Planning - location hunting

The days are going by quickly and I suddenly found myself short of a year from the established wedding date.
The list of things to do is quite long, but, as far as everyone says, this is the best part of it all.
I get to pick locations, make lists, try menus, try dresses, plan events, and all the rest.

I have yet to register to one of the many online services that help you remember all the things you need to do (read, theknot.com) and I am somehow resistant to do it, maybe because I think I can remember everything by myself.

So far, Mr R and I started drafting a list of guests. We started with over 200 people. We tried to include everyone we wanted to invite. We did a second round and cut the list down to 160. Now we are at 140 and we do not seem to be able to go below this number. What to do?

As far as locations, we have visited 3 and already feel strongly in favor of one.
The first we visited was a bit too far out in the country, and while the location was spectacular, the food was not stunning.

The second venue- a private villa- was perfectly located but the option for indoor space were a little limited as the gazebo didn't look pretty enough, or just simply not to our taste.

The third place, a very unusual but extremely beautiful one, is a bit out of the center.

What to pick? Should I look a little more?

Here are some pictures from the various locations:

Paris and London

I am in Paris and London for the next 3 weeks.
It is hard being away from home, especially now that I have to start planning for the wedding, but I find London and Paris regenerating, cathartic and definitely great for shopping.


I have my camera with me, so I will try to take some pics and collect ideas for the big date:-)

Materozzoli out - Car shoe in

I used to LOVE Materozzoli. I went here for all my special perfume purchases. I loved the atmosphere of sophistication and historical relevance.
The shop was opened in 1870 by a man- Mr Materozzoli- from Pietmont, it ran as a family business for over a century until 1977 when Gianni Sciortino and Luisa Zamagna, took over the shop and continued the tradition of excellence.

Materozzoli was a point of reference for the "bella Roma" as well as for chic travelers to Rome.

And now they are gone. Where? What happened to Materozzoli? All I know for now is that they have been replaced by my favorite brand of shoes, but nevertheless, they are going to be missed.

Shoes out

It's official, I have to many pairs of shoes. I started going through them using some key criteria:

1- have I worn this pair at least once in the past two years
2- did I pay more than 100 euro for them
3- would I still pay the same amount today?

If the answer to all questions is yes, I get to keep the shoes. If the answer is no to more that one question, I chuck the shoes.

Before chucking them (or donating them) I decided to take a picture each pair, so I can have a photographic memory of all my shoes and changing taste.

Notte Bianca- White Night

Budget cuts and lack of interest for cultural events led our Mayor to the final decision of not continuing the Notte Bianca. The event was a great opportunity for Romans and other visitors alike to "regain possession" of the city.
This year a few independent organizations have decided to continue the tradition of Notte Bianca, even without the funding from the comune.
In particular the X municipality (area Cinecitta) has organized a series of events. One of them will see my wonderful cousin- TW- serving wine and being merry.

If you are here next weekend ( Sept 12-13) you should come along. Here is the flyer:

vacation time

Off I go to Cinque Terre and the costiera Ligure.

Will be off line for a bit, but hopefully will come back with plenty of pictures and a lovely tan.

a presto

Things I love in the Summer

This summer I have managed to spend one whole month in Rome.
It's hot, it's very hot, and sometimes I regret being here, but most of the times, I love the fact that I can enjoy the city in this incredible light, and calm, and ride around with my bike and feel like the queen of a deserted city.

Here are the things I love to do:

Get a drink on the roof terrace of the of the Es Hotel or of the Hotel st George

Drive to the beach right after work and catch the sunset in Ostia

Sit in the park in the Colle Oppio and get a coffee at the little stall that is there, while watching dogs splash in the nearby fountain

Go hunting for open markets. The fruit in August is incredible, from the first figs to the perfectly ripe plums and peaches, the last watermelons ..and everything seems to be half price

Enjoy the quietness of the street, certain neighborhoods just simply empty out making excursions to see them a real treat.

Visit museums. Museums and sites ARE open all summer long, and they are free from crowds, so a visit to that place you have been planning to go for ages , but have always postponed because of crowds actually becomes possible in August. Look at Musei D'Estate

Take a bite of Summer!

cool, lemon, light

I love this picture and the cool freshness of it. I feel like I am in a light of lemonade...I really wish I were right now

The lady in black

Walking around the Marais you are bound to meet interesting people.
I particularly like the atmosphere during or around fashion week, as the population of the Marais reflects the stylish trends of the catwalks, and the cafes are packed with fashionable crowds.

Yesterday, I stepped out of the office to go get a falafel and I crossed path with this interesting couple...She is the famous fashion blogger Diane Pernet from A shaded view on Fashion
Very charming and fascinating character...

Paris and the Tour the France

Sunday morning walk..Mr R and I wander the streets of Paris, in search for good coffee and a bit of shade in this unusually hot summer day.
We walked from my favorite Swedish Institute in the Marais, to Colette on rue St. Honore. We finally stopped for a decent espresso at Le Pain Quotidien (Mr. R was looking for a Pavlova, me just a coffee).

Finally we headed back, past Place Vendome towards the Tuileries gardens, before we realized we were in the middle of a mad yellow crowd. Le Tour was arriving in Paris!
People were everywhere, on the street, on the terraces of hotels, looking out the windows and climbing on the gates of the gardens.

I just stretched my arms and let the camera take a glimpse..

Vote Vote Vote!

You know me, you know I work at Context Travel.
What you may not know is that Context has been selected as a finalist for this year's Geotourism Award sponsored by National Geographic.
We're ecstatic. This is the travel industry's top laurel for sustainable tourism.

Being chosen as one of ten finalists, out of over 600 entrants, is a wonderful accomplishment and a recognition not only of our work in the area of sustainable tourism but also your, our clients', commitment to learning about the great cities of the world and defending what makes them unique.

But we need your help.

So please vote here: http://geotourism.changemakers.com/en-us/node/16599/vote

Room with a view

I am back in Paris. This time I am spending the first two days in the 18th the lovely district of Montmartre. Our friends J and A are letting us stay at their lovely new apartment, a true love nest.
We are enjoying our time and really taking full advantage of the view from the bedroom. Here is what we see when we go to sleep:

Summer Nights at Villa D'Este

Rome is full wonderful sites, from archaeological areas to the lovely piazzas and dramatically beautiful churches, but every once in a while it is nice to get out of the city and enjoy the breeze of the countryside.
So last friday Ms. A , her wonderful parents and I hopped on Mimu's super car (there is very little super about it) and headed out to Tivoli's Villa D'Este. For the summer, the 16th century mansion of the exiled cardinal Ippolito d'Este is open late at night on fridays and saturdays.

I had visited Tivoli before, during the day, but I had never experienced such fantastic experience! The night visit really allows you to fully enjoy the magic of this place, with the fountains on and the water organ playing. I felt like I had been transported back in time to the 16oos!

Needless to say, the lovely parents had packed a delicious picnic that we sneaked into the villa (without authorization) and enjoyed while looking at the fountains.

For more info: http://www.villadestetivoli.info/

The beauty of Rome

A few days ago, while sipping prosecco and eating figs, I was reminded of the beauty of Rome.
We were with a group of friends, celebrating a happy moment and in front of us, was the most beautiful city in the world.


I know I am bias, I know I Rome has its defects, but when I looked out from the tarrace at Mr. P's house, I could not help but fall in love with my city again.

Gay Paris

Fashionable Paris

I know I have seen this woman before..maybe on the Sartorialist website, or maybe on the Streetstyl..

The minute I saw her I knew I had to photograph her. I was waiting for J&A outside the Pompidou in Paris and she just walked by..a bit too skinny, smoking a cigarette, but still stunning.

Big News

I told my family and my closest friends..so I feel like now it's official enough to put it on this blog.

Mr. R proposed!!!! We are engaged and will get married in 2010. It's funny, I started this blog almost two years ago, at the end of a long, wrong relationship. I had no idea it would become such a great and fun way to communicating with friends and family around the world.

Well, we are now fiance and fiancee. We are very happy!

Life goes on, with our adventures and travels.. but now we have another, great adventure to look forward to. The planning begins!

Soldes! Sales in Paris

The people went crazy inside the Repetto store!

Fete de La Musique and Brideshead Revisited

On my first full day in Paris I went off to the Marais to enjoy the events linked to the Fete de la Musique.
From jazz to classical music, from techno to acappella the Parisian scene offered a show for all tastes. Of course, along with the music were the musicians and the spectators. For me, a visual person rather than a musical person, spectators and musicians were the most remarkable aspect of the whole thing.

Here, for you, some of the characters I met during my day
this guy reminded me of Sebastian, from Brideshead revisited

Paris! Fete de La Musique

I just arrived in Paris last night.
I already saw some of my friends for dinner and I am now heading out for the Fete de La Musique.
More later

P

Black & white vs. Colors

Walking in around my favorite part of town I spotted these two characters. Both interesting and remarkable.
The man looked strangely elegant, yet odd. Maybe because of the stark contrast of black and white, or maybe because of the sweater that looked a bit too tight.

The woman, on the other had had gracefully paired some really bright colors, going along with the current fashion. She looked at ease and in a good mood, maybe because the colors were giving her positive vibes?

Both man and woman were in their 50s and I found it encouraging that people seem to gain a better sense of style with age.

Fashion Police

Champions League Insanity

I wonder who had the brilliant idea of scheduling all Rome events in late May - early June to take place in around the Colosseum area.

On top of the usual early Summer tourist mob, these days we are experiencing true madness because of the Champions League (the Cup is displayed in the Champions village right by the Colosseum), the celebrations for June 2 (on via dei Fori Imperiali), a Bocelli concert (in the Colosseum) , the Rome Literature Festival (in the Basilica of Maxentius) and a new exibition of large sculptures by Costa Rican artis Jimenez Deredia (in the archaeological area).

Will we survive this madness? Will the archaeological heart of the city survive? Maybe I should ask the soccer fans..

Dresses, closets and shopping

The battle with Mr R on the food pantry- shoe closet continues and while most consequences of this war are negative (the house is a mess, my shoes are everywhere..) there is one positive aspect to it. I am rediscovering some of my long forgotten shoes. From Repetto, to Sergio Rossi, Giuseppe Zanotti, Borini, Church, Gucci, Prada, Ferragamo and the list goes on.

Changing shoes allows you to re-invent an outfit, make it sexy or sporty, elegant or casual.
I pulled out my dresses and started wearing them with heels, strap sandals, flat sandals and of course this led to more shopping, because some of the shoes really needed a new outfit to go with them:-)

So I purchased 3 dresses in 3 days (not good Petulia , not good): the first is a long black dress from Jucca , the second is a tailor made wrap dress a-la DVF, the third (just picked up) is from a local boutique called Le Gallinelle. Le Gallinelle (the chicks) is a wonderful space where Wilma Silvestri and her two daughters create clothes for women and men who love fashion but can go beyond the big names.

Le Gallinelle is in a former butcher shop, and still today you can see the barble counter where the poultry and meat were sold. Today, Le Gallinelle is a hip stop for Romans and foreigners alike...I am still hoping to bump into John Galliano who is rumored to be an admirer of Wilma's style!

Doggie on a bike

This morning, on our way to get a coffee Mr R and I bumped into this perfect photo opportunity.
I am sure my friends Jessica and Katie would have probably done a better job and photographing the little dog, but for now we'll have to cope with my first attempt at manual setting.
In the end, this is much better than my previous dog picture attempts in NY or Paris. I only wish I could draw like Jess and my dog love would be complete..well, I guess I should also own a dog (but that's a different chapter of my life!)

Shoes vs. Food..the eternal dilemma

What is a woman to do?

Food is becoming increasingly important in my life with Mr. R. We started taking classes from my mom, going to wine tastings...we write about restaurants, we cook together, discuss pros and cons of certain cuisine styles, we experiment new recipes but now we have reached the tipping point.
We are possibly close to a schism...or at least I am.

Mr. R's enthusiasm for food has brought him to demand a proper food pantry. Not a section in the kitchen, not a couple of cupboards but an actual room entirely dedicate to food.

This would not be a problem if we lived in a 200 square meters flat, or if we had two closets in our current apartment, but in order to create a dedicated space for the food, we had to empty the shoe closet.

Now, where am I supposed to store my 96 pairs of shoes????


Mr. R owns about 4 pairs of shoes, so this is no problem of his..but since the pantry idea has popped up I finds myself turning and tossing trying to find a solution.
I bought a shoe storage device, but it only fits 12 pairs. I tried packing away the winter boots, but still there are lots of colorful sandals and black pumps that need a home.

Right now, the apartment looks like a disaster took place. Shoes everywhere, the closed half full of food, Mr. R anxious to get his project going...me distressed about finding a home for my heels.

Back on two wheels (questions and observations about cycling)

My poor bike was parked outside for almost 4 months, during the rainiest Roman winter ever.
A couple of days ago I decided to pick it up and get it back in running shape. I took her (my bike is definitely of female gender) to the garage.

After a change of tire and and a few minor touch ups (get rid of rust, straighten the handle bar) we were on the road. Rolling down the viale Aventino, heading towards Piramide and via Ostiense I was reminded of the beauty of Rome, of the smell of summer and the craziness of my fellow users of the road.

On the same day I was approached by the friends at Bici Roma, and by a group of urban cyclists organizing an event in Garbatella.
On my way home (you can see my daily route here) I saw many other cyclists, of all ages and styles..and of course the question came to mind: what is the best gear to wear when cycling in town?
How can I get to work by bike and not look like I just got back from a war in a tropical country?
I like to wear dresses , so that my calves are free and can tan a bit, but I run the risk of flashing the whole town..
I shall find a solution soon, before the full Summer heat arrives. In the meantime, I foudn this interesting article on the Times

Pizza..and a new Enoteca

Garbatella is a beauty, and so is pizza...this was served to us along with delicious organic wine from Abruzzo in the new Enoteca 13 gradi:

Piazza Bartolomeo Romano 4
Monday 4PM-9PM
da Tuesday Sunday 10-1PM e 4PM-9PM
tel 06 83601573

New things I like

Ah, I love the Spring...

In particular the Roman Spring because it is a true anticipation of Summer.

And along with Spring comes the time when I spend more time outside and I discover more things...

I discovered that Delfina Delettrez Fendi opened a small boutique in via del Governo Vecchio, right next to another favorite shops ( Josephine De LaHuertas &Co).

A friend introduced me to the hilarious blog Sexy People. I am now addicted to it, and even tempted to send some of my perfect portrait from the 90s.

Mr. R has finally taught me how to use the new camera we got, so now I can wander around and snap away...

Next week we are all off to the country side for a weekend with friends, the following week I am going to the opening of the Bulgari exhibition at Palazzo delle Esposizioni. 

So many things to do!! Hope everyone is having an equally wonderful Spring.

p.s. the picture is from Delfina's collection for sale at the shop or at LuisaViaRoma.com

at the beach

Ostia is the local beach of Rome. It's only 20 minutes by local train. It's close to the archaeological site of Ostia Antica and for me it's the perfect getaway from the busy streets of Rome.

I am amazed by how quickly the scenario changes, the atmosphere is more relaxed, the air cleaner. I particularly enjoy going to Ostia during the off season, in May for example, when the beach is not crowded and you can walk around catching the breeze and maybe stopping for some fresh fish..

Here are some pics:

pretty in pink

Once in a while, walking around Rome, I am reminded of the subtle beauty of this city. After a rainy day, when the sky clears up and the clouds go away leaving mixed colors above us. The sky turns into a canvas of pinks, blues, whites framed by the lovely building of the historic center.

That's when I fall in love with Rome again.

In one of those days, on via del Babuino, I stumbled upon this very elegant man. Very much aware of his looks and style, he almost seemed to pose for me- the normally sneaky photographer. I like his loafers..very possibly Tod's and the pink trousers + shirt..almost pj like. The black blazer and the shopper from Caffe' Greco complete the look.

Good Fashion in Rome

On my way to the Gran Caffe' Caffettiera in Piazza di Pietra, I stopped to enjoy the view of the city on its first spring day.
This couple waiting outside the beautiful church of S. Ignazio di Loyola. This piazza is one of my favorite in Rome, it really gives the sense of the theatricality of baroque architecture. Everything is a theater, and we are all on stage.


The couple was at the center of my stage...and thankfully they were well dressed! A Chanel bag, Repetto flats, Clark's desert boot and a stylish stroller for the baby go a long way!

Bad Fashion in Ostia ..but at least it's colorful

Today I spent the day in the lovely Ostia Antica. These two ladies were sporting crochet orange hats that apart from being ugly, were joyful and colorful. 

Back from Pakistan

It is difficult to adjust to what look like dull colors and smells. I had a wonderful time, I felt at home in a country that is miles and miles away from mine. The hospitality I found cannot be described, as it is something that can only be experienced.

The variety of colors, food, fabrics, music, decoration filled my eyes every day.. Here is a selection of pictures (very limited) from my two weeks in Isloo and Karachi.
Getting ready to go


two men and two women


The beautiful decorations


Delicious food


Helping hands