Italian men....

While travelling in Italy last May, I was struck by the raw beauty of Italian men. Men of all ages and walks of life, had a certain subtle sophisticated style that I have finally come to accept as quintessentially Italian.They just ooze style whether in jeans or a suit they are so.... admirable.
With that in mind, I was thrilled to see that Tods (of Italian Tods shoes) has bought out a book about men aptly called, "Italian Portraits".

Photo courtesy of Style Intel via Italian Portraits.

The photography is superb and the fashion/interior visual is thrilling. Well worth a look.

Photo courtesy of Style Intel via Italian Portraits.

That got me thinking about a fabulous youtube video that I saw recently on The Sartorialist blog. Scott had a dinner party in Florence for some very stylish Italian men. It is facinating to watch, so I've put the link here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3h3U-O6avsE

Enjoy! Andrina x


 

 

Italian clocks

Tick-tock, tick-tock, I'm still loving the Italian clock!
While in Umbria we saw some fabulous clock towers. The patina of the brick walls and clock faces was so beautiful. Centuries of activity and learning have taken place under the shadow of these beautiful clocks.Artists, academics,business men and locals all checking their daily schedule by the hands of these carefully crafted time pieces.

This week thanks to Carla Coulson, I discovered a lovely blog site; Destination Umbria written by an Australian. Janine has Italian roots and after reading her posts it's obvious that she would love an excuse to go back to Umbria and settle in that beautiful environment.Have a read, you'll love her words and photos.

Have a wonderful week. Andrina x

Doors of Umbria

I've always loved the different architectual styles of doors.
I first fell in love with photographing doors while travelling in Ireland many, many years ago. All that riot of colour; doors painted gloss red, black, blue and green.Have you seen the doors of Dublin? They greet you with a smile, just like the Irish.
While sorting through my trip photos I found quite a few pics of doors taken in Umbria, so I thought I'd share.

What's hidden behind these beautifully carved wooden doors? Generations of Italian lifestyles, amazing courtyards with beautifully crafted gardens and fountains or maybe expat families living la dolce vita? We will never know but we can dream and wonder.

Have a lovely weekend. Andrina x



Il pleuvait beaucoup...

The temperature has dropped and its raining, it's actually pouring, good old fashioned drenching rain, like we remember. There was an expression we said as kids, "It's raining cats and dogs," well that's whats happening in Perth today.
 So clearly my washing will be going into the dryer, unlike in Rome, where it is a beautiful sunny day. Their washing is happily flapping in the breeze for all the world to see.

I hope its not raining les chats et les chiens in your neighbourhood.If it is remember your umbrella.  Have a lovely day. Andrina x

Washing day...

The Hills Hoist was invented by Lance Hill in 1945. It was a staple piece of backyard furniture in the 60's and 70's. Today they are considered one of Australias most recognisable icons and even featured in the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. 

             

Today however, our washing lines are hidden away on south facing walls, away from the glamour of modern day garden design.I loved rounding a corner in many Italian towns to be greeted by the washing, happily flapping in the breeze.How can someone elses washing make you smile? I guess that's why we love to visit far away lands, their customs and quirkiness for the everyday is such a delight.

 

 

Today was fine and sunny in Perth so my washing

dried...I hope that yours did too.

Talk to you soon. Andrina x

Italian dreaming...

The last few nights as I toss and turn, trying desperately to slot back into an Aussie sleeping pattern, I have been lying awake day dreaming of Italy.
Streets, cafes, piazzas and monuments flash into my mind, then bang, I'm wide awake reliving the wonderful experience that we had at that particular spot.
I've tried lots of remedies but to no avail.... if all else fails there is always Stilnox... but for now, I'll just enjoy the journey and delight in the beauty of Italian dreaming.

Have a lovely restful weekend, sweet dreams.

Andrina x

Arrivederci Italy...

The spring heat has finally arrived in Rome and the fashions are reflecting the mood with bright colours and the promise of summer vacations.

I have had an incredible holiday in Italy.This trip has truely been a gift, we have discovered hilltop villages and buzzing cities. Amazing shops and delicious restaurants in beautiful piazzas.

 I have also discovered how improtant it is too share such special moments with the one you love.

We have found laughter and romance in the most unexpected places; have we found our silver treasure?

No, we have searched high and low, but this treasure is not to be bought, it has been there all the time.....it is our love and comittment to each other.

Arrivederci Italy.

Andrina x



To market to market...

To market to market to buy a fat pig…..

Today I shopped like an Italian, market style.

Campo di Fiori is just around the corner from us.
With basket in hand, off I went to purchase the fresh produce.

Walking into the piazza, the smell of the fruit and flowers was incredible.

First up tomatoes, mozzarella and basil for a pre- dinner snack.

Then some more delicious tomatoes, artichokes and capsicum to accompany the penne.

Strawberries and raspberries to slather over the magnificent meringue from the local patisserie.

And finally a Jo Malone candle, (via Condotti… a girl’s gotta have style) and a bunch of pink peonies to set the scene.

Ah la dolce vita.

Andrina x

More Italian windows

I am fascinated  by the detail and design of the Italian window.

The bold colours of the plants  contrasting against the muted wall colours and bright shutters.

Such a delight as you round a corner and behold.

I'd love to redesign my windows and add shutters. What colours should I use?

Have a lovely week, talk to you soon. Andrina x





La finestra

The french window and shutter embraces romance and mystery, the muted greys and blues are soft and delicately worn,  the image of fresh rosemary, thyme and lavender spring to mind.
The last few days I have been wandering the medieval villages of Tuscan hilltop towns.
La finestra, the Italian window is quite different. It has more of a fortified look, it is strong and bold, the colours announce to the village which families live behind these closed coloured shutters.
I would love to peek behind these beautiful windows and see the lives of the Italian families that live within.

What secrets lie behind these closed shutters?
Are they young couples just starting out on the adventure of life?

Are they old worn people, who cannot get out much anymore, they sit in the one strip of sunlight that the window allows them?

Are they housing families with little bambinos that race up and down the winding stairs shrieking with delight as they chase each other around the palazzo?

Would'nt you love to peek behind la finestra.....
I would!
Talk to you soon. Andrina x

Italian Riviera colours

The colours of the Italian Riviera are bold and bright,

they announce home to the fisherman, they enchant tourists, they say I am proud to be Italian.

In the luminous light, these colous make everybody happy to be alive.I am loving Italian colour!

Rossa, blu, verde and rosa, such beautiful Italian colours. Ciao bella.  Andrina x