Simply COS

In need of some easy simple linear items? 

COS recently opened a pretty store here in Milan. 

These are my fav picks, for now. 

Via cosstores.com

The Fab 4 - Week 2

1. I think there's no need for explanation here, you'll agree with me :) Chocolate makes everyone happy. It's been proven, so no guilts anymore! Ok, not tons of it, summer is close unofrtunately, but a small bite maybe with a strong black coffee... is healthy. And makes you smile. 

Check this perfect Italian chocolate! 

2. I find this brand amazing, Kiel James Patrick. It all started as a hobby and now it's a great business that sells tylish and fashion "rope" bracelet, with a vintage look and a touch of sailorness. Simply adorable! Price is not excessive and you can spend hours looking for the most beautiful one on their website. 

3. She always knows what to wear. Her outfits are inspiring and not too "high-fashion". She really has taste, simply as that. I'm talking about Julie Sarinana, who owns a blog called Sincerely, Jules. You can find her other outfits, but this one looks really comfy and those flare pants are a must this season. Fashion, without being tortured in a pair of skinny in the Milanese heat. +10! 

4. Yum, crab stack. On Just a Taste blog, the recipe! Fresh, colorful, easy to make (if you find crab, that is:) and absolutely light! 

:) 

Summer inspiration set - Sardinia

Just a set of photos for Summer inspiration. It always feels so good to see old pictures and get the good vibes of summer! 

Pictures from my last trip to wonderful Sardinia.

Kicks!

Shoes, shoes, shoes! 

What can possibly be more loved by women? But we can't forget poor men, so here two new-entries that I find irresitible!

1. Céline Slip-On

These fashion slip-on come in different colors and material, you can choose the snake's skin ones or the colored horse hair ones. Whichever you pick, they will make your day more classy and your walks more comfortable.You men can also buy them, if you like, as long as your foot' size isn't more than 9.5 UK (44 Eur). 

I've always loved Vans' slip-ons and I am actually really happy it is now possible to pull off some more "classy" and refined ones!

Images via Céline

2. Frapbois Baum Chukka 

Images via zozo.jp

That was love at first sight. These mens' shoes are so unique. The concept behind the relatively-recent Japanese brand (Frapbois started in 2001) is that their amazing design has to suit both men and women. As long as they are ready to embrace their philosophy: to wear items made for adults who are "kiddish" at the same time. 

The Baum Chukka model is made of hairy swede and has a golden toecap you don't even notice if you are not enough careful. Tiny details that make your everyday outifit more precious. 

I love the easy, clean, different design and you can also choose among three different shades (Beige, Cachi, Marina). 

 You can buy them here. 

Beauty - Bar à Chignon & Spray Stockings

Sunday, lazy sunday...

Sunday is (often) synonym of relax, outdoor family trips, a bit of lazyness...

And on Sundays you are allowed, of course, to let go a bit your hair style (which you tried to make perfect for 5 days), or even to go out without make-up.

But! Monday is close and here are some tips to make your life easier and your appearance as well. 

Images: ELLE Argentina 

We've heard about "chignon", or better, buns, a lot lately. Hollywood stars love it and we love it because it's easy, effortless-looking, classy and, yes, hot. 

So, some good news for the buns' lovers: 

 If you happen to be in Paris, some specialized beauty shops have recently opened  just thinking about you, modern woman: little time to stop at a hair dresser saloon for hours, even less for nails. In two words: hectic schedules. 

The "Bar à chignon" by Marianne Grey offers to make you the perfect bun in about 10 minutes. You can choose among different types of hair styles; the "a-bit-distressed" one, the classic knot, the "banana-vintage" one, big or small, backcombed or not.

The plus: you can go without booking and prices are fair, depending on the time needed/you have (10€ for 10 minutes, 20€ for 20 minutes...)

I think it's a very cool idea to get a perfect hairstyle in little time, enjoy a lunch break with friends and maybe learn how to do it yourself!! 

Here's the address:

Marianne Grey

52 rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris 

I personally hate nude stockings. Ok, it's true that here in Italy, you wake up and you don't know what to expect from weather. It can be sunny for two hours and then rain. And the doubts about wearing stockings with your new nice dress or not is killing you. Ok, ok I give you that. 

But for everyday use, transparent/nude stockings should be banned from wardrobes. 

I found this nice and easy alternative instead. 

Spray stockings. Maybe it's been out for ages, but I've just found it. You spray it, spread it on your legs, and Ta-dan! Your legs look perfect and tanned. It also contains silk particles that help soothe the legs and, can you imagine, little imperfections are covered. 

What else? 

You can find them here (shipped worldwide) and here (shipped to some European countries) 

Adieu, nude stockings! Hello, flawless legs! 

<3

Envie de partir...

Sun is shining and it's making me feel so happy. And by some reason, this summery feeling is making me want to leave as well. Travel, discover, re-discover, see. 

So here's some places I'd love to go (or rather, come back) right now and some cool things not to be missed. 

1. Frederiksberg Have park in Copenhagen.

I've been to few parks in my life and also in Copenhagen, but this one will take your breath away. 

It's one of the most romantic and quiet parks, even though probably  it's gonna be crowded as all others in the summer(the pics were taken in April)

Anyway, it's really worth a visit. Frederiksberg park was the royal garden for the summer residence and it was renovated in 1800. It's really magic and you can also take a boat and go in the little lakes and rivers that surround the Chinese-like bridges. Something different but really pleasant to see, least to say. Not to mention the wonderfu flowers and big birds (I had never seen something similar in my whole life, there was also a men feeding them like pets!)

2. Ostuni, Puglia (Southern Italy) 

Ostuni is a cute almost-entirely white village in my dad's region, Puglia. Its peculiarity is the whiteness that captures all your senses...because  of the white lime which the old town was once totally painted with. If you go around the 15th of August be sure to enjoy some traditional outdoor celebrations with some typical (amazing) local food. 

3. Morro Bay, California 

This place stole my heart. My friend and I were travelling from San Francisco to Newport Beach and we randomly decided to stop here before driving the rest of the trip. We arrived there at sunset and, oh yes, that was the most amazing sunset I've ever seen! Sky was literally on fire, wind was blowing, it was so silent, nobody was there... Such a good feeling.  

We booked a little room in this nice hotel and we were surprised by the exaggerated niceness of the owner, who made us a free super-good breakfast. Absolutely not to miss if you're travelling around California!

So ready to go? Have a wonderful day!

The fab 4 - Week 1

Well, well... this is week one and this is my weekly inspiration.

1. First place couldn't have not been coffee. Of course. I'm Italian, I don't love coffee.. I adore it. I actually love also American long black coffee. But nothing compares to my mum's original perfect Espresso! ( which keeps you awake all night....;) 

Perfect with a French crispy and buttery croissant... ok we're ready to start the day.

2. Summer is stepping in; flowers, green, sun everywhere. Eventually. I am a big fun of flowers and I found this pic of a vertical garden.. pretty interesting. I think it's something fun and beautiful that stands out from the usual gardens we have. 

3. How cute does that necklace look? Classy, simple, fashionable.. but what's even better, you can do it!! Here's the link! 

4. I can't stop looking at the work of this talented interior design photographer, Petra Bindel. It's so inspiring... Take a look and you will feel so inspired that you'll feel like changing your whole house. 

Fiori Chiari

I have been to this little but wonderful new place some days ago, Fiori Chiari Plates, which opened last April. It is situated in Brera, amazing area in Milan: artsy, cool, hip but yet sophisticated. I cannot say Fiori Chiari Plates is totally a restaurant... I'd say, half restaurant, half brasserie. We were a bunch of people and we had booked a table in a cute room, separated from the rest of the place, which unfortunately was already occupied when we stepped into the restaurant. However, the staff was amazing and they made us seat at our cozy table in less than 5 minutes. + 10 points!

The atmosphere is nice, cozy, relaxed but classy; I especially appreciated the candles lit everywhere, the white Nordic furniture and the mint plants on the tables.

On the food note: the menu has few but really good dishes. Some starters, mainly affettati (ham, salami...) with gnocco fritto (a sort of small fried bread to be eaten with affettati, typical dish from the region Emilia) and selection of cheese – fresh or matured – (you absolutely have to try them and share with your friends). You can also have a primo, some pasta or risotto. We chose a salad with aubergine meatballs and grana cheese and some smoked chicken with avocado. No matter the plate, Fiori Chiari Plates prepare them so carefully and beautifully. I was almost forgetting to talk about the wine... good wine! We had a Nero D'Avola that of course ended after the first course so we had another one as well.

Good-quality food, really fair prices, nice atmosphere, nothing too serious but absolutely not second-rate or hackneyed as many places in Brera either An enjoyable new-entry in the restaurant scenario!

We ended up walking through the nice tiny streets, having an ice-cream cone at Amorino (quite expensive, 2,50 Euros for a small cone, but totally worth it!) and eventually a home-made beer strolling around my fav place ever, Navigli. 

This city can be really magic sometimes and a laugh with the best people can make it even prettier.

Our super-cute table

Salad with aubergine meat-balls

Smoked chicken

How can't you not love it?