ENG WELL AFFAIRE! (Where the wild things are ..)

“I have never met a leopard print I didn’t like!” (Diana Vreeland, Editor-in-chief Vogue, (1903-1989) 

Here are my fall picks: (Note: No leopards were harmed in the making of these items)

Collage © 2012 TIMELESS PIECES,LLC. All copyrighted photos belong to their rightful owners 

1. J.Crew Leopard chiffon dress $288; 2. Lanvin Leopard encrusted enamel necklace at Browns $2,153; 3. J.Crew Leopard Bracelet $58/piece; 4. Wildfox Couture Leopard Spots Roadtrip sweater $117/piece; 5. Jil Sander Red Leopard Calf hair flats at Ssense $695; 6. Agent Provocateur Leopard Print calf hair driving gloves at Net-a-porter $500; 7. Alexander McQueen Green Leopard and Skulls printed silk scarf at Montaigne Market $425; 8. Kate Spade Show your spots ring $39 (sale); 9. Christopher Kane Leopard print leather clutch at Opening Ceremony $700; 10. Illesteva Leonard 2 Safari sunglasses $260; 11. Wallis Leopard print Ponte skirt $52.

AUS ITALIEN! (From Italy with love)

On a recent trip to Tuscany and Umbria (Italy) (more on this later), I came across these adorable key-holders in assorted shapes and styles, made of Tuscan leather by Italian craftsmen.   What makes them special is that they are entirely handmade using vegetable-tanned Vacchetta leather and featuring ancient stitching techniques (typical of this region).

These whimsical and unique key-ring ornaments make perfect host/hostess gifts and at this price (€8-10  - $13-$15/piece) are an affordable indulgence. 
Rather than using them for keys, I prefer hanging the charms on my bags as decoration (a popular custom in Japan and Italy).

I purchased the Coccinella (Lovebug) and the Corno Portafortuna (Italian red horn) for Good Luck, the Gallo Nero for a friend who is a wine aficionado (the black rooster is the symbol of Chianti Classico) and the Pinocchio for my little niece.

In case a trip to Siena or Florence is not in your cards anytime soon (although I highly recommend it) you can purchase the key-rings online at these stores:

http://bit.ly/ORx3Px

or here

http://bit.ly/TgnUTH

(article first published on Gudde Moien Facebook page August 8, 2012)

Until next time,