Viva Fiorentina

Lampredotto Lunch Break

2012-01-09T00:56:00.000+01:00

There's nothing like taking a stroll around San Lorenzo market and popping in to treat your eyes and your stomach at the Central Market building, dead center of the busy market area. Anything and everything edible, or least what you thought to be edible..and then some, is available: cow heart, kidney, fresh flowers, tongue, dried fruit, juicy apples, octopus, fresh focaccia, olive oil, dried hot peppers... the list goes on and on.
A local lunch favorite is Nerbone located on the ground floor of the building. When you have a hankering to dine like a local, this is the place to go. And what do the locals get? Panino di lampredotto with salsa verde. Translation: Boiled stomach sandwich with parsley sauce. It might sound gross but it is amazing! The lampredotto is slow cooked in a vegetable broth and then sliced up on fresh rolls. The parsley sauce, made with lots of olive oil and a dash of salt is the perfect pairing. A glass of red wine, a bottle of water and panino di lampredotto cost me 5.00 euro. Can't beat that!

Going Dutch

2011-06-06T01:22:00.000+02:00

Some wild shoes in Amsterdam. I love the creative energy and quirky, intelligent style the Dutch have. I wish I could have taken all three pairs home with me!

Vinyl is Back Baby

2010-04-04T21:23:00.002+02:00

MARQUEE MOON

In the center of Florence, Marquee Moon has been open for less than a year and it has already become the go-to shop for rare, deal-worthy vinyl records. I was amazed to find classics like Iggy Pop, Ornette Colemen, Radiohead, The Doors, Billie Holiday all under the same roof!

Setting up shop in an old pharmacy, the guys at Marquee very cleverly kept the facade of the original decor, displaying featured records in the dark wooden shelves and glass display cases. All the records are brand spanking new, unused and range in price from 10.00 EUR to 40.00 EUR for limited editions.

Address:
Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, 7r
Florence, Italy

The White Rabbit's Very Important Date in Florence

2009-11-22T22:35:00.000+01:00

This men's store on Via Panzani always has such creative window displays. I loved their recent take on Alice in Wonderland, more specifically the White Rabbit. The vintage clock-filled windows were a perfect foil to the slick patent lace-up shoes, crisp white collared shirts and dark slim jeans. Loved the diverse cardboard boxes that made up a hanging sculpture in the entrance way. Great creative way to recycle and re-use!

Pizza: Behind the Scenes

2009-09-30T00:14:00.000+02:00

You know it's late (or early depending on how you look at it) when you're still out and peek in to see they're just starting to make the fresh pizza dough....at 4 AM.

Seeing Red

2009-09-30T00:09:00.000+02:00

Cool guy on a vintage scooter

Here Kitty Kitty... The Party's Over Here!

2009-09-30T00:06:00.000+02:00

At Rex, the Party had a feline theme going on!

Japanese-Florentine Fashion

2009-08-29T12:58:00.001+02:00

If you're tired of seeing the same fashion store after store in the center of Florence (one thing I do get a little annoyed with in Florence is people tend to dress in what I call Cookie-Cutter fashion, everyone's the same!), head to Kikuoka a multi-concept design store tucked into a little unassuming nitch in Palazzo Rucellai at the beginning of the historic fashion street, Via della Vigna Nuova. The handmade designs ranging from accessories and clothing to home design are by Yusuhiro Kikuoka, a Japanese designer based in Italy.

The layout out is fabulous in and of itself with a hand-sewn leather flower carpet, huge cherry blossom branches and rack upon rack of funky and fun clothing. Mami, the incredibly sweet and not-overly pushy saleswoman will help direct you to the coolest new items and tell if that leather linen blazer really does look as fabulous as you think it does.

Check out their website: http://www.kikuoka.it
Become a Fan on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/kikuoka-yasuhiro-kikuoka-design/73296343208?ref=search&sid=814521.1980948670..1#/pages/kikuoka-yasuhiro-kikuoka-design/73296343208?v=info&viewas=814521&ref=search
Store Location:
BOUTIQUE KIKUOKA: Palazzo Rucellai - Via della Vigna Nuova 16 - Firenze

Color Block

2009-06-14T17:27:00.001+02:00

I loved how this guy was not afraid to combine all these primary colors for an individual look! Even yellow Wayfarers!

Carnevale!

2009-03-09T22:35:00.000+01:00

Naturally, Carnevale wouldn't be complete without a few good masks.

One of kind makeup. A little Clark Kent meets, Goblin meets the Lower East Side.

He told me he'd have to kill me if he told me where he got his tie. I did find out it's from Bologna and...get this...it's made of wood! So cool. It's sectioned and so smooth with each piece strung on an elastic cord to make it pliable and lie flat. His hat is from a designer at the weekend market on Prince Street, NYC.

Leopard ascot and lots of Old School charm balanced each other out for a suave look.

Venetian Elegance.

Late Valentine's Love

2009-03-09T21:52:00.001+01:00

Miu Miu shows it's red hot side.

Raspini shows a few hints of Spring with florals and open toe sandals with splashes of red.

Bows and hues ranging from dusty rose to 'cipria,' or powder, will be a big trend for SS 09.

Flavio Castellani instead showed off rich mauves and creams with a good dose of ruffles balanced out by more structed shapes and leather.

Lovely Chaos

2008-11-27T23:37:00.000+01:00

By far, one of the most originally-dressed fashion divas in Florence... AND she's a shoe designer!!

Not Your Average Winter Coat

2008-11-27T23:28:00.000+01:00

I loved the colorful lining on this dashing gentleman's coat. He's also a rising design mogul in the Netherlands (although I spotted him in Florence). You can find Simone Cortellini's classic-with-a-twist tailored dress shirts at:

Graafsedwarrsstraat, 21
6512 EP Nijmegen

www.giglio.nl

Dam, Amsterdam that is

2008-10-25T01:35:00.001+02:00

Those Dutch girls love their bikes

Long Hiatus

2008-10-24T22:22:00.000+02:00

London Calling

So it's been quite a long time since I've updated my blog. Sorry for leaving you guys in the lurch. I do have a semi good excuse though. In Sept and beginning of Oct I've went to London, Amsterdam and all over Sicily so there are many many Many photos to post and lots of things to talk about. Like first of all, I couldn't think of two more completely different places in the world like Amsterdam and Sicily. They might actually be the exact polar opposites of each other, from the weather to mentality, from food to lifestyle. It was such a treat seeing these three very diverse areas all in a matter of 3 weeks. I don't even know where to start. Let's go by sequence of events.

London. Ah London, so royal and grand, and this time around, very sunny, a rare sight. From the gaudiness of Piccadilly Circus to the grandeur of Tower Bridge and the cool hipster scenes of Hoxton and Spitalfields, London has many faces and intriguing nooks to explore that you have to visit at least 4 or 5 times I think to even start to grasp all of its personalities. I was able to capture a bunch of great street fashion at the ever-alternative Spitalfields Sunday market where the extreme hipsters and vintage cats come out to play and parade in all their I-don't-care-pomp and zany concoctions. The street musicians crooning out rock tunes with a definitely Beatles-influenced twang provided the backdrop for wonderfully priced pop-up shops, thai and japanese food vendors and an overall international crowd that flipped through records, flicking their hand-rolled cigarettes and just looking what they try so hard not be - cool. A lot of young 20-somethings had spread out the contents of their duffle bags openly hawking their used clothes, accessories, books, small appliances and CDs for £2 to £5 a piece. Like these guys and gals here.

Others were just hanging out, having a couple beers lounging in their leopard and plaid prints.

Some great street photos:

Our happy go-lucky chaps that provided the wonderful music.

прохладный Moscow

2008-08-31T23:29:00.000+02:00

The first thing I noticed about this beautiful young women surprisingly wasn't her fabulous sequin blouse, but her incredible bone structure. What cheek bones!! She must be Russian... and sure enough, she is. If you're longing for a bit of her sleek Moscovite style, her intricate sequined silk blouse is by Les Copains and jeans by Replay.

Last Days of Summer

2008-08-29T00:55:00.000+02:00

We're seeing some inventive Fall transition outfits lately like these stylish ladies present: Gladiator sandals are squeezing in their last few glorious days while being paired with long-sleeved billowy tops that are still lightweight but cover you up a bit more. Jean shorts and skirts are still pretty prevalent but starting to get paired with loose, slouchy boots and skinny scarves. The girl in red on the right is wearing an exclusive design by Florence's rising designer Matteo Braccialini. With the success of his debut at Pitti this past June, his line of cheeky prints and even cooler streetwear, it's proving to be one to watch in the future. His line Radical Diversity can be found at the store Guya on Via Calimala in the center or at www.radicaldiversity.com.

The designer himself in one of his own prints.

His croc leather hat made the outfit!

Street Art Live

2008-08-29T00:07:00.000+02:00

An incredible Street Art demonstration and exhibit in Albisola, Liguria. This is Alessandro Gatti, a.k.a Gatto Nero at work on one of his masterpieces. He only uses spray cans. No stencils, brushes, nothing! It was pretty amazing watching him at work...even more amazing to watch him paint with flammable spray paint with a cigarette dangling out of his mouth the entire time. The Street Art exhibit is taking place at the Spazio Civico di Arte Contemporanea, Via dell'Oratorio, Albisola Marina from Aug 14th until Aug 31. Other street artists being featured are: Gattomatto, Mambo, Omer, Kayone, Tawa 16k, Neve int 55, Nais, Thomas Berra, and Berse. If you're in the area it's worth checking out. Stay tuned for details about possible exhibits in Savona, Genova and Florence.

I'm pretty sure this is their van.

My favorite.

Great concept - paint on opaque glass with flood light behind.

Not Your Typical Retail Haven

2008-08-01T00:20:00.000+02:00

The thing I love about Florence is that for being such a tourist city, one of the big three on the frenetic Italian whirlwind tour with Venice and Rome rounding out the list, this Renaissance ruler is slowly coming around to reveal its innovative crop of local talent, immerging designers and hip concept stores that justly display their flourishing work. For many, ‘Italian design’ conjures up images of classic Armani, streamlined Gucci and feminine Valentino with the wild streak being reserved for the likes of Roberto Cavalli and Emilio Pucci.

Well, I’m here to say that Florence has more than a few undiscovered gems that are finally getting a bit of much-awaited street cred, despite the fact that some might consider these designs and designers very “un-Italian.” One of the best, relatively new concept stores worth checking out is the hipster haven, ‘Dangerous Work’ on Borgo San Frediano, 17r in the ever-cool bohemian neighborhood of San Frediano just south of the Arno.

The loft-like space is high impact right from the moment you step inside. One-of-kind street-art paintings and murals mix with avant-garde British labels like Buddhist Punk and Religion along with, naturally, the edgy in-house label, Dangerous Work specializing in unique urban prints and silk screening seen everywhere from t-shirts to pjs. Sunglass-clad mannequins, industrial racks serving as the main display method, and the general design sense being ‘less-is-more’ create a refreshingly airy, pop-art atmosphere. Their ethos: Providing ‘good costume’ for freestyling in the urban jungle.

Along with the eye-catching prints and cutting-edge designs for both men and women, Dangerous Work offers a funky selection of urban toys with pieces from the Qee Collection and Kid Robot just to name a few. To assist you (and convince you to try something you might not have ever dreamed of putting on your body, then just HAD to have after seeing how fabulous it was) is Piero, a fun Italian-Aussie who is also a rising street-art star. Make sure to ask him which paintings are for sale (usually most are) so you can take the ‘new’ Florence home with you.

Hurry up and get over there while they still have their summer sales, up to 70% off!

Dangerous Work
Borgo San Frediano, 17r
055 218026
Email: info@dangerouswork.com
www.dangerouswork.com
www.myspace/dangerouswork

Mural by Dem

Mural by Ron

Saturday Night Fever

2008-07-29T01:25:00.000+02:00

The best part is that when this was taken it really was Saturday night and it was hot enough have some kind of feverish air. Clean, low-waisted white pants complement a striking cobalt blue dress shirt with wide, contrasting collar. I'm so glad this stylish young gentleman didn't decide to go exactly John Travolta and wear 'tight' white pants...that would've been a little much. The relaxed fit brings the look up-to-date.

Santa Croce White Straw Hat

2008-07-29T01:20:00.000+02:00

Great hat!

Floral Biker

2008-07-29T01:05:00.000+02:00

Wonderfully and delightfully fresh, not trying too hard - just effortless summer style.

Digital Art Meets Renaissance

2008-07-29T00:58:00.000+02:00

Probably the coolest juxtaposition I've seen in a long time - a digital art exhibit in a 15th century church in San Frediano, Florence. All the pieces were by students of the Architecture Program at the University of Florence

Abandon

2008-07-29T00:53:00.000+02:00

These slightly worn but still in good shape gals were exactly like this when i saw them lying by the dumpster. A pauper's present. Hey I accept any type of present but these were not my size sad to say. I hope they found a good home. Their thick, sturdy heels are perfect for wandering Florence's cobblestone streets.

Plaid Pants on Via della Vigna

2008-07-29T00:46:00.000+02:00

It was about 90 degrees F (around 30 C) and this guy is decked out in plaid pants, long-sleeved sweatshirt-type shirt and he's not even breaking a sweat. Obviously the girl that's passing by him is wondering the same thing as me, "How the hell is he not sweating his brains out!?"

There's a Theme...

2008-07-23T01:48:00.000+02:00

Do that many people have dreads are do I just have some kind of subconscious obsession?

Staying Cool in Santo Spirito

2008-07-23T01:13:00.000+02:00

Santo Spirito, Florence at 3pm on a hot summer day.

Trees + shade + fountain = Summer Piazza Cool

Oversized Shades + Sneakers + Beer = Summer Cocktail Hour (at 4pm)

Dreads + Leopard Print + Multiple Silver Bangles + Attitude = Wild Child Chic

Swept-Up Hair + Converse-Style Boots + Printed Tee and Studded Shorts = Summer in the City

Bus Stop Skinny

2008-07-20T23:12:00.000+02:00

I Don't Care

2008-07-06T13:36:00.000+02:00

I really liked how this group had what I call the "I-don't-care" style. It was like they just threw something on and walked out the door yet they look so hip! From the guys' straight-legged jeans combined with worn in polos to this young woman's baggy slacks, artisan leather sandals and vintage-looking leather bag, they were the epitome of street cool. I think my favorite part was the fact that this young woman had absolutely no makeup on, her wavy, un-died hair perfectly tossled and just a fresh, natural look. A vision of a young Lauren Hutton.

Jeans, Jeans, Jeans

2008-07-05T15:16:00.000+02:00

All Laced Up

2008-07-05T15:05:00.000+02:00

Fabulous flats! Red satin and black leather with multi-color eyelet holes are the stylishly right way to stride through the city streets.

Anti-Moda

2008-07-05T14:52:00.000+02:00

This guy was the epitome of anti-fashion but it somehow looked very cool and eclectic from the worn-in, red high tops and college style t-shirt to his badass tattoos (really loved the 'bar' tattoo on his right arm) and rasta hat.

Questo ragazzo era la definizione di anti-moda, però aveva un'aria molto cool ed eclettica dalle sue scarpe da ginnastica leggermente consumate e dalla sua maglietta da college fino ai suoi tatuaggi strafighi (in particolare il tatuaggio di 'barra' sul braccio destro) e cappello stile rasta.

Out for a Couple Beers

2008-07-05T14:48:00.000+02:00

Keep the Beats Coming

2008-07-05T14:45:00.000+02:00

Fresh Young Things

2008-07-05T13:27:00.000+02:00

What caught my eye with these beautiful young girls is that a) they weren't dressed like most most Italians I see their age, they had quite a grown-up 'New York' look to their outfits, especially the young lady with scarf and green boots, and b) they each had their very own personal style which they interpreted very well.

Points to highlight from left to right: With her rocker hair, a haphazardly slung silk scarf and sexy GREEN -such a refreshing color- cowboy style flat boots, this young fashionista turned her little black dress into something totally unique. Italy is home to three color palettes: black, brown and gray, so it was wonderful to see this stylish girl in a toned down shade of canary yellow. The dress was exquisite with the short length balanced out by sloping sleeves and sweetheart neckline topped off with strappy jeweled sandals and ethnic gold leaf earrings. Next we have a young, Italian version of Jackie Kennedy. She exuded classic elegance with sky blue wide-leg slacks, pristine white t-strap high heeled sandals and simple white v-neck knit top. With just a flash of gold jewelry from her classic hoops and bracelets, this classy girl was a lesson in minimal chic. Finally we have Jennifer Aniston's younger sister (not really). But she reflected the same fresh-faced, sexy-but-sweet style like the famous actress. Her cotton bustier-style top with its A-line shape toned down an over-the-top seductive appeal usually reserved only for the bedroom. Tastefully paired with wide-leg jeans, natural hair and jute platform heels it was the perfect summer-in-the-city ensemble.

I Heart Alexander Wang

2008-07-03T00:19:00.000+02:00

I'm in love with the deconstructed structured, slightly androgynous with glimpses of femminity designs of Alexander Wang. Mark my words people... he will be the next Marc Jacobs. With his lines already getting snapped up by Henri Bendel, Barney's and Nordstrom's as quickly as Italian Vogue flies off the newsstands in NYC, he is one talented designer on the top of his game. This is one of his S/S looks I absolutely adore.
Let me break it down for you: it all starts with the basics (I'm definitely a jeans and t-shirt type of gal) - a classic white tee. But it's not just any white tee. It has the perfect amount of slouchiness without being too tight or too baggy with a sloping 'A' neckline hitting right at seductive, not skanky. The slightly longer length lets you decide to wear it carelessly untucked like this model here for a sexy, tossled effect, or tucked in to some sleek high-waisted jeans for a cleaner look. Then there are the shorts; with that "washed-a-million-times" feel and look nicely paired with nonchalant rolled cuffs. To pull this seemingly haphazard, "I-just-ran-out-for-the-paper" look all together, Wang tops it off with the very NOW long, and impeccably tailored boyfriend blazer accompanied by no-nonsense shoes. Just when you're feeling a little too corporate (is it just me or do blazers do that to everyone?) add an incredibly simple, long chain for a look that any lawyer with a hidden penchant for Nirvana would approve of. The tattoo is optional. However, I will give this gal a 10 for original placement. You don't see many women with tattoos on their upper inner arm but on her it looks tough yet incredibly chic. If you see a woman dressed like this wandering the streets of Florence sans tatoo and shorter blond hair, it's probably me. This look is just too good not to wear to the T in fear of copy-cat shame.

Bohemian Like Us

2008-07-01T00:39:00.000+02:00

Best gray jeans...and beard I've seen in a while.

White Shirt Done Right

2008-07-01T00:36:00.000+02:00

Re-Working Western

2008-07-01T00:32:00.000+02:00

Seeing Double

2008-07-01T00:14:00.001+02:00

Devilishly adorable smiles to accompany those great shades and fitted dress shirts.

Aperitivo Made Easy

2008-06-30T23:57:00.000+02:00

The next time you're in Florence, make sure to stop by the ever-chic and evolving concept store SPACE on Via Tornabuoni, #17R so you can look as cool as this 'bellissima' babe, Serena who you'll likely find there. She'll be more than happy to get you into some sexy and super trendy threads that will get you noticed at the next aperitivo.

White & Black at Mamma

2008-06-29T16:57:00.000+02:00

Points to highlight from left to right: cropped black leather jacket with bows, classic, perfectly tailored black editor shorts, all-white with gold accents done tastefully.

The Cool Kids Come Out to Play

2008-06-28T03:09:00.000+02:00

Cotton takes on a whole new cool factor with hip 7/8 length black capris and high empire waist belt.

Sapphire blue silk and crystal studded belt.....rock it. The structure of this dress with its folds and pleating was spectacular!

Lapo, is that you?

Arrivederci Pitti, Hello Mare

2008-06-25T23:16:00.000+02:00

Missing my chance to go to the Pitti Fashion Shows this past weekend really stunk, but lying on a hot beach in Liguria (i.e. the Italian Riviera), eating the most amazing focaccia like it was the last type of food left on our planet (repeating over and over in my head "these calories don't really count because I'm on vacation), occasionally taking a dip in the pristine ocean and then sunning myself like Ulysses' sirens on huge, smooth black rocks watching sail boats lazily pass by...made me think, "Well, there's always the next one in January."
All of this helped me very quickly forget I was missing out on Florence's bi-annual fashion fest choc full of business opportunities, celebrities, art installations, and really really cool outfits. Luckily some of my fellow bloggers did the leg work for me and posted some amazing pics.

Anyway, back to the beach... If there is a town that stayed exactly the same since 1955, it's Albisola in Liguria. The home of some of the best ceramics and ceramic artists in Italy, I have never seen so much tile in my life. It's everywhere, on all four sides of the 'palazzi' (buildings), sprawled across the undulating cement-based benches of the boardwalk, making up the boardwork itself with pop art-style faces and geometric shapes.

Men selling fresh fruit picked that morning from the back of their small trucks (basically the size of the Power Wheels people give their kids in the America) shout "Pesche, albicocche! Cassette tre euro." That would be a whole flat of peaches or apricots for three euro. Last time I checked, you couldn't buy a sad total of four, possibly five peaches in New York City for three dollars. Yes, I was in paradise. Plus, with all of the ceramic art and sculpture, not to mention natural settings, the sea, the cliffs, I had plenty of scenes to serve as inspiration for future projects.