I was finally able to see the Karl Lagerfeld exhibition, Visions of Fashion at Palazzo Pitti and I was pleasantly surprised. I hadn't been through the museums in many years and it was the perfect opportunity to do so. 

The first room you enter is a display of photographic editorial images printed on paper and hung in large panels from the ceiling. The effect is quite beautiful. Behind this room are two smaller rooms that show Lagerfeld's vision of scenes from Daphnis and Chloe. 

Thinking the exhibition ended here, I was a bit discouraged about the 13€ ticket but thought I'd ask to see if there were other rooms I could visit. Fortunately I asked! The best part was yet to come! They sent me towards the Palatina Gallery where room after extraordinary room, the photographs were mixed within the galleries creating a striking divergence with it's Renaissance surroundings. It was a breath of fresh air. In one of the rooms hung a "portrait" of Karl Lagerfeld in a gold gilded frame on the wall along side all the other 500 year old paintings. (See photo above.) Quite the touch of humor...

Interestingly enough, if you actually had Mr. Lagerfeld himself  lounging in one of these rooms he would look quite at home with his stiff shirt collars, white hair drawn back in a low pony tail and signature black gloves. His photography however, is in stark contrast to the environment in which it's displayed. Images which we habitually see within the covers of a magazine create the perfect juxtaposition, making the old seem new and adding a refreshing twist to a modern exhibition.

​Visions of Fashion ends October 23rd. 

Forte dei Marmi has long been the chic seaside getaway for Florentines (and beyond). The Hamptons of Tuscany...
Just an hour away by car, it offers a variety of beautiful and trendy boutiques, tasty seafood restaurants and many a bar to relax and enjoy a before-dinner "apertivo." Situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Apuan Alps, the town is incredibly picturesque. It gets it's name, "Fort of Marble", from the 16th century Fortress which you can still find in the main square, originally used to defend the coast from intruders. Later in the 19th and early 20th century the world renowned Carrara marble which was quarried from the nearby mountains used to be stored in the town before being shipped off. (When I first visited Forte dei Marmi I thought the white of the mountains was snow before finding out it was actually marble!)

The beaches are lined with private "bagni", or facilities where you can pay to spend the day at the beach. Some are more exclusive than others and offer you a spot on the beach with an umbrella or tent for shade, various chairs, lounge chairs or lawn chairs to relax and sunbathe on, sometimes a swimming pool, your own changing room (for an additional fee) and a restaurant. Many of these places also have their own paddle boats that you can rent by the hour. 

​As for the shopping, the town is famous for the market they host 2 times a week on Wednesday and Sunday morning until 1:00pm. Here you can find some designer name brands for less as well as shoes, bags, belts, cashmere, fur coats, linens and houseware and decor.  
For those who need shopping therapy, you've come to the right spot! My favorite store at the moment happens to be Fiachini. There are 3 of them here, but I prefer the one on Via IV Novembre. A couple of months ago I bought a lovely black and white Self-Portrait dress that I just wore to a recent wedding and was pleasantly surprised when they gave me a discount at the cash for no apparent reason. They definitely know how to create customer loyalty! The store is trendy and tasteful, and carries designers such as Chloé, Isabel Marant, Self-Portrait, Givenchy, Saint Laurent and so much more! If anything, it is definitely worth a wander. 

Over the years I've used this undefined, vintage/ concept/ treasure of a store called Desii Vintage, as a consignment shop where I can sell some of my designer clothes and accessories that have taken a back row seat in my closet. Although the commission is high, (they take 50%) I figure it's better to get rid of the old, make room for the new, and get a little cash along the way! 

There are two separate shops side by side; one for men and the other for women, where brand-name items are prevalent...some old, some new, some vintage and some blue (of course!), ranging from Hermès to Isabel Marant. The store feels current, with a great mix of classic and trendy. 

The manager, Carlo Alberto Andreani, is a distinct character of small stature, reserved demeanor and a long salt and pepper beard who had always come across as being somewhat unapproachable until I went in one day with my friend, Beatrice and they happened to have history. No words. Another man came out!  He evolved into a friendly and energetic storyteller. 
He mentioned to me that he'd worked at Salvatore Ferragamo for many years and was the creator of our SKU, which is the code we use to identify style, color and fabric of every singular item. What do you know! 

Visit Desii Vintage on Via de Conti 17/19r or just look for the patriotic green, white and red chairs. 

​Hudson and Drew. It was love at first sight. Both available at Luisa Via Roma, Florence. 1,350€ - 1,590€

 (PraticalYou've all had that feeling when you see something that so perfectly represents you... Maybe it's a car, a watch, a house... For me, it's the Hudson bag. (With the Drew Rosace Patchwork bag being a close runner up.) But it doesn't stop there. The current Chloé handbag collection is one masterpiece after another; there isn't a bag I wouldn't wear. Here are my top 5.

1. Hudson (Classic version as above in black)
2. Drew (Especially the Rosace Patchwork animation) 
3. Haylee (Even the new Nano version is beautiful and has a reasonable price)
4. Jane (Fun and fashionable for the fashionistas!)
5.Giorgia (Practical, everyday, messenger style with a great price point.)