PERSONAL SHOPPER / SHOP IN FLORENCE EXPERIENCE
  • Home
  • ABOUT
  • SHOPPING EXPERIENCES
  • GALLERY
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • Home
  • ABOUT
  • SHOPPING EXPERIENCES
  • GALLERY
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT

SHop in Florence​​​​

8 Ways to Wear Your Silk Foulard Scarf (and more...)

7/26/2020

1 Comment

 
Foulard silk scarf top
Are you like me and have a drawer full of silk scarves that rarely see the light if day? Summer is the best time to pull them out to add a touch of refined elegance to your look. The classic around-the-neck method isn’t the only way to use them....Here are some other ways of wear to get the most out of this versatile accessory!

foulard silk scarf on chain
1. Try the look above and bare your shoulders using your scarf as a tie-front top. This style will look great paired with a high-rise pant. For a second top option, try wrapping or knotting it around a thick chain to get this chic look.

2. Wrap your foulard around the brim of your hat to play with its style and color scheme.
silk scarf on hat

foulard scarf bandeau on wrist
3. Wrap it around your wrist to add a splash of color. This look works best with a thin bandeau style such as the size below.
Picture

how to wear your scarf as belt
4. Fold and roll your foulard to create a flowing belted look on a pair of jeans or pants, or substitute the belt of your summer trench and tie your silk scarf behind you to take inspiration from this 80's photo. Classic style is forever!
how to wear your foulard scarf as belt

5. Use as a hair decoration...around the head or adorn your braid or pony tail.
8 ways to wear a foulard scarf - hair decoration
8 ways to wear your foulard scarf- hair decoration

Picture
6. Embellish your handbag! Wrap it around the chain, around one or both of the handles or just tie it to one side and let it hang. This is one of my favorite ways to use my scarves. 
Picture

7. Around your neck. Try playing with color and print. I love this contrast with the classic Breton t-shirt.
Picture

Picture
8. Add it to your ankle! So cute with a cropped jean
​and slides.
Picture

Now you can shop your wardrobe and pull out your collection of scarves, foulards and bandanas to try using them in new ways.
Have fun!  
Be creative! 
And if you're on the beach this summer try using them as a bikini cover-up! Wrap one around your waist and tie at the side sarong style. 
Have a great summer!
​xo @shopinflorence
Picture
1 Comment

Letter to the Future

4/28/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Will this period shape our future choices?
I have always loved the chameleon effect with clothes. The ability to change “color” consciously or unconsciously. 
I love the glamour, the understated, the casual, the cool, the tailored. Clothes that can give you a dozen variations of yourself or the ability to become an illusionist. They can be loud when you’re quiet. Bold when you’re weak, daring when you’re timid. And they can be an extension of your mood. Gift wrap. 
Whether you want to or not, your choices send a message. 

What I’m noticing now, 6 weeks into full lockdown is that I have a closet full of beautiful things that like most of us, have nowhere to go. They too are on lockdown. For the moment, comfort wins. Some days I’d even enjoy staying in my pajamas although we’ve rightly made a family rule that we must get dressed! So I choose from my 3 pairs of sweatpants, from random sweatshirts and hoodies. Is this a sign of depression or just acceptance? Should I make more of an effort? Dress up to sit on the couch, cook, clean and homeschool? It sounds absurd!
Pass the sweats please. 

In the past couple years I have definitely noticed a new awareness towards the things that I buy and the choices I make. This I believe will continue. Sustainability is a trend but it’s also a necessity. The ability to communicate craftsmanship and heritage will mean more than ever as we begin to shift into a less-is-more attitude. Quality over quantity but creativity is more important than ever. Especially when the present is so focused on bare necessities and the future is just one gigantic question mark. 

So future, 
I really do hope that the chameleon effect will still be a part of us. That when I feel nervous I’ll choose to dress with confidence and when I feel down I’ll pull out my favorite jeans and sunshine T-shirt. More than ever the senses must continue to be a fundamental aspect of choice; not just the visual but touch smell taste and sound. The experience must continue. We must be moved.
0 Comments

These Boots were made for Walking

9/9/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture

Picture

Hiking Boots

The Look...

I've had my mind wrapped around buying a pair of "old school" leather hiking boots for two years now ever since I saw a beautiful pair in a store window while vacationing in Cortina. I tried them on for fun and I really liked them. But in an unfamiliar moment of restraint, I left the store telling the saleslady I'd think about it, assuming this crush was just the mountain air getting to my head and the inspiration to feel part of the great outdoors. How often would I actually wear them in the city? Well, two years on, I still like them and darn it, this may be just the year to invest in a little bit of hiking inspired footwear. I feel they're definitely trending at the moment but are something that will never truly go out of style. I'd wear mine with skinny jeans and an oversized sweater. Even in the city. 😊

Below are my top picks for every price range. Click on the photo for link to purchase.

Ready to Splurge

Off-White hiking boots
Off-White, 695€
Valentino hiking boots
Valentino 1.050€

Something Special

See by Chloe Hiking Boots
See By Chloè, 395€
Ganni Edna hiking boot
Ganni, 350€

Won't Break the Bank

Hiking Boot Gattinoni
Gattinoni, 84€
Cat Hiking boots
Cat, 87€

Picture

Picture

Picture

0 Comments

The Kimono...My Must-Have Statement Piece Right NOW!

7/11/2018

0 Comments

 
Kimono Roawe

The Look....

Lately I've been obsessing over kimonos. There's something about the way they can make ordinary, extraordinary. Take the photo above. Without the kimono, one wouldn't even look twice at the basic jeans and striped tee combination. Add the kimono and you have something interesting, cool and unique. The trick is to wear it like an afterthought. Who would actually think to match it with a striped tee? That’s the trick, and you can take this look from day to evening by just changing your accessories. Runners to flat mules or heels, straw tote to clutch and you’re ready for a night out.

In March, I found an embroidered, navy blue, sequinned kimono dress with flower embroidery and a fringed hem. I found it on the Zara “last sizes rack” and it has quickly become one of my favourite pieces. That just goes to show that something can look expensive without being expensive. Now I am looking for my next, lighter weight style, but I may just hunt down the Japanese kimonos I bought in Tokyo in the 90's (now somewhere in storage) and see if they'll work the wonder I'm after!

Here are my top picks for every price range:

Ready to Splurge

Kimono Jacket Blazé- Milano
This silk Kimono inspired blazer dress is by Blazé Milano. I fell in love with this brand when I saw a similar style at Fiacchini in Forte dei Marmi. The pieces are all handmade by Milanese crafts people, and you can see and feel that the product is top quality. The signature, rounded "smiley" pockets are a small detail that I love, in addition to the precious stone buttons. What's more, on the Blazé website you can even have your initials stitched onto the inside pocket for an additional 45€.

€1193.40 (40% off, reg. €1.989) Blazé Milano

Something Special

Kimono Free People
Spending in the hundreds to me means that it’s something I think I’ll want to keep, at least for a few seasons to come and it’s worth a little investment. This baby has been in my YOOX “dream box “ for the past month. I think it’s perfect for summer with the beautiful embroidered detailing on the sleeves, neckline and back. While looking beige, it’s actually a light green! Wear it over a T-shirt, cut-offs and mules or as an elegant bikini cover up.

€149 (Reg. €248) Yoox

Won't Break the Bank

Kimono Roawe
This is the fantastic Kimono that is in the top picture, as well as the one underneath. A great buy for anyone and everyone wanting to try out my must-have statement piece of the moment.

€25.90 (reg. €38) Roawe
Picture

Picture

Picture
0 Comments

Last Chance. Best Deals. Here Today, Gone Tomorrow!

1/23/2018

0 Comments

 
Sale
Sale season.
The bank was low immediately after Christmas but a month has past and prices are dropping along with my shopping guilt while I look for the "deal of the century". It's easy to get carried away with how much you're saving instead of how much you're actually spending! This can eventually lead to some impulse buys that you may be disappointed with later. During the sales, I either look for a really special piece that I wouldn't justify spending full price on, or a classic item that I know I'll wear day in and day out. It can also be an opportunity to find something for next season that you can be excited to wear in the upcoming months. In this way you can often find discounts on discounts.
Here are my top deals to be had!
Coat from Cos
Black coat cos
Longer lengths are in this winter and this long coat has a slight, sparkly fabric, perfect for an evening out or just to give your day look some added glam. I love the longer lining showing at the hem and the raw cut edging on the sleeves. 125€ Cos (was 250€) Click on Photo for link. 

These Adidas Originals are simple yet sleek. I love the pink leather interior and tone-on-tone embossed heel logo. 89€ Yoox (was 140€) Click on photo for link.
Adidas Orginals
Adidas Originals

White Sand 88 pants
White Sand 88 pants
This is one of my go-to brands for pants. (Although the styling in these pictures doesn't do them justice!) White Sand 88 is a brand made in Italy from Emilia Romagna. Their trademark details are the drawstring waist and semi-precious stone stud on the crotch. They come in a variety of styles and fabrics and are wallet-friendly! 39€ & 41€ both on Yoox (was 79€, suggested retail approx.158€)

Look forward to the summer months when ethnic vibes are always on trend. I've been coveting these lace-up, embroidered sandals with pom- poms and charms for the past few summers. The dress is by a favorite brand, Sea, known for their boho inspired styles. Sandals , Mabu by Maria Bk, 87,50€ (was 175); Dress by Sea, 161€ (was 536€) Both on Net-a-Porter. Click on photo for link. 
Mabu by Maria BK sandals
Sea dress

Good luck!
0 Comments

My Must Haves for Fall

10/19/2017

2 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Summer is becoming just a memory and the cooler weather is creeping in. I still need to do my seasonal "cambio di stagione" as we would say in Italian, or literally "change of season". This bi-annual tradition consists of moving and storing the past season's clothes (summer, in this case) out of the closet, and bringing the upcoming season's clothes in. I guess this tradition stems from the fact that most people own smaller houses in Europe where wardrobe space tends to be minimal. I dread the work involved since my stuff is packed in immensely heavy suitcases in the attic, (which involves teetering on a ladder to get them up and down), but I love the fact that my things feel almost new again after 6 months of not seeing them!

Now, since I've forgotten what I actually own for winter I've been very tempted to just go out and buy those coveted new items to update whatever is hiding up in my attic!

​These are my 5 Must Haves this season:

1. WHITE BOOTS

Picture
Picture
White is a hot color in general for Fall/Winter. It's chic and fresh and is at the top of my must haves for this season. A white pair of shoes or boots jump start any outfit, giving it modernity and that extra edge. ​
Picture
Picture
Dr Martens White Boots, Must Haves for Fall
Neous white ankle boots, must haves fall 2017
hloè Susanna boots
HM white boots Must Haves for Fall 2017
 L-R from top:
Acne "Jensen" 450€, Dior 890€, Dr Martens 135€, Neous 635€, Chloè "Susanna" 950€, H&M 56€
Click on the photo link for more information on each style and where to buy it

2. A COZY SWEATER

Picture
Picture
What is nicer to put on than a warm wool or cashmere sweater when temperatures drop? I favour large knit styles, turtlenecks and intarsia patterns and I especially have a weakness for beige coloured cable knits. This season buy it oversized.
Maison Margiela sweater, Must Haves Fall 2017
Saint Laurent Sweater, Must haves for fall 2017
MSGM sweater, Must haves for Fall 2107
Make sweater, Must haves for Fall 2017
Isabel Marant sweater, Must Haves Fall 2017
L-R from top:
​Maison Margiela 316€, Saint Laurent 750€, MSGM 215€, Maje 245€, Isabel Marant 285,60€
Click on the photo link for more information on each style and where to buy it
​

​

3. Corduroy Pants

Picture
Picture
Picture
Corduroy is back. In all shapes and sizes from culottes and baggy styles tapering just above the ankle to wide legs and bell bottoms straight down to the ground. I'm loving the thicker ridged styles. 
Cos corduroy pants, Must haves for Fall
Corduroy Pants, Must Haves Fall 2017
HM corduroy pants, Must Haves Fall 2017
Golden Gooses corduroy pants, Must haves for fall
L-R from top
Cos 89€, Etro 270€, H&M 49,99€, Golden Goose 305€
Click on the photo link for more information on each style and where to buy it

4. A Shearling Coat

Picture
Picture
Picture
Nothing screams COOL CHICK as much as a leather shearling coat. Get one. 
Acne Velocite shearling coat, Must haves fall 2017
Shearling coat
Marni shearling jacket, must haves fall 2017
Balenciaga shearling jacket, must haves fall 2017
Sandro shearling vest, must haves 2017
Natasha Zinko Shearling coat, must haves fall 2017
L-R from top
Acne Studios 2,400€, Marni 663€, Sandro 995€, Saks Potts 1,292€, Balenciaga 3,350€, Natasha Zinko 4,543€
Click on the photo link for more information on each style and where to buy it

5. Sneakers

Picture
Picture
Picture
By now we all have a much loved pair of sneakers, but it's time to get that 2nd, 3rd or 4th pair! They are insta-cool and give any outfit a laid-back but fashionable vibe. Worn with skirts, dresses and even suits, they juxtapose dressed up with dressed down in a perfect way. Below are some of my favourites but the market is so saturated right now you'll easily be able to find the right ones for you. 
Golden Goose sneakers velvet, must haves fall 2017
Converse hightops, must haves for fall 2017
Maison Margiela sneakers with shearling, must haves fall 2017
Premiata sneakers, must haves for fall 2017
Stella McCartney sneakers, must haves for fall 2017
Adidas NMD sneakers, must haves for fall 2017
L-R from top 
​Golden Goose Deluxe Brand 420€, Maison Margiela 684€, Stella McCartney 495€, Converse 35,69€, Premiata 149€ Adidas NMD 139,95€
Click on the photo link for more information on each style and where to buy it

Or...personalize your favorite sneaker at Adidas.com. I've done this a few times and love designing my own combination of colours and patterns with my initials or name inscribed on the shoe. Below I've highlighted in many different crazy colours, all the different parts of the shoe you can design. Give it a try!  Starting from 119,95€.
Personalised Adidas superstars, must have for fall 2017
2 Comments

Kenzo for H&M

11/3/2016

1 Comment

 
Picture
Up early and ready to shop! In line for the Kenzo for H&M launch in Florence.
Picture
1 Comment

Store of The Future

10/14/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
A new concept store in footwear has opened in Via Tornabuoni. Situated right in front of Salvatore Ferragamo, SOTF is the store of the future. Sister store to Playground, SOTF has changed it's name from Space and now offers a variety of trendy sneakers.
Picture
Picture
As you enter the store, the product is displayed on the right wall, hosting brands such as Golden Goose, Adidas (Originals, by RAF Simons, Y-3), Common Progects, Eyty's, Buttero, Le Coq Sportif, Puma, Ports 1961 among others. The left side of the store proposes 3 minimalistic square cubicles of sort, set with monitors and white marble seating. If you look at the shoe, you will not find a price tag. Instead, by placing the product underneath the monitor, and with the help a microchip placed within the shoe, all the necessary information about that particular sneaker will pop onto the screen. You may even research all the styles available in your particular size.
Picture
SOTF is a welcome addition to Florence, especially with the new found trend in sneaker fashion. Can it beat the competition? Brands like Adidas' online personalization is hard to beat, especially when SOTF is pointing towards the technological aspect in the purchasing process. I'd be interested in seeing brands like Premiata and out of the ordinary Converse in their selection. I think they could still broaden their offer...
​In this demanding market, hopefully they'll find their niche.
0 Comments

Aperativo FLY and Dress to Kill!

9/16/2016

0 Comments

 
Fly FAST store, Florence

Fly (Fashion Loves You) is hosting an event on Sept 20 from 6-9pm to promote emerging accessory designer, Brunellesca. Take advantage of the exclusive promotional shopping experience while enjoying an aperativo in the midst of a fashion "crime scene". A little mystery needs to be solved! 

Fly is the non-profit retail store of Fashion and Accessory Studies and Technology (FAST). It showcases unique student work and handcrafted items alongside emerging designers based in Italy, as well as high quality vintage and consignment clothing and accessories. 

In addition to fashion design, the retail space allows students a hands-on learning experience in fashion marketing, store management and sales strategies. Internships in Store Retail and Management create a professional environment for students to interact with the local community. What a great way to learn!

Take part in the fun on September 20 in Borgo Pinti, 20r in Florence from 6-9pm.

Fly store, Firenze
0 Comments

The Bomber's Back

8/21/2016

0 Comments

 
Gucci bomber jacket
Remember the Pink Ladies? Rizzo, Frenchie, Marty and Jan?
I don't want to age myself...(Where's a good emoticon when you need it!) but, I was obsessed as a girl and I even hand-made myself a replica Pink Lady bomber jacket to play the part.

Now they're back and it'll be on my Fall must-have list. While I adore the above Gucci style for a modest 2980€ (yikes), I have my eye on a Zara Limited Edition reversible one. On one side there's a chinese dragon, tiger and floral print and the other side is plain black and dusty pink. Since my youngest son was born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon and my husband, the Year of the Tiger it couldn't be more fitting!
Check out Zara's collection. At the moment there's a wide variety of bomber styles for everyone from 50-100€.
I also love Zara's Special Edition embroidered floral style. 
Zara bomber jacket
Zara limited edition bomber
Zara special edition bomber
In order of appearance:
Gucci silk bomber, 2980€
​Zara Limited Edition bomber, 99.95€
Zara Special Edition bomber, 89.95€

For more information on these products click on the photo to go to the relevant website. 
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    Jana Soon, Canadian by birth, Italian by marriage, lives in Florence with her husband and three children. She is a third generation Chinese-Canadian and a second generation shopping enthusiast, inspired by cool and beautiful things...  

    Archives

    July 2020
    April 2020
    September 2018
    July 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016

    Categories

    All
    Must Haves
    Outlets
    Shopping In & Around Florence

    RSS Feed

We Would Love to Have You Visit Soon!


Hours

Mon-Sat:
10am - 7pm

Telephone

(+39) 3478888974

Email

www.shopinflorence@gmail.com