Tuscan Chic

When I first found out that antiques dealer Gerald Bland and his artist wife Mita Corsini Bland had a home in Tuscany, it took all my will power not to beg them to let me visit.  Now that it's featured in the May/June 2013 issue of Veranda magazine, I'm pretty sure everyone is going to be begging for a stay.  Veranda was kind enough to offer a sneak peek before the issue hits the newsstands on May 7th. The house is actually a farmhouse that was left to Mita who is Italian and it's just as lovely as I expected..  The couple has filled the renovated space with a few antiques but nothing too precious which is absolutely perfect. 

To see the couple's Manhattan home, click here.  You can also read more about Gerald Bland in my book Creativity at Work.  

Photos by Alexandre Bailhache for Veranda

Harmony

Architect Michele Bonan is best known for his work on the JK Hotels but he also designs homes.  One of my readers sent me a link to this one in Italy.  It seems to be a private residence and not a hotel which is a shame because I wanted to book a stay.  The interior is pretty traditional but what I love most is the pool area and the outdoor furniture.  It's the best I've seen in a while.  

"Harmony, coherence and irony are the keys." 

- Michele Bonan

Photos from here. 

Audrey in Rome

The May 2013 issue of Vanity Fair has a wonderful feature on the new book Audrey in Rome and I highly recommend picking it up. I knew Audrey Hepburn made Roman Holiday but didn't realize that she lived in the Eternal city for more than 20 years.  Her son Luca Dotti culled the Reporters Association archives and found over 2,500 photos of the star, many of which were taken on the street and with her dog Mr. Famous. It's fun to see the progression of fashion from the 1950's to 1970's in the photos too.  The book will be released on April 16th and would make a perfect present for my birthday on the 18th...hint hint. 

Audrey Hepburn, Trinita dei Monti, 1959

Audrey Hepburn in Rome, 1959

Audrey Hepburn, Hotel Hassler at Trinita dei Monti, Feb. 7, 1960

Audrey Hepburn Spanish Steps in Rome

Audrey Hepburn and and co-star Peter Finch

 Audrey Hepburn in Rome March 11, 1964

Audrey Hepburn, Rome, 1968

Audrey Hepburn in Piazza Di Spagna in Rome

Audrey and husband Andrea Dotti 1970

 Audrey Hepburn Rome, March 26, 1971

Audrey Hepburn and husband Andrea Dotti September 8, 1971

Vanity Fair May 2013

Italian Portraits

I realized that most of my posts lately have been a little feminine side so I thought I'd post a little something for my male readers.  Although, I do realize that the ladies will also enjoy it.  I don't want to be accused of being sexist again.  (It's always something.)  Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal mentioned that Tods has published a follow up to their first book Italian Touch called Italian Portraits.  It highlights some of the best dressed men in Italy and just as many well dressed interiors.  When I started looking for more photos, I noticed that my friend Blue Carreon just posted about the book on his site Style Intel so I'm borrowing some of his images. 

I can always spot an Italian man in New York because he's usually wearing colored pants and a luxurious cashmere sweater.  Unlike most American men who wear baggy over sized apparel, his clothes will be tailored to perfection and fit like a glove. He's usually pretty darn handsome too.  Now I'm excited to have a book full of them in Italian Portraits.  Ciao!

Photos via Italian Portraits