Weekend Inspiration - Spain via Sicily by Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana have been knocking it out of the park.I did read one review from a UK fashion critic who complained that D&G were tapping the Sicilian well too often.  She was RELIEVED to see that their S/S 2015 was influenced by Spain.Hello, Spain ruled Sicily from 1516-1713.  This is still a Sicilian inspired collection.There were a lot of bold red dresses and fitted black ones, but this black and white dress is one of my favorites.  Of course, I could never wear it as I'm too short and my breasts are too big.  But I love it.The trim is beautiful.  I could see using something like it in home décor as well.

Photo: Dolce & Gabbana

Buon weekend a tutti!

Seven Day of Sicily - Day 5 - Ceramics

Sicily is known for its hand painted pottery.Like the cuisine, each region has it's own style.   I have to ask Erica where she bought her octopus plate.  I think it was somewhere near Cefalù.As I have stated before, I have no more room in my apartment, so I was only able to buy a few small bowls.I used one of the them in the photos that Gina took of the terrace project I worked on. The larger blue and white bowl and the little eggshell one (for salt or jam) were bought at a small workshop located right on my street.  Ceramiche Artiginali DoLù, Via Larga, 7 Ortigia  +39 0931 449451 The other bowls were bought at a tiny store on the island of Salina.  It was located on the main street in Malfa.  The owners told me Dolce & Gabbana bought quite a few pieces from them.  You can see the influence in their S/S 2013 collection.   Speaking of that collection, please note my fellow Americans that the black versions of these kings and queens are not the same thing as Mammy imagery from America.  Context is important when looking through our very specific American lens of a different culture, history, and country.  I was annoyed that their runaway (like most) had no diversity.I say this as someone who gave Gladys Knight the side-eye when she became a spokeswoman for Aunt Jemina back in the day.  I didn't care that AJ's handkerchief was replaced with a relaxer.   I knew that context of that brand. Taken from the terrace of the Metropole Hotel, Taormina, Sicily.Photos Dolce and Gabbana:  Fashionista Other photos. Me and my iPhone   

Weekend Inspiration - Dolce & Gabbana - S/S 2014

Dolce & Gabbana had one of the outstanding collections during Milan Fashion Week.  Folks are still talking about the last look.It's funny, Dolce & Gabbana is a house I've appreciated for it's tailoring, marketing, and red carpet looks, yet for some reason I never paid much attention to their RTW.Unlike most houses that are expanding like crazy, especially into the cash-cow lower priced lines, Dolce & Gabbana closed down their very profitable D&G line in 2011.  They said one reason was the desire to get back to basics.In getting back to basics, they've also returned to Sicily.  The island has had a strong influence on the designer's work (Dolce is Sicilian and the two have a house in Stromboli).When I finally made it to Sicily, I understood how and why the island drives their creativity.   I cannot wait to explore more of it.This collection has convinced me to at least think about adding some florals to my spring/summer wardrobe.I never wear florals.  I like to keep things simple and clean.   I'm short and don't want to look like Great Auntie Gertrude's sofa.This dress is so not my style. I cannot stop looking at it.  Is it the color, the cut?  I don't know but I'm loving this Sicilian almond blossoms dress.

Photo: Style.com

Buon weekend!

Stylish Simplicity - Dolce & Gabbana Striped A-Line Skirt

I was recently in the lovely city of Bologna for work.  I saw this skirt in the window of Dolce & Gabbana and it stopped me in my tracks.

Photo: Closet Candies

Stripes are huge this summer.  I adore them but must be careful with horizontal stripes unless I want to look like a Weeble.  I don't.

I love the black edging and think this skirt is very versatile.  I could wear it to work, to an outdoor summer dinner party, or on a date to aperitivi with friends.

It's stylish simplicity.