Costumes for Carnevale

Still not decided what you'll dress up as during the Carnevale. Looking for costume for your kids? Here are two addresses down town. Hurry, it looks like one of them might go out of business soon.

Fatefesta (http://www.fatefesta.ch) is a party store in Via Giuseppe Bagutti 18, Lugano which also sells costumes along with balloons and all sorts of party ware.

Centro Apollo (http://www.apollopiu.com/index.html) is specialised in costumes for kids as well as adults. You'll find them in Corso Enrico Pestalozzi 10, Lugano.

Have fun choosing your dream outfit.

Moda sotto le stelle in Lugano 2013

You might have heard of "Moda sotto le stelle" in Rome, the illustrious fashion show where world famous models glide down the Spanish stairs under a starry Italian sky wearing the most exquisite fashion by world renowned designers such as Valentino, Armani and Cavalli.

Well, Lugano is not quite there.....YET..... but this weekend you can enjoy the Ticinese version of "Moda sotto le Stelle" where Lugano will turn fashion capital par excellence thanks to the Swiss National Chamber of Fashion. 

Gai Mattiolo, Rocco Barocco, Pierre Cardin and Alessandra Gucci are just some of the famous designers who have been part of past editions on the catwalk in Lugano.

The aim is to allow the signatures "Made in Switzerland" to put their creations on display next to the most influential names in the fashion world. It is a real opportunity for fashion designers and entrepreneurs to gain visibility and to create professional showcases.

This year's programme consists of: 

17:30 Presentation Designers of "Made in Switzerland" and International fashion designer - Hôtel De La Paix (entry by invitation)

19:00 Fashion Dinner - Hôtel De La Paix (entry fee)

20:30 Red Carpet - Piazza Manzoni

21:00 Fashion Show Fashion Under the Stars - Piazza Manzoni (free entry)

The Red Carpet Show "Fashion under the Stars" begins at 20:30 in Piazza Manzoni and the best part is that the entry is free.

In case of bad weather the event will take place at the Hôtel De La Paix.

Official website www.cnms.ch

So off you go and see Lugano at its best under a romantic sky filled with glittery stars and you might catch a glimps of George Clooney who seems to be in the neighbourhood. ;)

Venue: Moda sotto le stelle (http://www.cnms.ch/?p=1233)
Where: Piazza Manzoni, 6900 Lugano
When: Saturday, July 27th, 2013
Time: 20:30
Entry: free

Halloween costumes in Lugano

Ideally I would sew my daughter's Halloween costume myself. I am full of brilliant ideas and designs. I just never seem to find the time to sit down and do it! So, once I'm done decorating the house and baking the cupcakes I will be rushing down to Tesserete tomorrow to look for an original Halloween costume at L'allegra Bottega. This store will kit out babies, children, adults and even dogs for any special occassion. Hats, masks, wigs, costumes for rent, new outfits for sale. You'll discover the treasures of Ali Baba (literally) and can take your imagination for a wild ride.

So hurry, check out their catalogue online and go look for yourself.
They are open until 5pm on Saturday.

L' Allegra Bottega
via Meneghelli - via Pugnetti
(rotonda Scuole Medie)
6950 Tesserete
Tel. 091/943'46'41
Tel: 079/230'11'28

Think PiNk

I am seriously wondering how I have never come across this song? "Think Pink" was featured in the American musical film "Funny Face" starring Audrey Hepburn released in 1957, with assorted songs by George and Ira Gershwin.

I am a PiNk lover - in case you hadn't noticed - I will buy anything pink if you put me to the test. My friends can vouch for that. From pink shoes and handbags to pink phones and cameras, pink skioutfit, pink sunglasses and earrings, pink PJ's, pink tennis racket AND golf clubs, just to name a few.

I LOVE PINK!

International Women's Day 2012

Happy International Women's Day to all my female readers. Instead of going into details about the background of this celebration which started as a socialist political event and eventually blended in the culture of many countries, primarily Eastern Europe, Russia, and the former Soviet bloc, I have decided to provide you with a bit of eye candy!!!

The full Fashion Show of Louis Vuitton's Fall/Winter 2012/2013 collection:
"With a whistle and a cloud of steam, a blue train chugged Orient Express-style into the courtyard of the Paris Louvre, turned into the setting for Louis Vuitton's spectacular Fashion Week show on Wednesday.

With film stars and fashion elite seated in a make-believe station, complete with LV-monogrammed clock, a gate slid back to the sound of echoing footsteps, as the train steamed in with the models silhouetted in the windows.

One by one the girls stepped down onto the platform-cum-runway in dizzying heels and 1900-style high hats, looking all the taller for being followed by white-gloved porters - deliberately cast short - carrying a bag in each hand.

New York designer Marc Jacobs pulled out the stops for Vuitton's latest autumn-winter collection on the final day of Paris' ready-to-wear shows."

Enjoy!

100 years of style in 100 seconds

“Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style.”
John Fairchild

Like most of the folks out there I am busy with Christmas preparations and gift hunting for my entire Italian family. They provide the food, I need to come up with the presents for everyone.....

So while I'm running around Paris, I thought I'd entertain you with a lovely video about the last 100 years of style.

It is an ad for the new Westfield Stratford City shopping center in England and shows a man and a woman gyrate their way through 100 years of costume changes in 100 seconds — take a look for yourselves.

Halloween Costumes in Lugano

Need a costume? Missing an accessory? Looking for some artisitc make-up? Look no further: L'allegra bottega will kit out babies, children, adults and even dogs for any special occassion. Hats, masks, wigs, costumes for rent, new outfits for sale. You'll discover the treasures of Ali Baba (literally) and can take your imagination for a wild ride.

Check out their Halloween catalogue on their site here!

L' Allegra Bottega

via Meneghelli - via Pugnetti

(rotonda Scuole Medie)

6950 Tesserete

Tel. 091/943'46'41 

Tel: 079/230'11'28

Seeking Mystery shoppers in Lugano

Girls, are you ready for this? I have the perfect job offer lined up for you: Mystery Shopper!

Albatross Global Solutions (www.albatross.fr), a mystery shopping agency based in Paris, are currently recruiting mystery shoppers to perform visits in luxury brands stores in Lugano.

As a mystery shopper, you will need to visit a specific store with a scenario (clothes/shoes, watch...) and your role would be to let the Sales staff helps you and guides you. The store can be a watch & jewelry boutique, a corner in a department store or a fashion boutique.

For the Sales staff, you are a normal customer but discreetly you will be evaluating different criterias such as the shop environment, the sales advisor outlook and the quality of service.

Mystery shopping is not a full time job. It is a mission based job and as long as you respect our deadline, you can perform your visits anytime: lunch break, afterwork, week ends... no time constraints!

The qualities a mystery shopper should have:
- personal interest in customer service improvement
- good memory and narrative skills
- for the mission we are currently hiring for: be a luxury brand customer

Within 24 hours after the visit, you will need to submit an online report.

If you are interested in mystery shopping, please register on the website, www.albatrossonline.com as a shopper and email directly to: nlydin@albatross.fr for follow up. Do not hesitate to email Nicole Lydin if you have any question.

So????? What are you waiting for, go ahead and write that e-mail!  Good luck.

Your chance to mingle with Miss Schweiz

This is your chance to mingle with Miss Schweiz. This Saturday the new Miss Switzerland will be elected at the Centro Esposizioni in Lugano and you can be part of it.

Don't miss this opportunity and cruise over to the Miss Schweiz site to book your ticket for the show (CHF 70.-). Should you feel like splashing out you can go for the whole Spiel: Aperitivo at Lugano's Lido followed by the Show and a Gala Dinner culminating with the Aftershow Party (CHF 400.-).

Click here to see the whole programme and muster your most spectacular evening robe to show off at this unique event. Who knows your friends might even spot you on TV.  All three Swiss channels will be airing the Miss Schweiz event live as of 20:05!

Venue: Miss Schweiz Elections 2011
Where: Centro Esposizioni, Lugano
When: Saturday, September 24th, 2011
Time: 20:05

Dior on a mission

Forget 007, Dior 001 is where it’s at for the lady on the hunt.

In continuation with this week's previous posts about luxury living I have stumbled across a most exquisite girl's gadget. So keep reading on.....

There's so many choices for you to store your cosmetic items, most women use the special cosmetic bags to store all of their personal cosmetic items, now there's a cool amazing item called Cosmetic Gun to store all of your beauty items. The idea of making a Handgun as Cosmetics storage comes from Ted Norton a Dutch Jewelry Designer.

Amsterdam-based Ted Noten designed a weapon of beauty titled Dior 001. The gun is part of a larger new series entitled "7 Necessities for a Woman to Feel Like a Woman Through the Eyes of a Man" presented by Ornamentum Gallery on the occasion of Design Miami / Basel 2011.

Dior 001 discreetly hides lip-gloss, pills, an antique hairpin, a USB stick with "secret information," and a 100 gram sterling silver bar. The firearm is made from a 3D printed nylon body with 18 carat gold details executed through traditional goldsmithing methods.

And guess what? The gun comes in black as well. This time signed by Chanel. Chanel 001 gun conceals lip gloss, antique hairpin, gold toothpick, bottle of perfume, USB flash drive, medicine compartment, and a gold bar.

Pretty crazy for a make-up kit, isn't it? I know that’s all I need for a guaranteed good Saturday night.

Oh, I nearly forgot to mention the price: a cool US$ 11'500.- for the Dior 001 Cosmetic gun and a whooping US$ 17'000.- for the Canel 001 version. Maybe I can get James to buy it for me?!?

Moda sotto le stelle in Lugano

You might have heard of "Moda sotto le stelle" in Rome, the illustrious fashion show where world famous models glide down the Spanish stairs under a starry Italian sky wearing the most exquisite fashion by world renowned designers such as Valentino, Armani and Cavalli.

Well, Lugano is not quite there.....YET..... but tonight you can enjoy the Ticinese version of "Moda sotto le Stelle". It will be the honour of Dutch designer Addy van den Krommenacker to present his wonderful creations on Saturday, August 6th, 2011 in Piazza Manzoni. The designer - known as the stylist to the stars - is a Member of the Swiss National Chamber of Fashion.

The popular reality show "America's Next Top Model" has already showcased Addy van den Krommenacker's clothes in 130 countries around the world. During the Academy Awards two of his creations have been worn by April Sutton and Forest Whitaker's wife along the red carpet.

The other participants of the eight edition of the Swiss National Chamber of Fashion are:
• Marianne Alvona, Bern
• Manuela Soldiers, Lausanne
• Florence Rivera, Cugnasco
• Milk Maximilian, Rome
• Fabio Fileccia, Lugano
• Lina Dak, Bellinzona
• Loredana Mazzotta-Longo, Zofingen

The Red Carpet Show "Fashion under the Stars" begins at 20:30 in Piazza Manzoni and the best part is that the entry is free.

The event management is entrusted to the beautiful presenter Tanja Gutmann, former Miss Switzerland, who will present in German and Italian. Stephen Dani Amos Sussigan will translate the English version.

Remember that in case of bad weather the event will be held ​​at the Exhibition Centre in Lugano.

For more info check out their site at www.newfaces.ch

A pleasant surprise or 100 years of Nivea Creme

A little gesture can go a long way. Nivea's Swiss marketing team have just made my day. Last week I sent an e-mail asking them where I could find my favourite Nivea lipstick. Chantal Thomass Special Edition "Rouge d'Amour". The name says it all, doesn't it just!?

The bad news was that being a special edition, it had gone out of production. HOWEVER, they did send me the one and only sample they had left in the office hoping to make me happy.

Not only did they make me a happy customer, I thought about Carla and Monika (from the Nivea Make-Up team) all day. Having once been a Cosmetic Marketing Manager myself (in a far-away previous life) I remember how tedious those little requests from one little curious or unsatisfied end-customer were, when your daily battle was with distributors, department stores and other big fish. Therefore, a big thank you girls. This post is dedicated to you.

100 years of Nivea Creme:

A gentle revolution took place in the year 1911. With passion and entrepreneurial spirit, pharmacist Dr. Oscar Troplowitz, dermatologist Professor Dr. Paul Gerson Unna and chemist Dr. Isaac Lifschütz put their inquiring minds together to share their know-how and intuitive feel for the skin's needs to develop a cream that would revolutionise the world of skin care.

Lifschütz’s earlier discovery – an emulsifier called Eucerit – made the impossible possible. For the first time ever, it permitted the combination of water and oil into a stable emulsion. Enriched with moisturising lipids, oils and delicate fragrance components, a snow-white legend was born that went on to write brand history.

Customer connectivity, innovative strength and team spirit are the reasons why NIVEA was the first skin care cream to enjoy world-wide fame.

Nivea Creme's trendy new international spokesperson is Rihanna. The flamed-haired chanteuse newest single, California King Bed, serves as the theme song for Nivea’s 100 Years Skincare for Life campaign commercials, which you can see below.



It looks good and it makes people around the world look good. It’s versatile and has many talents. Its fragrance arouses childhood memories and it doesn’t need to chase fast-lived trends. It’s perfect just the way it is – a classic and timeless product that is now 100 years old:

Happy Centennial Nivea Creme!

Umbrellas for your shoes - Shuella

“If a woman rebels against high-heeled shoes, she should take care to do it in a very smart hat”
 George Bernard Shaw (Irish, 1925 Nobel Prize for Literature, 1856-1950)

The weather is going from bad to worse these days. Girls know what it’s like to get all dressed up, put on their favorite pair of shoes (my friends know I am a total shoe addict), go out and then be soaked in a summer shower in just a couple of minutes.

Yesterday I came across a great invention called Shuella. The name Shuella says it all. These boots are the combination of shoes and umbrella. The Shuella is basically a rubber boot that any trendy girl can carry with her in her purse and take out at the first sign of rain. It goes perfectly over any type of shoe, from spiked heels to flats, the only sacrifice made with this seemingly revolutionary product being that of comfort over appearance. The Shuella also has a padded sole to avoid slipping or, even worse, tearing the rubber with the heel, and it fits the ankle thanks to several adjustable straps.

"Shuella came about because I was frustrated that every time it would rain or there was inclement weather, I had nothing fashionable and functional to wear that would protect my shoes. I looked everywhere and when I could not find anything suitable, I designed and created them myself.” designer and Shuella founder Rebecca Miller says.

“My goal was to design an extremely stylish, durable and convenient product to carry in your purse or briefcase. Shuellas are easy to put on and strong enough to walk in with a slip free sole. I’ve also included a cloth to wipe off any excess water before you fold them up and put them back in their convenient pouch. I knew if I designed something that met my high standards that they would be perfect for women everywhere.” the designer explains, adding that the Shuellas come in various sizes so that all women can find a pair that suits them like a glove.

SHUELLA was launched in September of 2008 in the US but given the actual weather situation throughout Europe they might just become the next fashion statement this side of the ocean.  SHUELLA'S are availablefor just $49.95.  There is free shipping in the U.S. and they will ship overseas for just a $12.50 shipping fee. (Guess what, I'll be ordring them in PiNK!)

Go ahead, check out these colorful, waterproof  "Umbrellas for your shoes" at their website: www.shuella.com.

Online shopping in Switzerland - at a discount!

“Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping.”
Bo Derek (American Actress, b.1956)

Who doesn't like shopping at a discount? Even better if you don't have to drive miles to get to the next outlet store. Having said that, Europe's greatest Shopping outlet "Foxtown" is 15 km down the road in Mendrisio.

If you prefer to browse and shop from home, however, here are two sites that might interest you. These sites offer private sales of major name brands at highly discounted prices. You'll discover an exclusive variety of products in the following domains : fashion items, accessories, shoes, perfumes, watches, home decoration, design, items for children, travels, fine dining, etc.

Discounts range from 30 to 80% off the retail price depending on the brand.

It is quick and free-of-charge to register on both sites and you are under no obligation to purchase. You'll receive a private invitation, by e-mail before each sale starts. You have the opportunity of buying products round the clock, right from home, or from computers anywhere in the world that has an Internet connection.

My favourite aquisitions are kitchen gadgets and electronic devices. Just check out My Store's current vast offer on i-pad & i-phone accessories or their selection of Fox Trot Accessories. I am a total addict to boxes and the recipe folders are smashing.

On eboutique you'll currently find everything from food processor and lady shavers to garden furniture.
These sales are for a limited time only: two days to two weeks for each sale.

My Private Boutique are selling Alessi and Bodum products, so hurry and have a peek.

Here are the three shopping survival links:

My Store.ch
eboutic.ch
My private boutique.ch

Should you live in Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Spain, the UK or have a mailing address in one of these countries you can also shop at the following site known for exquisite fashion: Vente privee.
European innovator of online private sales, (Yes, they are based in wine-sipping, trend-setting Paris, hence their snazzy name), they have more than 20 years experience in selling exclusive fashion and lifestyle products. Vive la shopping révolution!

Ever heard of Freaker USA ?

Need a funky, groovy post to cheer you up during this rainy autumn-like day?
Check out this freaky video by Freaker to promoter a beverage cooler. Sounds freaky? Well, it actually is BUT exhilaratingly fresh and original.

Freaker USA is a North Carolina based company that is on the forefront of keeping your bottles cool and your hands more comfortable! Zach Crain and the Freaker Team are pursuing the American dream of preventing all moist handshakes with their patent pending product the "Freaker". Freakers are nationally recognized as the one-size-fits-all knit coozie that functionally makes your beverage feel special. Presented in myriad of prismatic designs, the Freaker is a strong, tight knit that keeps your liquids insulated in style.

Q to Zach: Can the Freaker really fit on everything?
A: One size fits all, baby! Our family friends use them for toddler bottles! Our healthy friends use them for sports bottles! Our generous friends use them for gifts of wine! And our debaucherous friends have them on 40 oz of bum wine!




Designer: Zach Crain (United States)
Manufacturer: Freaker USA Inc (United States)
Material: Yarn, spandex
Colours: All
Price: $9 US dollars

For more info click here.

Royal Wedding hat selling on ebay for charity

The much-mocked hat worn by Princess Beatrice to Britain's royal wedding last month -- widely described as looking like a "toilet seat" -- is up for sale on eBay where bids have reached £18,400  ($30'000).

The 22-year-old took a risk donning headgear that many thought would be more appropriate for Lady Gaga. The risky hat choice quickly backfired for her on Facebook. Witness the emergence of "Princess Beatrice's ridiculous Royal Wedding hat," a group dedicated to her headgear that had received more than 18,000 "likes" just hours after the ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Has any topper since Aretha Franklin's unforgettable inauguration hat seen such biting abuse?

The fuss over the hat worn to the royal wedding of her cousin Prince William to longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton seems to have taken Princess Beatrice -- who is the daughter of William's uncle Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson -- by surprise too. "I've been amazed by the amount of attention the hat has attracted," Beatrice said on the auction site. "I hope whoever wins the auction has as much fun with the hat as I have."

Money raised by the sale of the hat will be equally split between two charities: UNICEF and Children in Crisis. The hat, by milliner Philip Treacy, was given a starting price of £5,000 and 31 bidders have placed 60 bids in the last six days.

The eBay site has linked the auction to Facebook where members of the public have celebrated the hat design. Treacy said he was "delighted, flattered and touched by HRH Princess' Beatrice's decision to donate the hat to charity."

The auction continues until May 22. Shipping is Free!!!

The Karl Lagerfeld chocolate hotel room

"If chocolate is the answer, the question is irrelevant."

I came across this photo last week and just couldn't resist sharing this piece of information with my readers. I am a serious chocoholic and always have been. Growing up in Switzerland only fueled my craving. NOTHING beats Swiss chocolate except Belgian pralines!!!

Karl Lagerfeld latest creative venture is a hotel room entirely made from chocolate. The eccentric designer teamed up with Magnum ice cream and chocolatier Patrick Roger to create a chocolate hotel suite at La Reserve in Paris to celebrate the launch of Magnum Ecuador and Ghana ice creams, which are made with specially selected cocoa beans sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms in Ecuador and Ghana.

The whole suite is made from chocolate, including its carpet, headboard, book-filled nightstand and occupant — Lagerfeld’s companion and muse Baptiste Giabiconi, who is depicted eating a Magnum ice cream bar. The Karl Lagerfeld chocolate hotel room was created with 1.5 tons of chocolate, according to WWD. Head to WWD to read the magazine’s full interview with Karl Lagerfeld about his current projects and the chocolate hotel room.

Speaking about the hotel suite, Karl said: "It has been an absolute pleasure to design the Magnum Chocolate Suite. My idea was to flirt with a mix of modern and traditional French influences to create something remarkable."

Had this been my job there wouldn't have been much left to show!!!

Discover the universe of Miss Dior Chérie

“My mother says that when I was little my grandfather used to take me and my cousins on one side after dinner and ask us what we wanted to be when he grew up, and I’d say ‘Christian Dior’,” recalled the French fashion designer Christian Lacroix.” He was so famous in France at the time. It seemed as if he wasn’t a man, but an institution.”

Christian Dior, son of a wealthy Norman manufacturer of chemicals and fertilizer, wanted to be an architect, but his family insisted he enter the diplomatic service. He prepared for a diplomatic career at the Ecole des Sciences Politiques but abandoned diplomacy in 1928 and became an art dealer. Illness forced him to give up that business in 1934, and when he returned to Paris a year later, it was as a fashion illustrator - first of hats, later of dresses.

In 1946, when World War II cloth rationing was lifted, Dior opened his own salon. In the spring of 1947 the success of his first collection, called the "New Look," propelled him to the top of the French fashion industry. His idealized, ultrafeminine silhouette featured tiny waists; long, full skirts; padded busts; and rounded shoulders. Everything was made exquisitely of the best materials available. The New Look changed the shape of women's clothing and lifted the French fashion industry out of the doldrums. For this feat a grateful French government awarded him the Legion of Honor.

His successive collections (including the "H-Line" in 1954 and the "A-Line" in 1955) continued to be popular, and throughout the 1950s the fashion world looked to Paris and Dior for inspiration and style. He expanded his company into eight firms and sixteen associate firms in twenty-four countries, reportedly grossing some $20 million a year. His Dior label went on jewelry, scarves, men's ties, furs, stockings, gloves, and ready-to-wear clothing.

Although Christian Dior died in 1957, he is perhaps one of the most famous fashion designers of both the 20th and 21st centuries. In the years after the debut of his first collection in 1947 he was a legendary figure and the world press developed an extraordinary love affair with him, increasing their enthusiasm with each new collection. Dior never disappointed them, constantly creating clothes that were newsworthy as well as beautiful.

After his death the House of Dior continued under other designers, including his protégé Yves St. Laurent until 1960, then Marc Bohan and the (in-famous) John Galliano.

The Fashion world now awaits his successor, Riccardo Tisci's first show with curiosity.

In the meantime, enter into the fragrance universe of Christian Dior. Watch the new commercial directed by Sofia Coppola and featuring Natalie Portman for the Christian Dior perfume, "Miss Dior Chérie", and listen to the famous French song “Je t’aime… moi non plus” by Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg playing in the background.

Open the various boxes by pulling the ribbon and let yourself be drifted away into a sweet world full of luxury.

Le monde de Miss Dior Chérie 

New Shoe Store opened in Lugano - TOP SHOES

Choosing Shoes

by Frida Wolfe

New shoes, new shoes,

Red and pink and blue shoes.

Tell me, what would you choose,

If they'd let us buy?

Buckle shoes, bow shoes,

Pretty pointy-toe shoes,

Strappy, cappy low shoes;

Let's have some to try.

Bright shoes, white shoes,

Dandy-dance-by-night shoes,

Perhaps-a-little-tight shoes,

Like some? So would I.

BUT

Flat shoes, fat shoes,

Stump-along-like-that shoes,

Wipe-them-on-the-mat shoes,

That's the sort they'll buy.

Once upon a time there was a young charming entrepreneur who had a dream. He took a gutsy decision to leave his comfy job with a multinational company to open up his own universe. With passion and intuition and a little help from his family he created a setting full of fantasy in the center of Lugano. An oasis for shoe lovers.

He learned about his customers and how to cater for them. Desire and business were finely balanced and he is now ready to welcome you, to reveal the talent and disclose his expertise.

As Bette Midler put it so nicely: “Give a girl the correct footwear and she can conquer the world.”

Don't miss visiting this new exquisite shoe store next time you're down town.

TOP SHOES

at Via degli Albrizzi 1, 6900 Lugano

(right next to the Museo Cantonale d'Arte)

A romantic weekend in Paris

“In Paris, everybody wants to be an actor;

nobody is content to be a spectator.”

Jean Cocoteau

"The French are exceptional lovers."

(according to 95% of the French says a RTL radio station ad)