ANNINA’S PICKS | THE HARLOW

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WHY WE BROKE UP

Posted on September 3, 2013 by Anna Torossi

As nothing compares to very first love emotions – those feelings that will last forever, no matter what; that naive belief that everything is possible, mainly in the name of love – I think that nothing hits as hard as its end, in particular when “you should have known”. And “WHY WE BROKE UP” is a cruel book because it makes you feel all that again, and it does it in such a good way that it actually breaks your heart again, even if you are a so-called adult.

The book is a long letter that Min writes to Ed, to accompany every one and single object that marked their story, from the first time they spoke to the inevitable end. And not only every object is a step in their love, but it’s also a reason why their love end was inevitable. You can’t help but being trapped by this book, even if you know it will end badly, and still, you will not be able to stop reading it, because it’s written in such a way that it will make swirl into this beautiful and oh-so-realistic story. I’ll never forgive Daniel Handler for making me ache so bad, but I also have to thank him. Sometimes we tend to forget who we were and what we felt, but that is actually the substance we are made of and if we find something that is able to make us feel such emotions, that makes us feel so ALIVE, than, we should keep it as treasure. That is why I’m recommending this book to everyone. Why We Broke Up, turned out to be as precious as a rare gem to me and I hope it will do the same effect on you.

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PARIS 1962, A BOOK BY JERRY SCHATZBERG

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Anna Torossi

A few weeks ago it was my birthday and I received one of the most beautiful gifts I could ever hope to get, “Paris 1962“. This big, amazing book is a documentation by Jerry Schatzberg of the first Yves Saint Laurent independent collection and that year’s Marc Bohan collection for Christian Dior. What I love most about it, and the reason because it was chosen for me between many other books, is the fact that photos are behind-the-scenes images. There are no slick images of mannequins and famous people since they are portrayed while working, relaxing or talking and this is the kind of photography I love the most. When you open “Paris 1962” you feel like you’re in a movie and you are shifted in a old world, in which fashion looked like something really special and somehow intimate. So, if you love fashion and photography, get yourself this amazing book, or, why not!, have someone get it for you. You won’t be disappointed, it’s definitely a must have in your bookshelf.

http://paris1962.net/

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LIVING IN A WORLD MADE OF CANDIES

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Anna Torossi

You don’t have to be a close friend of mine to know that I love dresses with great details, even though I don’t have too many occasions to wear them. Vivetta got my eye when I saw one of her hands collar top, a tiny, yet unique and particular detail that made me want to know more about this designer. And that’s how I became obsessed. All Vivetta’s garments look like they could be worn by someone living in a world made of candies and inhabited by unicorns. I think they are perfect to bring some color and a smile in our lives full of worries. Looking at the new collection, the hands collar and the optical illusion dress are great, simple, yet so particular and chic. One of my personal favorites is the light blue dress with the skirt blended with yellow and pink, but the one I love the most is the sparkly dress with the bow hinted on the bodice. When I see this dress I imagine a great party in a beautiful country house, being ready to chat and dance with friends all night long. Wouldn’t it be perfect? If you love details and vintage inspired dresses with a contemporary twist, Vivetta’s fashion is just what you’re looking for.

http://www.vivetta.it

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LAVA LAVA LOVE, BOTH

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Anna Torossi

Girls are strange creatures. They are often attracted by bad boys and then complaining about the fact that guys are mean, but, when they find a good guy, you can hear them complaining about the boredom. To make girls happy there should be boys that are good and mean at the same time — or they should date two boys.

That’s the story in “Both”, the new single from Lava Lava Love, a pop band from Verona. The voice of Florencia, the singer, narrates exactly this duplicity: dating two boys, one good and one mean because “both of you are good to me” and she just can’t choose. I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it at one of their gigs and, believe me, it is so catchy that you’ll soon find yourself dancing in the living room, singing as loud as you can. Lava Lava Love new album, “Au Printemps”, will be released early in March and “Both” is the first single, trust me and listen to it, you’ll love it immediately.

http://lavalavalove.bandcamp.com/ Continue Reading →

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THAT CHANEL DRESS

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Anna Torossi

You already know I have an incredible fascination for fairy tales and that’s probably the reason why I like so much this incredible Chanel Resort 2013 dress. The very first time I saw it was when I purchased the latest issue of Lula Magazine and I had the option to choose the cover: I had no doubt. The soft pastel tones, like spring in watercolors and the cute, little, white flowers applied on the bodice make this item perfect to feel like in a fairy tale. This piece is part of a very girly collection inspired by eighteenth century Versailles, with panniers and lots of decorations. I also love this dress because it’s much less structured than others and embellishments are not as ostentatious.

To be honest, in a dress like this I would probably look even younger than I already do. It makes me think about Sunday afternoons in spring, when flowers are in full bloom, and I daydream looking at the sky. I must say that, in this foggy days and with the cold season still ahead, the thought of this dress is very promising. So, I’ll keep looking at it and imagine all the scenarios that inspires and waiting for Spring to come: at times dresses can be carriers that take you to places where you need to be when you can’t be.

http://www.chanel.com/it_IT/

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A SEQUINED CHRISTMAS

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Anna Torossi

Holidays are approaching and I’m getting more and more excited. I love Christmas decorations all around town, all the beautiful lights gleaming in the dark afternoon, not to mention how much I like to “dress up” my home for the festive days. When it comes to holidays, I try to dress accordingly. What goes with Christmas better than some sparkles? A lot of sparkles! That’s why I’m definitely going to ask Santa for Jimmy Choo Tessa sequined leather pumps. This beautiful pair of sandals has all the sparkles you need to make a simple look more festive and special. There are two versions of these great shoes, bronze or gold, so that you can choose the color accordingly to your look and your preference. Personally, I love the gold version, probably because I usually dress with dark colors and this shade would add a little warmth that is just what I need. Aren’t they perfect for a Christmas party or New Year’s Eve? I think I’m going to write my letter to Santa right away, you never know I might be late and he can’t find them!

Photo via The-Luxlife.com

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IN LOVE WITH FALL, LAZZARI

Posted on October 29, 2012 by Anna Torossi

I’m hopelessly in love with fall. The chilly air and the falling leaves’ colors have an unquestionable charm on me. Moreover, I love getting dressed in this season, because I can wear warm, but not heavy, sweaters and thick tights, that are my favorite ones. Combine this with a ’70s allure and you’ll understand why I adore the fall/winter Lazzari collection. Its style is a combination of grown-up items and fairytale inspired prints, perfect for young women that want to dress properly without being too serious. The prevalent color in the collection is brown, declined in almost every possible shade, with incursions of blue and red, and romantic prints like hearts, fawns and unicorns. My favorite items are the brown fawn-printed shorts and the red Montgomery with heart-shaped elbow patches that makes me think of a modern little red riding hood. The must have of this collection is surely the blue outlined cape: warm and romantic with the little bow on the back it reminds me of “Moonrise Kingdom”‘ Suzy Bishop style.

http://www.lazzarionline.com

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THE DOWNING CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL

Posted on October 11, 2012 by Anna Torossi

When I started University, I also started to look forward and bring a little style in my faculty. Full of geniuses of course, but certainly lacking in the “fashion department”. I admit that sometimes I surrender to the power of handiness and use a backpack, but I’m in love with the English classic style, so it’s no surprise that I always wanted a big and beautiful Cambridge satchel. I simply adore the new limited edition, the Downing. Inspired by a visit to the UK’s Prime Minister house, this satchel is characterized by Oxblood and Navy blocks. Red and blue are two of my great passions and seeing them together is paradise for me. I find this new collection elegant and, as always with the Cambridge satchels, practical. Moreover it is presented in a range of sizes from 11 to 14 inches, meeting the most various needs. Completed by a top handle and shoulder strap, I think the Downing will soon become a must have. I want one really bad and I’m paradoxically sorry that my studying days are ending soon but I’m also sure I will find a way to use this great bag as an everyday companion of my future working days.

http://cambridgesatchel.co.uk/

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THE SEARCH BY DRAKE DOREMUS

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Anna Torossi

When you are just a little girl, your dream is living in a fairytale lost in a great forest. Of course your prince is coming and rescuing you. When you are little girl you also try your mother’s clothes and her shoes. Oh those high heels, the dreaming of being an adult, to wear what you want when you want. Now that I’m a so-called grown up, though I always feel a little like a child inside, when I saw the film for the new Sergio Rossi campaign I was thrown back in my childhood dreams.
Directed by Drake Doremus, “The Search” is a short film presenting the Spring/Summer 2013 collection. We can see a girl, maybe from an another world, searching for something in a forest, following a map. She looks like she is moving in a dream, with the light passing through the trees’ branches illuminating her. She wears these amazing shoes, high heeled and embellished with graphic designs and precious decorations. You look at her feet, moving through the trees and you are captured by the colors, the simple, yet sophisticated geometric decorations that adorn those heels. Searching and searching. Will she ever find what she’s looking for?

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THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Anna Torossi

Harold Fry is a retired English man living his quiet life in Devon with his wife Maureen. One day he receives a letter from an old colleague, Queenie. She is writing to tell him that she is dying and giving him a farewell. Harold tries to write something as an answer and goes to the nearest mailbox, but he is not satisfied with his decision, so he walks to the next one hoping to feel a little relieved. He then realizes that he just can’t send his poor letter, so he begins to walk and walk, embarking in a trip through England to give the last goodbye to Queenie.

This touching novel, written by Rachel Joyce, has been very successful all over the world. Valentina was so touched by this story that decided to embark on the same trip as Harold, writing on her blog everyday on one of the fundamental themes of the book. Also, she will be posting on her Tumblr () and Twitter () accounts photos and impressions of her trip and of all the people she will be meeting. When I heard from her of this great adventure she was undertaking, I was so admired and somehow envy of this experience that I couldn’t help but share it with you all.
Go and follow Harold and Valentina’s trip and be fascinated by this wonderful story.

www.malapuella.it

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WILDFOX

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Anna Torossi

When I was in high school I was surrounded by upper-middle-class conformist teens. After just one year, or so, I decided to try to be different, to add some twists to the prevailing look en vogue between the schoolboys, to listen to different music and so on. Clearly at the time I did just a little but since then I always dreamed of being in a different place, of being somehow different, more free-spirited and romantic than I was. When I discovered Wildfox Couture I saw that: a brand representing all those changements I was looking for. With a vintage inspiration, Wildfox fashion makes me think about California, nights on the beach and secrets shared with girlfriends after a wild getaway. Could I ask for more?

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THE BEAUTY INSIDE

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Anna Torossi

Let’s be honest with ourselves, we say that the look doesn’t matter, that what actually matter is on the inside. But in reality we all give importance to our looks, we are concerned about what we show to other people. So, what would happen if we could change appearance every day? This is what “The Beauty Inside” explores. “The Beauty Inside” is a “social film” developed on Facebook, where the audience can create the story and also star in the lead role. Every thursday since August 16th, an episode of the story is published online and we get a look at Alex’s life, a life haunted by a peculiar condition: every day he wakes up as a different person with all the consequences that this can imply. The story will develop in six episodes, three were already published. Needless to say I’m already enchanted by this story. Directed by Drake Doremus, you can find “The Beauty Inside” on Facebook and Youtube.

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DAVID DOWNTON – A MASTER OF FASHION ILLUSTRATION

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Anna Torossi

We all know the masters of fashion photography, we can see their pictures in many magazines every month, but what about fashion illustration? Maybe because when I was younger I was kind of artistic, I was attracted by a big book called “100 Years of Fashion Illustration” and I was so lucky to have a friend giving it to me for Christmas. That’s how I discovered the art of David Downton. This illustrator work caught my attention with just one look at the book cover, and then, once I got to know his drawings, he conquered my heart. What makes his work very special to me it’s that with a very minimalistic style he is able to catch and reproduce all the details that make a dress or one of his muses so special. In few words, he captures the essence of his subject. His drawings are always elegant and sophisticated, whether it’s a portrait or a fashion show report. I just can’t get enough of David Downton.

You can find his work at:

http://www.daviddownton.com/

He also runs a blog for Vogue UK with his shows’ reports and some interviews:

http://www.vogue.co.uk/blogs/david-downton

Drawing above, Lily Cole.

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LITTLE CONTROL FREAK, DANCE

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Anna Torossi

Despite what peope think, I’m kind of a messy girl and my mother is always complaining since I’m not able to be more disciplinate. But inside myself, lies a little control freak that showed herself when I began dancing. It was quite a shock to me finding out that by following rules and having discipline I could be able to be as graceful as dancers I always envied.
I really miss dancing, so when I found Chelsea P. Rowe dance photographs my heart skipped a beat. Far away from the stereotyped images often offered to us when we search for dance photos, full of pretty ballerinas and dancing couples, her shots convey all the power and the grace that dancers have. Also in these images we can see all the tension in the bodies and the hard work that must be behind such graceful and plastic poses. Chelsea is a dancer herself and that gives us a privileged view on dancing and movement, a view we would probably never get from photos taken by a profane.
If you want to see what dance is made of, take a look here:

http://www.cprowe.com/

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THE ASPEN TOP, TATTY BROWN

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Anna Torossi

A couple of months ago I was asked why I seem to privilege peculiar garments, when usually, in “social” situations, I am the kind of girl that stays on the background. The answer is very simple: I like to be one of a kind and when it comes to clothing it is very easy to be dressed as thousands of others. What prompted the question was the fact that I wore an Aspen top by Tatty Brown, and that is a very particular item. I literally bumped in Miranda, Tatty Brown’s designer, when I was in London this Spring, at Spitalfields Market and I was enchanted by her tops, embellished with tulle petals on the shoulders, of many different colours. I literally fell in love with my top and my only concern is that I can’t wear it as much as I would like to. Brown’s creations are handmade and she decided to keep her business small. Every garment actually is one of a kind .Featured in many magazines and worn by celebrities, the demand is so high that she’s now focusing on a new collection to be launched in 2013. If you want to feel unique and are not afraid to wear something quirky, I suggest you take a look at her website and, if you can’t wait until next year, maybe plan a trip to London!

http://www.tattybrown.com/