Tuesday 29 April 2014

#FiorelliTravels: Brand Manager Sue Heads to Barcelona!

Last week, our Brand Manager Sue Tebbitts seized the opportunity of a long bank holiday weekend and headed over to the beautiful Barcelona for a couple of days, with some of your Fiorelli favourites in tow! Opting for the Kenzie tote in Summer Mix as to explore during the day, and switching to the Dixie Clutch (with optional shoulder strap) in Limeade for the evenings, she just couldn't wait to share her #FiorelliTravels with you!


Barcelona is the ultimate destination for the culture vulture, and has so many must see sights that you'll be spoilt for choice! No visit to Barcelona is complete without a trip to see the amazing Gaudi designed La Pedera, and our roomy Kenzie tote was the perfect sightseeing companion with plenty of space for all of our essentials. Kenzie bag selfie anyone?! 


Barcelona is also home to Europe's largest football stadium Camp Nou, home to FC Barcelona, and it seats up to 100, 000 people! It's definitely worth a visit if you're a football fan, or if not, it's just amazing to go along and see how big it is.


Like in all cities, there are always several opportunities to go up high and view its great landscape and architecture from a height. The above was taken from the comfort of a cable car that offered amazing views of Barcelona. 


Sampling the local cuisine is always a must too, and Barcelona boasts some of the best tapas bars in the world, and it's safe to say that you also have to eat your fair share of delicious Iberico ham whilst here! We also stumbled upon a rather unexpected sweet haven in the Las Ramblas area with rows and rows of every kind of sweet imaginable. Heaven! 


As the day dawns, the Dixie clutch replaces the Kenzie tote and brightens up the Place de Catalunya with its bright limeade hue! Some of the cities most important streets meet at this point, and it's full of lots of cafés and restaurants to choose from. 

Don't forget you can keep up to date with all of our #FiorelliTravels on Facebook Twitter and Instagram



Sunday 27 April 2014

Trend: Menswear Chic

Menswear chic is a timeless classic that here at Fiorelli HQ, we just can't get enough of! From the catwalks to the streets, it's a look that never goes out of style. Sharp tailoring makes anyone look and feel confident, which is another reason why we love it! 


Tailor Spencer Hart says: "It's about trouser suits - not skirt suits - trouser suits look so much better. It's about getting a suit that looks like you've borrowed it from your boyfriend, but it fits really well. Think Bianca Jagger in the White Suit by Helmut Newton; Patti Smith or Claudia Schiffer."


Whether it's getting a tailor made suit, or borrowing your partners tuxedo jacket and styling it to your look, it's easy to wear to the office or even a night out. Take style inspiration from Alexa Chung, who made a name for herself with her tomboy style. Too masculine? Adding accessories makes for a more interesting look, we'd add a clutch bag like our Dixie for a touch of femininity. 


We'd wear this look with a classic black suit, killer strappy sandals, and our Harper Portfolio Laptop Bag in Cobalt Black. Monochrome is a trend hot off the Autumn/Winter '14 catwalks and adding a splash of colour with cobalt create real look-at-me style.

Are you a fan of the tailored look? Send us your menswear inspired looks via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @Fiorelli_bags


Friday 25 April 2014

Fiorelli Goes Inside the V&A's Glamour of Italian Fashion Exhibition

As you've probably guessed by now, here at Fiorelli HQ, we’re totally fashion obsessed, and so, when we were invited along to the V&A’s press day for The Glamour of Italian Fashion earlier this month, we honestly couldn't contain our excitement.

The exhibition is celebrating Italy’s rich and influential contribution to the world of fashion, right from 1945 until the present day. So, as you can imagine, this means that it’s an exhibition filled with luxurious and glamorous dresses that we spent hours gushing over! And we were honestly spoilt for choice with around 120 ensembles and accessories on display from the likes of Pucci and Versace. 



We've long coveted a jewellery collection à la Elizabeth Taylor, so, it was great to find out that her infamous jeweller of choice Bvlgari are the lead sponsors of this exhibition, with several of their heritage jewels being showcased too. This includes the amazing diamond and emerald necklace that was once given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton as an engagement present. These jewels are rarely seen on public display either, so, as you can imagine, we were pretty excited!


And the question on your lips has to be, what did we wear to attend such an extravagant affair? Well, we took along our stylish Paris cutout tote, which was the perfect size for storing our Italian gift shop purchases inside, which included a limited edition Harpers Bazaar. To celebrate the launch, they've transformed their cover of their latest issue in three iconic Italian prints, we opted for the fabulous Pucci! 



The Glamour of Italian Fashion is an absolute must for any fashion fans! Have you checked it out yet? What was your favourite part? Why not get in touch and tell us on Twitter! Or, for those of you who haven't, it's running until 27 July, so, you've still got plenty of time! 

Wednesday 23 April 2014

Our Buying Rules for Bagoholics!

Without your handbag, you'd feel lost, right? Well, of course you would! Where would you put your can’t-live-without-it phone, inseparable cosmetics and the baby that stores your cash and cards? Every woman needs a bag on her arm, so, why not make it a treat for the eyes too?!


So, before you evoke upon your next shopping spree and purchase that gorgeous piece of arm candy, read our rules to ensure that you'll get the most out of your purchase! 

Rule 1: Mismatched? Miss Out!

If the contents of your wardrobe do not match your bag crush, there’s absolutely no point. As much as you may love that hot pink grab bag, it’s not going to love you if you don’t give it something to work with. Don’t make your bag your enemy, opt for a handbag that will expertly co-ordinate your wardrobe staples instead. 

If you want to play it safe, choose a neutral-coloured accessory such as our Amelia Ziptop Grab Bag available in tempting tan and divine dove, or go a classic monochrome - the Harper Mini Grab Mono is a fantastic choice. Buying a bag that matches your style will not only mean that you’ll get more use out of it, but you’ll save precious time in the mornings too!



Rule 2: Embrace More Classics



Whilst your heart may be drawn to the bags that pop with colour and have eccentric, futuristic prints, it may be wise to consult your head first. Will this bag be relevant to you in a year’s time? If the answer is no, kiss goodbye to it and fall head over heels for another. Are we saying to disregard every on-trend handbag? Absolutely not! Just be sure to think about the cost per wear before purchasing. If you’re looking for a timeless accessory, opt for the Harper Triple Compartment Shoulder Bag. This beauty will never get tired.

Rule 3: Always Choose Quality Over Quantity
The idea of buying three cheap handbags is always going to be more appealing than buying one investment bag, however, if you buy cheap, you buy twice. A bag that costs next to nothing is not going to last anywhere near as long as a bag with a heftier price tag. A designer bag promises years of use, whereas with a cheap high-street bag, you’ll be lucky to see it to the end of the season.  High street fashion is made to be disposable, but a designer high-quality handbag will last significantly longer. 

A leather handbag is always a worthy investment. Our Marla Medium Grab available in both black croc and burgundy is a luxurious leather tote with an embossed croc finish, perfect to take you from day to night.


We’d love to see the bag you’ve purchased after following these trusty rules. Tweet us the new love of your life @Fiorelli_Handbags


Sunday 20 April 2014

Our Favourite Spring Cocktails


Sunshine, is that you? According to nationwide weather reports us Brits could be in for three months of blissful heat. In our book that spells pastel co-ordinated outfits, terrace BBQ’s and plenty of spring cocktails. Enjoy the bank holiday with our guide to the most tempting spring cocktails.


Strawberry and Basil Mojito


We’re not sure what it is about strawberries and basil together but just like chocolate and chilli, it works. We don’t need any excuse to stock up on strawberries and this recipe is simple to whip up for a post-work sip or evening in with the girls.

Ingredients:
-Handful of fresh strawberries
-Large bunch of basil, stalks removed
-Soda water
-White rum
-Flavoured syrup
-Ice
-Decorative straws or embellishments *optional

Method:
1.       Slice the strawberries into quarters and place into a tall glass, add your basil and flavoured syrup.
2.       Using the back of a wooden spoon pummel the mixture together and intensify the flavour.
3.       Add ice if desired.
4.       Finish off with a single measure of white rum and soda water.
Serve with: Chocolate covered pretzels, green olives and mozzarella topped bruschetta

Blood Orange Margaritas


Blood oranges have an amazing sweet taste which works really well in this modern take on the traditional margarita. With March through to May being prime blood orange season, there’s never a better time to put your twist on this signature drink.

Ingredients:
-½ cup of blood orange juice
-2 generous tablespoons of lime juice plus lime wedges for garnish
-3 single measures of Cointreau
-4 tablespoons of tequila
-Ice
-Sugar
-Pink food colouring

Method:
  1. Moisten the rim of the glass with water.
  2. Mix together a drop of food colouring with sugar then turn the glass upside down and dip it in the sugar. Twist to get more sugar on the glass if desired.
  3. Pour 1 ½ measures of Cointreau and 2 tablespoons of tequila into each glass.
  4. Next add your blood orange juice (you can either squeeze this yourself or buy freshly squeezed blood orange juice) and lime juice.
  5. Stir the concoction and garnish with lime umbrellas. Ta-da!
  6. Serve With: Salsa topped nachos, mortadella and cucumber feta rolls.
We’d love to know which spring recipes are tickling your fancy this April. Tweet us your spring favourite’s @Fiorelli_Handbags.


Wednesday 16 April 2014

Bank Holiday Beauty

The Easter bank holiday is almost upon us and what better time to relax and pamper yourself! Here at Fiorelli HQ, we have several beauty favourites we wanted to share with you for the weekend ahead!

Body
Start your Bank Holiday with a long, hot bath to unwind from the week and feel refreshed for the weekend ahead with Shiffa's 1001 Roses Luxury Milk Bath: this 100% organic bath milk contains the most luxurious ingredients: Rosa Centifolia and Rosa Damask, vitamin-rich aloe vera, mineral-rich sea salt, natural clays and jasmine for ultimate peace and tranquillity.


Nails
Get Spring ready, with Easter pastels and brights on your fingers and toes as seen at Burberry Prorsum, Fausto Puglisi, Gareth Pugh and Just Cavalli. 


Hair
Here at Fiorelli HQ, we've been practising our hair braiding skills for Spring inspired by the catwalks at Rebecca Minkoff and Giles. On second day hair, texturise with some mousse and create a plait to suit your natural style, whether it's braids pinned up or a long loose side fishtail, make the style your own for the weekend.


Make Up
We've been keeping make up light for Spring, with a simple dusting of blusher or bronzer and light dusting of pastel eyeshadow and lipgloss applied to the lower lip.

Keep your Spring make up at hand in one of our stylish clutch bags like our Dixie in Summer Mix with Raffia detailing for perfect Spring/Summer style.


How will you be pampering yourself this Bank Holiday weekend? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or via Facebook or Twitter

Monday 14 April 2014

#FiorelliTravels: Lisa and Sue head to China

As promised, we’re going to take you behind the scenes on the latest leg of Lisa and Sue’s #FiorelliTravels to China, as they searched for new season design inspiration with of course the obligatory factory visit along the way!


After such a hectic few days in Japan, followed by a fleeting visit to Hong Kong, where they got to soak up its finest scenery from aboard a ferry, the final destination was China!



One of the best parts of evoking upon design trips, is getting the chance to totally submerge yourself in another culture, which luckily for us, also includes the opportunity to sample new and delicious cuisines. We'll be honest in admitting that we're not always too sure as to what we're eating but sometimes it's more fun that way! 



Filling our faces aside, visiting China presents us with the opportunity to see which kinds of colours and leathers are going to be available for the season ahead, which we combine with all of the other inspiration that we've derived to create our brand new collection. And what a collection its going to be!


Thanks to our trip, our plans for S/S '15 are now already in full swing. We're really excited about our new designs, and rest assured, we've got quite the treat in store for you! 

Which style of bags are you most looking forward to for S/S 15? Don't miss out! - Make sure that you stay up to date with all things Fiorelli on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook



Friday 11 April 2014

Preview: Fiorelli Autumn/Winter 2014

You may have seen some images of the new Fiorelli collection on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram feeds from our recent Press Day. However, as dedicated Fiorelli Style Notes readers, we wanted to give you an exclusive preview of our new range for Autumn/Winter 2014.


Our Leonie and Serena purses below are a small preview of our upcoming range of purses, in a range of patent and leather look finishes to suit any handbag:


We created a range of classics in neutrals, perfect for everyday chic, and as you can see the tote bag is here to stay:


With a real passion for brights and florals as seen in our Spring/Summer collections, we wanted to make sure we continue to brighten your outfits next season with our Annaline and Rose bags:


A firm favourite at the Press Day was our Riva Large Tote, the Riva range uses various textures for a real designer look. This piece fits all your essentials for the perfect every day bag.


Matching your purse with your bag, is a timeless look, we created this beautiful berry mock-croc combination perfect to perk up any wardrobe and suit any outfit.


The Autumn/Winter collection will be available on Fiorelli.com from June onwards, but in the meanwhile don't forget to tell us which is your favourite A/W piece, by leaving us a comment below or via Facebook and Twitter



Thursday 10 April 2014

Mini-Break Mania

The April and May bank holidays are finally within touching distance so if you haven’t already made plans for the 4 day extravaganza; allow us to lend a hand. Get your mini-break mojo on with the help of Fiorelli.

Feel the Heat in Montpellier


Flight comparison website Skyscanner is an ideal tool for arranging last minute mini breaks. A quick browse for the April bank holiday dates returns flights to Montpellier in France for just £133 per round-trip.

Situated in the South of France, Montpellier is a cosmopolitan city with excellent transport links to the local beach allowing visitors to enjoy the best of both worlds on their holiday. Grab a cocktail in Place Jean Jaurès – a central square packed full of luxurious bars, head to Brasserie Vert Anglais for a lavish lunch and shop to your heart’s content at Odysseum - Montpellier’s best shopping centre.


For all out decadence stay at Pullman Montpellier Antigone, the city’s top rated hotel. Tuck into complimentary croissants at breakfast, take a dip in the pool, relax in ultra-modern rooms and enjoy the benefit of staying a mere hop, skip and jump away from the city centre.
And the best thing about Montpellier? The weather heats up around this time of year with average temperatures falling in the mid 20’s. Bliss!

Get Glam in Edinburgh


Glamorous isn’t the first thought that springs to mind when we think of Scotland, but deal hunter Travelzoo are offering a package to Edinburgh which promises to be just that. Available on the first May bank holiday, the £120 deal offers an upgraded stay for 2 people at 5-star Hotel Missouni and a traditional Scottish breakfast.

The hotel has been named as “the most glamorous place to stay in Edinburgh” by The Guardian and has been designed by Italian fashion label Missouni. The hotel is a fashionistas dream and is decked out with stylish hanging lights, plush polka dot sofas and an amazing cocktail bar where the locals regularly hang out.

Edinburgh itself is a great walking city and home to a number of high-class restaurants such as Castle Terrace Restaurant which has won a Michelin star for its culinary achievements. Choose from artisan mains such as ‘roasted tail of North Sea monkfish wrapped in Ayrshire ham and served on a bed of crisp potatoes’ and wash it all down with more delicious cocktails- the Bamboo Cobbler is amazing!

Indulge in London


Alternatively, if going abroad is off the cards this year then why not take advantage of the capital’s best local deals? One such deal is The Park Terrace Restaurant in Kensington which is offering diners an irresistible bank holiday offer with a 5-star dinner and drinks for 2 totalling just £59.

Diners can feast on a generous 3 course meal from the a la carte menu, sip a complimentary cocktail and finish their meal off with a mouth-watering cheese board…Which way to Kensington?

We’d love to know where you’ll be spending the upcoming bank holidays. Tweet us your favourite holiday destinations at Fiorelli_Bags and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest Fiorelli news.


Monday 7 April 2014

#FiorelliTravels: Lisa and Sue Head to Japan for Design Inspiration

Our head designer Lisa has been off on her #FiorelliTravels seeking design inspiration once more! Can you believe that she’s already thinking about a collection for Spring/Summer '15?!

This time however, she was joined by our brand manager Sue Tebbitts, beginning their trip in Japan, and then, going on to Hong Kong and ending in China. It’s been quite the trip and as they've got so much to show you, today we’re going to reveal what they discovered in Japan, - and we’ll just have to leave you hanging until next week for the rest!



Inspiration for new designs can be derived from absolutely anywhere, so, when visiting a different country it’s good to see lots of different things from its cultural habits to its fashion scene. So, Lisa and Sue ensured that they completely emerged themselves within Japanese culture, and of course, sampling the local cuisine (including live shrimp!) or checking out traditional Japanese clothing was definitely a must!


Different traditions and beliefs are always interesting to see, such as this Japanese prayer wall which lets people write down their prayers and tie them onto the string. 


Naturally, part of Lisa's travels always includes checking out the country's shopping scene. We know, it's a tough part of the job but somebody has to do it! Japan is known for its crazy fashion trends and quirky aesthetics, and nothing quite screams Japan more than this boutique's changing room covered in teddy bears! 


Promotional launches always seem to be as flamboyant as possible too! Just look at this pop up display for a new beauty range that Lisa spotted. Would't she look great with a giant Fiorelli handbag upon her arm?! 


After a couple of days spent soaking up all of the natural beauty and quirky traits that Japan has to offer, it was time to jet off to Hong Kong...

Make sure that you keep up with all of our news by following us on Facebook Twitter and Instagram

Friday 4 April 2014

Powerful Female Characters in TV

We’re in television series limbo at the moment, waiting for the new series of addictive shows like Mad Men and Game of Thrones to air is so hard when we just have to know: Will Daenerys Targaryen take back the iron throne? Is Bob Benson really Don’s secret son? In anticipation of this year’s best television shows, let’s take a look at some of television’s most powerful female characters.


Joan Holloway in Mad Men


Christina Hendricks is so fierce in Mad Men that she was voted “Sexiest Woman in the World” by female readers of Esquire magazine for her role as Joan Holloway. The Mad Men series focuses on a male dominated advertising agency set in 1960’s America.

We are introduced to Joan in Series 1 where she plays the assertive office manager taking control of client communication and overseeing the agencies operational tasks.

Throughout the show Joan is torn between settling as a typical 1960’s housewife or pursuing her real ambition as a successful business woman. By series 6 Joan has followed her dreams and become an official business partner at the Sterling Cooper advertising agency- an impressive job title for a female given the era.
With Series 7 around the corner, we can’t wait to see what the oh-so stylish Joan Holloway will do next.

Most memorable quote: “It’s a very brave person who does something anonymously.”

Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones


Despite Game of Thrones being set in a medieval fantasy era, Daenerys Targaryen manages to look flawless in every episode. Played by English actress Emilia Clarke, Daenerys has long-flowing blonde curls, porcelain skin and can often be spotted wearing ethereal Grecian dresses. However, despite her innocent looks, Daenerys is no wallflower.

The last surviving Targaryen in the fictional seven kingdoms, Daenerys is on a mission to take back the iron throne and become queen. Armed with 3 fire-breathing pet dragons and a fleet of loyal servants, Daenerys’ bravery throughout the show makes her one of the most powerful female characters in TV.
And she’s something of a style icon too; high end fashion designers have even inspired their collections around Daenerys creating plunging neckline swimsuits, bold leggings and sassy skirts.


Most memorable quote: “He was no dragon. Fire cannot kill a dragon.”


Lydia Rodarte-Quayle in Breaking Bad


Strong female TV characters don’t come tougher than Lydia Rodarte-Quayle. On the surface Lydia appears to be nervous and shy, but under the surface she is calculated and quick-witted in a way that none of the other BB female characters even come close to.

The show which has been voted as the “Highest Rated Television Series of All Time” by IMDB, is an edge of the seat affair which will keep you guessing from start to finish as you try to figure out who is good and who is evil. We don’t want to give too much away about Lydia just in case you haven’t caught Breaking Bad fever yet, but she is definitely one to watch.

Lydia Rodarte-Quayle Style: Sporting superstar sunglasses, tight little black dresses and designer handbags, we love Lydia’s style in Breaking Bad. Channel Lydia’s all-black-everything approach to fashion with a statement handbag like the Fiorelli Bronte Tote - you’ll want to take it everywhere. 



There are so many strong female characters in TV shows that we found it hard to pick just three. Who is your favourite? Let us know by leaving a comment, or tweet us @Fiorelli_Bags!