The Ladybug is a Photogenic Lovebug in Verona: Visiting the Gordon Parks Photography Expo

There are really a few cities in Italy that have a magic sound to me: cities I go to because I am a victim of their enchanting sound and atmosphere.

One of these cities is Verona. Maybe it’s because of the romantic aura of the place, maybe the beauty along the river, or the arena, the amazing food… maybe all of this, but now that I’m not too far from it- I try to get there as often as I can.

I was in a sort of abstinence from Verona, so when I read that Gordon Parks’ photography expo “An American Story” was showing there, I decided to go and have a look (also because I missed it when it was in Milan last year). The expo was AMAZING: I am in love with Parks’ work and it was very well displayed and curated… definitely an expo to see if it happens not far from you.

Of course I also took some time for shopping (at Lazzari, of course), eating  some of the town’s deliciousness and hanging around like a tourist!

Here are some of the pictures that I took there! I am wearing a Zara floral shirt and orange mini skirt that I paired with a vintage ’70s tangerine handbag that I bought in a vintage shop in Florence a few years ago.

I added my new favorite pair of espadrilles, animal printed and soft leather from Dune London.

My frames, also vintage, are from L’Opposto: a find from Reggio Emilia vintage fair last year.

The Ladybug Brings Flowers to The Father: “Thank You!”

I must confess that I feel a bit emotional while writing this post…

The morning I took these pictures, KNAGUI & I encountered a life prioritizing experience that I will probably never forget. So after the initial shock and inset of the feeling that we’re blessed and purposed, I decided to dress with colorful flowers and enjoy a beautiful and sunny day in Milan.

KNAGUI and I pilgrimed to the Duomo; there I asked him to take some joyful pictures!

I wanted to feel the sun, the joy and the gratefulness of that day, that’s why I decided to wear this beautiful, bright colored vintage skirt that I bought in Valeggio during “Valeggio veste il vintage” last May.

I know; I still paired it with all black, but I didn’t want to put too much thought into the outfit that day… I only knew that I wanted to wear my floral skirt!! I paired it with a simple black t-shirt and black accessories: Marc by Marc Jacobs mouse ballet flats and Max & Co handbag.

I’m also wearing round retro inspired turtle frames from L’Opposto (I bought them in Reggio Emilia at the Vintage Fair).

[Photo Credit: KNAGUI]

The Ladybug’s a Rockin’ Robin at the “Rockin’T’Park” in Milano

Two weeks ago I was invited by my friend Angela Eupani, CEO of Sculptures to Wear, to the first Vintage Festival Expo, which happened in Milan on the 15^th and 16^th of June.

I really like to go to the very first edition of Fairs or expos because, unless it’s a reincarnation of a previously named event, you have nothing to compare it to and they appear as something completely new. When I read the flyer, I immediately got excited about the program: the Festival was a real tribute to America and Americana. It put together the best of Rock’n Roll, Jazz, Country-Western and Rockabilly styles. From dancing classes and free dance floor, to workshops and exhibitions on burlesque, jive and boogie-woogie; from vintage styling to a vintage cars expo and of course, a vintage market with clothes, accessories, toys, books, posters, vinyl and furniture.

Let me say that the promises were definitely kept! I decided to spend my afternoon (and night!) there just hanging around and spending some time with Angela. No need to say that I hellicoptered the main area with the vintage market and the rockabilly style!!

I was very pleased to find many new stallers that I hadn’t met before, like the lovely Sweet and Ginger who had the nicest handmade rockabilly accessories or the place where I bought this lovely handmade fascinator that got my attention from the moment it caught my eye (damn, I’m getting old and I can’t remember the nice lady name!)

For the occasion I am wearing a vintage red dress from Rokit London in Brick Lane, a pair of studded red ankle boots and a pair of retro inspired frames from Lopposto in Forlì.

After some burlesque exhibitions and, as you can see, a bit of shopping; I headed to Angela’s stall where I spent most of my time! I met Angela in Belgioioso at Next Vintage in April, and maybe you remember me mentioning her because she was the seller of that cerise red Balenciaga that I saw there.

We decided to keep in touch and we did indeed: Angela is a tireless source of ideas, tips and advice on almost everything: from blogging, to selling, to vintage and event planning and marketing. I could stay hours listening to her and to her stories and ideas. As in Belgioioso, here too her stall was full of beautiful things, I took some pictures to show you some of my favorite pieces.

She is not just a seller of beautiful things (especially wonderful designer handbags!), she’s also a vintage stylist and researcher who organizes incredible shows and events related to vintage fashion (like the very famous Vintage Workshop) and she works on spreading the love and passion that she has for vintage fashion and jewels. You can find her here.

Oh… I forgot to tell you… I came back home with this! The Balenciaga Le Dix Motorcycle in red cerise is finally mine!! (Special thanks to “Sculpture to Wear” and Angela!)

The Ladybug Shops Like It’s 1999: “Vintage – La Moda Che Vive Due Volte” in Reggio Emilia

I know I’ve been very quiet lately… but you know why? I have been crazy busy with some great events (oh yes, work too!) that I’ve barely had the time to write about them. But I am here and you will know all about it!

I left you in Belgioioso, end of April, for the Next Vintage event and I announced a series of vintage fairs that I was planning to attend. The weekend after, indeed, I was heading with some friends to the area of Reggio Emilia to spend a lovely weekend of sport, shopping and tourism!

Romagna Fiere (the organizer of the Forlì Vintage Fair that you may remember because I’ve been there a couple of times) decided to add some more dates to the regular fair in Forlì (probably one of the most famous Italian vintage fairs) and the first weekend of May Reggio Emilia was the center of Italian vintage and retro dealers.

If you’ve been, least once, to the Forlì vintage Fair- it is easy to recognize the familiar atmosphere and style, which I like a lot. The Fair is maybe more sober compared to others (where the location adds a lot to the event), but sometimes I like the typical fair event!

It was an occasion to meet old and new friends: I finally met with Laura from Oggetti Smarriti (one of my favorite vintage eyewear sellers), and with the guys from L’Opposto in Forlì (it was time for my sweet college memories!) and with the amazing hat artist of Stondo from Florence. But I met some new friends and made some good discoveries like: Tabata’, Magnifica Preda or the Silk Ribbon Sisters, an awesome and funny group of burlesque performers with a love for history, cabaret, dance and beauty!

Let me say that I was particularly in the mood for shopping that Sunday… especially because this was the eyewear edition and you know how much I love glasses!

Punti di Vista proposed a very interesting expo on the history of eyewear, presenting some wonderful pieces by decades and I was, as usual, amazed by the ’50s and ’60s frames.

In addition to this beautiful handmade straw hat from Stondo Firenze, I got 4 pair of glasses!!

From L’Opposto, I picked up these vintage inspired frames

and found an amazing Yves Saint Laurent piece from  the ’80s sold by Oggetti Smarriti

and what about these pure 1950s beauties from Tabata’?

It’s obvious my shopping day theme song was “Insatiable” by Prince because I continued my spree during our city tour in the center of Reggio Emilia There I found a quaint vintage shop (“Un altro giro di giostra”) with a lovely owner (Ledi) where I got this TO-DIE-FOR navy leather handbag.