Mad for Milan — It’s the Latest Stop in or “Holiday Shopping Around the World” Gift Guide
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas which means our Holiday Shopping Around the Girl Gift Guide is drawing near to its inevitable end. But, before we put on our Santa hats and rock around the Christmas tree, we’re making a few more pit stops in our magic carpet ride. The latest stop is none other than Italy’s fashion capital, the home to such fashion houses as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Armani. Yes, we’re moseying on to Milan!
Check out these gift options inspired by Milan!
Versace Home Apollo Cushion, $275. Available at US.Versace.com
Though Apollo was originally a Greek God, ancient Romans also came to worship the good of the sun, of light, of music and poetry. Since as early as the 2nd century AD, Roman sculptors were crafting mammoth pieces in honor of the god, among them the “Apollo Citharoedus” marble statue current houses inside in one of the Vatican’s museums. This stunning pillow pays homage to Apollo with golden illustration of him standing atop a chariot led by winged horses. A circular rim with petal-like outer edges frames this illustration, while Baroque-inspired swirl, star, and leaf patterns filling its interior. Measuring 18″ by 18″, this pillow will add a sense of luxury to any chaise, sofa, or chair.
Miu Miu Stage Clutch, $1495. Available at MiuMiu.com
Even your handbags can be covered in gems! Look at this Miu Miu clutch, measuring 13.4″ in length, 8.3″ in height, and 1.4″ in depth, and featuring a strap measuring 52cm in length. A true spotlight-stealer, the Miu Miu Stage Clutch is made of a dark purple nappa leather sewn to create a quilted effect, a gold-toned turn-lock close adorned with Swarovski crystals, and a detachable shoulder strap with faceted round and oval crystal Plexiglass and Swarovski crystals.
M Missoni Textured Knit Cotton Blend Skirt, $395. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
Milan-based fashion label Missoni has amassed legions of fans based on its knitwear, which typically includes geometric patterns ranging from zigzag lines to rows of diamond shapes. This cotton-blend pencil skirt is classy and office-ready, but it’s also sharp enough to spark its own water cooler conversations thanks to the optical illusion created by the contrasting dimensions and sizes. Horizontal rows of diamonds in red, aubergine, olive, white, teal, and ink blue cover the waist and hip area, then shrink immediately along the center of the garment, expanding again near the hemline.
Moschino Ankle Boots, $628. Available at MoschinoBoutique.com
These imposing, ankle-high boots feature a crossover strip adorned with a diagonal row of sergeant-worthy, gold-toned, domed round buttons. The front of the boot, meanwhile, boasts a 5 cm-high platform with a lugged sole and a metallic trim, while the covered heel stands 12cm tall. For easier on-and-off, the leather boot includes a rear zip closure.
Portolano 10o% Cashmere Gloves with Rosette Flowers, $59. Available at Portolano.com
These heather gray cashmere gloves, measuring 9″ in length, incorporate very subtle piping and feature ladylike rosettes all around the cuff area for a classy twist.
Roberto Cavalli Printed Silk-Georgette Maxi Dress, $1625. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
No one does animal prints quite like Roberto Cavalli, and this garment showcases his dexterity in this realm. This 100% silk maxi dress billows and moves with ease, adding a feminine ease that counteracts the ferocious, bold quality of the spotted print. Orange satin-twill trim marks the keyhole accent along the bust area and adorns the top of the bustline, harmonizing with the solid block of orange color along the hemline.Draped slit sides and a slit front, meanwhile, add to the breezy, luxurious, resort-ready vibe of the garment.
Valentino Valentina Holiday 2012 Set, $108. Available at Bloomingdales.com
As if the ceramic taupe, white, and cream-colored rosettes adorning its round bottle wasn’t enough to lure customers, the Valentina Eau de Parfum features a delightfully innovative scent that features Calabrian bergamot and white Alba truffle top notes; Amalfi orange blossom, tuberose, jasmine, and wild strawberry middle notes; and amber and cedar base notes (read our review here). Now, you can also enjoy the scent in a Body Lotion form so that every inch of your body will be swathed in this feminine yet slightly subversive scent. This two-piece holiday set is tucked inside a round, pale pink box with a flip-up lid adorned with white rosette illustrations.
Ermanno Scervinno Cropped Cardigan, $740.04. Available at FarFetch.com
This 100% wool cardigan nods to classic style while also adding an unexpected edge thanks its high neck, round edges, scallop-like ruffle details, and ombré style shading details.
Prada Floral Appliqué Lace Up Pump, $663. Available at NeimanMarcus.com
Made in Italy, these wine-colored, lace-up, loafer-style pumps feature floral and diamond leather appliqués in black and white tones all along the uppers and the 1″-tall platform, while a smooth and unadorned 5 1/2″ heel tempers the business of the embellishments along the front and sides of the shoe.
Dolce & Gabbana Full Length Jacket, $1095. Available at Yoox.com
Boasting a simple silhouette, this jacket features a crew neckline, concealed snap buttons along the center panel, roomy patch pockets along the front, and elbow-length sleeves. A taupe-and-black floral print that mimics lace gives this 100% silk jacket a romantic feel.
Versace Red Cross Embellished Pouch, $1782. Available at US.Versace.com
This bold handbag — measuring 22″ in height, 11″ in depth, and 32″ in width — flirts with danger thanks to the rocker-flavored cross along its center, made using ruby- and silver-toned Swarovski beads and crystals.
Pure Dead Brilliant Siti Large Silver Vespa Necklace, $250, and Zein Vespa Silver Earrings, $225. Available at PDBjewelry.com
Though you can find them all over the world, Vespa scooters originated in Italy, officially debuting at the 1946 Milan Fair. Jewelry designer Nora Logan, the mastermind behind Pure Dead Brilliant, paid homage to these picturesque motorized vehicles with these creative, whimsical pieces. Made of sterling silver, the Siti necklace features an intricately sculpted Vespa pendant measuring 5 cm in length or 4 cm in width dangling from a chain measuring 70 cm in length. The Zein earrings, measuring 5.5 cm in length and 2.5 cm in width, feature Vespa charms dangling downward, their front wheel and top handles facing downward, and their smooth, rounded chassis allowing the light to reflect gorgeously for an even bigger impact.
Momento by Spektre Audure Sempre sunglasses,$135 . Available at FemininRascal.com
Vibrant sky blue frames in a Wayfarer-style shape are given an extra dose of cool with multi-layered mirrored lenses that seem to gradate from shades of bright sunshine yellow to summery blood orange.
Layla Ceramic Effect Nail Polish in 51 and 55, $9.95 each Available at Zappos.com
These metallic polishes from Milan-based nail lacquer company Layla offer a ceramic-worthy shine (hence their name), but the light-reflecting iridescent pearls and chunky specks of glitter in their formula also convey a holiday-worthy jubilance.
Gucci 18K rose gold , diamond, and onyx earrings, $8990. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
Elegant but edgy, these Art-Deco-gone-rock earrings feature a faceted black onyx in a rectangular shape at the center, framed with horsebit details along the corners, and incorporates two inset 0.8-carat diamonds above the onyx stone and three lethal-looking spikes dangling from the bottom ridge of the onyx stones.
C. Booth Itlaian Olive Oil Body Butter, $6.99. Available at Ulta.com
Roman emperors encouraged the cultivation of olive trees and the extraction of its oil, even bringing the plant to Spain when it conquered this nation. Over the years, olive oil has been revered for its culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic benefits and, to this day, over 30 types of olive trees are cultivated throughout Italy. This C. Booth body butter features an earthy scent reminiscent of the Mediterranean and is enriched with fatty acid-rich, softening, and hydrating shea and cocoa butter, along with vitamin E-rich Italian olive oil.
Marni Frame Bag, $563. Available at Marni.com
Color-blocking doesn’t look as severe in this medium-sized lambskin bag from Marni, which features a drawstring closure, two shoulder straps, a supple red base, and three ecru-toned external, lateral pockets closed by satin black ribbons tied into bows.
Susan Posnick COLORESSENTIALS Lipstick in Milan, $19. Available at SusanPosnick.com
Not only are Susan Posnick’s lip sicks incredibly moisturizing thanks to the olive oil, pomegranate extract, and vitamins A and E in the formula, but they adapt to every customer’s natural lip color so that each shade will adapt to look as flattering as possible on the woman donning it. The Milan shade exudes Sophia Loren-worthy sophistication with its timeless red hue.
