Bella Figura USA Artisans

Dr. Oz Lists the "Major Agers" - Are You Unknowingly Aging Yourself?

2009-09-29T16:01:00Z

We just happened to catch one of Dr. Mehmet Oz's new shows a couple of weeks ago. We'll tell you right now: We love Dr. Oz. Whenever we heard he was going to be on Oprah, we always tried to watch - or at least Tivo the show that day.

Well, on the last show we caught, Dr. Oz listed common household items that he said were major agers. In other words, if you were using these products on a regular basis, you were causing your own premature aging.

Yikes! No one wants to inadvertently age themselves! And lo and behold, one of the agers was soap - that's right - the regular bars of soap that millions pick up every day in the supermarket.

Well we say, "Phooey on that!" We have the solution: our fab Nesti Dante soaps from Florence, Italy. After all, the big draw of Nesti Dante is the fact that it's made with natural ingredients. And besides those natural ingredients, it's fragrances are wonderful (natural, of course) and it's packaging is sublime.

So what are you waiting for? If you haven't tried Nesti Dante, try it today! And your soap will no longer be a major ager.

The Ralph Lauren Wrap vs. Our Evening Wrap - Interesting Comparison

2009-09-01T14:29:00Z

We saw this Ralph Lauren wrap in a ad and were charmed by it - love the cut, the way it sets of the neckline, accentuates the shoulders.

The Vivian Wrap - $2998. Yeah, just shy of $3000 it's a pretty steep price.

Now consider our own Circle Wrap. Granted, the Vivian is more of a "stole," and the Circle Wrap covers you anywhere from hip to knee length - so they're not interchangeable pieces by any means.

But with the Circle Wrap, you get an evening wrap that doubles as a cape when you encounter more inclement weather, plus you get multiple ways of wearing the wrap (many looks in one.) And compared to the Vivian, it's a steal at $1550.

Same great neckline, same great attitude. Yes, an interesting comparison!

Spectacular Turkey

2009-08-15T11:06:00Z

Just a note: yesterday, we published a fantastic video over at Travels With Bella Figura USA, of Istanbul, Turkey. It's the best video we've seen yet; and one of the places it takes you to, is a goldsmithing shop inside the Grand Bazaar.

We loved that, since we carry some gorgeous Turkish necklaces.

And besides the Grand Bazaar, the video takes you all over the city, including the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, and the beautiful Topkapi Palace.

If you love spectacular places, be sure and watch the video.

Scarves & Shawls - How Celebrities Wear Them, How We All Wear Them

2009-08-12T19:19:00Z

Oh yes, another video, and this is just charming: a video loaded with photos of celebrities looking chic and glamorous, wearing their shawls and scarves. We love to see the many ways to wear these fabulous, must-have accessories.

And we couldn't resist adding this second video: the young lady is just so darn adorable - and she looks fab with the scarf around her head. Check it out:

And check out the boutique's collection of chic handwoven shawls and scarves.

Perfume Bottles - Not Just for Fragrances Anymore

2009-08-07T21:41:00Z

I was talking with a friend recently about a beautiful bath we'd seen in a design show house. She mentioned the collection of perfume bottles the designer had displayed on the counter, then said, "You have lovely perfume bottles in the boutique, but I've never considered getting any because I don't like the thought of pouring expensive perfume into another container."

Well, I totally understood her reasoning. If you've paid dearly for that favorite scent, you're loathe to transfer it, just to be transferring it.

So, here's what I suggest. First, you can simply group several together (as the designer had done) directly on the countertop or on a tray, and show them off as a striking collection.

Or, take some of your less expensive fragrances (or perhaps a perfume you were given that just isn't to your liking) transfer them to wonderful bottles and place them in your guest baths for your friends and family to use. After all, the scent that you don't care for might be one of their favorites.

Then my favorite option: use them as miniature vases. On a vanity table (if you're lucky enough to have one) a bedside table, or again, atop your bath vanity, take the stopper out of the bottle and lay it to the side. Then place a single, beautiful rose - or lily, or even a smaller orchid blossom - in the bottle. (Of course, fill the bottle with water first.)

It's a charming way to display one perfect blossom - and the pretty bottle - all at once. And who doesn't like fresh flowers in their bath and bedroom?

Some of our handcrafted perfume bottles from Egypt - Queen Cleopatra would have loved them!

Nesti Dante's Latest Natural Soap - Emozione in Toscana

2009-08-02T15:35:00Z

You know that we love, love, love our all natural soaps from the wonderful Italian company - Nesti Dante.

Well now, we're happy to announce that we can offer you another fabulous soap collection from the renowned Tuscan family: Emozioni in Toscana.

Say it out loud - Emozioni in Toscana - it's almost like singing, it's so lyrical. And we are singing this latest collection's praises.

Just read the names of the individual bars: The Golden Countryside (nourishing) Mediterranean Touch (invigorating) Thermal Water (therapeutic) Blooming Garden (intoxicating) Villages & Monasteries (relaxing) and Enchanting Forest ( re-oxygenating.)

Six wondrous bars - six delectable fragrances - six options for serene, luxurious bathing. And remember: the soap is all natural, no animal fat is used, no synthetics are added, and the packaging? Well, see for yourself -

Florence, Italy is known for its exquisite Florentine paper. And yes, that is finely crafted Florentine paper covering each bar. Each bar - a little piece of art. Hm... another reason these sets make fantastic gifts!

We say, live La Dolce Vita! Put Emozione in Toscana in your home.

More on the Making of Turkish Coffee

2009-07-27T15:02:00Z

Awhile back, we posted a video on making Turkish coffee.

But since then we were alerted to this second video. In this one, the coffee guide is none other than Mustafa Arat, the founder of TurkishCoffeeWorld.com.

Mr. Arat makes it look easy, easy easy! And yes, the coffee is rich, strong and much simpler to make than espresso. Plus, we like his quote about the coffee: "It should be black as hell - sweet as love."

So check out this video from the Los Angeles Times:

Perfectly delicious coffee - and perfectly served in our handsome Turkish demitasse cups.

Are You a Decorative Pillow Fan - or Fanatic?

2009-07-22T14:47:00Z

Last week we posted a video that gave home decor tips and suggestions. Of course, we were enamored of the decorative pillows in the piece, as we LOVE pillows.

After all, adding decorative pillows to a sofa, bed, chaise - even placing them on top of radiator covers - is one of our favorite (and easiest) ways to change up the decor in a room.

So, we were thinking about our own pillows in the boutique (the glorious antique pieces and the bold Turkish textiles) and decided to take an informal survey on the popularity of decorative pillows. Well, our unscientific poll gave us a resounding "Yes" to the question: Are you a pillow fan?

Then we found this YouTube video, and just smiled. The questions is: How many pillows are on your bed?

Watch and enjoy (and do you see yourself in this video?)

Easiest Way to Spice Up Your Decor: Accessories - And We're Talking Pillows Today

2009-07-15T14:14:00Z

Here's a great little video giving easy, chic decorating tips.

We especially liked the use of the decorative pillows. In the video, they showcase Moroccan themed pillows (which we love) but our Turkish designed pillows would work just as beautifully.

Enjoy:

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

2009-07-11T11:49:00Z

We just couldn't resist posting this video - all scenes of the majestic Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

After all, we recently posted an article about where to stay on your next trip to Istanbul; and one of the sites that everyone visits when touring the city: the Blue Mosque.

Watch the video, and if you've never been, you'll understand why it is a must see.

And for beautiful, handcrafted Turkish products, check out Ceramics, Jewelry, and the Textiles in the Antiques & Pillows category.

You've Got Your Gorgeous Scarf - Pashmina - Wrap. So How Do You Wear It?

2009-07-08T20:36:00Z

We love this little video by The Travelista, demonstrating ways to wear Pashminas, shawls and scarves.

And we decided to move it here, to Our Artisans, to serve as a quick and easy reference for everyone.

Enjoy.

And be sure and check out all of our luscious wraps and scarves.

So You're Planning a Trip to Istanbul - We've Got the Hotels for You!

2009-07-03T14:18:00Z

Here at Artisans, and over at Travels With Bella Figura USA, we've talked about how much we love Turkey - Istanbul, in particular.

It is a sprawling, bustling, grand, beautiful city. And it's home to some brilliant artisans, making exquisitely lovely products: textiles, jewelry, ceramics - to name just a few.

And we've posted several videos with beautiful views of the city; but today we've got something a bit different.

We've received several emails asking about where we stay when we visit. Of course, there are a number of lovely properties, but we're partial to two: the Ciragan Palace (in the new city and right on the Bosphorus) and the Four Seasons Hotels. These are the top rated places, and deservedly so.

And we have a treat: over at our Travels With Bella Figura USA blog, we have two wonderful videos - both produced by the Four Seasons Hotels. The first is of the lovely Four Seasons Sultanahmet in the old city (yes, this is the hotel that was created from the notorious prison shown in the movie, Midnight Express.)

And the second video is of the newest Four Seasons in the city: the Four Seasons at the Bosphorus. This hotel was still under construction the last time we were in Istanbul, but it's right down the street from the Ciragan Palace - spectacular location, spectacular views.

And to give you a feel for the gorgeous Ciragan Palace:

You can't go wrong with these grand hotels.

Tuscan Decor For Your Home

2009-06-25T13:38:00Z

Tuscan style - so beautiful, warm and inviting - it's been a favorite forever, it seems.

In our article, Italian Style and Decor, we went through all the elements that are important in achieving Italian/Tuscan style.

Now, we have a beautiful photo for you, that we first posted on Savvy Style - a fabulous Tuscan living room - chosen for Veranda magazine's Memorable Rooms list.

Beautiful stonework, lush upholstered pieces, rich woods, vibrant colors - a room to love.

A room where our handcrafted Italian ceramics would feel right at home. See for yourself:

Ah... the stuff of dreams and magic and skilled crafters! Perfect for the well appointed home.

Black & White - Chic Table Trays

2009-06-18T13:09:00Z

Yesterday, photos of designer Adrienne Vittadini's gorgeous Florida living room were posted at Savvy Style.

Now, the thing about the living room - it's designed in black and white. Dramatic and stunning.

Black and white is classic: think black and white photos, black and white movies, black trousers and white shirts. You can never go wrong with the combination!

And in the boutique, we have the fab handcrafted black and white lacquer wooden trays. Handsome, classic, functional.

And these solid wood trays all have the hand poured lacquer finish. Very important, as the handcrafting gives them durability and a long lasting smooth finish.

A Palazzo in Firenze

2009-06-11T17:16:00Z

Normally we wouldn't post a video here at Artisans that's no more than an advertisement - and for a hotel at that - but this one... well, let's just say it struck our fancy.

Of course, we love all things Italian - we're Bella Figura USA! - and we love our products from Tuscany: ceramics, organic soap, hand tooled leather.

And all of these products are made in and around Florence. So, when we found this lovely video of the Four Seasons Hotel in Florence we decided to include it here.

Not only is the hotel setting a gorgeous old Renaissance palazzo, but in the video you see views of the Arno and the Duomo - which most think of when they think of Firenze.

So, our thanks to the Four Seasons for the lovely video. For your pleasure:

Go to the South of France with Tina Turner

2009-06-06T16:17:00Z

OK, we're just having a bit of fun: yesterday at Savvy Style we posted a smokin' hot video of Tina Turner - the Queen of All Things - singing "Proud Mary" live! (That will get you up and dancing every time!)

But a few days before that, we had another video with Ms. Turner - this one a lot more sedate. In fact, it was a tour of her beautiful house in the south of France.

And since our lovely French soaps, L'epi de Provence, are made not far from there, we're highlighting the video here in our Artisans Locales category. After all, all the wonderful things that make up southern France: the sun, the sea, the air, the grasses, the lavender - go into the making of the rich, shea butter soaps.

So be sure and click on the link to view her beautiful home, high in the hills above the Cap; and for sure, don't miss her singing in concert. It will make your day!

Cool, Beautiful Bedrooms - Cool, Beautiful Keepsake Boxes

2009-05-28T16:00:00Z

We posted a photo of a beautiful pale bedroom yesterday over at Savvy Style.

It was decorated in pale, icy blues and creams - an oasis of peace and serenity.

But as we looked at the bedside table, it occurred to us that our handmade Egyptian keepsake boxes would fit in beautifully with the decor. We've shown them before in richer, more colorful, settings; but how gorgeous one would be in that lovely, pristine room.

Be sure and click on the link in the first paragraph to see the large version of the bedroom photo - simply gorgeous.

Swimsuits & Cover-ups! It's That Time of Year

2009-05-19T15:31:00Z

Last week over at Savvy Style there was a fun post on swimwear: Egads! Swimsuit Season is Upon Us.

The post was about a cool website that gives tips on buying swimsuits to match your body type; but we're convinced that besides the "right" swimsuit - a good cover-up is vital!

And we've got our "double - no, triple - use" beauties for you: the Alexa shawl - in lavender, red, burgundy and turquoise stripes. It's finely woven wool and silk (and we say fine, we mean really fine - you can see through it.) And we call it a triple duty piece, because it works as a wrap, scarf or pareo.

Now, that's a good deal! Three uses out of one piece - and as lightweight as it is, it's highly "packable."

Don't leave home without one... or two... or three...

The Jewels of Casablanca

2009-05-12T16:13:00Z

Jewels of Casablanca... There could be several interpretations of that phrase: the compelling characters, the dazzling actors who played them, even the intriguing sets that make the viewer feel as though she's half a world away - in mystical, mysterious Morocco.

But in this case, we're thinking literally - thinking about Ilsa's jewelry. Specifically the jewelry she wears in the scene when she first sees Rick again: the sparkling earrings, bracelet and fabulous brooch.

Ilsa's wearing a simple white evening ensemble. But highlighted by her fabulous face and brilliant jewelry (the brooch is nothing short of remarkable) the look becomes irresistible and unforgettable.

We've talked before about how we love jewelry, love brooches - how they can completely transform an outfit. Take another look at Ilsa - a picture's worth a thousand words.

This scene: the glorious Ingrid Bergman, Dooley Wilson, Humphrey Bogart, Paul Henried and Claude Rains.

Let Us Wrap You Up! Gorgeous Evening Wraps

2009-05-06T17:00:00Z

There's always a need in the stylish woman's wardrobe for a really great evening wrap. No well stocked closet should be without one.

Now, our article's title says "evening wraps." Yes, what we're showing today are exquisitely beautiful wraps that can be worn in the evening; however, they're also perfectly suited for daytime.

We're talking, of course, about our unique Circle Wraps. In two styles: 1) the wool jersey wrap with one cut-out, to slip both your arms through, and 2) the wool felt wrap with two cut-outs, one for each arm.

These are the "two for the price of one" wraps - or perhaps we should say "multiples for the price of one." Because by flipping the wraps upside down, you create an entirely different length. And then, you adjust the fabric around your head and shoulders in order to create multiple looks - and functions (for example, if you're feeling cold you let the fabric cover your back when wearing the Circle One Wool Jersey Wrap, or you can pull the fabric up and around your hair for cover during wind or rain.)

Here are a few photos we found in our archives: the talented fashion designer, Shu Juan Lu, and our own Patricia, together at a show last year.

Be sure and check out the wraps, and get all the information in the Bella Figura USA Boutique.