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.

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 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.

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.

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:

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!

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.

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...

 

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.

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.