The Scenario:

Life is funny sometimes… I consider myself fairly well traveled. However, until last October, I had never been to Italy. Now, I’ve been to Italy three times to four different destinations in the last four months! The first trip was in the fall to Tuscany and then on to Rome. Then, I went to Florence in January for Luisa Via Roma’s Firenze4Ever Golden Obsession event. And finally, most recently I was in Milan for fashion week of course.

What a privilege it has been to be on this unplanned happy string of Italian travel. I love how each locale has its own distinct character. Each place is definitely Italian, but yet certainly has its own identity. But no matter where in the country I have been, the food is outstanding. In fact, I’m almost positive that the top three meals I have eaten in my life have all been in Italy. Oh I can taste it now!

But I digress…

Back to Milan fashion week: What prompted the trip was the opportunity to attend the Versace runway show. Not only that, but the opportunity also included having a private tour, first look at the collection in the showroom the next morning. Wait until you see those photos! The details were absolutely stunning.

The Look:

What does one wear to the Versace show? Versace of course!

While I’m not sure I embody the true spirit of the Versace woman, I knew that I could pull it off if I put my own colorful Carrie spin on the look.

So that’s just what I did… The look started of course with this fabulous Versace zippered black leather dress. From there, my mind went to these eye-catching multi-color python pumps by Fendi. I had picked these up when I was in Rome as a souvenir. It seemed quite appropriate, given that Fendi is based in Rome.

With the color palette established, I jumped at the opportunity to incorporate a new piece from an Italian bag designer with whom I am obsessed: Elena Ghisellini. While you may or may not be familiar with her name, you are definitely familiar with her designs. Elena’s resume includes stints at many of the top luxury labels, including time at Givenchy where she designed the iconic Antigona bag.

Since launching her eponymous line, her most popular design has been the ‘Felina’, so named because the bag resembles the face of a cat. So, when I saw this rainbow version pop up in her presentation last fall, I started dreaming about it. And thankfully dreams come true! Ha. (Big thanks to the Moda Operandi team for helping me track this down from Elena!)

Shop the Look:

 

Versace black leather dress (here; other similar more budget-friendly versions here, here, and here) | Elena Ghisellini rainbow felina clutch (here; others here and here) | Fendi python pumps (here) | Alexander McQueen feather cape (older; similar here) | Dior earrings (similar less expensive here) | Eddie Borgo bracelet (on sale here) | Jennifer Fisher bracelet (here) | Judith Ripka ring (here) | Nars lipstick (here) | OPI nail polish (here)

Thanks as always for stopping by. By the way, I have fully updated the Wear + Where + Well Boutique with all-new spring finds. Spring has sprung – at least in the boutique!

Have a great day,

Carrie

 

Photos by Jose Martinez