#ValentinaCirasolaFashionDesigner | Valentina Expressions

Looking For Fashion Vibes

03 Mar 2023 6 Comments

by Valentina in Friday Fashion Tags: #CasualFashion, #Fashion, #PastelColors, #SpringFashion, #ValentinaCirasolaAuthor, #ValentinaCirasolaFashionDesigner

Roaming around one of the most fashionable zone in my area left me disappointed. After all the heavy rain, I was looking forward to seeing new Spring fashion and vibrant colors to give me fresh vibes, but I returned home empty hands. Shop windows showed no creativity in visual display and didn’t encourage me to go in and browse. The colors of the clothes hanging lifeless on mannequins were so drab, the shapes resembled pajamas or house robes and the style….what can I say….I would bury it at the bottom of the sea.

While I was walking in this fashionable area, I envisioned Via Condotti in Rome, or Via Montenapoleone in Milan. There, the streets of fashion are stylish, colorful and people dress as they are ready for a photo shoot in a fashion magazine. They stroll with poise and coquetry with the intent to be seen and be admired. A long trail of perfume follows them, they wear original jewelry and the well thought out outfits are the elements that makes each one of them unique. Italy is always Italy and will always be the top for fashion, perhaps I expect too much from other countries.

The fact remains that I have to make triple summer salt to find what I like. Boutiques, family-owned stores and various other stores, not just fashion stores are closing steadily since the economic recession in 2008, forcing everyone to buy online items poorly made in China that often don’t fit or are defected and have to be returned. In fact, the streets of every satellite town around the main cities in America are lined with nail salon, hair dressers, restaurants and bistros, nothing else. Perhaps, this is the government design…..

My day of window shopping or window licking as the French say it, was unfruitful. Looking for fashion vibes didn’t happen, I better continue making things the way I like. I returned home without any fashion items, but with a few pictures of the environment, flowers, food, architecture and curiosity. Give me your thoughts, please. Is it important to you get dressed everyday as it is for me or a simple sweatsuit will do? Ciao,

Valentina
My books on Amazon

Valentina Cirasola is an interior-fashion consultant, author of 6 published books, a storyteller, and a blogger of many years. Her books are non-fictional practical ideas to apply in the home, fashion, cooking and travel.
Get a copy of her books here: Amazon and Barnes&Noble

Safari In The City | Valentina Cirasola | Designer

29 Jul 2017 8 Comments

by Valentina in Friday Fashion Tags: #EarthToneColors, #FrenchPithHelmet, #SafariColors, #SafariFashion, #SafariStyle, #ValentinaCirasolaFashionDesigner

Most of the people I know are trotting the world now, cruising, exploring world cultures, tasting ethnic food in foreign countries, safari in the Serengeti and some are doing a quiet staycation.

A few months ago, a client brought me a blue-green fabric and an off-white cotton lacy fabric wondering what I could do with these two rummage fabrics. I asked a few questions and if she was going to a special event or on a special vacation this year. Good enough she was planning a safari.
Immediately, a jumper shorts with an oversized duster came to mind. The blue-green color with some brown details is a subdued color, ideal for making a safari garment, it would mix and camouflage well with the nature. We don’t want animals to attack my client because she is wearing bright colors. In fact, the colors of a safari outfit gravitate around earth tones, from shades of white, off-white, to cream and beige; from rust to olive-green and military green; some grey and browns are also present.
I designed my client’s safari outfit on paper, took the fabrics to the seamstress, made the outfit and off she went to capture the soul of the animals in their eyes through the lens of her camera. (Click on each photo to view it larger).

What are the essentials for a safari outfit? This is my concept, easy, doable and not terribly expensive. Links of each item will take you to the products.

French Pith Helmet. – It goes with any men and women’s safari outfit and it is equally attractive for both.
A Pair of Sunglasses – always protect your eyes from sun glare and dust.
A Safari Binocular to observe the animals from a distance and in silence.
Convertible Pants – they conveniently change from long to short pants as the necessity of the moment requires and occupy less space in the luggage. One pair of convertible pants makes two pieces.
A Vintage Belt – it’s always needed, even in emergency situations, you never know how it will be used. Somehow a rugged, vintage belt feels better for a safari outfit.
A Safari Coat with a millions of pockets. You never know what you will collect to take home.
Ankle Boots – protect yourself from brushwood, dry branches, stones, pointed plants and possible snakes. I choose Nero Giardini.
I throw in a pair of Animal Print Loafer for the evening casual relax.
A Safari Scarf, just to “look good” for the animals, or to wipe the sweat off the forehead. Those felines might work you up.
Travel with a light Duffle Bag. Going to a safari there isn’t much to show off to or to buy, other than bringing back a lot of memories and digital photos.

Mind you, the safari outfit in my concept board is also well adaptable for a weekend in the country, in the woods and for a hot day in the city. Why not?
In a hot weather, people tend to slack off dressing, it really doesn’t matter if they wear the usual shorts, t-shirt and flip-flops, as long as they stay cool. I agree, it’s so difficult to wear clothes that look good in a hot weather. Choosing cool, light weight fabrics, cool colors to keep us from overheating is the utmost importance.

However, in the last concept board below, I am showing a safari outfit more suitable for the city, playful and cool looking for work or business.

Ciao,
Valentina
https://valentinadesigns.com/services#fashion-services

Valentina Cirasola is a trained Fashion and Interior Designer, born in Italy in a family of artists. Style surrounded her since the beginning of her life. Her many years of experience led her to offer consultations in both specializations and now she can remodel homes as well as personal images. She is passionate about colors and encourages her clients to express their personal style in their homes and with the clothes they wear. To better help people all over the world she offers consultations online. She is the author of three books. Get your copy of Valentina’s book on colors: ©RED-A Voyage Into Colors on
Amazon: http://goo.gl/qNxXrB
Barnes&Nobles: http://goo.gl/q7dQ3w

Embellished With Colliers | Valentina Cirasola | Designer

17 Dec 2016 Leave a comment

by Valentina in Friday Fashion Tags: #Collier, #DesignerKnitwear, #KnittedNecklaces, #Knitwear, #Neckwarmers, #ValentinaCirasolaFashionDesigner, #WinterScarf

Welcome to a new Friday Fashion episode.
What is a collier? A collier usually refers to a piece of bulky and imposing jewelry necklace. Put them on and they will turn heads for sure!!!! Each piece will make a statement regardless if it is worn with a casual or semi-formal outfit. My colliers are interesting alternatives to a scarf and have two functions: keep the neck warm and embellish the clothes. Often each piece has glass embellishments and colorful beads.

I love to create with yarn, fabrics, beads, glass and various findings. The design comes as I go along, ideas develop as I see the work growing and colors….ah, it is never a challenge for me. Colors don’t have to match, I know they will look good together no matter what I do. To look at a bowl of fruit is sufficient to find inspiration.

I have one kind of woman in mind when I am making these colliers: a woman who likes to be different, likes to stand out in the crowd, likes to receive compliments and likes to feel well dressed for any occasion.
Each pieces is a decorative art, wearable in the daytime with a flowing skirt, boots and hat as if she means it…. or for an evening out in town over a simple black dress to add some sparkle in the face.
(Click on each photo to view it larger).

Above: This collier went to Scotland

Above: This collier went to Las Gatos, CA

Above: This collier went to Berkeley, CA

Above: This retro style collier went to Italy

Above: This collier went to Canada

Above: This collier went to NYC

(Above: This collier went to England)

I work very hard all year to create original pieces with attractive colors that will embellish women of all ages. Find more my Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ValentinaExpressions

I am so happy many of my pieces are scattered in the world making their appearances at parties, special occasions or in someone’s everyday life. I am so honored, thank you all. Ciao,
Valentina
https://valentinadesigns.com/services#fashion-services

Valentina Cirasola is a trained Fashion and Interior Designer, born in Italy in a family of artists. Style surrounded her since the beginning of her life. Her many years of experience led her to offer consultations in both specializations and now she can remodel homes as well as personal images. She is passionate about colors and encourages her clients to express their individual style in their homes and with the clothes they wear.
To better help people all over the world she offers consultations online. She is the author of three books. Get your copy of Valentina’s book on colors: ©RED-A Voyage Into Colors on

Amazon: http://goo.gl/qNxXrB
Barnes&Nobles: http://goo.gl/q7dQ3w

Secrets Of Dressing You First | Valentina Cirasola | Designer

03 Nov 2016 4 Comments

by Valentina in Friday Fashion Tags: #ImageConsulting, #PersonalFashionDesigner, #SecretsOfDressingUp, #ValentinaCirasolaFashionDesigner, #WardrobeAssessment, Fashion

Welcome to a new Friday Fashion episode.
I will be hosting a fashion seminar on Nov. 13, 2016 at 10:30 in Los Gatos, CA. This is the third seminar of this kind this year.

(Graphic Source: Fashion cliparts.co)

In my 26 years of designing career I have built home style and comfortable spaces.
I have built stylish wardrobe, personalized line of clothing for each person and built closets to host those beautiful clothes I design for them.
I have built flavorful food through my books.
The list goes on and on. With my fashion studies and an Italian degree in fashion, I made a business for several years before I became an interior designer. Today, I am bringing forward this knowledge and help women finding their best look and style in which they can feel comfortable, beautiful and powerful regardless of age. If you are:

Newly divorced and want to be seen again;
You lost or gained weight;
You are tired of the same look
You often say: “I have nothing to wear” ;
You want powerful work clothes;
You want to gain self-esteem;
You want to look good anytime, anywhere

This Workshop Is For YOU.

Find the event on Eventbrite. Click on the link to register:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/become-friend-with-your-closet-and-your-body-tickets-28674216353

Lunch is included. If any of you is closer to Los Gatos, CA, I hope to see you there.

Ciao,
Valentina
https://valentinadesigns.com/services#fashion-services

I am Valentina, a trained Fashion and Interior Designer, born in Italy in a family of artists. Style has surrounded me since the very beginning of my life. My many years of experience in design business led me to offer consultations in both fashion and interiors, so much so that I can remodel homes as well as personal images. I am passionate about colors and I encourage my clients to express their individual style in their homes and with the clothes they wear. I am the author of three books, one of which is a book on color theory:
©RED-A Voyage Into Colors available on
Amazon and Barnes & Nobles.
Amazon: http://goo.gl/qNxXrB

Style From Reggio On Runways | Valentina Cirasola |Designer

30 Apr 2016 Leave a comment

by Valentina in Friday Fashion Tags: #BergamotFibers, #BergamotOrange, #CalabriaFashion, #CorkFibers, #NaturalFibers, #SouthItalyFashion, #ValentinaCirasolaFashionDesigner

Welcome to my Friday Fashion episode.
Calabria, one of the least known southern regions of Italy, sits in the toe of the Italian peninsula boot. The region is not well-known abroad outside Italy, but to Italians, Calabrian food and flavors are highly sought. They encapsulate all the virgin nature of the region, are mostly hand-made and grown naturally. The perfumes industry uses some very fragrant and succulent fruit trees in the making of scents for women and men. What does food and flavor have to do with fashion? It does.
(Click on each photo to view it larger).

People of the region are making every possible effort to keep nature intact and use the natural resources available. They are moving toward innovations always referring to traditions, especially when it comes to create something fashionable. Bergamot orange, a fragrant fruit the size of an orange with a yellow color similar to a lemon, is the pride of the region as it lends itself to manufacture eco-friendly colorful fabrics besides perfumes and cosmetics.

Bergamot Orange – Citrus Bergamia (Wikipedia)

Men will wear ties made of silk and cork fabric with the flower of succulent plants pinned on the lapel. They will also wear ties made of bergamot flowers, or papillions made of silk and cork fabric.

(Photos from Rai Italian National TV – Show: Linea Verde Orizzonti – April 2016 – taken from my TV set while watching the show)

People of Calabria have learned from the earth and are turning their notions to manufacture natural fabrics increasingly moving away from products made from oil and petroleum. We are extremely grateful to the superior minds of the fashion operators in Calabria. Wearing clothes made of new fabrics such as grass and cork fiber is healthy, fun and colors are vibrant to keep us in a cheerful state. Ciao,
Valentina
https://valentinadesigns.com/services#fashion-services

The Ridicule, A Piece Of History | Valentina Cirasola | Designer

28 Feb 2011 6 Comments

by Valentina in Friday Fashion Tags: #HistoryOfFashion, #Masks, #Ridicule, #ValentinaCirasolaFashionDesigner, #XIXCenturyFashion, Costume

When a woman of the XIX century was getting ready to go out had many things to coordinate for her outfit. The parasol, a pair of gloves and a hat, a shawl and the fan to disguise her blushing at the compliments from a man.

By then, the woman’s dressing ensemble had become a little less complicated than the previous centuries, nonetheless, feminine frills still continue to exist. One accessory she couldn’t forget to take before leaving the house was the “Ridicule”.

Silk Ridicule

It was a small purse in the shape of a sack with a long silk decorative cord, worn hanging from the arm. Inside the Ridicule, the woman used to put a lipstick, a handkerchief and a mirror, which by that time was a popular item to carry in the purse.
If the woman of the XIX went dancing, one important item was kept in the Ridicule: a little book where she noted the names of the men who asked her to dance. Each man had a number on that list, she would accept their gallantry as she went through the list and took the center floor.

Last night going to the masquerade ball, you know is Carnevale at this time of the year, I wore a Ridicule with my costume. I found it a few years ago in an antique shop in Italy. I wanted it so bad, but the price was so high that I had to let out my bargaining skills in order to get it somewhat at my price.

Pompadour

Back to the masquerade ball of last night, I was wearing a beautiful Pompadour purse in my hand and the Ridicule hanging from my rhinestone-studded belts. Of course, a few people were curious to know what was that thing hanging from the belt. Telling the story of the Ridicule last night was an experience all by itself.

It was a bit like a lesson on the history of costumes, a bit of story-telling, quite a few laughs, but the important part was that my Ridicule became an icebreaker with people I met for the first time and a conversation piece. The modern woman (me) was carrying business cards and cellular phone in the Ridicule, no name of any man waiting to dance with me. How times have changed!

If you are interested in creating a fashion statement for yourself and for your home décor, I am here to help you, just leave your name and comment in the box below. Ciao,
Valentina

Fashion Services
https://valentinadesigns.com/services#fashion-services

Valentina Cirasola is an Italian Interior Designer in business since 1990 and a Fashion Designer. She blends well fashion and interior in any of her design work. Being Italian born and raised, Valentina’s design work has been influenced by Classicism and stylish, timeless designs. She will create your everyday living with a certain luxury without taking away a comfortable living. Author of three books available on:
Amazon: http://goo.gl/xUZfk0
Barnes&Nobles: http://goo.gl/q7dQ3w