La Dolce Vita by Slim Aarons

Want a glimpse of what “living the good life” really looks like? Then buy a copy of  Slim Aarons "La Dolce Vita"  by Abrams publishing. A classic coffee table book to have, the book was released in November 2012, and is a perfect gift to yourself or friend. It is easy to lose yourself in it's splendid glamorous pages.....and of course dream. This lavish fourth volume in Slim Aarons collection captures the glamorous lives of the beautiful people in Italy over the last 50 years. Shot everywhere from Lake Como to the mountains of Cortina d’Ampezzo, breathtaking aerials of the Sicilian countryside to intimate portraits of celebrities and high society taken in magnificent villas, his images inspire us to add a bit of bohemian glamour into our lives.
The images collected document the aristocracy, cultural elite, and beautiful people, such as Marcello Mastroianni, Ursula Andress, Joan Fontaine, and Tyrone Power, who lived la dolce vita in Italy’s most fabulous places. Here are just some of the photos from the book, the rest you'll just have to see for yourself.  

   

  

Gianni Versace with Lalla Spagnol infront of his villa

Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace (1946-1997) and Lalla Spagnol relaxing on a boat in front of Versace’s 17th century villa, Villa Fontanelle, at Moltrasio, on Lake Como, Italy, in June 1983.

Photo by Slim Aarons

 

 Tullio Abbate with friends and family

Tullio Abbate, of Abbate Boats, at the back of one of his yachts as it is moored at a property on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, in June 1983.

Photo by Slim Aarons

Norina Pisciotto in an African dress her uncle gave her

Norina Pisciotto poses at the villa belonging to her uncle, Franco Zeffirelli, in Positano, Italy, in August 1984

Photo Slim Aarons

The view from the terrace of Il Canile

Sunbathers lounge on the white-painted terrace of Il Canille, built into the rocks of Pizzolungo overlooking the waters off the coast of the island of Capri, Italy, in August 1980. Il Canille is the villa owned by Italian tailor and fashion designer Umberto Tirelli (1928-1992).

Photo by Slim Aarons

Gore Vidal – Writer at Work in Home Ravello Italy 1979

Gore Vidal – Writer at Work in Home Ravello Italy

Photo Slim Aaron

Princess Colonna and son at their family home

Princess Colonna and her third son, Prospero, in the grand gallery of the Colonna family palace, which  occupies an entire city block near the Piazza Santi Apostoli.

                                                               Photo by Slim Aarons

 

Daniela Bianchi on the terrace of her apartment

Daniela Bianchi poses in a hammock on the terrace of her apartment in Portofino, Italy, in August 1977

Photo Slim Aarons

Colours, les coulers, calori

Colour is music for the soul. Although this was Dior spring/summer 2012, I just love referring back to these photos...the crazy large flowers on the head and the kaleidoscope of stunning colours and fabrics blending beautifully together always have my creative juices flowing. There is a colour for everyone here. Although magazines & designers will give you the latest trends, try not to be easily led with their opinions just because it's the in thing. By all means look at everything, see what great combinations are out there but don't impulsively buy until you take into consideration your skin tone, hair and eye colour before buying. Get the opinion of trusted friends or hire the expertise of a fashion consultant. I can promise you, find your own colour way that suits you and you'll look terrific regardless of whether it's in season or not. In other words.....find your own bliss.  

 

The love of anything crochet

 

 

In my eyes, what is not to love about this delicate crochet dress with green silk lining. It's a standout party dress or a wedding dress or going out for lunch dress or just a dancing around the house dress because you feel like it! The pink shoes are pretty cute with it too.