That’s a rather bold statement, isn’t it? ‘The best in the world’? Well, let’s see, but I have just found these wonderful products and want to share them with you. I always believed, correctly, that Italian leather products are vastly superior to those from other countries. And as you know, experts agree.

But what I didn’t know until today, is that much of the leather used for Italian goods isn’t Italian at all. It is produced in other countries and sent to Italy to be tanned, often using chemical methods. These wonderful bags, on the other hand, use genuine Italian produced leather which is tanned using vegetable methods. This means that the material is much more harder-wearing and actually improved with age, rather than deteriorate.

They are actually guaranteed for life! And they can take a ... Read More »]]> http://tastesmagazine.com/the-best-leather-bags-in-the-world/feed/ 0 http://tastesmagazine.com/pop-top-bags-belts-jewelry-and-more/ http://tastesmagazine.com/pop-top-bags-belts-jewelry-and-more/#comments Fri, 24 Oct 2014 20:20:30 +0000 Jackie http://tastesmagazine.com/?p=5491

Whether you call them pop tops or ring pulls, these discarded items certainly can be transformed into the most wonderful products. These are produced by hand by women in Brazil and the ring pulls are crocheted together to create these stylish accessories. What a smart idea.

These are then imported into the USA and distributed by a company in California. They make such cool gifts and are the ultimate expression of recycling.

Each item features a tag telling you exactly which one of the artisans created your product. The site also has several tutorials which shows you how to make some of these products yourself.

See more at the website

A couple of favourites

You know that we love to search the internet for usual gift ideas and we’ve found a wonderful one here. I know that you’ll agree that these are wonderfully stylish items but they have an incredible history.

Although we look for fabulous gift ideas, we always like to bring you goods that are made from sustainable or recycled materials and I believe that these Elvis and Kresse items can’t be beaten. I doubt that you’ve guessed what these bags, wallets, tech cases and belts are made from so read on.

This material has been providing life-saving services for about twenty years before being crafted into these fabulous items. The recycled fire hoses come from the  London fire service. Once it no longer conforms to their incredibly high safety standards, the hose material is converted by craftsmen into these wonderful, top quality items.

Fifty ... Read More »]]> http://tastesmagazine.com/beautiful-items-made-from-fire-hoses/feed/ 0 http://tastesmagazine.com/get-the-look-from-anthropologie/ http://tastesmagazine.com/get-the-look-from-anthropologie/#comments Fri, 20 Jun 2014 18:09:24 +0000 Jackie http://tastesmagazine.com/?p=512

Putting a great fashion look together is easy these days. At one time, those of us who wanted fashion advice on how to put outfits together had to go to consult the experts. Today, designers develop great looks and show them online. Nothing could be easier. Choose a couple of pieces or why not buy the complete look? The garments, shoes, jewelry and other accessories are already selected by skilled experts to help you achieve the latest fashion look.

Gone are the days when we had to visit couture houses to get advice from the best designers. Now all we have to do is shop online. Anthropologie ships to one hundred and eighty countries throughout the world.

Anthropologie online store

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is singled-handedly responsible for the latest handbag and purse style. She favors small, clutch type bags and retailers, designers and fashion editors everywhere are paying attention. Ever since Kate married Prince William, she has inspired fashion looks with her own sense of style.

Designers are now preparing their new collections to reflect this huge change. One fashion insider remarked that the Duchess has no need of a large bag as she has staff with her to carry her belongings. Yet another pointed out that all a girl really needs in her bag today is a smartphone and a lipstick! I’m inclined to agree.

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No matter who you are, or what age you are, I think there’s something a little special about Fridays, don’t you? The weekend is almost here.

Below, you’ll see a selection of items we’ve chosen that are perfect for a casual weekend. The combination of denim jeans,  along with black and then accessorised with leather is pretty hard to beat.

Scroll over our selections to see the price and simply click the image for more details.

Have a great weekend!

If you’re looking for an inexpensive gift or treat for yourself, then Prada might not be for you. However, if you are looking for superb design, Italian manufacture, top quality leather and an item that is an absolute classic then Prada is the choice for you.

There’s a huge difference between ‘inexpensive’ and ‘value for money’. The Prada collection of totes truly gives you the latter. Their designers have a knack of creating items which are classic, but at the same time completely up-to-the-minute. The company was founded a hundred years ago in Italy and its name has become a byword for style and good taste.

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The name of Versace has been synonymous with quality design for many years. There was a time when these products were only available at specialist outlets but today, thanks to the internet, a selection of wonderful items can be purchased online.

A Versace accessory is a true investment. Click the image or the link below and see carefully selected bags, clutches, scarves and watches. These luxury  products represent luxury, quality and style.

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How can I be so sure? Because on this website  you’ll find over three hundred beautiful black handbags, purses, totes and clutches – the majority of which come from top designers. And with each example shown, you’ll see views from various angles, including a shot of the interiors so you can be sure that the bag you choose will be one hundred percent perfect for your needs.

Shipping is worldwide with free delivery and free returns too. A beautiful black bag is an essential accessory that we all need in our wardrobe. I have several ranging from tiny clutches to large weekend bags and they invariably look stylish and chic – matching every outfit from a casual jeans and sweater look to the most formal evening or business attire.

Some of these ... Read More »]]> http://tastesmagazine.com/looking-for-the-perfect-black-bag/feed/ 0 http://tastesmagazine.com/stylish-designer-bags-by-orla-kiely/ http://tastesmagazine.com/stylish-designer-bags-by-orla-kiely/#comments Sat, 05 Oct 2013 08:12:59 +0000 Jackie http://tastesmagazine.com/?p=2134

It’s no secret that Ilove  handbags, clutches and totes because of the way they can transform and outfit and add instant pizzazz and style every day of the week.  And I think that one of my very favorite designers is Orla Kiely. Since she shot to fame in the late 1990s, she has produced classic designs with a twist that have quickly become iconic – from her seemingly Marimekko-inspired leaf prints to her stunning leatherwork.

Orla, from Ireland, studied at the highly prestigious Royal College of Art in London and her work was soon noticed by stylish and fashionable women in the know. This ‘queen of print’, as she was acclaimed by the more important British newspapers,  has also had her designs featured on other goods, notably an art-inspired London bus!

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Our favorite designers have turned their attention towards creating truly delightful and practical cases for our iPhones, iPads and other tech. This fabulous selection features  examples from the top designers in the couture world today.

Made from top quality materials and in exquisite styles, many of these can be monogrammed too to make them truly personal and they are fashion statements in their own right. Your laptop, tablet and smartphone deserves the best and here is the very best.

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Donna Karan went on a mission to find a perfect pair of jeans – this quest led her to launch her own brand’s sister line DKNY. The DKNY label was originally found on denim – soon Donna’s visionary style led her to create beautiful lingerie, stunning accessories and also included a unique children’s collection.

Style, fashion and timeless sophistication: these are words synonymous with the timeless pieces of the DKNY brand.

See all in this beautiful range

Karin Hiebert is a Sassoon-trained award-winning hairstylist and fashion & beauty guru. After a highly successful career making women beautiful and stylish, she is now an in-demand writer. She knows the best and is delighted to share her knowledge with you. She currently lives in Canada. ]]> http://tastesmagazine.com/dkny-designer-bags-clutches-and-totes/feed/ 0 http://tastesmagazine.com/fendi-womens-designer-signature-handbags/ http://tastesmagazine.com/fendi-womens-designer-signature-handbags/#comments Mon, 08 Jul 2013 14:47:01 +0000 Jackie http://tastesmagazine.com/?p=763

Here at Fendi you’ll find a selection of very sleek handbags of all shapes and sizes. From easy to carry roomy leather tote bags and gorgeous leather bags shoulder bags with features like suede-linings, magnetic close flaps – enamel Zucca detail including the sturdy, gold-tone signature stamped hardware throughout completes the luxe styles…

Signature bags. Made in Italy. Naturally…

See the range

Anna Leather Flap Shoulder Bag

Karin Hiebert is a Sassoon-trained award-winning hairstylist and fashion & beauty guru. After a highly successful career making women beautiful and stylish, she is now an in-demand writer. She knows the best and is delighted to share her knowledge with you. She currently lives in Canada. ]]> http://tastesmagazine.com/fendi-womens-designer-signature-handbags/feed/ 0 http://tastesmagazine.com/italian-designer-accessories-black-white/ http://tastesmagazine.com/italian-designer-accessories-black-white/#comments Fri, 07 Jun 2013 19:04:47 +0000 Jackie http://tastesmagazine.com/?p=53 Fashion colors come and go with the seasons but black and white are perennials. Forzieri, one of the top Italian design houses and online retailers have assembled the most stylish of goods with many different looks to choose from.

Italian design has always been sought-after and seen as the very height of sophistication. See true quality and style at its best. Some of the pieces you will see on their page are true classics – others are completely up-to-the minute. All share that certain Italian flair that makes them so very special.

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