Time for our AGELESS STYLE POST…………
I would like to INTRODUCE LUISA RAGNI from SOUTHERN ITALY.
She buys baskets and makes them into pieces of ART!
I EVEN OWN A COUPLE!!!!!!!! I TOOK A CHANCE………ORDERED from HER …….and just upon doing this POST found out she wears CAFTANS!
I WAS DANCING UP AND DOWN WHEN I GOT THESE PHOTOS!
YOU SEE I HAD NO IDEA WHAT SHE LOOKED LIKE!
I JUST KNEW I LIKED WHAT SHE MADE AND THAT SHE HAD GOOD TASTE FROM INSTAGRAM…………..
TO FIND LUISA ON INSTAGRAM GO TO:
HUSH_HUSH_HANDMADE.
FOLLOW HER!
She would appreciate it!
I ADORE SHARING PEOPLE LIKE HER!
YOUR CONTESSA CARRYING A HUSH_HUSH_ HANDBAG.
IN FRONT OF HER DISNEY YELLOW DOOR!
Time for OUR AGELESS STYLE POST with CINDY HATTERSLEY TODAY.DO pop over to see who she is featuring this month!We took JUNE OFF due to busy schedules and LIFE getting in the way which is a GOOD THING!I had a family wedding and Cindy has become a GRANDMAMA…………….so as you can understand that takes precedence!
THIS IS LUISA’s STORY……….
I live with my husband in Galatina in the Salento region of Puglia in Southern Italy. This is the heel of Italy and we are near the bottom about 30 miles from the tip and roughly in the middle 10 miles south of Lecce.
Galatina is a small town (Pop: 27,000) with a lot of churches and a lovely old part (Centro Storico) where we live in an 18th century apartment.
I met my husband who was a TV commercials director in London in 1987 but we drifted apart when I moved back to Italy in 1989. Then we met again for a weekend in Venice in 2004 and he moved to Milan so we could be together. I always wanted to live in Tunisia so we spent 5 years there which is where I was inspired to start thinking about making bags. After a long search in Puglia we found our apartment and settled here in 2010.
We got married in England on 29/6/2018.
I think the year is WRONG LUISA!!!!!!!!!!!!
( In Italy they do the birthdate this way!)JUNE 29,2018
Hope this fills in the blanks, our relationship history is quite romantic as we returned to Venice to buy an engagement ring on 12/9/07, we still have the celebration lunch menu from Harrys bar in the kitchen. The way we got back in touch after so many years is even more like a novel with lost digits from telephone numbers and help from distant friends of friends to finally reconnect.
(CONTESSA HERE SO YOU ARE NEWLYWEDS!!!!!!AUGURI!!!!!!!!!!FANTASTICO!!!!!!!!!!!)
The PIAZZA getting ADORNED for FESTIVITIES!
We are very close to the sea in both east and west directions so in the Summer many tourists visit Galatina to see the famous frescos and eat pasticciotto (crumbly pastry filled with egg custard).
I would normally say that the weather is very hot in Summer and a bit chilly in the Winter but as I type this in the middle of June I can hear the rumble of thunder and the patter of rain on the windows!
People in Salento are very proud of their towns and each thinks they live in the best place, so it should come as no surprise that we think the same even though I come from near Venice and my husband is English. Life here is very “tranquilla”, there are even more bars than churches. After living in both Milan, London and Tunisia for many years it suits us perfectly.
I would encourage anyone visiting Italy to come to Salento to see for themselves.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
Eclectic and raffinato.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?
Arabesque.
WHAT ACCESSORY CAN YOU NOT DO WITHOUT?
Handbag, not only Hush Hush and a scarf.
FAVORITE COLOR?
Black, fuchsia and aubergine.
DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE PIECE THAT DEFINES YOUR STYLE?
I have my own Kaftans made from wonderful fabrics bought at a local drapers.
WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE STRENGTHS?
Good quality fabrics and mixing expensive and cheaper pieces.
DO YOU HAVE A STYLE ICON?
Veruschka and Iris Apfel.
WHAT ARE YOUR BEAUTY ESSENTIALS YOU COULD NOT DO WITHOUT?
Lipstick (Bobbi Brown/Chanel) and mascara (Nars).
DO YOU HAVE REPEAT OFFENDERS IN YOUR CLOSET IF SO WHAT ARE THEY?
Too many black trousers/ dresses and tops!
WHAT ADVISE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN OVER 50 over 40?
Follow your instinct, fashion should suit you not the other way round and wear interesting perfume like Jo Malone or Robert Piguet.
DO YOU HAVE ANY STYLE RULES THAT YOU LIVE BY?
Interesting shoes and vintage costume jewellery.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE GO TO SOURCES?
Instagram and Pinterest.
DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR DESIGNER THAT YOU ARE DRAWN TO?
Dries Van Noten, Etro and the more fun Fendi.
You can see my bags on instagram: hush_hush_handmade
The PIAZZA AT NIGHT SET for a FESTIVAL with ALL THE LIGHTS!
Note the small Boys with shorts to their knees!
“This has been the style since my BOYS were young!”….. SAYS CONTESSA
THE BANDSTAND!
I ADORE THIS!
NOW ,LETS GO SHOPPING!
EYE CANDY GALORE……………..and don’t forget to HOP over to CINDY’s BLOG to see who she is FEATURING!
For CINDY’S PICK.
How many of YOU would LOVE a BASKET BAG from LUISA?
To contact her send a DM…. DIRECT MESSAGE to her on her INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT!
HUSH _ HUSH _ Handmade
The quality is SUPERB!
The wrap JOB is a STUNNER!!!!!!
I am IN LOVE with MINE and AM STOPPED frequently when I carry it!
I have seen NOTHING LIKE these bags here in CALIFORNIA with the BASKET BAGS being SO POPULAR!
I hope you have ENJOYED LUISA and will feel FREE to ask HER any questions about LIFE in ITALY or TUNISIA!
HAPPY SUMMER EVERYONE!
I HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED THIS POST!
PS. The ITALIANS take LONG VACATIONS and LUISA will be doing JUST THAT until AUGUST 21 !!!
So, if you do not hear back promptly don’t despair!
She is most likely at the BEACH under an UMBRELLA with NO INTERNET!!!!!!!
Getting ideas for her next LINE OF BEAUTIFUL BASKETS!
Remember these are ONE OF A KIND!
A PIECE OF ART!
TOODLES and THANKS FOR READING!
XX
Diana Amato says
I have been eyeing her bags for some time now!! My Birthday is around the corner and I think I will indulge myself in her direction!! So many beautiful choices! How will I pick just one? Great post!! Thanks so much!! Tanti Baci!
LA CONTESSA says
If you buy a smaller one it will fit into the larger one so than the POSTAGE is NOT so BAD!!!!!!!
HINT HINT!!!!!!!!MAYbe, we can even do THREE in one box!!!!!
When is YOUR BIRTHDAY?
September I think????
XO
1010ParkPlace says
18th century apartment, Harry’s Bar, Arabesque, Veruschka, aubergine… Say no more! I LOVE this woman! Can’t wait to take a better look at her Instagram account. xoxox, Brenda
LA CONTESSA says
PLEASE DO………..and ENJOY!
SHE HAS SOME WONDERFUL BAGS!!!!!
XX
Kathy Perdue says
Such an interesting post. Love her bags so beautiful,colorful, and textured. Thank you for the introduction. Going to Instagram to find her. Thank you
LA CONTESSA says
SO WELCOME KATHY!!!!
XX
Anita Day says
I’ve loved reading Luisa story Elizabeth and love that she loves Veruschka………I was crazy about her in the 70’s.
Wishing Luisa every success with her basket making……..they’re lovely.
Cheers Bella
Neat xx
LA CONTESSA says
XO
Suzanne says
What a wonderful post and story! Luisa’s baskets are fabulous – so pretty. I loved learning about her and all the photos from Italy..I’ll pop over and start following her on IG.
Thank you!
xx
Suzanne
http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com
LA CONTESSA says
SO< welcome! THANKS for popping over!!! XX
Jill Anthony says
Oh Contessa, you did not disappoint! She’s fabulous! Love all the photos! She has such fun and fab style. Those bracelets! Gorgeous!
LA CONTESSA says
AND YOU doing HILDIE in a CAFTAN TODAY………WHAT ARE THE CHANCES!
People check out 1010 PARK PLACE for MORE INSPIRATION!!!!!XX
Belle Gabrielli says
Thank you for sharing Elizabeth, her bags are indeed beautiful!!
LA CONTESSA says
SO< HAPPY YOU ARE FOLLOWING ALONG!!!!!!! CIAO BELLA! BELLE! XX
DONNA says
I have a button bracelet that looks very much like the one pictured!
LA CONTESSA says
WHY NOT PAIR IT WITH A CAFTAN??!!
XX
Pipistrello says
Oh, Italian towns and their brass bands!! Luisa was a good find, Contessa – and anyone who loves Etro is automatically stylish in my books!! Did you also realise you both share a passion for tricky-to-dust treasures?
Baci xx
LA CONTESSA says
SMART ASS!!!!!!!
I LOVED THIS……..and YES I NOTICED!!!!!!!!
YOU still digging for treasures????
I have your blog post to read…….will get there!!!!!
XX
Pipistrello says
Haha!! Home now but have a gazillion pics to sort through yet, so just filling the void with other stuff right now.
xx
Janice says
Oh yes i’m turning into a kaftan gal I seen one on line in London I may order.
Love the bags also, I’m going to her online store and look around
This is a gorgeous post all the colors
LA CONTESSA says
LONDON……..CAFTANS?
DO SHARE !!!
XX
JoAnna says
Contessa Darling, It sounds like a book waiting to be written, with so many people looking for love but thinking it may be too late. They met and went their separate ways but never forgot each other, serendipity , they found each other again later in life, and became husband and wife!! She has such style and knows who she is, such an inspiration for so many reasons. I have a feeling you will get to know each other well and become very close friends. You find such interesting women to share with us!
LA CONTESSA says
SHE MARRED IN 2017………..so ONE YEAR AGO!!!!
HAPPY YOU ENJOYED!!!!!
THANK YOU!
XX
Taste of France says
The book exists! But only in French (still, if you have high school French, you can manage it; it’s very straightforward, so all the attention is on the stories themselves): Le coeur n’a pas de rides (The Heart Has No Wrinkles) by Marina Rozenman. It’s a collection of stories about couples who found love later in life–including some lost and rediscovered. One of the most beautiful books I’ve read, written with great sensitivity.
Another book I love is “Christ Stopped at Eboli,” by Carlo Levi, about life in the far south of Italy in the 1930s.
Thank you, Contessa, for the introduction to this lovely lady. Her bags are works of art. Indeed, the glimpses of her home show she has interesting taste in art. And I love her caftans.
LA CONTESSA says
I need to READ THESE BOOKS!!!!!!I shall SCOUT AROUND FOR THEM!THis CONTESSA has NO FRENCH SKILLS AT ALL but if there are photos I will LICK IT UP!
MERCI beautiful lady in FRANCE!
XX
Lisa White says
What’s not to love about Luisa… the bags are beautiful… and the caftans… she should expand into caftans to match the bags!!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Luisa’s story, looking at the pictures of her home and city. … All gorgeous! Heading over to her IG page now! Thank you for introducing us to Luisa!!!!!!!!!!!
LA CONTESSA says
YOU MY DEAR ARE SO WELCOME!
THANK YOU for being such an inspiration on INSTAGRAM at FRIDA IN MY CLOSET!!!!!!
XX
Hilda Smith says
Hello my darling Contessa. Another INSPIRATIONAL woman with a wonderful story and AMAZING bags. Thankyou xxxx
LA CONTESSA says
ANY TIME……………….I TRY TOO PLEASE AND FIND ONE OF A KIND STYLE!
XX
Sandra Sallin-Apart From My Art says
Oh, she reminds me of you. Love her style. Did you notice the hundreds of Chanel nail polishes? Beautiful baskets and fab looks. Can’t wait to go to her instagram site and take a look. Great stuff.
LA CONTESSA says
I DID NOTICE THE NAIL POLISH COLLECTION!!!!!!!!!!XX
Helen Bunch says
What a darling story! And beautifully written. Her bags look so lovely, I shall go and find her page …
LA CONTESSA says
WONDERFUL!!!
THANKS FOR READING!
XX
Kim says
Contessa she’s lovely and she reminds me of you with her fabulous jewelry and caftans! So fun to see how she lives. You always find the coolest people!! I have to pop over and check out her bags. Loved that photo with the young boys in the square. You can see Italian style starts early! xoxo
LA CONTESSA says
IT DOES………..those PROUD MAMA’s want their family to stand out!!!!!!
I was THRILLED she wore CAFTANS!
XX
Loree says
I adore fuchsia too. It’s my absolute favourite colour. From photos I’ve seen, Puglia is very much like Malta. Luisa’s bags are adorable. Glad you’re back on the blog, although I know you’ve been very busy. Hope you’re having a relaxing summer.
LA CONTESSA says
SO the THREE of us ADORE FUCHSIA.
I think your right about MALTA and PULGIA……….I wonder if LUISA has been to MALTA?
XX
Mary Ann Pickett says
Luisa is a stylish woman with a great story! Fun post!
Lisa the Sequinist says
What a fascinating read! I love her bags and am now following on Insta. I so enjoy stories like hers, and what a lovely feeling when you are sure that you live in the best little corner of the world. Thank you for introducing us to her, Contessa!
Karen Persson says
OOOooohh… so lovely! I love all the colors and her style! Definitely Italian style…. I want those black shoes she’s wearing in the first photo!
So inspiring! I’m going to follow her Instagram account now, too!
Love,
Karenxoxxo
LA CONTESSA says
FABULOUS!!!
XX
Shari says
Contessa, once again you nailed it on the head. Those bags are delightful and so full of fun. I can’t wait to order one. Thanks for your keen eye and indomitable spirit. xoxo Shari
LA CONTESSA says
ANYTIME!
Girlfriend DIVINO!!!!!
XX
Kathie says
She is FABULOUS!! And so much like you!!
Robin Fink says
Great post, Contessa! Makes me want to pop on down to Puglia. Such a great story, and her bags are gorgeous!
LA CONTESSA says
VIA!!!!!!!!
AND GRAB THREE FOR ME!!!!!!!!!
XX
Ellie's friend from Canada says
I absolutely love this post and Luisa!!!!! Everything is appealing and interesting. I love the pile of books floor to ceiling. It brings a great smile to my face. I always admired Oscar de la Renta’s coffee table piled with books. I myself pile books but don’t think this would work so high with a cathedral ceiling. Still, though, what a beautiful woman1. Thanks, Elizabeth.
LA CONTESSA says
WELCOME!
I too was fascinated with the BOOKS!!!!!!
I’m a person who needs BOOKS piled all around!!!!!!
Hope you are feeling better and the SUN is OUT for your daily pleasure!!!!!
XX
DA Squires says
Loved this…the riot of color of her gorgeous bags reminds me of fireworks… dazzling! What an interesting woman… you and Cindy find extraordinary ladies…each one uniquely perfect for Ageless Style!! Like Ellie’s friend, I spied the pile of books and swooned… I would love to know how she became inspired to make her bags and how long it takes to complete just ONE, and how she came up with Hush Hush…and I loved the love story… your posts sparkle like sun on the water… XO
LA CONTESSA says
LUISA, can you hit reply here and answer HER QUESTIONS?
This one is FOR YOU!!!
XX
Mithra Ballesteros says
Thank heavens you’re back from your respite. I know it was well-deserved and we all understand the importance of making yourself fully available to experience the joy of a child’s wedding. But I missed you!
Your friend is talented. I was dying to see more of her home. Loved the white walls and how they set off the tribal art and all the books. She’s the real deal. Off to follow her on Insta now.
LA CONTESSA says
HERE IAM…………will try and get a few MORE POSTS OUT!
I still struggle with what to write about!
For me I need the photos too so that slows me down in some ways!
Now, have houseguests until the middle of AUGUST!
XX
Cindy hattersley says
I left a comment days ago but the internet is terrible here! Luisa has beautiful taste. I love her purses. I wonder if she makes larger ones for those of us who carry a suitcase sized purse?
LA CONTESSA says
THAT would be GOOD TO KNOW But THAT SHIPPING IS NOT FRIENDLY on the smaller version so I think we would NEED to go together and pick it up in HER TOWN!Hand carry and fill as we GO!!!!!!!
AGELESS STYLE HITS ITALY!!!!!!!
HERE WE COME!
HA!
XX
Ms. Mary says
Fascinating people are drawn to you. You are a good “insta-friend”.
So glad you did this write-up.
I know your visitors will enjoy your garden! <3
debra@5th and state says
hello Contessa!!
fascinating introduction….Luisa is so interesting, can’t you just imagine a good no el here?
going gaga for that sculpture in her home, very tribal & the scale, divine.
but those bags, so fun!!!!!
debra
debra@5th and state says
should read, a good NOVEL
Robin Fink says
Gorgeous!! Love her style, her caftans, adorable shoes, and THOSE BASKETS!! Her citta is lovely. Thank you dear Contessa, for sharing.
LA CONTESSA says
Maybe one day you can drive down and SAY CIAO!!!!!!!!XX
April Matthews says
I want to go and live there!!! Great post, thank you for taking me on a trip this morning!