Lancia Ypsilon Mya is the latest redesign of the most loved car by European women. I can understand the fascination when you have a team dedicated to design innovation while also following trends. The time I visited the design offices of Lancia a few years back I was surprised to find the space arranged the same way you would find a fashion designer's office with mood boards, materials and concept designs all laying around. From this creative space a creative car is born.

It might seem sexist the claim that women don't care about the technical parts but on most things it is true, we are more practical and want something to work great without us knowing how it works. We use cars in more creative ways than men and we have totally different needs. I need it to have parching sensors because I don't want to be bothered, a connectivity system that lets me have all the music, maps, etc at my fingertips and comfort, including some space for my extra shoes and bags in the trunk.

Milan Design Week was the perfect occasion to present one important part of the Italian design we are so proud of, and the new Lancia Ypsilon Mya doesn't disappoint. The interiors feature Alcantara and a denim-like fabrics and the exterior come sin two new shades Ardesia Grey & Lunare Grey. I'll be doing a trip really soon and driving the new Ypsilon in Romagna so stay tuned for more on Instagram: dollsfactory & SnapChat: Anja Tufina

[caption id="attachment_12153" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Actress Kasia Smutniak is the new spokeperson for Lancia Ypsilon Mya. Are we digging that dress?[/caption]





*This post is in collaboration with Lancia 

La passeggiata con il mio cane l'ho sempre immaginata come un momento di relax, dove il cane mi guarda con occhi adoranti, cammina al passo e va fiero verso il parco dove lo aspettano amici e giochi. Io mi siedo in mezzo al verde con il Kindle in mano leggendo Murakami, e il cane è li accanto che si gode anche lui una bella giornata di sole. Beh, questo nelle mie fantasie. Nella vita vera la passeggiata con il cane è un continuo lavoro di educazione e interazione con il cane.

[caption id="attachment_12112" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Come penso di passeggiare con il cane // Come è la realta del passeggio con il cane[/caption]

Il primo giorno, appena presa Fuji dall'allevamento andammo subito al parco vicino a casa a farle conoscere quelli che sarebbero diventati i suoi BFF. Lì il sogno della passeggiata di relax si interrompe. Il mio cucciolo di alano di 3 mesi sprizza entusiasmo da tutte le parti. Non risponde al richiamo, espolora il territorio ignara dei pericoli, gioca a fare la lotta con altri 5 cuccioli di Weimaraner che pesano poco più di 2 chili mentre lei è già grande e forte quanto un Beagle adulto. Nei primi mesi ti tira come una matta cercando di andare di principio nella direzione opposta dove stai andando tu, vuole entrare in qualsiasi porta aperta, salta per "abbracciare" le persone con la coda scondinzolante, aspira da terra tutto quello che trova come fosse un aspirapolvere, bruca l'erba come una mucca, mangia legnetti come un castoro, e si scopre che gli piace l'acqua cosi tanto che tenta di buttarsi sul Naviglio per farsi il bagnetto. In questi momenti il sogno della passeggiata di relax sembra una luce lontana in un tunnel molto lungo. Ma tu sai che la luce è lì percio ti metti al lavoro per correggere con calma un problema alla volta.

E' LUCE FU...

Dopo 12 mesi di lavoro sono uscita finalmente dal tunnel e posso riprendere il mio sogno. Non si può dire che è stato facile, ma è una grande soddisfazione. Una volta che ho capito le dinamiche di come deve funzionare la passeggiata con il cane, la costanza ha fatto il resto. E le regole sono abbastanza semplici

• portare il cane fuori spesso e con qualsiasi tempo cercando di mantenere degli orari costanti. Fuji inizialmente odiava la pioggia, e io ero tentata ad assecondarla ma poi ho preso forza e dopo qualche uscita bagnata la pioggia non la sente più, e farsi asciugare dopo è una gran coccola.


• avere sempre con se bocconcini appettitosi come premio da dare al cane durante l'addestramento in passeggiata. Sui bocconcini da addestramento io ne ho dovuti provare tanti prima di trovare i Delibakie e i Purina Adventuros Nuggets al Cinghiale per i quali Fuji farebbe acrobazie da circo.


• non permettere mai che il cane salti addosso alle persone, questo vale anche per i conoscenti, cosi da non favorire le cattive abitudini. Questa parte è stata dura perchè a Fuji tante volte sono proprio le persone che le chiedono di saltare sulle loro spalle perche vogliono provare la sensazione di essere abbracciate da un cane alto come loro. Sarà passata per una brutta persona per quanti no decisi avro detto.

• non permettere al cane di prendere cibo da chiunque, sia per la sua sicurezza, sia perchè il padrone deve essere l'unica fonte di cibo e per avere il cibo il cane deve meritarlo rispondendo ai comandi.


• fagli fare più esperienze possibili da quando è cucciolo e presentagliele positivamente cosi da grande non avrà paura di niente. Questo vuol dire portarlo in vari parchi sempre con diversi cani, farlo giocare in modo sereno con i bambini, farlo camminare in anche in aree affollate o se sei in città anche in zone con traffico e rumori. Portalo a fare trekking in montagna, passeggiate al mare e al lago e a giocare con la neve. Nessuna situazione deve essere preclusa al cane cosi da avere un cane che passeggia tranquillo qualsiasi cosa succeda in torno.


• non lasciare mai libero il cane se non sei sicuro che rispondi al richiamo. Sul richiamo si lavora fin da subito per avere il controllo di ogni situazione.

• non permettere al cane di decidere dove andare e tirarti al guinzaglio. Chi sta portando a spasso chi? Guidalo rinforzando con il cane il principio che i capo branco siamo noi e decidiamo noi la direzione e l'andamento della passeggiata. Una cosa che mi ha aiutato molto è fare sempre strade nuove che il cane non conosce.


• prima di farlo interagire con altri cani chiedi sempre ai padroni se i loro cani sono socievoli. Non credere mai troppo a quello che ti dicono gli altri padroni e teni sempre sott'occhio l'interazione tra i cani. Con il tempo si imparano i segnali di disagio e/o paura che sono fonte delle zuffe.  Se noti un crescendo nella loro eccitazione è tempo di interrompere i giochi prima che il rapporto possa degenerare. Ma permetti sempre la socializzazione.

Adesso ogni volta che usciamo insieme o arriviamo al parco è tempo di festa e giochi. Fuji nel tempo ha creato un suo branco di amici sia cani che umani con i quali c'è già un rapporto consolidato perciò spesso posso finalmente aprire Murakami e continuare a leggere.








I diari di Fuji sono in collaborazione con Purina Pro Plan. Per saperne di più leggi Il Mese del Cucciolo 2016

The Renewal Oil by La Mer

I still remember the day I got my first Crème de la Mer moisturising cream 7 years ago. It was a winter day after having finished the exam season and my face needed lots of help after days of not sleeping and several Red Bulls to keep me going. After every exam season, I used to make resolutions for the new semester which I used to follow the same way we all follow New Year's resolutions, meaning they were forgotten after the first week of making them. That year one of my resolutions was to start a skin regimen that would keep my skin hydrated. I was getting old, think of it as the drama of a 23-year-old that has seen the first imaginary wrinkle and it was time to take action. And action I took by entering La Rinascente in Milan and coming out with the cream that was going to be my go-to beauty secret ever since.

In the more recent years, I've starting exploring also the new range of products that have originated from the original  formula, first trying the La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream a lighter texture with the same concentration of Miracle Broth and the La Mer The Reparative Body Lotion that makes for a complete skin treatment head to toe.

Out in October, the new addition to my beauty regimen is the La Mer The Renewal Oil, an anti-aging product that can be applied everywhere from the face to soften fine lines, used on the body for extra moisturizing effect, applied to nails for nourishing and also on the hair as an anti-frizz. I love myself an oil formula, especially this one that is so lightweight that can be easily added to every face cream for a boost of hydration. The versatility of The Renewal Oil hasn't made me feel like it is an extra step to my skincare routine, so much that it has been in my bag for months used as a secret weapon to a revitalized and glowy skin.

[caption id="attachment_11608" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] La Mer The Renewal Oil mixed with Creme de La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream[/caption]

The Renewal Oil: Mixing

La Mer Renewal oil turned out to work great while mixing it with other La Mer products. In the morning, I’ve been mixing La Mer Moisturizing Cream with The Renewal Oil for more skin moisture while adding radiance to the skin before applying makeup.

I have a really active day at work, going through different appointments while also riding a bicycle from one place to the other. I’m in much need of extra moisture and don’t have time to apply products throughout the day. In this The Renewal oil helped a lot, as I didn’t need to re-apply it during the day, the extra moisture while mixing it with the Moisturizing cream kept the skin perfect all day.

[caption id="attachment_11612" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] La Mer The Renewal Oil used as to prepare the skin before the make up[/caption]

Surviving Fashion Week 

Milan Fashion Week started today and The Renewal Oil is the perfect little secret helper, it is, after all, one of the most stressful times when working in the industry. Going from one show to the other 7 days straight, partying a lot, and sleeping a few hours per night while also trying to look flawless takes a strain on the skin. Using The Renewal Oil in the morning instantly replenishes the skin with essential moisture while working to repair the appearance of fine lines and the tired overall skin. For a picture perfect look, the multi-use Renewal Oil can be applied also on hair, neck, hands and legs.

[caption id="attachment_11613" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Mixing Te Renewal Oil with La Mer The Reparative SkinTint SPF 30[/caption]

The Holiday Effect

The Renewal Oil is fast absorbing and non-greasy, visibly restoring elasticity leaving the skin firmer and absolutely radiant. It gives such a relaxed look that I usually get only after long holidays. To achieve the most of The Renewal Oil, I use it as an overnight boosting treatment that works perfectly with my skin’s night repair mode. While I was treating my skin every night during a normal working week, it actually gave that Holiday Effect of nourished & radiant skin.

[caption id="attachment_11609" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Boosting hydration while used with La Mer The Reparative Body Lotion[/caption]







*In collaboration with La Mer

Samsonite - Enlight Your World.

The main point of travelling isn't to go somewhere but just to go, travelling for travel's sake. Taking a trip doesn't bring you to places, it brings you to a different life, a life that you can have for a few days pretending to be someone else, someone that lives in that city. The more I visit Paris the more I want to avoid seeing the Tour Eiffel, I just want to sit in the chairs of Jardin du Luxemburg and read a novel. Let people pass me by, let time fly. What about checking the sunset from different locations every day, striking up a conversation with an old lady that has a lot of wisdom to share, then go back to the boutique hotel that you love because it feels more like the future home you want to have. In my latest trip to Paris I did just that, enjoying the fall colors while taking my time to observe and be present. No rush, no stress, just long walks waiting for the sunset.

You know, I sometimes think, how is anyone ever gonna come up with a book, or a painting, or a symphony, or a sculpture that can compete with a great city. You can’t. Because you look around and every street, every boulevard, is its own special art form and when you think that in the cold, violent, meaningless universe that Paris exists, these lights. I mean come on, there’s nothing happening on Jupiter or Neptune, but from way out in space you can see these lights, the cafés, people drinking and singing. For all we know, Paris is the hottest spot in the universe. - Midnight in Paris

[caption id="attachment_11246" align="aligncenter" width="700"] C.O.Q Hotel Paris - 15 Rue Edouard Manet, 75013 [/caption]

 Samsonite Enlight Your World

After enjoying a day of long walks, I was invited to follow the behind the scenes of the latest Samsonite campaign 'Enlight Your World'. The setting fits perfectly with the campaign, Paris is called 'the city of lights' after all and the video seems like an invitation to discover it by night. Samsonite Lite Shock, the lightest luggage in the collection, is the protagonist of the video, carried around the city streets by a drone and awakening travel dreams to passers-by. I was really surprised by the ease the drone was flying over the roofs carrying a luggage, but that is the result of it being just 1.7kg in weight.

Check Out The Video

Behind-The-Scenes

Samsonite Enlight Your World in Paris

 

Milan is a city that goes on summer holidays like no other city. Most of the shops are closed starting from the 30th of July 30 and life resumes its course in the first days of September. Work life stops so life in general seems to stop in this hard working city. That is why June and July are the months of parties among friends, a way to see them one last time before heading to the beach. To celebrate summer, this year a threw a picnic and as a Veuve Clicquot ambassador I introduced the Veuve Clicquot Rich champagne to my closest friends.

This was the first time  I hosted a picnic but managed to do so in just 24 hours. I shopped in the morning for the ingredients that go with the Veuve Clicquot Rich, ordered bagels and muffins from The Bagel Factory in Milan, got everyone to wear white and became a barwoman for an evening.

I really enjoyed being a picnic hostess and learned a few things during this experience that I'm want to share with you.

How to throw the perfect picnic

1- Location Pick a park close to you home so it is easier for you to transport the food and drinks. Also for every emergency having your apartment close comes handy. Before deciding on the location make sure to visit it on the same time that you are planning to throw your picnic so that you can check how many people are around that park at that time. Find the perfect spot possibly under some nice big trees for some shadow in the summer days.

2- Food If you know how to cook is better to do a couple of delicious dishes that you have mastered during the years than try experiment with new ones that you don't know how the outcome will be. Plan for easy portable foods like sandwiches, hamburgers, bagels or salty tartes. If you are having the picnic in your backyard you can prepare more elaborate food, but for picnic in parks better to keep it simple. Don't forget to prepare also some simple desserts. Another important thing is to prepare some vegan food. People have different tastes, some don't eat chicken, other don't like cheese, some are vegetarian and some are vegan. The vegan food will solve all the food issues for the picky eaters. If you, like me, don't know how to boil an egg you can order everything to be delivered. If you search online you can also find restaurants that prepare picnic menus, some also have picnic baskets with everything you might need.

3- Drinks & Ice The most difficult part for me was finding and keeping the ice. There are a few places online that sell ice but I had to postpone the picnic once because of rain so I cancelled my first order. I managed to find self-seal ice bags in the supermarket, so I prepared my own ice cubes the night before. For 20 people I prepared 20 ice cube bags for a total for 400 cubes. They turned out to be enough for 20 bottles of Veuve Clicquot Rich champagne.

4- Picnic accessories I managed with just two picnic baskets, one for the vegetables and fruit needed to make the Clicquot Rich cocktails and one for the bagels. Initially I was planning to buy more baskets but then I thought that they would just take space in my house and were not going to get used that much so two turned out to be enough. Other accessories include blankets, but for 20 people I arranged the 3 blankets close to the park benches so that I wouldn't have to shop for more blankets that would not get used. For glasses and plates I have a hard time using disposable ones, (think of nature) so I used proper glasses and real utensils from my kitchen, but disposable options require less cleanup and are more portable so it is perfectly fine to get them for picnics. A small a chopping board and a good knife come in handy and the board can double up as a serving platter.

5- Entertainment  I confess that I hadn't though of the entertainment. Big mistake! Fortunately my cousin Marsel has always with him a Beats Pill so he provided the music during the evening. For next time I'll get some board games for some fun after meal activity.  

 

Veuve Clicquot Rich Summer Picnic

[gallery columns="4" ids="10635,10633,10643,10642,10639,10634,10636,10632,10641,10640,10637,10638,10631,10630,10629,10628,10627,10626,10625,10596"]

*Check out my clicquologist profile on Rich.VeuveClicquot.com for other events during this year as an ambassador. 

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Forever Fragrance

As a kid I remember playing the “loves me, loves me not” game, eagerly picking off flower petals to see if I had a future with my childhood crush. It was always my go-to when deciding if a relationship was meant to be, as I put all my faith in the flower to choose it’s fate. I remember anxiously picking each petal one by one, counting ahead to see if he “loved me”. If the result was that he “loved me not”, I reassured myself by deciding I had accidentally picked the wrong flower, and would try again with a new, more accurate, one. While I haven’t recently played to this game to see if I have found my future husband, I am sure there is a daisy app that I could find on my iPhone to re-live this favorite pastime.

[caption id="attachment_10348" align="aligncenter" width="1050"] Marc Jacobs Daisy Fragrance[/caption]

In 2007, Marc Jacobs brought me back to my childhood with the release, and beginning, of the Daisy fragrance collection. It was an instant success with the bottle as fresh and feminine as the scent itself. This Eau de Toilette has fruity top notes of pink grapefruit, strawberry, and violet leaf. Its heart is filled with floral fields of gardenia, violet, and jasmine. Lastly, the powdery base is a combination of white woods, vanilla, and musk. This fragrance remains refreshingly playful while still being suited for the sophisticated woman.

[caption id="attachment_10347" align="aligncenter" width="1050"] Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh[/caption]

Four years after Daisy came out, the highly anticipated Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh was released. With an even brighter packaging this scent is a more fruity, more playful version of the original. The top and some of the main notes of the fragrance are grapefruit, raspberry, green notes, and pear. The heart notes are filled with jasmine, rose, violet, litchi, and apple blossom. The light, woody base notes are a composition of musk, Virginia cedar, and plum. This second version of Daisy is a whimsical interpretation of the original that will instantly make you feel cheerful and bright.

[caption id="attachment_10344" align="aligncenter" width="1050"] Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Fragrance[/caption]

The collection made an ethereal transition in 2014 when Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream was introduced into the daisy world. Daisy Dream not only presented a creative new bottle, but a new airy characteristic to the scent. Its top notes add to the fruity accords, consisting of blackberry, grapefruit, and pear. They are followed by floral heart notes of blue wisteria, jasmine, and litchi. The base notes are a medley of coconut, musk, and white woods. The unique blue color of this fragrance, a result of the floral and fruity aromas, is representative of the inspiration that comes from daydreams and clear skies.

[caption id="attachment_10345" align="aligncenter" width="1050"] Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Forever[/caption]

New this year, the Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Forever Eau de Parfum is the latest addition to the collection. Daisy Dream Forever consists of the same light, airy inspiration as Daisy Dream but with a stronger scent longevity. Top notes open with blackberries, grapefruit, and pear. The heart notes combine flowers of blue wisteria, jasmine, and litchi, and the base notes remain simple yet strong consisting solely of white woods. With this scent Daisy has grown up from her original playful innocence to having a more elegant, yet free-spirited sophistication.

[caption id="attachment_10349" align="aligncenter" width="1050"] Marc Jacobs Daisy street event in Milan[/caption]

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Forever, the latest flower that has blossomed in the Marc Jacobs fragrance collection, was presented at Sephora in Milan. 15 models going around the city in bicycles delivering daisies to all the women around town. 

*This post is in collaboration with Marc Jacobs Fragrances