A spot of sale shopping...

What does summer mean? Oh yes. SALES.

Yesterday I had a jaunt around San Severo, a small city near to where I live. And I managed to pick something up! Can you guess what's in the bag??

And no, it's not a bikini. Or a new pair of shorts...

I picked up this lovely jacket from the sale section in Sisley. Perfect for my trip to the UK, perfect for the autumn/spring, and it was HALF PRICE. Oh yeeeah :D

home improvements...

Mainly thanks to my lovely parents for sending me a fantastic package full of birthday goodies, I have been able to make one or two little changes to la casa di Amy. What do you think?

Yes thanks, I think I might just do that...

These large clips prompted me to create a 'non-wall marking' method of brightening up my hallway. And what else could I do with all the beautiful fashion pages from my Italian magazines?!

How cute is this cushion?!

This fantastic magnetic photo wallets have now been stuck all over my fridge. Great reminders of home and past trips. Oh, and the mandatory smoochy boyfriend one. :p

(beach) bag lady

As you know, I am definitely a fan of bags, and the less expensive the better! Have a look at this gorgeous pink and turquoise creation that I received for my birthday:

Now I'm not usually a fan of really bright styles like this one, but I love how much it stands out, and the chain detail is really interesting. Being big and waterproof is also a plus!

I have also spent a fair amount of time at the beach recently, and while at my boyfriend's parents' house, I came across this very cute little beach bag. There was no label inside and as hard as I tried, I couldn't find it online but don't you just love it?!

And on the subject of beach bags, here are a couple of designs from Italian brand Carpisa http://www.carpisa.it/en. Not expensive, and definitely bright and colourful! I love the transparent ones- no longer would I lose things in the bottom of my bag!

Who needs technology to stay in touch?

So today, I got a nice letter from my friend in Australia. I absolutely love sending and receiving letters. In a world where everyone uses so much technology (including yours truly!), it's really refreshing to see that people, every now and then, still use this traditional way of keeping in touch. I take great pleasure in sitting down and putting pen to paper, instead of tapping away on the keyboard all the time. It's relaxing and makes you remember how people actually used to communicate in the past, before emails, facebook and of course, blogs!

In the summer, when I'm not working, I intend to write a lot more letters, and surprise some of my family and friends. Because let's face it, receiving an unexpected, handwritten letter is one of life's little pleasures...

Don't you just love the postcard and envelope? How unusual!

p.s- my favourite shop in Lecce (Cartoleria Pantheon) sells beautiful writing sets... 

Bag lady...(part one)

Now, I wouldn't say that my bag obsession is quite as severe as the Irish one's, but I'm starting to appreciate the reason behind her bag lust. There are just so many that are just SO beautiful. Yes, you may be wearing some scruffy old jeans and a pair of battered old pumps, but as long as you have that gorgeous handbag, you can be forgiven for all the other fashion sins you may have committed. In these parts it is essential to have a fantastic handbag. Italian women tend to lean towards something designer (aka ridiculously expensive) when choosing their bag, and, even though I have seen some stunning bags in this price range, I prefer to find those hidden gems that don't cost the earth. I am a fan of Primark bags (see previous post 'Primani?' for the cute coral one), but seeing as Primark has yet to make an appearance in Italy, I shall continue my quest to find other not-so-expensive alternatives. Behold, my current favourite: 

From http://en.oviesse.com/

At only €20, you can't go wrong. And I have had several comments from Italians about how nice it is. Who needs designer?? (Actually, the Irish one does...I can guarantee that she's lusting after a certain sexy, red Guess bag at this exact moment...)