Greetings! Hope everyone is enjoying this version of Spring we are having in Chicago. Our hope is that the rain helps with the flowers and we start seeing Spring blossom around us. Wanted to let you know that we have some great items in just in time for Mother's Day. As you know on the women's side we specialize in gift items & accessories from Europe. Any of the items can be gift wrapped and a card is included so no worries we have got you covered. Be sure to check out this bright blue wind breaker from Schneiders or pick up a new handbag from Il Bisonte. This season we also brought on a new scarf company from Italy called Altea who specializes in quirky fabrications & design. We know that these are sure to be a hit with Mom so come in and see us soon. 

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the deal. And when we're on a buying trip we need as much fuel as possible to start our day.

Trips to NY are jam-packed with appointments, hailing cabs during rush hour from soho back to midtown and long nights figuring out line sheets and sizing. We normally start our day around 7am: Meeting up with Zanella at their office in midtown.

For those other mornings considered to be leisure we can hit the snooze button until about 8:30 and then head to Sarabeth's for a quick bite before heading over to the Javits Center.

One of our favorite breakfast spots while traveling to NYC is Sarabeth’s. The location on central park is close to our hotel and the views are incredible. Pictured are the eggs benedict — always a fave! Also, the jam is amazing and comes in great flavors like plum cherry and strawberry rhubarb.

During this trip to the big apple we also attended MRket to work some clothing lines for men. We really enjoy working with our tie vendors such as Dolcepunta & Italo Ferretti.

Traveling to NY is a treat because a few of the Italian lines we carry make the big trip to the states. It's nice to be able to catch up and visit in NY as opposed to Pitti in Florence. Looking at large silk swatches folded into triangles and imagine them as ties is a favorite! Each season we are impressed with the new colors and designs.

Dallas—Go there, it’s fabulous. The people are as nice as they come and surprisingly the fashion is one to make note of. We go to market here to work some women's clothing and accessories. Their trade center is huge! It is because of the Dallas market we have reached out to great new lines.

One of our favorite stores to visit is forty-five-ten. They have an array of clothes, make up and even some home furnishings. During this trip to Dallas we managed to make a side trip to an antique store where we found these vintage maps! Since our product comes from all over the world we have a real passion for traveling, passports etc.

Make sure you make a special trip to Javier's for the best guacamole and margaritas in town.

For all of the Stefano Ricci fans out there- this one's for you! Have you ever noticed the designer's emphasis of eagles in his displays?

Stefano believes that the eagle is symbol of a strength and bold figure.His love for animals and hunting was visible to viewers at a party in a castle just outside of Florence!

Stefano Ricci and his family host magnificent parties around the time of Pitti during late June. This particular trip all of the guests set out on a long drive to the outskirts of Florence.

When our time in Florence, Milan, Rome and Parma comes to an end we always try to extend our trip to do some extra traveling. 

One of the countries we traveled to was Israel. After a pleasant stay in Milan and hitting up Crescent Moon for dinner we pack and get our passports ready.

Israel was a fantastic trip- so rich with culture and history. Yet, no trip is complete with some “window shopping” they say…. One of the most interesting parts of Old Jerusalem for example was the little stands and booths they have set up in alleys. You can find anything- from white sox t-shirts in Hebrew, to spices, evil eye beads and more!