Size Chart
Italy 35 35.5 36 36.5 37 37.5 38 38.5 39 39.5 40 40.5 41 41.5 42
UK 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9
US 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 10.5 11 11.5 12
France 36 36.5 37 37.5 38 38.5 39 39.5 40 40.5 41 41.5 42 42.5 43
Australia 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10

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In Her Shoes: Perla Formentini Interviews Angie Wilson

In Her Shoes: Perla Formentini Interviews Angie Wilson

Angie Wilson is a woman of many talents. She’s the woman behind The Fashion Fuse, which is as much a lifestyle as it is a fashion blog. Aside from that, she’s also a wife and a mother of two. At first glance, her blog is a combination of Pinterest-worthy images and inspiring words that will bring a smile to anyone who loves fashion. On closer look, you’ll find that the success of Angie’s blog is a combination passion and the hard work that goes on behind the scenes of any successful venture.

We quizzed her on a few important things like her favorite haunts, Christmas plans, and how she balances mom duties and other facets of her life.

The Fashion Fuse - Angie Wilson

What would you be doing if you weren’t a fashion blogger?

Before I started blogging I worked as an actress/model and before that I was a dancer for 15 years, so something in the performing arts I assume.

What has been the most rewarding and most challenging in being a successful blogger?

As bloggers we work years to build our audience. We work hours and hours styling, creating, writing and paying for photographers and hair and makeup (sometimes) ... [The] perks are pretty great! Free everything! But there is a fine line with that benefit.

The Fashion Fuse - Angie Wilson

Where do you like to see your blog grow into in five years?

I have a really big vision and I am not afraid to admit that...lol! The goal is to continue to create great content that inspires people of all walks of life. I have been a starving student and a flourishing woman, so I understand fashion at every budget and try my best to accommodate that. In the end I'd like to create a fashion forward clothing and lifestyle brand that meets the needs of shoppers and all price points. My husband and I have A LOT of ideas right now. I see my boys running this business one day...after they win a super bowl according to them!

The Fashion Fuse - Angie Wilson

Angie Wilson wearing Perla Formentini shoes 'Enrica' from the S/S 2016 Collection

How do you juggle mom duties and work and other facets of your life?

Good question! Being a mother was always my ultimate goal in life and will always come first. Having said that, I am lucky because I started my business once my youngest was in full time school. If I had a baby I'd have to delegate a lot more. I take my kiddies to school, workout and then work most of the morning and afternoon. Once 3:00 hits it's all about the kids and me being a chauffeur. After I put them to bed at night my husband and I watch Netflix with our laptops and start plugging away again. My poor hubby puts in 18 hour work days. I can't keep up with him.

The Fashion Fuse - Angie Wilson

Can you tell us more about Utah and some of your favorite haunts?

Utah is home and one of the most beautiful places on earth. You have the mountains, desert, salt flats and Mars (well it looks like it) all in one state! To be honest, sometimes I do crave the different cultures and hustle and bustle of a bigger city like NYC or LA. On the flip side the lack of hustle and bustle is what makes Utah so safe and clean. Lucky for me I get out a lot so I have the best of both worlds. I am sure you've noticed already but Utah has a group of incredible bloggers/influencers. I feel lucky to know so many talented women in the same industry making their dreams come true.

Utah

Which is your favorite fashion destination and where do you like to go dine/ drink/ shop when you are there?

I mean nothing beats Paris when it comes to fashion, but I spend a lot more time in NYC. In NYC I always hit Bergdorfs because it's one of the most exquisite department stores. I also love shopping the streets of SoHo ( not on the weekend) to shop some of the classics and see the new emerging designers. Sometimes I'll go down to Bleecker Street because it's slower paced and I'll grab a banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery, a slice from Joe's or if I'm feeling tired I'll sit down at Rosemary's for some awesome farm to table Italian eats. Other restaurants I love are Nobu, Ippudo, Normas (breakfast), Cosme, Per Se, Balthazaar, Jacob's Pickles, Palm Court (high tea), Rosa Mexicano (for the guac), Jack's Wife Frida, The Mercer Kitchen, Locanda Verde and so many more I am forgetting!

Berdgorf Goodman

We see you may be an Oprah fan. Any good life advices to share with our readers?

I swear Oprah turned me into an adult...haha. I learned so many life lessons from watching her show everyday! Now I am a huge fan of Super Soul Sunday. That show introduced me to so many spiritual teachers like Eckhart Tolle. In work my biggest take away from Oprah was follow your passion because it won't feel like work and if you're gonna do a job do it well no matter what it is. Take pride in what you do whether it's sweeping a floor for a living or performing brain surgery.

The Fashion Fuse - Angie Wilson

What are your plans for Christmas?

Travel for work and holiday events and lots and lots of family time. I have five siblings and two children and my husband has three grown children, so we like to get them all together. We love to cook and host everyone, so we'll be spending lots of time in the kitchen.

The Fashion Fuse - Angie Wilson

Do you have any traditions you’d like to do with your children? Or anything they’d particular like about Christmas?

During the past couple of Decembers life has taken us to NYC for various reasons. It's just beautiful there during the holidays. I am hoping it becomes a new tradition! Last time we went we took the boys to the Plaza hotel (just like Kevin in Home Alone 2), all the ELF movie spots, to see the Rockets and Santaland at Macy's. It was solid gold! My kids kept teasing me saying that I am "SO obsessed with holiday magic" and it's absolutely true! NYC hits the nail on the head this time of the year.

Christmas in New York

To end, what songs would be on your dancing playlist?

I don't discriminate when it comes to music, but I am a little stuck in the 80s and 90s. I love some pop rock like Queen or Gn'R. True story, I suffered permanent hearing loss at the Gn'R Not in this Lifetime Tour Concert. Axl and Slash back on stage together is worth all the permanent ear ringing I deal with now!

Photos courtesy of  Angie Wilson of www.thefashionfuse.com. Bergdorf Goodman photo courtesy of Christopher Peterson via Wikicommons.

BUON NATALE: How Italian Celebrate the Holidays

BUON NATALE: How Italian Celebrate the Holidays

Holidays are usually steeped in tradition and Italian holidays are no exception. Christmas in Italy is a charming experience, especially for travelers who experience it the first time around. If you’re in Rome, southern Italy or Sicily, imagine nibbling on Italian fruitcake while listening to bagpipers playing Christmas melodies. For those curious to know what it’s like to celebrate the Italian way, here are some traditions to look forward to.

Christmas in Italy
Christmas in Italy

The Beginning

The festive season typically begins around December 16 and lasts until January 6. For some families, it starts as early as December 8, which is the day of the Immaculate Conception. The reason why it ends on the 6th of January is because it’s the date associated with the arrival of The Three Wise Men in Bethlehem or The Epiphany.

Christmas in Italy

Presepi

Along with the usual trees and lights decorating homes and public spaces, the presepi (nativity scene) are also on display in churches, piazzas, and in some homes. These ornate handcrafted masterpieces are made in all parts of the country and is a testament to the rich, Italian tradition of handicraft-making.

Presepi

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

A lot of Italians avoid meat on la Vigilia (Christmas Eve) and typically indulge in multiple fish-based dishes. After a light Christmas Eve dinner, a more sumptuous Christmas lunch is something that most Italians look forward to. For some families, Christmas Lunch goes on for pretty much the whole day. In the US, it’s typical for kids to write letters to Santa. This is something that also happens in Italy but the more common tradition is kids writing letters for their parents before Christmas. They spend time writing and decorating their letters, which their parents then read aloud after Christmas Lunch.

Italian Christmas

Christmas Presents

A lot families open gifts on Christmas Eve but some kids open their presents later -- on the 6th of January to be exact. The Epiphany is when the good ugly witch known as La Befana drops off presents. The story is that she followed the wise old men but she got lost along the way.

Christmas Gift

Cake

What’s a celebration without cake? On Christmas Eve, the cenone (big dinner) varies from region to region but there is usually one staple: the panettone, which is a delightful fruitcake sometimes with frosting or dusted with powdered sugar. Others prefer a nougat, Il Torrone, or il pandoro which is similar to il panettone, but without the candied fruit. Buone Feste!

 Panettone

Photos courtesy of AHT, Mike Slone and Angelo Di Blasio.

 

In Her Shoes: Perla Formentini Interviews Thania Peck

In Her Shoes: Perla Formentini Interviews Thania Peck

We caught up with Thania Peck, the style blogger behind www.catcherinthestyle.com, who’s originally from South Africa. She now lives in New York and her style choices and refreshing point of view is evidence of her interesting background. After a successful modelling career, she now works with different charities while keeping up with her blog.

Thania Peck

At first glance, her Instagram is a study of chic nonchalance and impeccable style picks. But dig deeper and you’ll find that there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Catcher in the Style

Here, we chatted with Thania to find out what it is exactly that separates her from the rest of the style crowd.  

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you decided to start a blog?

I'm a fashion lifestyle blogger with a passion for philanthropy. I started my blog initially as the place to share tips and tricks I loved in beauty and fashion. My goal was always to inspire people to be loving and positive.

Thania Peck

We see you are involved with a few charities. Could you tell us more about each of them and why you are drawn to their causes?

The charities I support are all youth-based. My friends are the CEOs of the companies so I know exactly where the money we raise goes. I feel like if you aren't sick with cancer or something and can help others you one hundred percent should get out there and find something you are passionate about and want to support.

Thania Peck

The Young and Brave Foundation – Raises money for cancer youth. Based in LA.

Slide Ranch – A summer program for underprivileged kids which teaches them how to farm and the importance of being eco-friendly.

Findyourgrind – An entrepreneurial digital textbook program in 2000 high schools in America. The curriculum is by a team who created the ACT and SAT test has just launched in classes this fall.

I'm also a Tom's shoes ambassador.

How do you find your work as a model and blogger help your causes?

The more my brand grows, the more opportunity I have to create positivity and change for the youth.

Thania Peck

What is the most fascinating part about your work? And what is the most challenging?

The fascinating part I smile about is I created my job in fashion. No one gave me a job. I get to work with my friends every day and I love it. I started working with the New York Stock Exchange to help raise money and awareness for the youth entrepreneurial program, and that just fascinates me as well. My crazy ideas are going places. The most challenging thing is I work 18 hour days a lot of the time from emails to meetings and that can be challenging. I love what I do though so most of the time I don't even notice I'm working.

Thania Peck

For you, what is a stylish woman?

To me, a stylish woman is one who dresses well and is confident in herself. She doesn't need to show her body off to get attention people listen to her because she has something important to say. She's not known for selling sex, she's known for her ideas and positive, selfless work in the world.

Thania Peck

Thania Peck wearing Perla Formentini shoes 'Carla' from the S/S 2017 Collection

If you weren’t a model/blogger, what do you think you would be doing instead?

I was interested in molecular biology in school before I dropped out of college. Maybe I would be doing something in the medical field seeking cures for cancer who knows.

You travel a lot and are a citizen of the world, but if you can only live in one place in the world, where would it be and why?

I love Brooklyn, New York. I have a lot of friends here and it just has a great vibe. Also love Paris.

New York and Paris

You seem to be a big music fan. Any tracks our readers must check out?

I love Francoise Hardy when I'm writing, Martin Garixx when I'm working out and Migos or French Montana to get me ready for the night. Honorable mentions Major Lazer- Light it up, Yeah Yeah Yeah- Heads will roll, Tegan and Sara - Walking with a Ghost, Kygo - Firestone, Kiiara - Gold. Thanks for interviewing me!

Photos courtesy of Thania Peck of www.catcherinthestyle.com