Italy: Romance and History

Romance and history are probably two of my favorite things. Put them together in one place, along with a great plate of fois gras, and you have Italy.

I recently had my second trip to the great country, landing in Rome on a Saturday with my traveling partner, Shika Brown.

Those all night flights can take it out of you but we hit the ground running with a three hour tour - a three hour tour - of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Aside from the Mona Lisa, I would say the next most important works of art are in Italy. While the Sistine Chapel isn't one work of art, the cumulative affect of the overhead and side panels is overwhelming. I noticed this trip that the crowd inside did not seem as reverent. I would have liked to be in the room alone, laying on the floor and just staring up at the ceiling.

Our tour guide was a history professor, Francesca by name, so I did learn some new and interesting facts about the paintings in the chapel. But she did go on. Hmmmmmm.

Naturally, we made the obligatory touristy stops at the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. Yes, I threw a coin, ensuring my return to the Eternal City.

The next stop was new to me: Sorrento. From this base, we traveled along the Amalfi Coast, at the recommendation of my favorite muse David Gandy. The road through Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Minori is hair-raising but the views were spectacular!

Our intention was to take the boat to and around Capri but, upon arrival at our hotel, the boat excursions had been cancelled due to bad weather. The waves around our side of the Sorrento coastline were tumultuous but on the other side, calm as could be. Alas, we did not get to see the lovely Faraglioni rock formations. You know the ones I'm talking about - where David Gandy seduces three different women in the D&G Light Blue commercials...

I got to see Pompeii for the first time. I could have spent three days there winding through the vacant and haunting streets of the destroyed Roman city. Next time, for sure.

The following day, we jumped in the car and headed to Florence. Have you ever driven in Italy? Well, driving and parking can be a nightmare in the central parts of the largest cities. And well, I must confess, I parked way to far from the fun sections of Florence so we walked way too far and spoiled some of our time there. From there we cut across Italy, to get our five minutes at the Leaning Tower of Pisa and then on to Milan.

Shika was a trooper, getting us to our hotel with only the help of a map. No navigation system for us. This was my mistake. I've driven in Italy before and had every confidence I could do it again. GPS would have helped, I must admit, but we made it in fine.

The next morning, we woke early and headed to the church where the Last Supper is painted on the wall. I guess I didn't know that. It's not only a painting, it is also a mural. The painting is held in an air controlled environment and, for now, the restoration work is complete.

I got teary walking into the room. It is a spiritual experience regardless of your background. Only a small crowd is allowed inside, in fifteen minute intervals. Well worth it.

Shopping and eating in Milan are rare treats and we got to do plenty of both. The Via Dante was full of shops, not only Italian design houses but many large and famous international chains. The Via della Spiga is an impressive, closed-in walkway with some of the most exclusive shops in Milan. Alas, our greatest sorrow occurred here. We missed David Gandy by one day!!!

The wildest of our adventures was the Versace show during Milan Fashion Week. I got the tickets via the Blue Steel Appeal auction last spring. Naturally, we needed new shoes and fab dresses. The best part was Shika - she was a paparazzi magnet, striking a pose as if she'd been on the runway her whole life. The show was for the Spring-Summer 2014 collection and lasted all of eleven minutes and thirty seconds. A great, once in a lifetime opportunity!

And I can't say enough about the delicious food we had the whole trip. For nearly every meal, I got out the camera and snapped a shot. So much good food, so little time.


Oh, and I mustn't forget Theater La Scala. In the words of Stendhal, La Scala is "the world's number one theater, because it is the one that gives the maximum musical enjoyment." The interior is magnificent with it's reds and golds, the extensive box seats and massive chandelier. Since the theater opened in 1778 with the opera Europa riconosciuta, La Scala has been the premier opera house in the world.

Let's see... What else? Some writing talk. Gallons of peach tea. Several miles of walking. And all the greatness of Italy.

Great Equinox Blog Hop

Welcome to the Great Equinox Blog Hop! Just in time for the release of Wicked Affairs Book Four - Wicked Secrets.

I'll be in Italy while you're all hopping through this blog but I'll chat with you when I get back.


Here's what you can win from the hop:

PRIZES by RAFFLECOPTER:

(One) Grand Prize: Kindle Fire (U.S.only) plus $100 Amazon Gift Card plus e-copies of all sponsored releases

 

(Two) First Prizes: $100 Amazon Gift Card plus e-copies of all sponsored releases

 

(Three) Second Prizes: One e-book from every participating author.

Sign up here!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e5c7d518

 

Here's what you can win from me:

This is your chance to win e-books of all four Wicked Affairs novels: Wicked Desires, Wicked Temptation, Wicked Lord and Wicked Secrets. Just leave a comment below to be eligible for the random drawing - and I would love it if you would follow my blog, though it isn't required!
Regency, England - it's a hard place to find love especially inside the arranged marriages of the ton.

The Earl of Archer, Charles Standifer’s infatuation with his wife has turned into the cold reality of marriage misery. Vows are not so easily broken but when he gives into temptation all the secrets of the past threaten to destroy them and their marriage. He would give anything to have his wife, but she will have none of him.

 

The reserved and compassionate Alizabet, Lady Archer knows she will never please her husband in ways that matter to men yet she cannot deny the love she has for him in spite of the heartbreaking betrayal.

He has never doubted her affection for him, but that has done nothing to assuage his sexual need. When Charles discovers the revelation of Alizabet’s shocking past, can he be the man and husband she needs? Or will he forever be denied his rights to the alluring yet unattainable woman he calls wife?

Enter now for a chance for four e-books in the Wicked Affairs series!

 

Purchase links for Eliza Lloyd books:
http://www.ellorascave.com/series/wicked-affairs.html

It's release day! Wicked Secrets... Available Now!

For a writer, there are few days as wonderful as RELEASE DAY! On this day, a novel we've slaved over many months is finally born. Yes, we are psyched to get a contract. We adore getting the cover - the first visual representation of our hero and heroine. We say we dread edits but we don't really. It's just a stepping stone closer to the grand finale.

Our stomach quivers when our editor gives us a release date. Is the book as good as I dream? Is it as bad as I fear? Should I have included more back story? Is my hero too much of a jerk?

Will this be my lightning in a jar? Will it catch fire?

Who's to know... I do know that when I deliver a novel to my editor, most of the time I tell her this is my favorite novel so far.

So why is Wicked Secrets my favorite so far? Well, the start of this novel paints my hero in a very bad light so it was a challenge to redeem him. I hope you'll forgive both of us for our bad choices.

I also loved the very sweet heroine who has overcome so much but still finds a well of forgiveness and happiness that is believable and beautiful.The sex is different in this story too. It is a progression of ugly and uncomfortable giving way to unsteady yet trusting. And finally, fulfillment and understanding for both.

Buy Wicked Secrets here: http://www.ellorascave.com/wicked-secrets.html

Beau Brummell of the 21st Century: David Gandy

The year 1795 – the first year of the Regency period in England was also the year George ‘Beau’ Brummell held the position of Lieutenant in the Prince of Wales' personal regiment. While in the regiment, he was called “the first gentleman of England.” Theirs was to be a unique friendship that lasted many years until an unfortunate incident - a single question doomed their relationship.

The Regency was a wonderful time and Beau Brummell was instrumental in transforming men’s fashions from the fussy, feminine time of the Georgian era. Wigs, heeled shoes, rouge and lace were set aside for a new look, one attributed to Beau’s sense of the impeccable. He modernized men’s suits and ties. He took great pride in his clothing, his dressing room often full of ton elites, including the Prince himself. These sessions often lasted up to five hours.

He was also noted for his particular rituals, including daily bathing, shaving and teeth cleaning.

But it was attention to dress that drew the most praise and admiration.

“Brummell put into practice the principles of harmony of shape and contrast of colors with such a pleasing result that men of superior rank sought his professional opinion on their dress.”

Brummell is number two on Esquire’s All Time Best Dressed List.

http://www.esquire.com/the-side/style-guides/best-dressed-men-list#slide-1

So has anyone else noticed we have a modern day Beau Brummell amongst us?

His name is David Gandy, possibly the world’s best-paid male model, certainly the best looking, most well dressed man in the world. He is routinely identified as one of the best dressed by Vogue and GQ. His fans rally around him, trouncing other famous faces and celebrities when it comes to voting for him in any number of popularity contests.
                                                                  ©John Ryder

The comparisons are easy to make.

While David is best known for his intense blue gaze, his dark, chiseled features and perfectly portioned body, it is his contribution to fashion that, I think, will be his lasting legacy.

David entered the fashion world in a time when male models were “skinny and androgynous,” such were the Dior and other models of the 90’s. Dare I say it, feminine? Sounds like the pre-Brummell Georgian era, doesn't it? David entered that world with more muscle than was popular with design fashion houses. He has continued to flex those muscles in any number of endeavors.

He is a tireless promoter of British fashion and has developed in his own fashion app to help the average man outfit himself with tasteful dress and accessories and without breaking a budget. Such an app nearly allows one to step into Gandy’s bedroom to watch his particular harmony of dress, though I would accept a personal invitation should it be extended.

http://davidgandystyleguide.com/about.html

 

The suit was Brummell’s trademark, such as it is with Gandy. David wears a suit as if it were a second skin. He espouses tailoring, preferring the bespoke over the mass produced.
 

©Lucky Brand shoot
 

And like Brummell, Gandy is versatile, his style sense appealing to mechanics with his Lucky Brand jeans and t-shirts and to businessmen with his Thom Sweeney suits. And just as Brummell wore a gold buckle on his cravat while at Eton, Gandy is all about accessories to add the final touches to complement the perfect outfit.

http://www.vogue.co.uk/blogs/david-gandy/2012/11/my-favourite-winter-pieces

 

But as with every road, eventually there is divergence. While Brummell died penniless and insane, Gandy seems to have a much better head on his shoulders. He is certainly popular with women but he has the added drive and focus to keep Gandy, Inc. prospering for years to come.

Finally, David has made fashion relatable – he has cred and steeze. One can believe what David says. For years, fashion has been about artsy pretension. David makes one want to peer inside, to be part of the world reserved for the elite. And he does this to Brummell perfection. Gandy is the "First Gentleman of the 21st Century."

Long and Short Reviews 6th Anniversary Party COMING SOON

Heads up for LASR's 6th Anniversary Party.

Tons of authors, tons of swag.

You don't want to miss this bash.

All this is happening between August 26th and August 30th.

www.longandshortreviews.com

 

 

 

 

The Whole Art of Dress

Here's a great excerpt from an1830's tome I recently purchased about men's fashion. Full of great new stuff.

The Whole Art of Dress

or

The Road to Elegance and Fashion.

Cravatiana:

OF STOCKS AND NECKCLOTHS

I shall now proceed to note and comment upon a portion of dress, in the selection and method of wearing which taste and neatness is pre-eminently to be distinguished; more particularly in full costume. First I shall treat of Stocks, which, though assuming a variety of forms, and shaped for the sake of perspicuity, I have distinguished only under their three general heads, the Royal George or Full Dress, the Plain Beau, and the Military.

The origin of stock is very ancient, though for the last half century they have been worn almost exclusively by the Army, Navy, and Marines, until first revived into public notice by his late Majesty, in the year 1822, when they immediately became an universal fashion.

 Though at first viewed with a prejudiced and jealous eye by friends of the old school, after some opposition from the petits maitres tribe, they at length found their way into the opera and ballroom, and became a portion of full-dress costume. But this has only occurred since his Majesty was pleased to display one at Drury Lane theatre, composed of velvet and satin, from whence the present full-dress stock takes its name. Habit still, however, in some degree, reflects upon stocks for evening costume, and the adoption, though increasing, is by no means at present popular among the ton. I now proceed to describe three fashions I have classed them under.

THE ROYAL GEORGE

 Or Full Dress. This stock, the shape of which is left in a great degree to the wearer's pleasure, is composed of the richest black Genoa velvet and satin, the latter which, sloping down each side of the velvet, terminates in the centre with a very handsome tie, representing a small gordian knot with short broad ends. From the beautiful and lively contrast, of the velvet and satin, this stock is peculiarly becoming to dark complexions, as nothing can afford a stronger relief than the deep sable of its exterior. His Majesty and his royal brothers were always remarkable for wearing them extremely high on the cheek, so that the sides came close under the ears, extending to the utmost verge of the chin. Though this certainly gives a very noble and fine effect to some countenances, the rage for it has passed away and is now deemed singular.

THE PLAIN BOW

Is nearly straight-sided, very pliant, and composed entirely of black silk, with a common bow in front. Though of an humble aspect beside its more haughty and aristocratical contemporaries, its appearance is unassuming and businesslike. Fashion decidedly Oriental.

THE MILITARY

Is remarkable for the plain stiff elegance of its form, which is composed of corded silk, edged with kid and lined with crimson; unlike the two former fashions it has no tie. The shape or stiffner should be made of a thick whity-brown leather, which is beaten into shape upon a proper block, it should then be of so unyielding a nature that no force of the neck can bend it. A good shape ought to bear new covering at least a dozen times. The tout ensemble of this fashion expresses plainness and dignity with neatness and hauteur in an infinite degree.

Of stocks in general, it may be observed, that they are both handsome and economical, and are not attended with half the trouble of cravats, to which they become a pleasing change, more especially so in dark or gloomy weather, when light-coloured neckerchiefs have a very forlorn appearance. Of course it need scarcely be said that the military and plain beau should never be assumed for full dress. A large sable-coloured hook and eye, will be found an excellent and easy substitute for a buckle behind, the arrangement of which is frequently tiresome in the extreme.

With regard to Neckcloths, it is first indispensably necessary to premise, that previous to putting into execution the fashions here developed, the utmost attention should be paid to their washing, bleaching, and starching; the latter of which must generally be used in such proportion as to stiffen the cloth to the consistence of fine writing-paper. You may then confidently make your first folds as in the annexed plate; and then, with some slight practice and care, may execute the following ties at pleasure.

Upcoming Release for Wicked Secrets

It's here! Book Four of the Wicked Affairs series, titled Wicked Secrets. Oh, I love this story. Well, the whole series really. But this one has an added layer of emotion and heartache.







Release day is September 6th!

Here's the a little blurb - and remember I did warn you about the affair!

The Earl of Archer, Charles Standifer’s infatuation with his wife has turned into the cold reality of marriage misery. Vows are not so easily broken but when he gives into temptation all the secrets of the past threaten to destroy them and their marriage. He would give anything to have his wife, but she will have none of him.

The reserved and compassionate Alizabet, Lady Archer knows she will never please her husband in ways that matter to men yet she cannot deny the love she has for him in spite of the heartbreaking betrayal.

He has never doubted her affection for him, but that has done nothing to assuage his sexual need. When Charles discovers the revelation of Alizabet’s shocking past, can he be the man and husband she needs? Or will he forever be denied his rights to the alluring yet unattainable woman he calls wife?