One of the things I was looking forward to most about our day trip to Lucca was visiting Officina Della Pelle, the family-owned leather store I bought so many beautiful pieces from last year.
Last year, I visited the leather store at the end of the day, so I wasn’t able to get any of my pieces monogrammed. I was too excited about the antiques to fuss over leather! This year, though, I knew some pieces I wanted and I wanted to have them monogrammed, so I stopped there first.
I ended up purchasing a small brown leather messenger bag…
It’s actually the same style as the green purse I bought last year, but it’s larger and I went with a traditional brown color. It’s a great size to use when you need to carry a bag that’s larger than a purse, but smaller than a backpack.
It’s is s beautiful bag! Since I’ve mostly been at home, I haven’t had a chance to use it, but I’ll get to use it soon!
I also bought a couple of little pouches for art supplies. I liked this little yellow pouch for holding small things that might get lost in a bigger zipper pouch.
And I got a green tobacco pouch. Not for tobacco, obviously! It’s actually a perfect size for a passport…
Or I might use it for a small sketchbook, a small pencil, etc. We’ll see!
Once we left the leather store, we walked through the narrow street lined with all manner of shops. It’s almost like an open-air mall. As we were walking, I did a double-take when I saw a long green jacket in a store window…
The length, empire cut, and pocket details reminded me of a jacket that might be worn in a Jane Austen movie. For some, that might be a deterrent, but I was glued to the window. Fortunately, they had the price posted in the window, so I knew it wasn’t outrageous. I went into the store to try it on. They had it in seveeral colors, but I was drawn to the green. The coat only came in one size, so I was really hoping it would work on me. It fit perfectly and I loved it so much I practically squealed. Sold!
The coolest thing about it is it looks like velvet and has a fitted. tailored feel, but it’s made of brushed cotton and wears like a comfy sweatshirt. I can’t wait to be out of my sling, so I can wear real clothes again!
I was able to find their Facebook page HERE, but they don’t seem to sell online. The coat was 90€, which was a splurge, but worth it for such a cool piece.
I also bought a beautiful black and white scarf that was a good bargain for 15€. I wore it in Florence and received so many comments on it.
When our group was back at our hotel, sitting outside on the terrace by the pool, we were chatting about the day in Lucca, the highlights, and our purchases and I overheard someone talking about a beautiful green coat they saw in a window. I interrupted, “Do you mean a long, velvet-looking coat?”
“Yes!”
“I bought it!”
“Aw, you bought my coat.”
We both laughed, “Actually, I bought my coat!”
I’m glad that I was able to find a couple of unexpected pieces to bring home as wearable souvenirs.
In my next post about my trip, I’ll share about our time in Florence. We spent less than 24 hours there, but it was such an amazing time!
That green is my favorite favorite color! So much so, in fact, that my family and friends call it “Donna Green”. I would have splurged for it too! I love it so much I keep looking at it wondering if it is available anywhere online. You’ll have to post pics wearing it after your sling is off! Love the leather too. The fact that you got USABLE pieces instead of novelties is great- that is what I do as well, although I have never gone to the amazing places you have. Hope your shoulder is healing nicely- and you feel up to snuff in time for the fast approaching holidays.
The coat & the leather pieces are all luscious! Great souvenirs!
Beautiful coat for a beautiful woman! Yes, please model it for us when you are able. Glad you got to enjoy the scenery and sun before the soon-to-be-here winter.
OMG, that coat! I want one! .., and i love the green. You’ll have to model it for us! The leather bag is yummy and beautiful. Our handbags are a very important tool and I think we should all have we that is functional, pretty, and that we love…
Cindy
I bought that bag 3 weeks ago, along with a wallet, and they are perfect. My mom now has the same bag on it’s way to her.
Waw ! super
Merci pour ce beau partage.
Nice blog really
I love that your initials are MVP 🙂 !!!! Beautiful finds!
Gorgeous green coat! Beautiful leather! How much fun!!! So happy for you! You deserve good things!
Lovely finds, and that green coat had your name written all over it! My daughter bought me a leather purse on her trip to Italy last year, and I LOVE it. They get better with age and will last a lifetime!
That coat is amazing and a fantastic souvenir! Love that color green so much! You leather goods are also making me jealous! I love that you were able to get them monogrammed. Such beautiful keepsakes!
You never can go wrong in Italy …I’ve been there 3X in 3 different parts and loved every area. No one does leather better except maybe Spain….great buys!