Back in January I was approached by and Italian magazine publisher (in Rome) who found my blog and wanted to do a spread on my decorating style. They were in the process of creating a new magazine, which they called CASA ROMANTICA Shabby Chic.
I supplied them with all the photos they requested (and other stories) and when I came back from this last trip I found a copy of their new magazine waiting for me as well as one of their other magazines for which I had sent my sister Sylvie's home in Provence.
Since the initial connection I have been fortunate to work a lot with them. They are the most delightful people to work with and this new association is thrilling.
Actually it's quite ironic because I don't speak Italian. Fortunately the editor in chief and staff speak English so we can communicate via email and phone. But, since Italy is 6 hours ahead of the East Coast I have to be up really early in order to respond to the emails I get. But what else is new?Really I don't mind because it's all worthwhile.
Each of their magazines features high quality paper and color printing and very imaginative layouts. European magazines are really stunning.
Thought you might like to see a couple of stories.
Here is the cover of
CASA ROMANTICA Shabby Chic
and here is the 22-page spread on Chez Fifi or, as they titled it,
Il Mondo di Fifi
The same issue also features a story and I did on my sister Sylvie's cross stitching with some of the photos I took of her work..........
and I love how they lay out their product pages..........really yummy design...........
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The other magazine in which they featured my sister's home is called
CASALI ANTICHI
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I am also starting to work with them on 2 more of their other magazines.
This wonderful additional work outlet is just one of 2 new exciting ventures. The other one is even BIGGER. I will tell you about it in the next post....stay tuned!
If you read Italian you are in luck. But if you don't I hope you enjoyed all the photos. Thanks for "reading" along. As they say in Italy "Ciao!"
Wow! What exciting news. You have more going on than ever! I loved revisiting some of those photos of your place and seeing new ones as well. Your sister's place is wonderful as well. I wish I could read Italian. I can't wait to hear what your other big news is. I can't imagine it being bigger than this.
Posted by: Nita Stacy @ ModVintageLife | June 06, 2010 at 02:26 PM
Oh Fifi~ ~ ~How wonderful for you! I do not read Italian but the story comes thru loud and clear in your lovely pictures. Such a quality publication. Both your home and your sisters are lovely and I wish you much success in your new ventures.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
Posted by: ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~ | June 06, 2010 at 02:32 PM
Congratulations Fifi! I love your style and your sis's place is so fairytale romantic!
-Danielle
Posted by: Danielle | June 06, 2010 at 02:33 PM
I was tweeting and saw your new post and am so glad that I did! Such romantic beauty....as if you took one of your Romantic Country issues and quickly learned how to speak Italian! If anyone is deserving accolades galore it's you sweet Fifi! Nice to see Sylvie and her exquisite stitched creations featured as well! Love from here....xoxo, Janet
Posted by: Janet (Shabbyfufu) | June 06, 2010 at 02:38 PM
Congrats to you! How exciting!
Posted by: Jackie | June 06, 2010 at 02:55 PM
What a treat! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Linda Miller | June 06, 2010 at 02:55 PM
Congratulations Fifi! Your photos are so beautiful and the picture of you sitting on your lovely patio is just precious.
hugs
Sissie
Posted by: Sissie | June 06, 2010 at 03:12 PM
Fifi,
Congratulations on the beautiful articles about you and your sister. After all the lovely articles you have written about so many people it is wonderful that a magazine featured your fabulous designs and charming home. How exciting that you will be working with the Italian magazine.
Hugs and Blessings,
Erin
Posted by: Erin | June 06, 2010 at 03:14 PM
WOW!!! I am so excited for you Fifi! You are such an inspiration to all of us and now you are inspiring the people of Italy. FABULOUS:)
~Debra
Blog: Capers of the vintage vixens
Posted by: Debra | June 06, 2010 at 03:17 PM
Wow what a great pleasure to have you here across the ocean ;) I just made an imaginaieri blog trip to australia and usa ;)
Both you and your sisters home are beautiful documented in the magazines and Yes I do read and speak italian ;)
desiree
Posted by: desiree | June 06, 2010 at 03:18 PM
Awesome FiFi,
I'm Italian and I don't speak or read it, but those magazine photos are amazing. Congrats to you!!!!
Can't wait to hear more!
Rosemary
(AKA)Vintage Crown maker!!
Posted by: Rosemary | June 06, 2010 at 03:23 PM
hi fifi!
these publications are beautiful. how fun & exciting! don't you love: laboratorio romantico!? that cover is frameworthy!
enjoy!
xo
elyse
Posted by: elyse | June 06, 2010 at 03:27 PM
Oh my they are quite lovely.. I have been purchasing the Janee d Ark but these are lovely also... They did extensive coverage on you and I am sure it will be loved by all.... Great inspiration....
Posted by: Marietta | June 06, 2010 at 03:53 PM
Ciao Francesca! I ordered a copy of Casa Romantica I should have it in a week. I love all the publications you posted about, I better order all of them. I am so happy that l'Italia is loving this style more and more. Arrisentirci, Rita
Posted by: rita | June 06, 2010 at 04:02 PM
You deserve this for all your hard work!!! Congratulations!!! It's beautiful!!!! Hugzzz...Tiina....
Posted by: Tiina | June 06, 2010 at 04:08 PM
Fifi! This is fantastico! I am so proud of you! I go away for a month and look what I come back to! Congratulations, my friend! You'll take Italy by storm.
XXX C
Posted by: Herself | June 06, 2010 at 04:12 PM
Fifi! This is fabulous news, although you have piqued my interested with your "bigger" announcement! Your and your sister's styles are rich with color, texture and excitement. These magazines from Italy seem just as enchanting. Many congratulations to you on your sharing of talent with these publications. Looking forward to future posts! ~ Angela
Posted by: Angela | June 06, 2010 at 04:39 PM
How exciting and wonderful for you, Fifi! The pictures look wonderful; I love the cover of their Shabby Chic magazine.
Posted by: Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions | June 06, 2010 at 05:55 PM
Fifi~YIKES! I don't even think we need to know Italian to see what they are saying! What a lovely spread on both you & sylvie's style! The magazines are gorgeous-congrats on your latest venture. how do you have the time to do it all???? xoxo tutti
Posted by: chris | June 06, 2010 at 06:08 PM
Oh my, beauty in any language can be read oh so clearly and your photos in their magazine are beautiful beyond description!
Thank you for sharing this lovely magazine with us!
bee blessed
mary
Posted by: mary | June 06, 2010 at 07:20 PM
How wonderful! I wish I did read Italian, but the pictures were just stunning of both of your homes. It looks like I would love both of those magazines....
Hugs,
Penny
Posted by: Penny @ The Comforts of Home & Lavender Hill Studio | June 06, 2010 at 07:29 PM
Such beautiful pictures! Your decorating really does inspire me like no other. It just simply takes my breath away! What a wonderful career you have made based on your awesome talents! Congratulations! Sherri : )
Posted by: Sherri@lavenderfields | June 06, 2010 at 08:29 PM
Fifi, girl....you are so amazing!!!! What a wonderful feature!! I would so love to have a copy of it ~ it looks like your feature is quite large and gorgeous of course too. I just had to let you know something so wonderful...my friend Dawn found the love of her life, has married and moved 2 hours north of Atlanta ~ and now, my husband and son own the soap business!!!! We are trying so very hard to rebuild it...I hope to be able to mail you some gorgeous monogram soaps I'm designing soon!!! I'm so very happy for you and all of your new ventures ~ as always I wish you nothing but the best, hugs and love, Dawn
Posted by: Dawn @ The Feathered Nest | June 06, 2010 at 09:10 PM
OH my sweetness, this sent my decorating creative juices into overload! I loooovvvvveeee it all so vey much! The perfect mix of style and grace and congratulations! I am featuring you on my blog site, you are just ever so inspiring to hear from! Thank you and have a lovely evening,
squishy hugs,
Olivia
Posted by: Olivia Parazine | June 06, 2010 at 09:25 PM
I am not surprised you are loved worldwide!! Everything is gorgeous!! I am crazy for your beautiful gold and crystal hanging candle holder with the green candles! Congrats and thanks for your lovely work!!
Posted by: homeandheart | June 06, 2010 at 10:05 PM
Great photos, if only I could read Italian!!!LOL
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | June 06, 2010 at 10:46 PM
Wow! Those magazines are fabulous! Do you have any idea if they can be purchased any where in the U.S.?
I can't wait for the next surprise!
I don't know how you are able to accomplish so much. You must not need much sleep.
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine L. | June 06, 2010 at 11:11 PM
OMG if they could print it in English it would be a best seller! Love it! There was a little stool under a table that is just darling, it looks like maybe it was a table made into a stool and the chairs oh my! It is alll gorgeous!
Carol
Posted by: The Polka Dot Closet | June 06, 2010 at 11:18 PM
Congratulations on your exciting new ventures! The photographs are stunning. I am English, but live in Tuscany, Italy and read Italian so I will look out for these magazines in the shops.
Keep up the good work, how exciting for you, all the best
Posted by: Julie Flynn-Ciniglio | June 07, 2010 at 12:41 AM
mais il est merveilleux ce magazine ! je ne lis pas l'italien mais j'adore toutes les photos! c'est magnifiques - ou peut-on se le procurer en France ce magazine ?
quel travail vous avez continuellement !! vous avez un talent grandissimme !
belle journée
Solène
Posted by: Solène | June 07, 2010 at 01:16 AM
Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow..... That is just so cool!
Posted by: Peggy | June 07, 2010 at 03:45 AM
Thank you for sharing this lovely piece, I am not surprised either-we love your work.
Posted by: Karen Nardella | June 07, 2010 at 03:48 AM
Fifi darling, Just beautiful.Everything you touch always turns out simply gorgeous. Congrats on all your worldly endeavors.
Pink hugs,
Patty for Long Island
Posted by: Patty Dorsi | June 07, 2010 at 04:27 AM
Congratualtions, Fifi! I don't know how you find the time for all your fab projects!!! The magazines are gorgeous!!!
Posted by: Zuzu | June 07, 2010 at 05:48 AM
Your style makes me ooooh and ahhhh. So beautifully feminine, a true magical delight! You must have so much fun when you visit your sister too. This is just the coolest thing to have such amazing talent in your family. I crave to have even just a fraction of this sense of style that you two have. Gorgeous! I only recently found your site through Kat at Low Tide High Style and before this, I'm afraid I did not realize what I was missing! ~Lili
Posted by: Lili | June 07, 2010 at 06:13 AM
The articles look fabulous! Congrats to you! I don't have to read Italian to enjoy the photos, they translate in any language :)
Posted by: Fabulous Finds Studio | June 07, 2010 at 08:38 AM
Absolutely wonderful!Congratulations Fifi! Now all of Italy will love you too!
Posted by: Patty Fernandez | June 07, 2010 at 09:05 AM
Darling Fifi,
Congratulations! You are so deserving as is your sister. The magazine spread is amazing and the photographs are true eye candy!
Blessings to you and yours,
gerre lynne
Posted by: gerre lynne | June 07, 2010 at 09:23 AM
Dear Fifi,
This is my first post since I discovered your magazine and your blog just recently - I LOVE THEM BOTH!!!!
I live in Miami so I appreciate your garden since I know how very difficult it is to grow a romantic garden in this heat and humidity. I also appreciate your style and designs since so very few people understand OUR way of decorating. (It may seem like many do when you visit blogs such as yours, but go out into the world and see how many people are content to have a house that looks "just like everybody else's).
You are so right that European magazines are spectacular! I speak Spanish and French, so I've discovered several amazing ones from Spain and Provence, but had never checked out the Italian ones - Wow! I will buy all the ones you previewed. Thanks for a wonderful magazine and a delightful blog!
Your new fan in Miami,
Ana Maria
Posted by: Ana Maria | June 07, 2010 at 09:49 AM
What's the saying "Luck is when preparation meets opportunity" you're very lucky because you have spent a long time preparing for these opportunities. Congratulations on becoming an international designer/stager.
Posted by: Jan Perry aka redjanfan | June 07, 2010 at 09:54 AM
DARLING FIFI YOUR BEAUTY FOR THE SOUL IS SPREDING ALL OVER THE WORLD,CASA ROMANTICA IS YOU AND YOU I CAN READ SOME ITALIAN NOT MUCH IS SIMILAR TO SPANISH,YOUR LOVELY ART AND GRACE ARE LIKE NO OTHER.I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU.I HAVE LEARN SO MUCH FROM YOU,YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION...THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPORT WHEN YOU POST MAY EMAIL,WHEN I WAS GOING THRUE BREAST CANCER,,,HUGS AND BLESSINGS ,,,SANDRA
Posted by: sandra dias | June 07, 2010 at 10:38 AM
What a wonderful feature article on you and your fabulous home, congratulations! I always love seeing photos of your home.
Posted by: lululiz | June 07, 2010 at 11:13 AM
fifi,
Good things come to good people!!! CONGRATS
Posted by: Lillie Magruder | June 07, 2010 at 11:26 AM
Beautiful! Love your style and your sister's home is fantastic and very historical.
Posted by: jennifer | June 07, 2010 at 03:49 PM
Fifi, How wonderful of you to share all these pictures of you and your sister's home with us. I'm sure we would have had to pay much money for those magazines. Thank you so much, I was drooling over all of them. It is soooo strange, I did not realize Sylvie was your sister. I had emailed the picture of her doing her needlework to my Aunt and told her she had a twin because they look exactly alike! I enjoy your posts so much, can't wait to see the next one.
Ginger
glitter and roses
Posted by: ginger | June 07, 2010 at 05:25 PM
WOW WHAT EXCITING NEW, SO HAPPY FOR YOU FIFI YOU SOOO DESEVRE IT :) YOUR WORK AND HOME ARE JUST AWESOME :)
Posted by: MARI | June 07, 2010 at 06:49 PM
FABULOUS FIFI!!!WOW!!!!!!!What a beautiful write up on you and your sister.........I must call my sister-in-law in FLORENCE and have her mail me copies!LOVE LOVE LOVE the boots at the front door?!!Love it all..........what news is yet to come??!!!!My home here in Orinda was inspired by living outside of FLORENCE!I didnot want to move back here,but the ITALIAN husband won!WE had to move back to the states.I still drive around with my ITALIAN OPERA serenading me!
CONGRATULATIONS!!JUST BEAUTIFUL!
xoxoElizabeth
Posted by: elizabeth kirkpatrick | June 07, 2010 at 07:31 PM
congrats to you. how exciting. you are such an inspiration....
the short time i lived in europe, i was constantly looking for the romantic and worn...nice to know magazines are a great expression of that there....and what better way than showcase your home and your sister's as well. such beauty!!!
thanks for sharing.
sue
Posted by: vintagesue | June 07, 2010 at 09:44 PM
I am SO incredibly proud of you and happy for you and NOONE is MORE deserving of this than YOU. Your talents are over the moon, yes, BUT your heart is bigger than life.
Enjoy the ride sweet one. And may it last forever.
Love,
Kim
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | June 08, 2010 at 12:09 PM
Wow Fifi! Who cares about speaking Italian...I want to subscribe anyway! LOL! What a wonderful opportunity for you! See...your talents aren't just appreciated here in the U.S., you have now gone global! (*_*) Best of luck to you my dear! ~Stacy~
Posted by: Stacy Stewart | June 08, 2010 at 12:19 PM
Hi fifi, I'm from Italy and I bought immediately "casa romantica" just I saw it!!! I have to say that avery photos is fabolous and I recognized in it all your style. Me and all my friends love this magazine and it is a "must to have" for all us.
kisses to you
stefania
Posted by: stefania tomelli | June 08, 2010 at 03:38 PM
Fifi,
So beautiful, takes my breath away...I may need a double lung transplant by the time I post this comment.
xx
Dore
Interior Design
Designer Model Home Estates
Posted by: Dore | June 08, 2010 at 04:46 PM
I'm always inspired by pictures of your home, but today I'm totally blown away by the combination of your adorable home and your sister's incredible place. My head is swimming with ideas right now! Thanks for inspiring me, as always. You are truly Fabulous, Fifi!
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | June 09, 2010 at 03:57 AM
How perfectly fabulous! I love everything and wish I could shop - I have dreamt through every page and that will have to be good enough - such a wonderful visit! Thank you and please come see me sometime at jennsthreegraces Jennifer
Posted by: jennifer | June 09, 2010 at 06:34 AM
All I can say is FABULOUS. Can you get the magazine to sell us all who wants one?
I seen your beautiful white chair with the green fern on it, love it.
Did I say I love all your beautiful pictures?
xoxoxox
Posted by: Janice In Missouri | June 09, 2010 at 06:57 AM
Your home looks beautiful in that lovely magazine. Your sister's home is so wonderful, too. I adore the toile bedrm. You too girls are amazing!
Hugs, Cindy S
Posted by: Cindy S | June 09, 2010 at 11:11 AM
How fabulous for you and your sister!! You really deserve this Fifi. I so enjoy your blog XO Chrisy's Cottage
Posted by: Chrisy | June 09, 2010 at 12:56 PM
Hi Fifi, I'm Mira from Germany and yesterday I bought the German Magazin "Country Living" just because I saw the article about you and your home... my compliments!
Have a good time, hugs Mira from Belle Blanc!
Posted by: Mira | June 10, 2010 at 01:46 AM
Oh how wonderful for you, Fifi!
You truly are the talented lady that can do it all with such an original style.
I can't wait to hear your even bigger news. My heart's so happy for you.
xo~Tracie
Posted by: Tracie~My Petite Maison | June 11, 2010 at 01:10 PM
Congrats Fifi, your article is fantastic. You are an international romantica person
Posted by: le petit cabinet de curiosites | June 11, 2010 at 02:04 PM
Oh, how wonderful, Fifi! Thank you for sharing these pages from Italian magazines. My father, God rest him, was born in a small town called Boveglio, in the Tuscan region, and so all things Italian are dear to me. As are all things Fifi... what a fabulous combination! XO
Posted by: Ninsuna | June 12, 2010 at 11:28 PM
hiya ;)
Please come and join my Give away for US and Canadian readers of my blog ;)
Have a great Sunday
x desiree
Posted by: desiree | June 13, 2010 at 04:47 AM
Everything is so beautiful! Congratulations to you!!
Sheila
Posted by: Sheila at Halo Hill | June 13, 2010 at 09:19 AM
Looks divine, wish I could read italian!!
alicia
Posted by: Alicia | June 14, 2010 at 06:07 AM
Ohh Fifi, what an amazing layout for you and your sister..Perfection!!!
Congratulations!!!!
You are so right, the layouts are simply gorgoues!! I want all of them!
Posted by: Jo | June 14, 2010 at 08:17 AM
Congrats on all these articles in European mags FiFi!
And I found an 8 pages long article called "A dream house on the shore" about your beautiful California beach home in the latest (July/August 2010 issue) German "Country Living" of Living & More today, you are even on the title! Having got sent a lot of US magazines I think the best thing about European magazines is that we have a lot less advertising in the magazines over here!
Sending you warmest wishes from Germany
Carola
Posted by: Boxwood Cottage | June 14, 2010 at 10:09 AM
It came out so beautiful! Perfect. Both yours and Sylvie's home and feature is gorgeous, like the two of you. xoxo Lidy
Posted by: FrenchGardenHouse | June 14, 2010 at 02:26 PM
Oh my heavens!!! Goooorgeous features Fifi! Your home is personally one of my FAV's!!! Your eye for decor and style is breathtaking!!! I too was approached by the same magazine. I've sent in my story, but not my photos. I guess I need to get my butt into high gear. What an honor!!! Congrats!!! XOXO,Jenn
Posted by: Jennifer Hayslip | June 16, 2010 at 04:35 AM
Stunning! Love your place and pics. Stopped by to tell you about a give away I'm having, but I see you are sooooo busy. Hope to hear from you anyway!
Posted by: cindy roberts | June 17, 2010 at 05:16 PM
Fifi I don't think I have ever in my life seen such beauty!!!! I may have to copy these pictures & put them under my pillow!!!! Oh My nothing makes my heart beat this fast!
Posted by: laura | June 19, 2010 at 08:55 PM
YoU are jUst the cUtest thing and have acomplished so much. I am so happy for yOu!
Posted by: fairmaiden | June 22, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Oh My Fifi, Im in love- Your Style, Your Design, is amzing, so glad i found your blog, such inspiration. I would love to try to attempt it, so beautiful.
Glad to meet ya
Karryann
Posted by: karryann pallitto | June 29, 2010 at 01:36 PM
Wow, Fifi how devine to get such lovely international exposure. Wish I could read the copy but yes, I can enjoy the beautiful photos. Congrats.
Your sister's home is stunning too!!!
Enjoy your week.
Posted by: Lisa @celebrate CREATIVITY | June 29, 2010 at 03:58 PM
Wow - what beautiful pictures and what a creative person you are. Love this site!! Now I have to make some changes in my home!
Posted by: Jean Elliott | June 29, 2010 at 06:15 PM
Many congratulations! Beautiful magazines! Lots of success!!!
Posted by: Ingeborg | July 04, 2010 at 12:07 PM
i love the look of this magazine can i buy this in the uk thankyou,,
Posted by: charlotte | September 19, 2010 at 11:17 AM
Beautiful magazine! Could you tel me where I can order Casa Romantic Shabby Chic? I live in Portugal (Europe) and yes I also read italian.
I love your "world FIFI"! And don´t forget: BE HAPPY!!!
Posted by: Ana | November 25, 2010 at 03:12 AM
Loving your pictures and what a wonderful opportunity.
I have actually been contacted by persons from that magazine, but not sure it is real. My store and creative art, which I show on my blog, is NOTHING even close to the beauty I see here, and in your other pictures.
Did you check to see if it is real before you sent info?
You could email me if you did not mind. I am excited beyond words, if it is true!
blessings
barbara jean
Posted by: barbara jean | January 24, 2011 at 08:32 AM
Fifi,
This magazine is amazing. I am now even more surprised that they would ask me for pictures and information about my work.
I have emailed them for more details about waht they want, and if there is a deadline, but I have not yet heard back from them.
Did you just put it all together and email it off??
thanks for your help, and again, so incredibly beautiful, and congratulations!!
blessings
barbara jean
Posted by: barbara jean | February 06, 2011 at 09:34 PM