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Chique Secrets of Dolce Vita [Paperback]

Barbara Conelli
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)

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Book Description

April 2, 2011
"Put on your Borsalino and swing those hips, baby."

Charming, poetic, delightful and humorous travel and life stories about extraordinary Milanese women, men who have succumbed to their temptation, and the art of living your own dolce vita no matter where in the world you are.

Do you live your Dolce Vita?

To live a dolce vita means living with an open heart and soul, indulging in life with all your senses. It means having the eyes to see real beauty, having the nose to smell intoxicating scents, having the ears to hear dreamy sounds, having the mouth to taste delicate flavors, having the body to perceive soft sensations. It means being aware of yourself, of your emotions and desires. It means finding happiness in ordinary yet unique things.

There is a place where you can learn all this. A place scented with saffron where you can find a natural paradise among houses with flaked paint, where famous artists play on the streets, where men have not forgotten how to pay compliments, and where women seductively swing their hips. It is a place where people take the art of dolce vita to perfection. Where you can enjoy little pleasures, live every day as if it was your first and last, breath in the air of true freedom and be whatever and whoever you want to be. In this place, where the real Italian heart is still beating, where people are delightfully vain as well as childishly honest, and where passion is more than just a word, you realize that living the sweet life is not as hard as it may seem.

Let's wander together for a while along Milanese boulevards and the narrow winding streets of the surrounding villages. Let's go on a journey that will take us to the atelier of untameable Carla, to the sweet heaven of irresistible Antonietta, among the peculiar characters of bohemian Brera, to the silk workshop of Maria Elena, to see Fernanda's disobedient genius, to the famous La Scala with Francesco and Giovanna, and to the cradle of Milanese high fashion by madam Mila.

Then to the hills that once belonged to pirates and today are owned by lovers. On to misty paths haunted by ghosts and then to secret corners that witnessed passionate stories of love, desire, and heartbreak. Let's meet the delicious Milanese women, amazing and unique, whose lives have been irreversibly changed by Milan and who have also changed the face and character of Milan forever. Women whose fate has become entwined with the city's present and past, with its everyday life, and its transformation throughout history.

We can also meet the men who have succumbed to the temptation of sultry hips and mysterious voices in the dark. Who, insane from luscious lips and inspired by irresistible legs, have marked the world with their presence and made it a deliciously bittersweet place to be.

Let's simply uncover all the sweet, passionate, and dark Milanese secrets that have up to now remained unrevealed. The chique secrets that will teach you to live your own dolce vita no matter where in the world you are. Because la vita e bella, life is beautiful, and the most amazing wonders of this world often hide in the simplest things.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A very charming book, written in a warm and friendly way, making the tales and places come alive and attract the reader even more. Barbara has captured Italian spirits very well. Her passion for Milan comes across clearly. --M. J. Hooper, Editor

In this book, Conelli masterfully details Milan and the sheer beauty of the Milanese lifestyle and point of view. American women need a trip to Milan! --Andrea Katz, Great Thoughts

From the Author

Dear Reader - Dear Chique Dolce Vita Soulmate,

Italy is the country where my grandma was born, where I first fell in love, where I was first kissed, where I bought my first red stilettos, and where I made my first scrumptious cannelloni. There are my friends, acquaintances, aunts, cousins, favorite stores, restaurants, people, and dogs. My repeated encounters with Italy are ardent, thrilling, exciting, and unique every single time. Its streets are full of old loves, presents loves, and the expectation of future loves. In its shadows there is laughter, joy, delight, and emotions. Its embrace is passionate and its kisses are endless. Italy is a sensual lover, a devoted friend, and a loving family. It is a place where I get lost and find myself at the same time. Where I'm different, yet each time myself, always the same and yet each time, newborn.

Chique Books are an invitation. An invitation to join me, travel with me, experience Italian adventures and meet the fascinating women that have created the face of Italy. To see places off the beaten track where the authentic Italian heart is still beating.

Let me guide you through all the magical places of Italy with their simple yet amazing people and stories, through the present and the past of mysterious cities, and through the country I've always been in love with. If you want to switch off just for a while and submerge yourself in stories that engage all your senses and take you on an adventurous journey to the beautiful, Chique unknown, these are the books for you. If you're a passionate traveler with a sense of adventure, you will enjoy them even more.

It is my deepest and most sincere wish to bring a piece of Chique Dolce Vita into your world through the pages of my books. With love from me to you.

Be Chique!

Product Details

  • Paperback: 148 pages
  • Publisher: Flagrans Press (April 2, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0982600410
  • ISBN-13: 978-0982600412
  • Product Dimensions: 9 x 0.3 x 6 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,596,110 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Barbara Conelli is an internationally published bestselling author, seasoned travel writer specializing in Italy, and acclaimed radio hostess. A born nomad and globetrotter fluent in eight languages, Barb is blessed with ample enthusiasm, energy and stamina, and she loves sharing her travel adventures with her readers and listeners. In her charming, delightful and humorous Chique Travel Books filled with Italian passion, Barb invites women to explore Italy from the comfort of their home with elegance, grace and style, encouraging them to live their dolce vita no matter where they are in the world. Her popular, entertaining Chique Travel Show is a juicy live program bubbling with wanderlust, feminine zest and gusto.

An engaging storyteller, Barb has a unique ability to capture the magical atmosphere of the cities she writes about. Through the pages of her books, Barb takes your hand and guides you through the irresistible beauty, captivating secrets, unrepeatable spell and fugitive moments of Italy. She makes them come alive easily and spontaneously, and her writing is like a magic carpet that carries you to Italy and back in the blink of an eye. She introduces you to fascinating places, lifts the shroud of their mysteries, and reveals adorable nooks and crannies off the beaten track where the authentic Italian heart hasn't stopped beating.

As a naturally curious person who loves traveling, meeting new people and discovering their life stories, Barb founded Chique Travel Show, a professional, branded, sought-after radio show for women who love to travel the world and explore the adventurous journeys of life. Barb is an experienced, enthusiastic hostess who infuses radio waves with joy, gleam and glamour.

Barb lives between New York and Milan, and as a real globetrotter, she's always on the move, accompanied by her adorable and very spoiled beagle. To her, writing is like breathing, and she's currently working on her new book.

For more information, please visit http://www.barbaraconelli.com

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
(45)
4.5 out of 5 stars
Chique Secrets of Dolce Vita by Barbara Conelli was a good read. Tammy  |  24 reviewers made a similar statement
The words draw a clear image of stylish women enjoying life, love and friendship. Emily  |  12 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting, Escape to Italy September 10, 2011
By Emily
Format:Paperback
Travel to Italy with Barbara Conelli. Chique Secrets of Dolce Vita is an enchanting book that transports us to the streets of Como and the glamour of Milan. We eat with Carlo, become enraptured by the silk of Maria Elena, and taste the pastries of Antionetta.

Reading from the pages of Chique Secrets of Dolce Vita, I can feel the Italian macchiato in my hand. I smell the aromas of Milan, and hear the incredible people of this enchanted city. I have met them! They have come to life, drawing me into their Italian culture.

Oh, the fashion! Milan is described as a place where women are never badly dressed. The women seem to exude confidence. The words draw a clear image of stylish women enjoying life, love and friendship. You can actually see them gliding about on high heels, bracelets dangling, sharing Italian wine with a friend.

Can you smell the Saffron Risotto? Barbara takes us to the city where they hold an annual contest for the best Risotto. Can you imagine the smells, picture yourself part of the tasting? Oh the bliss! Barbara Conelli has given us a trip to Italy. She makes us welcome, showing us the sights and sounds of her beloved people. Curl up with this book, a macchiato, and escape to Italy.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Inspired a Trip Abroad September 17, 2011
Format:Paperback
I enjoyed this quick read! The luxurious stories make me want to visit every place the characters in the book frequent. If you're a fan of luxe living, enjoy perusing Chique Secrets of Dolce Vita.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Passionately Written September 16, 2011
Format:Paperback
I could tell from the moment I started reading Chique Secrets of Dolce Vita that Barbara Conelli didn't only love Italy, but was passionate about it as well and it showed throughout the entire book. The way she was so descriptive in her details made me feel like I was really there, experiencing it all first hand. I would almost recommend reading this book over a travel guide if you were planning a trip to Italy. Even though I do not see a trip to Italy in my near future, I now hope to one day travel there and experience everything she wrote about for myself. If all books were written this passionately, I think there would be a lot more readers out there. What a fantastic book!!!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Grand adventures!
I have never physically been to Italy. My mom has been there several times, my father probably a couple dozen trips, and my sister lived in Greece for 3 months, so she took a... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Carolyn Lam
5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely and lively story to help you wander and discover Milan
Even as a very frequent traveler to Italy, I was transported to Milan in such a fun and exciting way. I had the chance to discover Milan through the author's eyes... Read more
Published 16 months ago by D. Otero
5.0 out of 5 stars A great escape!
I loved this book - the author really does a great job of describing places and people and making you feel like you are there with her in Italy. Read more
Published 16 months ago by lydaalexander
5.0 out of 5 stars One Very Chique Read
I honestly have never been anywhere out of the country, let alone near Italy, but I love everything about the place. This book , just amplified my feelings for the place. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Erica M Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars Feel like you are there
This is hands down one of the most descriptive books I have ever read. The author thinks of everything, you feel like you are inside of this book and one with the characters. Read more
Published 16 months ago by ginagina24
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun, easy read!
"Chique Secrets of Dolce Vita" is the perfect read for when you want to get away! As you settle into your favorite chair, you'll be transported to the cities, sites, sounds,... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Choouse
4.0 out of 5 stars Charming and Humerous
This Book is unlike anything I've ever read I Love the whole concept of Dolce Vita.The Book Is Very descriptive and Fun to Read Barbara introduces not only a travel but food and... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Heather Belden
5.0 out of 5 stars Chique Secrets of Dolce Vita Review!
From the first chapter of this book, I was drawn into a magical world filled with enchanting people and beautiful sights, all in an incredible city humming with life and vibrancy... Read more
Published 17 months ago by RainbowSparkli
5.0 out of 5 stars Chique Secrets of Dolce Vita
Barbara Conelli has a passion for Italy and she will inspire you to have the same. Her book, Chique Secrets of Dolce Vita, was wonderful. Read more
Published 17 months ago by vickie b
4.0 out of 5 stars Great travel guide!
"Chique Secrets of Dolce Vita" will make you race to the internet to purchase a ticket to Italy immediately! Barbara Conelli fills her book with a passion for Italy. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Fortknotts
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