I now own three things from Italy, though I have never been there.  First is a Venetian mask I bought online about ten years ago.  And, now...these beautiful shoes with a matching handbag from the wonderfully talented Patrizia at http://patrisan.blogspot.com.  :D  I just love them!

I originally saw the shoes at the Bishop Show in Chicago back in April.  I hesitated about buying them and lost out.  The price was reasonable considering the outstanding workmanship and time involved; I just hadn't wanted to go overboard with shopping on my first night at the show.  When I went back later, however, the ones I wanted were gone.

click image to enlarge

After looking at the photo I took at the show over and over, I decided to write to the artist to find out what I had to do to get those shoes!  She made a pair for me and (as a complete surprise to me) included a matching handbag.  It was so thoughtful of her.  I think the shoebox and shopping bag are so awesome, too.  :D

I don't typically carry handbags in real life, but I would carry this one and I would definitely wear those shoes!  :D