Buying Trip Inspires New Collections
My June buying trip to Europe is turning out to be my most fruitful ever! I have been taking photographs in the designer studios (called laboratories in Europe) in order to share the experience.  My trip began in Milan, where I selected new beautiful romantic pieces of jewelry to add to the collections that are among some of the best sellers in my shop.
Next, I traveled to Venice where I stayed in a very charming bed and breakfast, called Alla Vite Dorata. The photo (right) is the view I enjoy while eating my breakfast. Aleksandra, owner of the first class Inn, makes sure my stay is welcoming and comfortable. While in Venice, I stopped at my favorite shop to choose a collection of colorful creative jewelry pieces made of coral, crystals, beads and metals. Few designers create unique collections (like this shop displays) any more, due to the intense labor and ingenuity required for it's production.
The next stop was at one of the Murano Glass factories where I worked with the designer to make decisions about the style of jewelry I want to sell in my shop. The photo (below) shows part of the process of making the glass beads, spinning silvers and golds with glass colors to create spectacular designs.
Before leaving Italy for France, I worked with Tiziana, good friend and owner of the Gibellieri Shoe Factory, who showed me her latest shoe designs. My most exciting news is that I will be introducing Gibellieri's couture line of shoes and boots at Marilyn's soon!
I am now in Paris for the last week of my trip. I look forward to returning home with new collection pieces and to sharing my photos from Paris in the August newsletter.
See you soon at Marilyn's.
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