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Tod’s Italian Diaries Celebrate Five Young Artistes In The Spirit of the Gommino

Filed Under: Luxury Lifestyle

At the heart of all craftsmanship, is the spirit of play. The desire to perfect one’s craft has roots in first a genuine appreciation of its inherent beauty, and then a further curiousity in understanding the materiality of the trade, understanding all the ‘how’s and ‘why’s. Tod’s Gommino has long been an icon of this pure spirit, not just embodying joy in its make, but also simply in its wake. This is what the Italian Diaries is all about; in the latest campaign for the Gommino, five young talents find themselves in front of the camera lens, at ease as portraits capture and archive their love for their various artistic pursuits — each a contemporary expression of the Gommino’s timeless, jubilant elegance.

Featuring the signature rubber pebble sole, the Gommino in its latest evolution is available in the rich textures of suede or calf leather, offered in the brand’s natural hues as well as a palette of bold colours of yellow, light blue, and orange.

This contemporary vibrancy of the legacy silhouette is expanded in the charming visual narrative of the campaign. Overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany, renowned photographer Oliver Hadlee Pearch sits with actress and singer Ella Bleu Travolta, musician Lennon Gallagher, writer and director Stella Banderas, model and artist Roberto Rossellini and singer and actor Leo Gassmann in historical residence Villa Talamo. The mix of black-and-white with colourful images capture self-confidence and the energy of Italian lifestyle, the contrasting timelines of the setting and individuals a commentary on the essence of heritage as a living, evolving force — read on for a series of short interviews that uncover how each talent is testament to Tod’s and the Gommino’s timeless appeal.

This campaign celebrates Tod’s iconic Gommino and the essence of contemporary Italian lifestyle. What impressed you most about your experience with the brand, and what does it mean to you to be part of this story?

Leo Gassmann: The campaign was shot in a typical Tuscan farmhouse by the sea. The people who worked on the campaign were all great professionals, and I immediately felt at home. Even my colleagues, whom I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time thanks to this campaign, were all special people I will always carry in my heart. What impressed my the most was the brand’s great ability to create a sense of family and belonging.

The Gommino loafer is a symbol of timeless elegance that transcends trends and suits every generation. Do you have a personal connection to it? How do you incorporate it into your everyday style?

Roberto Rossellini: I would easily wear the loader as an everyday shoe. Very comfortable but also has a sense of elegance. I would wear it with some jeans and a nice shirt on a regular day. If I was going out, I would pair it with a nice suit.

Italian lifestyle is synonymous with effortless chic and a deep appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. What aspects of the Italian lifestyle resonate most with you, and how do they influence the way you life and dress?

Stella Banderas: There’s an ease and elegance to Italian style I really admire. It feels polished and refined but never forced. There’s no need to overcomplicate anything. There’s an air of casualness that I love. This plays out in the Italian lifestyle in general and that’s something I hope I embody in both style and way of living.

You all come from families with strong ties to the worlds of art, cinema, and music. How has this heritage influenced your relationship with fashion and your personal style?

Ella Bleu Travolta: Growing up, my parents always supported me, my style and any endeavour that I wanted to do. This allowed me to take influence from different styles and things I saw around me. I grew up watching and listening to a lot of classic film and music which gave me such a strong appreciation and love for a more timeless style while also adding in beautiful modern designs which I think Tod’s does very very well.

Your generation is redefining elegance, blending heritage with innovation. How do you imagine the future of fashion, and what role do you think craftsmanship plays in luxury today?

Lennon Gallagher: I think fashion will always take inspiration from the past, like now a lot of people my age are drawing from the 90s and early 2000s while still having modernity. My generation definitely aren’t just looking for things that look cool but are going to last a long time and that’s where craftsmanship will play a huge role in the future of fashion.

This article first appeared in Men’s Folio Malaysia.

For more on the latest in luxury style reads, click here.

The post Tod’s Italian Diaries Celebrate Five Young Artistes In The Spirit of the Gommino appeared first on LUXUO.

10 Tips for Creating a Financial Foundation That Supports the Life You Want

Filed Under: Luxury Lifestyle

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Living the life you truly want takes more than hard work or luck. It requires smart planning, clear goals, and daily habits that support long-term comfort. Whether your dream is to travel often, retire early, or live with fewer money worries, how you manage your resources makes a big difference.

The truth is, wealth doesn’t come just from how much you earn — it grows from how well you handle what you have. In this article, we’ll go over five simple but effective tips that can help you build a strong base for the lifestyle you want — both now and later. Even small changes can lead to meaningful results when you stay consistent.

Clarify Your Lifestyle Vision and Priorities

Before you change how you spend or save, you should know exactly what you’re working toward. Do you want to buy a second home? Do you plan to retire by 50? Maybe you’d like to travel for a month every year or support a family member. Whatever your goals are, they should shape the way you handle your money. When you know what matters most, decisions become easier and more focused.

Understand the Power of Responsible Borrowing

Borrowing often gets a bad reputation, but when done right, it can actually help you move forward. It can support important purchases, cover large expenses, or help you reach key goals. It’s not just about debt—it’s about using the right tools at the right time to build something valuable. A common question people ask is, does getting loans build credit? The answer is yes — when managed well. Taking out a loan and paying it back on time shows you are dependable. It also adds to your credit mix, which can help boost your overall score. This can lead to better rates and more choices in the future.

Build an Emergency Fund That Matches Your Lifestyle

Life is full of surprises. Whether it’s a sudden medical bill, job loss, or car repair, having money set aside helps you stay prepared. If your lifestyle includes higher costs—like a large home, luxury travel, or business expenses—you’ll need to save more than someone with lower monthly spending. A good emergency fund helps you stay calm and avoid going into debt when the unexpected happens. It’s a simple step that offers lasting peace of mind.

Diversify Your Income Streams

Depending on one paycheck or business can be risky. If something changes, you might struggle to keep up. That’s why many people look for ways to earn extra money. This could include rental properties, dividends, freelance work, or small business income. Having more than one income source gives you more control and helps you grow your wealth over time.

Invest in Knowledge and Good Advice

Learning should never stop. Read books, listen to experts, or speak with a trusted advisor. Good advice can help you avoid mistakes, spot new chances, and make better choices. Staying informed is one of the easiest ways to keep moving in the right direction and stay ahead of changing trends.

Automate and Optimise Your Habits

When life gets busy, it’s easy to forget to move money into savings or pay bills on time. Automating these tasks helps keep everything on track without daily effort. You can set up automatic transfers to savings, schedule bill payments, and even automate investments. This approach reduces stress and keeps your goals moving forward. When done right, automation turns good habits into routines, helping you stay consistent no matter how hectic life becomes.

Protect What You’ve Built

As your lifestyle grows, so does the need to protect it. Having the right insurance is important—this includes health, home, auto, and even life insurance if others depend on you. These protections keep you covered if something goes wrong. Also, consider legal tools like wills or trusts to protect your family and assets long-term. Many people overlook this step, but it’s one of the best ways to make sure everything you’ve worked for stays secure.

Use Personalised Banking Services

Today, banking isn’t just about holding your money—it’s about helping you grow it. Some banks offer premium services that are built around your goals. This might include access to lower fees, priority support, and customized loan or savings options. If you manage large expenses, own property, or travel often, these services can make things easier and more rewarding. Personalized banking can also help you get better rates and manage your money with more ease and control.

Be Smart About High-End Purchases

Big purchases can be exciting, but it’s important to think them through. Whether it’s a car, a luxury item, or a home upgrade, consider whether it adds real value. Some items lose value quickly, while others can grow your net worth over time. Focus on buying quality over quantity, and only spend on things that fit within your goals. This habit helps you enjoy the things you love without risking your long-term stability.

Review and Adjust Regularly

Your goals and needs will change over time, so your plan should, too. Set aside time each year to review your progress. Are you still on track? Have your goals shifted? Are there better tools or strategies available now? Making regular updates helps you stay in control and catch problems early. This doesn’t need to take long — just a few hours each year can make a big difference in how well your plan works.

Building a strong foundation doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from steady, thoughtful steps that reflect the life you want. Whether you’re planning for early retirement, more travel, or simply more peace of mind, the tips above can guide you in the right direction. Remember, the best plan is the one that fits your life — not someone else’s. Take your time, stay consistent, and make changes when needed. With the right habits and support, you can build a life that’s not only successful but also truly yours.

For more on the latest in luxury business news and reads, click here.

The post 10 Tips for Creating a Financial Foundation That Supports the Life You Want appeared first on LUXUO.

How Workplace Toxins Are Quietly Hurting Employee Performance

Filed Under: Addicted2Success, SUCCESS

Some of us may view sustainability as a buzzword. In the US, environmental risks have become a more legitimate concern than ever. Business leaders cannot afford to sideline them. It doesn’t matter whether your firm is a well-regarded organization or a fledgling startup.

Besides worsening the veritable reality of climate change, not focusing on sustainability can also dampen the spirit of your employees. Many modern organizations dabble in hazardous substances that can directly impact employee health unless due caution is in place.

Let us discuss how you can sync your organization’s sustainability and employee wellness efforts.

Protecting Employee Health Through Non-Toxic Office Supplies 

Several companies in the US have rolled out back-to-office policies, much to the disdain of many employees. Returning to office after years of working from home can be unsettling. A workplace that does not value their health can worsen employee sentiments. 

Many modern workplaces don’t examine furniture and personal care products closely. The US Environmental Protection Agency observes that everyday items may contain harmful PFAS. In offices, such items may include water-resistant furniture, plastic utensils, stain-resistant carpets, and food packaging.

Why Are PFAS a Concern for Business Owners?

Did you know that many Americans are still oblivious to the presence of PFAS? In a survey published in the National Library of Medicine, 31.6% of respondents agreed that they had heard of PFAS but had no clue what they were. 

Well, disregarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances can land you in hot soup. Sectors like firefighting use them directly in Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). Decades of use have exposed many firefighters to ill health, prompting them to take legal action. According to TruLaw, several firefighters have developed cancer in the kidneys and bladder. 

PFAS-rich by-products have also landed in municipal water supplies. The latest AFFF lawsuit update states that the authorities will consider water contamination and personal injury cases against manufacturers.

No matter which industry you operate in, it’s highly likely that your company uses PFAS in some form or another. The risk is higher for aerospace, automotive, and electronics businesses. Over time, exposure to these chemicals can make your workforce susceptible to hormonal imbalance, high blood pressure, and increased cholesterol. 

Action Plan

The best plan is to go completely non-toxic by eliminating any office supplies that have PFAS. You can start by prohibiting takeout from food chains that use grease-resistant packaging. It is not too difficult to achieve as the FDA has banned grease-proofing agents with PFAS.

Eventually, you can replace furniture, upholstery, and cubicle walls that don’t meet safety standards. Does your business require long hours in the office – think customer service or data science? Your employees face a higher risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. Concrete efforts in building a green workspace will show commitment to employee safety and sustainability. 

Integrating Safer Alternatives Throughout the Supply Chain

A recent McKinsey report found that many Gen Z employees are open to taking on roles in manufacturing. However, many leave within a few months. They perceive an unfriendly environment for humans (as opposed to machines).

Indeed, many businesses focus mainly on the end products and areas like marketing. Manufacturing and allied processes get sidelined. Knowing the operational process inside out will help you see the risk areas for your workforce. 

For example, you may have eliminated toxic chemicals from your final products. However, what if your vendors and suppliers use unsafe products, exposing your workers to health hazards? 

Action Plan

Business owners must choose safer alternatives throughout the supply chain to safeguard employee interests. In turn, you will also make a lasting impact on minimizing the firm’s carbon footprint.

Responsible business owners can run a thorough supply chain analysis. Industry insights can help you discover where toxins may linger in your sector. Accordingly, your team can evaluate the chemical composition of these products and explore safer replacements.

Unilever is a stunning example of how leaders sync occupational factors with employee wellness. The company uses a specific metric called Occupational Illness Frequency Rate (OIFR) to understand why workers may get ill at work. OIFR ties in with the firm’s workplace health promotion and education.

Many global firms now consult accredited laboratories to test raw materials and wastewater samples. The Guardian reports the curious case of Anglian Water, a British firm. It passed many pollution tests during the no-flow of sewage. Strict compliance tracking and monitoring can protect your business from false sustainability assumptions. 

Protecting Communities Through Superior Waste Management 

In many businesses, the raw materials or the final products don’t have toxins. Instead, harmful chemicals may manifest as by-products of manufacturing. 

Consequently, inadequate waste management can risk the health of the staff and the nearby communities. No wonder more companies are considering options like Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability. This suite lets firms track emissions and waste management efficiently.

Action Plan

Global organizations have started to partner with companies specializing in effective waste collection and treatment. In 2010, the UN launched a Global Partnership on Waste Management to conserve resources and fill information gaps. International partnerships can be an excellent way to synergize efforts for waste management.

Further, does your business release by-products into water bodies? If so, you must incorporate relevant treatment measures. For example, you can use granular activated carbon, a reliable approach for drinking water treatment. 

As a business leader, you must optimize the company’s waste collection and treatment practices. Some companies have moved to alternatives like high-temperature incineration and ion exchange. These strategies are environmentally friendly and necessary for hazardous or clinical substances. They ensure the community is safe from pharmaceutical and cytotoxic waste.

Final Word

So, are you prepared to take the sustainable route for your business? 

The bottom line is that your business practices must conform to strict regulatory guidelines for minimizing environmental impact. At the same time, sustainable operations also help keep your employees and the larger community safe from hazardous substances. It can be a brilliant way to achieve a low environmental footprint and high employee satisfaction – two essentials for business success. 

That said, you cannot change everything overnight. But start with small, consistent steps that add up over time. Before long, you would have transformed your business into a compassionate and growing entity for its workforce and the environment. 

The post How Workplace Toxins Are Quietly Hurting Employee Performance appeared first on Addicted 2 Success.

Inside a Stylish Firehouse-Turned-Townhouse in the Manhattan

Filed Under: Sothebys Realty, SUCCESS

Inside a Stylish Firehouse-Turned-Townhouse in the Manhattan

Old World charm meets streamlined contemporary panache in this fashionably transformed 19th-century firehouse, which offers a generous collection of spaces for living and entertaining, enviable outdoor areas, and a finished four-car garage in the heart of New York City’s West Village.

Since at least the late 20th century, “reduce, reuse, recycle” has been a familiar refrain when discussing best practices for the use of resources, and while it most commonly applies to household goods and clothing, in the most rarefied cases—particularly in historic locales such as Manhattan’s West Village—it can pertain to buildings as well.

Continue reading Inside a Stylish Firehouse-Turned-Townhouse in the Manhattan at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Dancing with Darkness: How to Reclaim Your Whole Self

Filed Under: SUCCESS, Tiny Buddha

“Shadow work is the way to illumination. When we become aware of all that is buried within us, that which is lurking beneath the surface no longer has power over us.” ~Aletheia Luna

For years, I believed healing was about transcending pain. I took the courses, read the books, learned every energy-healing technique I could find, and became a healer myself.

And for a while, I felt better. I had breakthroughs. My anxiety lessened.

My depressive episodes became fewer. But they never fully disappeared. Even after all the inner work, there were stilldays when I felt unbearably low. Days and nights when my thoughts raced, full of fear and doubt.

I told myself that if I was truly healing, these feelings shouldn’t exist anymore. That if I was really evolving, I wouldn’t feelthis way.

And worst of all, if I was a healer, how could I possibly still struggle?

Surely, I was doing something wrong.

I started questioning myself. Maybe I wasn’t “good enough” as a healer. Maybe I wasn’t doing enough inner work. MaybeI just wasn’t meant to be on this path.

So I doubled down. I meditated longer. Journaled more. Cleared my energy. Did affirmations.

And yet, the sadness still found me. The anxiety still whispered its fears. No matter how much I tried to fix myself, theseemotions refused to leave.

It wasn’t until I stopped fighting my pain that something shifted. I realized I had spent years treating my emotions assomething to get rid of. But healing isn’t about eliminating pain: it’s about becoming intimate with it.

So instead of suppressing my darkness, I started getting to know it. Instead of running from my emotions, I sat with them—fully present, without trying to fix them.

I let my sadness speak through poetry.

I let my anxiety move through dance.

I let my shadows express themselves through art, writing, and stillness.

And something unexpected happened. The more I embraced my pain, the less power it had over me. The more I let myself feel without judgment, the more compassion I had for myself.

I learned that healing isn’t about reaching some perfect, pain-free version of yourself. It’s about integrating every part ofyou—even the ones you used to reject.

I realized that being a healer doesn’t mean being free of struggle. It means having the courage to meet yourself exactlyas you are—without shame, without resistance, and with deep, unwavering love.

Because healing isn’t about erasing your darkness.

It’s about learning to dance with it.

What is the Shadow Self?

Our shadow consists of the parts of ourselves that we’ve been taught to hide: our fears, suppressed emotions, unprocessed pain, and even our untapped strengths.

Maybe you were told as a child that expressing anger was “bad,” so you learned to suppress it.

Maybe you grew up believing that vulnerability was weakness, so you built walls around your heart.

The shadow isn’t just made up of things we perceive as negative; it can also include hidden gifts. Some of us hide ourpower because we were taught it wasn’t safe to shine.

Some of us suppress our intuition because we fear being wrong. Some of us bury our true desires because we’ve beenconditioned to think they’re unrealistic or selfish.

But here’s the thing: Whatever we suppress doesn’t disappear. It just works against us in unconscious ways.

Our unhealed wounds can show up as:

  • Feeling stuck in the same painful patterns
  • Emotional triggers that seem to come out of nowhere
  • Self-sabotage, procrastination, or fear of success
  • Overreacting to certain behaviors in others (often mirroring what we reject in ourselves)
  • Feeling disconnected, numb, or unfulfilled despite “doing the work”

So how do we begin integrating our shadow instead of fearing or avoiding it?

5 Ways to Begin Shadow Integration

1. Get curious about your triggers.

One of the easiest ways to identify our shadow is to pay attention to what triggers us.

Have you ever felt an irrationally strong reaction to something? Maybe a passing comment made you feel deeplyinsecure, or someone else’s confidence irritated you.

Our triggers are messengers. They reveal wounds that are still waiting to be healed and integrated.

Reflection prompt:

  • Think about the last time something upset or irritated you. What was the deeper emotion beneath it?
  • Does this remind you of a past experience or belief?
  • If this was a message from your inner self, what would it be saying?

When we can sit with our reactions instead of judging them, we open the door to healing.

2. Identify what you’ve been taught to suppress.

Many of our shadow aspects were created in childhood. We learned that certain emotions, traits, or desires weren’t“acceptable,” so we buried them.

Ask yourself:

  • What parts of myself did I feel I had to hide growing up?
  • What qualities do I judge in others (and could these be aspects I’ve rejected in myself)?
  • What dreams or desires have I talked myself out of because they feel “unrealistic” or “selfish”?

For example, if you were taught that being sensitive meant being weak, you might suppress your emotions and strugglewith vulnerability. If you were raised in an environment where success was met with jealousy, you might unconsciouslyfear stepping into your full potential.

By bringing awareness to these patterns, you can begin to rewrite them.

3. Practice sitting with uncomfortable emotions.

Most of us weren’t taught how to sit with our emotions. We were taught how to suppress, avoid, or “fix” them.

But emotions are not problems. They are messages.

Instead of pushing away sadness, frustration, or fear, try welcoming them as temporary visitors.

Try this:

  • When a difficult emotion arises, pause, and say, I see you. I hear you. I am listening.
  • Notice what sensations arise in your body.
  • Breathe deeply and allow yourself to sit with it, without rushing to change it.

The more you practice this, the less power your emotions will have over you.

4. Reconnect with your inner child.

Much of our shadow is rooted in childhood experiences—times when we felt abandoned, unworthy, or unsafe.

Healing these wounds requires reparenting ourselves with love and compassion.

A simple inner child exercise:

  • Close your eyes and imagine your younger self standing in front of you.
  • Picture them at an age when they felt most vulnerable.
  • Ask: What do you need to hear right now?
  • Offer them the love, validation, and reassurance they may not have received.

This simple practice can be incredibly powerful in healing past wounds and integrating your shadow.

5. Express what you’ve been holding back.

Shadow integration isn’t just about recognizing our hidden parts. It’s about allowing ourselves to express them in healthyways.

If you’ve suppressed your voice, start speaking up.

If you’ve buried your creativity, allow yourself to create freely.

If you’ve been afraid of taking up space, start owning your worth.

Challenge yourself:

  • Identify one way you’ve been keeping yourself small.
  • Take one small step toward expressing that part of yourself this week.

When we integrate our shadow, we reclaim the full spectrum of who we are.

Embracing Your Whole Self

Healing isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about becoming whole.

The parts of us that we once rejected hold immense wisdom, creativity, and strength. When we integrate them, weunlock a new level of self-awareness, freedom, and inner peace.

So, the next time your shadows appear, instead of running from them, try sitting with them.

Instead of fighting your fears, try listening to what they have to teach you.

Instead of rejecting the parts of you that feel unworthy, try offering them love.

Because healing isn’t about erasing your darkness.

It’s about learning to dance with it until it, too, becomes light.

I would love to hear from you: What’s one part of yourself you’re learning to embrace? Drop a comment below.

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About Lais

Lais is an intuitive healer, space-clearing expert, and quantum energy healing teacher who helps others integrate theirshadows and reclaim their wholeness. Through her Quantum Energy Healing Program, she guides deep transformationby clearing ancestral wounds, past-life imprints, and energetic blocks. She also hosts The Alchemy of Light and ShadowPodcast, exploring healing, grounded spirituality, and personal transformation. Learn more about her work athttp://www.myhealingsanctuary.net and explore her healing program here.

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