One of the highlights of Ciao Roma is the selection of matching sets perfect for the spring. These matching blouses, day jackets, and trousers combine for easy, breezy, one-and-done looks. For a pop of color, peruse the collection’s floral-print pieces. For a more subtle look, there’s a cream double-breasted blazer and pair of trousers in a faint pinstripe print. You can also find the very chic Marena jacket available in both a rich suede and a lightweight cotton-linen blend with matching pants.
Pretend like you’re part of the Medici family with the romantic Medicis mini dress or take on the patchwork denim trend this warm-weather season with a button-down blouse. Or go on and pair a (drool-worthy) crochet-finish jacket with cropped printed pants or a pleated mini skirt for stylish springtime outings.
Whether you’re in need of a spacious crossbody bag for everyday life, an oversized tote bag for those long beach or sightseeing days, or a mini basket bag for al fresco cocktails and dinners, Ciao Roma has a style for every need and occasion. Plus, many styles, like the Claude bag, come in spring-ready colors like lilac.
If you find yourself on the cobblestone streets of Italy and want to blend in with the locals, take their lead and stick to block-heel sandals, rather than stilettos. We’re personally a fan of the casual Florie fisherman sandal for long walking days and of the silky, striped High Carmela heels for nights out on the town.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
In the summer of 2023, just a few years after the launch of Parisian footwear label Nomasei, founders Paule Tenaillon and Marine Braquet received a message on Instagram. It was from Blake Lively who, after stumbling upon their account, wanted to know where to get her hands on a pair of their Nono loafers. While Lively might’ve been the first A-lister to slide into their DMs, she certainly wasn’t the first celebrity to show interest. Tenaillon recalls a period in late 2022 when their designs were spotted, back to back, on Nicole Kidman, Kristen Stewart, and Emily in Paris’ Camille Razat. Despite the growing list of celebrity clientele, which also includes Katie Holmes, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Bella Hadid, Braquet feels that “we still haven’t made it.” She continues, “I think we will start to feel safe when our name will be a little bit more known and [we] continue to have this trust in ourselves.”
The fashion industry’s oversupply problem is as pervasive as it is murky, with the majority of brands choosing neither to disclose their annual production volumes nor to commit to reducing the number of new pieces being made, according to Fashion Revolution. The available statistics suggest that as many as 45 billion of the 150 billion fashion items produced each year are never sold or worn, often ending up in landfills or being incinerated.
In addition to this waste, Braquet got tired of making styles that were designed with trends rather than longevity in mind — shoes that “were not made with a good sense of practicality, of design, because we never had enough time [to design them].”
In late 2017, she approached Tenaillon about starting a footwear company grounded in a slower business model. “[I thought] maybe if we calm down and we take the time to think a little bit, then maybe we will make less mistakes, maybe we will produce a little bit less, maybe we will waste a little bit [less].” Now, they only design and produce styles for Nomasei that they believe in. “You realize that maybe there’s another way to do stuff which makes more sense,” says Tenaillon.
One example is the popular Taxi sandal, a platform shoe padded with memory foam for all-night dancing and available in a range of colors. The embossed red leather iteration was recently reintroduced, with 20% of the $499 retail price going to the (RED) Global Fund to support healthcare programs for women and girls in need. Another is the ultra-stretchy Whisper boot, an over-the-knee style chosen by Kelly Rutherford during a January visit to the showroom. In addition to boasting a sleek design, it is also suitable for wide calves thanks to its remarkably elastic French lambskin leather.
Nomasei’s aim to serve as a responsible alternative to luxury offerings means their prices range from $150 to $800. Working closely with manufacturers (more on that below), Tenaillon and Braquet maintain controlled margins and ensure the use of thoughtful materials such as solvent-free glue and lead-free crystals. The name of the brand itself is an homage to everyone who comes into contact with it: Nomasei is the Italian slang for “six hands,” evoking the collective input of every individual involved in the making and promotion of each shoe.
The duo also takes pride in creating long-lasting designs. In addition to using high-quality materials, to encourage shoppers to keep Nomasei products outside the landfills for as long as possible, the brand offers maintenance products and a forthcoming repair kit for their shoes; those based in Europe also have access to a cobbler service that has partnered with the brand. “Sometimes the most sustainable thing is to have a product that people will actually wear and keep because when you like something and you feel good in something, you want to take care of it,” says Braquet.
When R29 sits down with the founders in their Paris showroom, the ways they complement one another are evident. Tenaillon is detail-obsessed and contemplative. Braquet is well-versed in the business side of things and doesn’t hesitate to put everything on the table, like how it took Nomasei (which launched right before the pandemic hit) until the fall of 2021 to see a significant boost in sales and brand awareness. “It’s why we keep going further and further,” Tenaillon adds. “When you are insecure you need to prove yourself.”
What keeps you motivated? Marine Braquet: [When] we are in contact with the customer and they love the brand. When they come here to the showroom [and] you hear them speaking like, “I saw your post on Instagram, it was saved in my phone for two years and I wanted to come when I was in Paris.” When you hear that you’re like, “Okay, there is something that we’re doing right.”
What do you think you’re getting right that big brands aren’t? Paule Tenaillon: We want to be close to our clients, it’s why our margins [are low], it’s why the shoes are comfortable, it’s why everything is studied to be worn and bought by women like us. And we don’t idealize ourselves.
MB: The customers are the best assets ever. I think one of the things we did right with Nomasei is that we created the showroom. Women come and they talk. And they give you feedback on your product, and it’s so interesting.
PT: It’s a sisterhood that is created naturally between the clients and it’s super fun. They talk together about these shoes but then they talk about their lives and it becomes, sometimes, very intimate, and it’s very interesting to know about other women’s lives — the way they buy, why they buy.
I love that everything at Nomasei — from the cutting of the leather to the assembling of the shoe — is done within a 55 km (34.2 mile) distance of it. PT: The main factory we use is in Tuscany between Florence and Pisa. [It’s] all eco-conceived, so there is a cathedral roof to direct the air, it’s all made to cool the air naturally and to grab rainwater for the cooling system. There are a lot of windows so the workers have light. It’s all made to make the conditions better for the workers and to use less electricity and energy. There is solar electricity so 40% of their energy is independent, made by themselves.
Katie Holmes, Kristen Stewart, Blake Lively, and the Hadid sisters are some of the celebrities who have worn your pieces. How does it feel to see your shoes getting this kind of attention so early on? MB: With Katie Holmes, for example, it’s so cool because she wore the shoes one time in January last year and then she was photographed again in the streets one year later wearing them… And this, for us, is the best because Nomasei is supposed to be like, “I’m wearing this shoe today because I want to feel good.”
PT: What we want is to be in the daily life of all women because the shoes are made to help them to live better.
TheNono loaferin particular has been a popular style among celebrities and other clients. Why do you think that is? MB: It’s an alternative to sneakers for me and I think that’s why it picked up after COVID-19 because people wanted to dress up again but still be in flats for comfort. I think it’s also because there is a strong personality with this style. And I believe, because I’m a little bit superstitious, that it brings good luck.
PT: The hand on it is like a talisman.
Could it have something to do with the appeal ofFrench Girl style? Or is that just a tired stereotype at this point? MB: I think you are always fascinated with the things that are not part of your daily life. For example, I am fascinated with the Americans and the way they have a glow, their hair is always perfect… Because being French is always to be a little bit messy. And me, I’m not Parisian, I come from the south [of France], so I [would] look at Charlotte Gainsbourg and she’s wearing just a white T-shirt and jeans but, I don’t know, she has an attitude that you can’t imitate. It’s this nonchalance.
PT: I think nonchalance is the French ingredient.
Do you then design with that nonchalance in mind? PT: It’s all designed to be worn with jeans, that’s for sure. I want to wear the most sophisticated shoes with jeans, always. Comfort for me is also freedom. If you are comfortable, you can do whatever you want, you are free to think of whatever you want because you don’t have to think of how to wear what you’re wearing, how to sit, how to behave. It frees the brain and leaves space to think of important things.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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Springing forward may mean we lost an hour of sleep, but on the plus side, it also means warmer weather is justttttt around the corner. And with that comes the perfect opportunity to refresh our winter wardrobes with some new Free People goodies. As we kick off our favorite flannels, your spring styling answer is simple: layers. And no one does that better than Free People. Fortunately, some of the brand's most layerable pieces are on sale right now.
That's why we went through Free People's sale section to unearth the discounted gems that are under $100. From the trendiest monochromatic looks to flowy dresses, there’s a host of versatile goodness ahead — and none of it is full price. So sit back, click on, and enjoy all the time we saved you with our roundup of the best deals from Free People's sale section.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
New year, new clothes. It's time to get going. Donate that pile of attire you haven't touched since 2022, and refresh your winter wardrobe with some Free People goodies. Since the cold weather really just begun, you're likely snuggled up in your favorite flannel pajamas. You might even be thinking: How can people even consider putting together an outfit when it's freezing? The answer is simple: layers. And no one does that better than Free People. Fortunately, some of the brand's most layerable pieces are on sale right now.
It's the perfect time to stock up on styles you can leave in your closet year-round. That's why we went through Free People's sale section to unearth the discounted gems that are under $100. From cozy winter accessories to cold weather dresses, there’s a host of versatile goodness ahead — and none of it is full price. So sit back, click on, and enjoy all the time we saved you with our roundup of the best deals from Free People'ssale section.
Free People Tops On Sale
Basics and knits but make it elevated. Find all the sweaters, sheer tops, and bodysuits to make your heart content.
We The Free El Sol Layering Top, $, available at Free People
We The Free Just You Turtleneck, $, available at Free People
Free People Oliver Cashmere Turtleneck, $, available at Free People
Intimately Mesh So Well Layering Top, $, available at Free People
Intimately XYZ Recycled Long-Sleeve Bodysuit, $, available at Free People
We The Free Still A Fan Pullover, $, available at Free People
Free People Dresses On Sale
Who knew a sales section could be this great? Feast your eyes on these discounted Free People frocks, from sultry silky silhouettes to corduroy cutie dresses.
Free People Sundrenched Silky Maxi Dress, $, available at Free People
Free People Tupelo Honey Maxi Dress, $, available at Free People
We The Free Overall Smock Mini Cord Top, $, available at Free People
Intimately Drop Everything Bias Slip, $, available at Free People
Free People Outerwear On Sale
It's a known fact that the R29 team has a penchant for Free People's puffers and fleeces. However, there's other outerwear calling our names — all at a hefty discount.
FP Movement Warm Down Pullover, $, available at FP Movement
Free People Monarch Sweatshirt, $, available at Free People
We The Free Leon Denim Top, $, available at Free People
Free People Bottoms On Sale
Glide into a pair of comfy pants (or a skirt) that you can style for workdays and weekends.
FP Movement Have It All Pants, $, available at FP Movement
Free People In My Feelings Velvet Crop Slim Flare Pants, $, available at Free People
We The Free Cord Full Skirt, $, available at Free People
We The Free Ash Moto Slit Flare Pants, $, available at Free People
Free People Shoes On Sale
Boots? Sneakers? Get the best deals on the latest Free People shoes.
Vagabond Cosmo 2.0 Loafers, $, available at Free People
Sam Edelman Halie Bow Heels, $, available at Free People
Seychelles Faye Ballet Flats, $, available at Free People
FP Collection Apres All Day Boots, $, available at Free People
Free People Outerwear On Sale
It's a known fact that the R29 team has a penchant for Free People's puffers and fleeces. However, there's other outerwear calling our names — all at a hefty discount.
FP Movement Care FP Outta Left Field Jacket, $, available at Free People
We The Free Stadium Denim Jacket, $, available at Free People
Free People Betty Blazer, $, available at Free People
Free People Joplin Cozy Jacket, $, available at Free People
Free People Dresses On Sale
Who knew a sales section could be this great? Feast your eyes on these discounted Free People frocks, from sheer sequin-adorned silhouettes to glossy slip dresses and leather minis.
Free People Amber Vegan Mini, $, available at Free People
Free People Viola Midi Dress, $, available at Free People
Intimately Drop Everything Bias Slip, $, available at Free People
Free People Heaven Sent Maxi, $, available at Free People
Free People Basics On Sale
Basics, but make it elevated. Find all the shimmering velvet socks, sheer tops, and a plethora of bodysuits for layering.
Free People Vibrant Velvet Socks, $, available at Free People
Intimately Off Duty Layering Top, $, available at Free People
Intimately Undercover Printed Bodysuit, $, available at Free People
Intimately In My Head Bodysuit, $, available at Free People
Free People Bottoms On Sale
Glide into a pair of comfy wide-leg jeans, trousers, and pants that you can style for workdays and weekends.
We The Free Wallflower Wide-Leg Jeans, $, available at Free People
Free People Jana Flare Trousers, $, available at Free People
FP Movement Level Up Pants, $, available at Free People
Free People Skirts On Sale
If you're tired of pants, give them a break and opt for airy mini and maxi skirts from Free People. All the under-$100 styles are hidden in the brand's sale section.
We The Free Come As You Are Cord Maxi Skirt, $, available at Free People
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Free People Shoes On Sale
Boots? Sneakers? Get the best deals on the latest Free People shoes with select styles that are almost 50% off.
FP Collection Jones Lug Sole Lace Up Boots, $, available at Free People
Danner Trail 2650 Sneakers, $, available at Free People
SOREL Out N About III Conquest Boots, $, available at Free People
Free People Winter Accessories On Sale
Stay cozy all winter long with colorful striped beanies, faux-fur hats, and super-soft scarves. The cuddly accessories are the cherry on top of a cold-weather outfit.
Free People Airy Rib Stripe Beanie, $, available at Free People
Free People Ever After Faux Fur Blanket Scarf, $, available at Free People
Free People Faux Fur Cowboy Hat, $, available at Free People
Free People Pamela Faux Fur Scarf, $, available at Free People
Free People Cold Creek Pom Beanie, $, available at Free People
Free People Harmonie Striped Pamper Leg Warmers, $, available at Free People
Free People Handbags On Sale
Add a new bag to your rotation with a trendy messenger, clutch, or convertible backpack from Free People. There are deals on all the best handbag styles.
Free People Viva La Vegan Clutch, $, available at Free People
FP Movement Move With It Messenger Bag, $, available at Free People
We The Free Sparrow Convertible Sling Bag, $, available at Free People
