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Last week I listened to Bette Midler's recording of the original recording by Rosemary Clooney of Mambo Italiano.

And when I say I listened to it, I don't mean just a few times, I mean like TEN THOUSAND TIMES. I listened to it at home; while walking; even while shopping (and dancing to it in the produce section) at Trader Joe's. I listened to it so much, that even when I wasn't listening to it, I could still hear the song in my head, over and over and over again. And although I love Rosemary Clooney's version of the song, I honestly think that I love Bette Midler's version more - it's sexier.

Which, speaking of sexy, listening to this song reminded me of how sexy I think Italian men and women are. And not only in the way they look, but also because of how passionate they are about everything.

And apparently, I have God to thank for that...


I mean what can I say, I have a weakness for that Mediterranean look. You know the look I'm talking about don't you? Dark, scruffy, and steamy.

Italian Men




 

Italian Women

Bellissima!


 I think Italian women are equally as sexy.
Strong, beautiful, and darkly sensual...




Yet, I think a perfect embodiment of Italian sexiness, in my opinion anyway, is international film star, Sophia Loren.


And what I especially love and admire about Sophia Loren is that her sexiness stems from a powerful inner strength and confidence...


I would like to conclude this post by sharing a video clip from an advertising campaign by Dolce & Gabbana for a perfume launch last year, in which it featured Sophia Loren as the "face" for Dolce & Gabbana. At the time this was filmed, Sophia Loren was 81-years old.

When I first saw this video clip, I forgot that I was watching an advertising campaign because it seemed as though I was viewing a trailer for an exquisite film shot in Italy. I can't even image how much time, thought and energy went into creating this. It was like watching a piece of European art come to life!

This clip totally encapsulates what it is that attracts me to all-things-Italian - history, beauty, love, passion, abandonment, romance, and oh yes...sexiness!

Enjoy...

*please watch it full screen to get the FULL effect


Have a beautiful rest of your week, everyone! 
X

39 comments:

  1. Gosh, you just made my day, Ron. It must be my day for thinking Italian because I have just been on another blog discussing that wonderful country. I cannot believe Sophia Loren is 81. She is still so beautiful. Yes, Italians are beautiful, both men and women, those looks are to die for!

    I didn't know Bette Midler had recorded Mambo Italiana. I must try and find it on line.

    Lovely post, Ron, and I tell you this - God got it right! Have a wonderful day and weekend. Yes, another weekend will be upon us in no time x

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  2. Sadly I am prevented from subscribing. This means I cannot see replies unless I come back here. Gosh, don't the powers that be complicate things?

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  3. First, YES, those men are quite yummy! Dirty sexy is what I call them! Second, don't you just love perfume ads? They are one of the only commercials I actually enjoy watching. I can never get enough of the one where Johnny Depp is digging in a desert. I don't care how awful of a spouse he might be, the dude is HOT!

    Amazing scenery and people in the DG ad, Ron! Have a great weekend! XO

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  4. Ron, this is just spectacular! You know I'm half-Italian, right? Of course, I can't "carry it off" because I just look so Irish, thanks to my late Dad's side of the family! I guess I'll just have to smolder silently inside, ha!

    The dark, scruffy hunks you've selected are wonderful, as are the sultry, beautiful, raven-haired women. And that clip of Sophia as well as Bette's song are perfect ways to start my day!

    Happy rest of your week. We're having ideal Fall weather. Only things missing are pumpkins and turning leaves! xx

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  5. OMG Ron, I loved every single thing about this post!!!! I'm with you, the look of Italian men (and women) is so sexy! I'm of Latin descent, but I have always felt much more Italian. I love the food, style, and culture of the Italians. I've never been there, but it's on my bucket list of things I want to do in my life. The photographs of the Italian men you posted are SO HOT! You and I have the same taste in men LOL!

    I cannot believe that Sophia Loren was 81 in that video clip, which by the way, is so BEAUTIFUL! I watched it once, but will be back tonight when I get home from work and watch it again. I wear D&G perfume, Bright Crystal, have you heard of it? I wear many different scents, but that's my favorite one.

    Wonderful post, Ron! LOVED it! Bellissima!

    Have a great rest of your week too X

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  6. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comThursday, August 24, 2017

    Agreed - the Italians as well as Italy - just wonderful! And Sophia Loren only seems to get better with age.

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  7. What a beautiful post on all things Italian, Ron! I've been to Italy several times and it's my favorite country in Europe. I always wanted to try living there for a year or so when I younger, but it never happened. And everything you said about the country and its people are so true! Gorgeous men AND women!

    What a beautiful video! Sophia Loren is so CLASSY, isn't she? She's sexy with class!

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  8. What a beautiful post on all things Italian, Ron! I've been to Italy several times and it's my favorite country in Europe. I always wanted to try living there for a year or so when I younger, but it never happened. And everything you said about the country and its people are so true! Gorgeous men AND women!

    What a beautiful video! Sophia Loren is sexy with CLASS! And she still has it.

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  9. Hellooooooooooo there Valerie!

    "It must be my day for thinking Italian because I have just been on another blog discussing that wonderful country."

    OMG, how ironic is that?!? And yes, I know how much you love Italy from the posts you're shared over the years. I MUST get there one day because it's a country that I am VERY drawn to. My only worry is that I'll get there, love it, and then NEVER come home - HA!

    Here is the link to the Bette Midler's version of Mambo Italiano : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p99gN_fU1NY

    It's faaaaaabulous!

    Can you believe that Sophia Loren is 81-years old???! Technically, she's actually 82 because that video was shot last year. She's seems timeless!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week. I know, can you believe that the weekend is almost upon us?

    X

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  10. OMG, sorry about that, Valerie :( I have no idea what's up about that? Hopefully that technical glitch will correct itself.

    But thank you so much for taking the time to stop back. I appreciate that, my friend!
    X

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  11. Yes, OMG...aren't they YUMMY? I had such a hard time picking just those four because there were so many yummy Italian men to choose from - HA!!!!

    LOVE it....dirty sexy! PERFECT way of putting it!!!

    " don't you just love perfume ads? They are one of the only commercials I actually enjoy watching."

    Yes, you are right about that! And being someone who has been in the cosmetic (including perfumes) industry for so long, I have such a great appreciation for how creative they are; especially the ones from Europe - they're like actual mini-movies!

    "I can never get enough of the one where Johnny Depp is digging in a desert. "

    Yes!!!! Love it too! It's for the men's fragrance - Sauvage - which is a fragrance I wear. It's so sexy!

    "Amazing scenery and people in the DG ad, Ron"

    Hahahahahahahaha! Aren't they sexy hot?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have an AWESOME rest of your week!
    X

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  12. Hey there Debbie!

    Yes, I knew that you were half-Italian, absolutely!

    "I just look so Irish, thanks to my late Dad's side of the family! I guess I'll just have to smolder silently inside, ha!"

    HAHAHAHAHA! OMG...I LOVED that! And it's funny you mentioned being half Irish-half Italian because I work with a girl who is also half and half, but she looks SO Italian (looking more like her father) and not a bit Irish (like her mother). But it doesn't matter because they are BOTH sexy nationalities!

    Ha! I had such a challenging time selecting these beautiful and sexy Italian men and women because there were SO MANY to choose from online. It took me three days to narrow it down to just these.

    Doesn't Sophia looks amazing? She's now 82 and still looks sexy!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Yes, we're also having a bit of Fall weather today (and tomorrow) and I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy about that because it's cool and NO humidity! Looking forward to next month, when the leaves turn and the pumpkins arrive :)

    X

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  13. Hola Denise!

    Maybe it's because my heritage is Italian I feel that way, but I've always been attracted to that dark Mediterranean look.

    "I'm of Latin descent, but I have always felt much more Italian. I love the food, style, and culture of the Italians."

    It's funny you said that because I recently read an online article by Penelope Cruz (who is also Spanish) in which she said the exact same thing. She said she feels more Italian than Latin.

    I too have never been to Italy, but MUST get there someday. I want to go to Tuscany, Florence, and Venice. Also, the Amalfi Coast.

    Yes, I've definitely heard and smelled Bright Crystal, it's fabulous!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a great week and weekend!

    X

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  14. "And apparently, I have God to thank for that..." ROFLMAO! Ron that, and the graphic with god creating sexy people was priceless! I like a Mediterranean look as well. My girlfriend is half Italian with dark eyes and dark hair, and very sexy I might say! And you are right, Italians are very passionate about everything, which is something I find attractive.

    Really enjoyed the D&G video clip It's beautiful! I'll be sharing it with my GF tonight when I get home because I know it's something she would really appreciate, being a graphic artist who dabbles in film work as well.

    Great post! You always put so much into them, dude!

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  15. That clip did in fact look more like a movie trailer than an advertising campaign, I am glad that I watched it.

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  16. Hey Fiona!

    I bet it is wonderful! Between the people, the history, the food, the wine!

    One of these days I have GOT to make it to Italy for a visit. My fear is that when I get there, I'll never want to come home - ha!

    " And Sophia Loren only seems to get better with age."

    You said it....she seems to be timeless!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a terrific weekend!

    X

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  17. Hiya Matt!

    I laughed so hard when I found that graphic online. I thought it was perfect for this post, so I had to grab it. Isn't it stellar?

    " My girlfriend is half Italian with dark eyes and dark hair, and very sexy I might say! And you are right, Italians are very passionate about everything, which is something I find attractive."

    Don't you love that dark look? I'm Italian with blue eyes, yet I've always wanted dark brown, like my father, who was from Southern Italy. My mother had light eyes (green) and she was from the North.

    I watched that clip so many times. It's so beautifully put together - the visuals, the music, the clothing, etc. Like a work of art!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a fantabulous rest of your week and weekend!

    X

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  18. Isn't it a beautiful clip, Jimmy? It's truly a work of art!

    Glad you enjoyed it. I've watched it like 50 times already!

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  19. OMG Ron!! That was freakin' INSANE!! There is NO one...absolutely no one who could have pulled that off at EIGHTY ONE!! Sophia Loren is one of a kind...a true Italian Beauty! Yes indeed...God did get it right! You sexy thing you! :)

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  20. Ron, it's incredible to know Sophia Loren was 81 when that ad was made!?!?! She looked amazing! I once watched an interview where she shared her beauty tips, saying that olive oil was the key. She not only cook with it, but also used it on her skin. Maybe that's why she still looks great? What a beautiful video clip. Italy looks gorgeous!

    My husband and I both read this post and agreed on your selection of Italian men and women. LOL! And isn't Italian food the best? I'm not Italian but should be because it's my favorite food! I used to work with a woman who traveled each year and she said that Italy (Florence) was her favorite place in the world. She told me one time that she had always romanticized of meeting an Italian man, getting married and living there!

    Great post, Ron!

    Ciao!

    P.s. Hasn't the weather been perfect? These past few days have felt like fall.

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  21. It's amazing Italians are as sexy as they are with all that delicious (and fattening) pasta they eat! But you are correct. And, wow - Sophia looks amazing! Better than most people half her age. Like you said: timeless!

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  22. Helloooooooooo Jeanne!

    I know, can you BELIEVE she was 81 at the time of shooting this ad?!?!

    "Sophia Loren is one of a kind...a true Italian Beauty! "

    Yes! I watched several interviews with Sophia Loren and I loved listening to her talk about her childhood, movie career, and all the things that are important to her. She is such a classy, well-spoken, lady.

    Bellissima!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaaabulously beautiful weekend!

    X to you and the canine kids!

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  23. Hello there Elaine!

    I know, isn't it mind-blowing to know that she was 81 when she shot this ad campaign?

    "I once watched an interview where she shared her beauty tips, saying that olive oil was the key. She not only cook with it, but also used it on her skin. Maybe that's why she still looks great? "

    OMG...I didn't know that about her, but it makes sense. And I'm sure the olive oil she's using is extremely pure, fresh and right from Italy! I love olive oil!

    Doesn't Italy look bellissima? I have to get there one of these days. And all I want to do when I get there is eat Italian food and drink Italian wine - HA! Florence is a place I've wanted to visit, but also Venice and Tuscany.

    "She told me one time that she had always romanticized of meeting an Italian man, getting married and living there!"

    LOVE it!!!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Have a fabulous weekend!

    Ciao,
    X

    Yes....the weather has been perfecto! I had the past two days off, so I've spent most of my time outside enjoying the stunning weather.

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  24. Hello there Mark!

    "It's amazing Italians are as sexy as they are with all that delicious (and fattening) pasta they eat! "

    I know, I've thought the same thing. It's probably because of the portions they eat and also how fresh and pure the ingredients are. Same as their wine - they can drink a lot and not get drunk because how it's made.

    Isn't Sophia timelessly sexy?

    Bellissima!

    Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have fantastico weekend!

    X to you and Tara

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  25. Ron, I wanted to stop back and say that I've watched this video clip several times since you posted. I also bookmarked it on You Tube to save for the future.

    I didn't know that about Penelope Cruz. Love her!

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  26. Glad you enjoyed the video, Denise! Isn't it great?

    Penelope Cruz and her husband, Javier Bardem, make such an beautiful couple!

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  27. Yes they do, Ron. I agree!!!!

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  28. Drinking wine at an outdoor cafe bistro in Italy is about the only thing on my bucket list! I love the cartoon you included! Hopefully, I'll have an opportunity some day to visit Italy and take in all it's beauty, history and art. The video is masterfully done, even if it is a bit on the cheesy side! :-D Sophia Loren is 81?! May we all be as beautiful, classic and graceful at 81 years young as she is. Thanks for taking us to Italy if just for a few minutes.

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  29. "Drinking wine at an outdoor cafe bistro in Italy is about the only thing on my bucket list!"

    Lisa, meeeeeeeeeeeeee too! And I bet the wine there is incredible!

    "Hopefully, I'll have an opportunity some day to visit Italy and take in all it's beauty, history and art. "

    My fear is that when I DO visit Italy, when it comes time to leave....I won't want to come home! There is something about Italy, that when I see it in pictures and on film, it goes right to my heart. As you shared, it's beauty, history,and art!

    Doesn't it blow you away how beautiful Sophia Loren still is, even at 81?!?! I've seen her in many interviews where she shares things about her childhood, marriage, children, career, and it's fascinating. I love the way she expresses herself, so open and honest.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week!
    X

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  30. It's also Italian food! When I was a young fellow I loved Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida. I didn't know much about their movies, but I sure did like them.

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  31. Hey, Ron, I'm half-Italian, so I'm going to join the party! I've always loved Sophia Loren and the ad campaign you posted only makes me love her more!

    There's a story about Sophia Loren where she was sitting next to Bono from U2 on a passenger jet when a lightning bolt hit the plane. Everybody freaked, except Bono, who reportedly said, "that was God taking your picture!"

    Don't know if that story's true, but I love it!

    Great post, buddy! Bravo, my friend, bravo!

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  32. Hey there Pat!

    Isn't Italian food the bomb? I could eat it everyday and never tire of it.

    Funny you mentioned Gina Lollobrigida because I was going to add a photograph of her in this post. She was so beautiful (and sexy), wasn't she?

    My family is Italian, so when I was a kid...we would all watch any movie with Sophia or Gina on TV.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Pat! Have a GREAT weekend!

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  33. Hey there Rob!

    Yes, I know...you're half Italian, so join the party!!!! As a kid, my family would all sit around the TV and watch films with Sophia in them. My father always thought she was so stunningly beautiful (and sexy).

    ". Everybody freaked, except Bono, who reportedly said, "that was God taking your picture!""

    Bwhahahahahahahaha! OMG....that's freaking BRILLIANT! I will have to google that to find out more about it.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. And thanks SO MUCH for sharing that awesome story on this post!

    Have a FAB weekend! Ciao!

    X

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  34. Yes, this post is so rich, sexy, raw, passionate and gutsy, I think I gained 10 pounds by the time I finished, geez! Lollll, my favorite, the God cartoon, what a RIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely Ron, Love the earthiness of Italians which you can see through movies with Sophia Loren... My husband is half Italian, half Irish on his Mom and his Dad's side of the family...
    Am such a huge ' I Love Lucy ' fan remembering the episode where she wanted Ricky to show her more attention?... she was saying how Italian actressses are so sultry and exciting... she put on that Italian wig and was practically growling and snarling her face, lolllllll...
    The clip is like a movie trailer, yes, so colorful, beautiful music, Sophia Loren, the guys building, each scene leading to the next drawing you in like a movie, wow... leaves you guessing whether it will be Italian perfume or a luxurious sedan... lol, but really beautiful.
    Did listen to clip and FWDed to my sister who is/was a huge Bette Midler (and Barry Manilow) fan in the day... ( late '70s? )... yes Loved It... now you need to dance to it like you did to Gloria Gaynor, "I Will Survive"!!!!! That was/is priceless, love loved it, you are such a natural !!!!!
    Lastly, I am currently reading about the history of Italians now from Sicily... the book: "Five Families, the rise, decline, and resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empires, by Selwyn Raab. Really a great book, can't put it down... very interesting learning how different sections of NYC were 'run' by different mob families...
    Thank you sweet Ron for this post and all of your delightful posts that really can make our days! You are a ray of sunshine!
    God bless and Enjoy the rest of your week!
    ~ Mary
    P.S. this next Monday, I will be traveling (w/hubby;) to Ireland for two weeks with our church group. Our Priest Father Timby's family is there, he will retire there. I have never been out of the country, so looking forward... Patrick (hubby) says we will go to Italy in a couple of years as he wants to visit the other half of where his family originated... Me??? I don't know ... My maiden name Vaden, is part French-Huguenot... hey, I sent off for that DNA test from ancestry.com, the box is still sitting in the den, I ordered so I could try to see if I had any Irish in me before we left for trip, but too late now, I will do it when I get back in town, excited to know which countries my family originated in... Ciao! ^_^

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  35. Hey there Mary....so nice to see you again!

    Isn't the God cartoon priceless? I "accidentally" found it, but knew it was "meant" for me to use in this post because it was perfect!

    Yes, "earthiness" is the perfect word for Italians (both women and men). Even though I'm more of a light Italian (light hair, light skin, light eyes) I'm very attracted to a darker Italian look.

    "Am such a huge ' I Love Lucy ' fan remembering the episode where she wanted Ricky to show her more attention?... she was saying how Italian actressses are so sultry and exciting... she put on that Italian wig and was practically growling and snarling her face, lolllllll..."

    HAHAHA! Yes, I too am a huge "I Love Lucy" fan and remember that episode. In fact, I have many of the episodes on VHS and DVD. That show was brilliant because it's still funny today!

    I love Bette Midler as well...big fan! In fact, I saw her in concert waaaay back in 1975 in her touring show, "Clams On A Half Shell", and she was incredible! I think I paid only $15.00 for my ticket!!! Unbelieable.

    "his next Monday, I will be traveling (w/hubby;) to Ireland for two weeks...."

    OMG...that's awesome! Have a great time! One of the girls I work with visited Ireland over the summer and RAVED about it. One of these days, I would like to visit too but want to visit ITALY first.

    Thank you for sharing the DNA test link. I will check it out tomorrow on my day off.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for you lovely comment. It's been so nice to meet you!

    Have a great week and trip to Ireland!

    Ciao!
    X

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  36. I love the Italian sense of style. Ever since visiting, it has altered the way I dress. I came back from Italy wondering why we (Americans) feel okay about being slobs all the time. I mean, it's hard to find a restaurant where you are sitting next to someone in shorts and a ball cap. I have put more effort into looking presentable when I'm out and about. I don't mean things like make up, but wearing clothes that are flattering and not so trendy. It just makes me feel better about myself. And same for my husband - we've been gradually replacing baggy shirts and jeans with more fitted styles. It makes a difference!

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  37. "I love the Italian sense of style. Ever since visiting, it has altered the way I dress. I came back from Italy wondering why we (Americans) feel okay about being slobs all the time. I mean, it's hard to find a restaurant where you are sitting next to someone in shorts and a ball cap. "

    Yes, I know what you mean because I follow a photography blog (The Sartorialist) by the New York photographer, Scott Schuman, who shoots images of fashion from all over the world. And he said that out of all the places he's traveled around the world, Italy is his favorite place for the most unique fashion.

    In case you're interested, here is his blog link: http://www.thesartorialist.com/

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post topic, my friend!

    Ciao!
    X

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  38. Hey, thanks for the link, Ron! I added it to my feedly and have really enjoyed going back through the archives.

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