Our retreat group had a great discussion on Italian style. So, I am going to post a few examples.
First, meet my landlord, Andrea. He is riding home from work on his bicycle.
Now... witness where the extra 'style' comes in.
Here you see his Italian leather briefcase. I want one just like it!!
I so love the fact that many Italian men, like Andrea, still wear real shoes, instead of glompy astronaut boot-like sneakers. The need for comfort I understand only too well, so why don't shoe companies make a shoe that is stylish like a wingtip, but comfy like a sneaker, for both men and women? As for the fantastic Italian style in clothing choices (and inspiration for your own projects), you might enjoy the blog of the Sartorialist, which I consult regularly: http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/. The blogger is a marvelous and world-famous street fashion photographer, which means that what you'll see on his blog more often than not is really wearable, as opposed to what often is seen on the catwalks.
ReplyDeleteI had a comment in mind until I started reading what Star wrote. That made me think of how I would love to go shoe shopping in Italy. You see, I have this incredibly skinny foot and Italian shoes are the only shoes that TRULY fit well. Of course, they are also absurdly expensive. Oh well . . .
ReplyDeleteMy original thought was that I think Europeans in general dress so much better and all seem to have a "style". Americans have just gotten sloppy. I recently wrote a letter of complaint to the local bank because of how awful the workers looked on dress down Friday. Personally, I do not even like the concept of dress down days, but I was particularly offended to see the workers in jeans that looked like ones I would only wear around the house! We seem to have lost all sense of professionalism and class.
Stepping off of soapbox . . .
Hi Star and Kathi...
ReplyDeleteYes, I know the Sartorialist; my students made me aware of it (they are great for that).
kathi.. I agree, that things have gotten a bit too casual here. It is a pleasure to see people (in Italy) take the time to dress nicely.