la moda italiana

We have started to know our way around but we do not fit in here. I am still motivated by a teenage sort of desire to fit in, at least with people who I admire. Although I have been mistaken for an Italian once or twice, it was only while bogged down with groceries and since carrying grocery bags around constantly is not an option, it is neccessary to take some other measures to assimilate.

Italian women are always dressed well. Inspite of the fact that the entire city is paved with roughly hewn basalt squares which are set one against the next leaving gaps every few inches and a bumpy surface, the italian women seem to glide effortlessly across the piazzas in spike heels. They also ride scooters and pedal bikes in heels. One night before we ventured out for dinner relatively nearby, I bravely doned my most comfortable of heels which are wide enough at the bottom that there was no risk of sinking into a gap. I navigated a course which had sidewalks most of the way, and I made Chris walk at my side the whole time holding my hand. Eventually he ask if I could take his arm because I was squeezing his fingers too tightly. I only almost fell over once, but Chris said there were at least three near disasters. It is obvious that Italian women walk in heels balancing on their toes. I once read that Paris Hilton practices walking on her toes around the house so she can walk in heels. This is obviously why Italian women have beautiful legs.


The shoes are hard to adjust to, but the clothing I think will be easier. I visited the triumverate: Benetton, Sisley and Stefanel which are, respectively, the Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic of Italy to pick out a few things. The stores have one thing in common: vertigo inducing interiors with lucite cantilevered staircases and all glass floors. I am not prone to vertigo but I hate walking around and being able to see straight through the floor. I hadn't planned for shopping over the heads of others and therefore was inappropriately attired in an a-line dress. While trying to see if any of the shoppers below me were getting a glimpse up my skirt, I nearly walked into a mirrored wall. While the stores were a dizzying experience I did find somethings I really liked. Similar brands in America produce basic, classic staples, but there is no shortage of innovation and daring in fashion design, even among mid-range stores here. Tulip hems on skirts and jackets with cute sixties inspired necklines. I tried on a few things while the sales girl was chatting me up. Also an art history major and exactly the same age as me, we had a lot in common and she wanted to know all about New York. I think think I got carried away trying to keep up my end of the conversation because of all the things I could have purchased, I bought a dress with a drapped neck that plunges to the navel. The fit is sort of a reverse triangle, with batwing sleeves, that narrows to a formfitting part around the rear. The salesgirl told me most people wear it with a camisole under it and leggings. I was glad to hear that...I wasn't going to be buying double sided tape to avoid "wardrobe malfunctions." I have yet to complete the ensemble with the requisite leggings and camisole, but I am feeling more Italian already.