In Moda!

Ciao ragazzi!

This will probably be my last blog for awhile. I'm headed to Marsala tomorrow for Easter!!! And I won't be back until next Monday, so it'll probably be a week without blogs, but I'll have plenty to blog about when I get back! Today I'll explain some of Italian fashion. "In moda" in Italian means to be in fashion, and I'm not entirely convinced of some of the fashion trends, but I suppose the Italians know better than anyone.

The first big thing is the black and brown. I don't know how the fashions go in the summer months, but so far, all we've seen the Italians wear is all black or all brown. There is rarely color in the wardrobe, despite the fact that I continually see brightly colored outfits in the display windows. Frequently, they also wear black with brown, which I always considered a big no-no. I never thought the two went together, but yesterday I wore a black shirt with a cute brown cardigan over it, so I've caught on!

The next big thing is boots and heels! I'm impressed by the ability of the Italian women to wear heels in this town. I have tried on several occasions to walk around in my boots, but I usually can't make it all day because of the stairs. Not to mention the cobblestone streets! I have no idea how the women don't get their heels stuck in the stones and fall flat on their faces. Even when I do wear my boots and all black, I know I don't blend in as I always wear my boots under my jeans. Everyone here tucks their pants into the boots. The one time I thought about doing that, I realized I need skinny jeans because mine looked ridiculous tucked in.

They almost always dress nicely, too. I don't think I've ever seen anyone (other than tourists) running around in a t-shirt. It's always nice sweaters, jeans and boots. Plus a scarf. They absolutely love the scarves here, and they're constantly wearing them. I only brought two scarves over, but I should've brought more since those are apparently the item that make the outfit!

The jackets here crack me up, mainly because I hate this fashion back in the states, and I think it looks ridiculous here too. In the winter, all the Italians wore jackets with fur lining the hood. I think it looks silly, especially on the men, who wear it as well.

The men dress like the women in my opinion, with the exception of shoes. They wear tight pants (as I explained in another blog). I should mention that one of my teachers wears these really tight, black leather pants. That's all I'm going to say about that. The men also wear tight shirts and scarves. When it's sunny, the younger Italian men wear the big bug-eyed sunglasses, just like the women. Sometimes the glasses even have beads or jewels on them! The first few weeks here, I really just walked down the street laughing half the time because the men looked so ridiculous. The younger guys also seem to take a lot of time on their hair. Gelling and shaping it just so!

Even though the weather has turned warmer, I haven't seen many Italians change their attire. They only noticeable difference to me is that they don't wear their coats anymore, and sometimes they'll go without a scarf too. But they still wear sweaters, dark colors and boots/heels. I can't imagine flip-flops are considered fashionable here. The tourists are even more noticeable now because the Sicilians are still wearing their sweaters while the tourists are in shorts or capris and t-shirts or tank tops!

Ok, so that's the famous fashion in Italy! I'm actually proud of myself for not buying any shoes here since the shoes are so so cute! I also haven't bought any sweaters or shirts either, although I've been tempted. Most of the fashions I've seen here I realize I can find back in the states, for cheaper too, so I've held off. Maybe when I get back, I'll be more fashionable. Then again, I'm going to be a teacher, and (not to offend any teachers who read) but holiday sweater vests and matching, flower-patterned capris with shirts is not fashionable. I haven't yet succumbed to teacher fashions, but I should admit that last fall, I bought my first "teacher purchase" when I bought these some Christmas earrings - snowmen and Christmas trees. Emily told me earrings are just the beginning, and it won't be long before I've bought a Halloween sweater vest. We'll see.

Have a wondeful week, and Buona Pasqua to everyone! (Happy Easter to Everyone!) Until next week, ciao!