You know Patty J. for our lonstanding Insta-friendship from before she was voted, two years in a row, Best Lifestyle Blogger of Rhode Island. She is a powerhouse, a busy and professional blogger, she takes her job seriously, she is generous and provides space in her platform to businesses and creatives like me. She has a soft-spoken voice for all things of the arts, a sweet tooth (I mean guys, she is a serial brunch killer!) and a knack for traveling and visiting new places, whether in her homestate or abroad.
This past spring she visited Italy on a trip that took her to Rome, Amalfi, Capri and Florence, and here are her thoughts about How to be Italian.
As someone who hadn’t been back to Italy in close to 20 years (Yes, I lie about my age!), the truth is that I really didn’t appreciate it fully until I went back last fall.
We spent two weeks touring Rome, Amalfi, and Florence. Most of this time was spent with a tour company, but we were also fortunate enough to have a few extra days in Rome and Florence before flying back to the States. Even better news? We knew someone who had dual citizenship in both the USA and Italy and arranged to meet up with her in Florence.
“The other difference in Florence was the magical architecture and of course, the people.”
Once we stepped off the train, we immediately noticed a stark contrast to most of the stations we’d experienced in America. Those had usually been filled dirty, dank, unappealing places. This spot, however, looked well maintained (clean even) and like somewhere you would enjoy passing a few hours.
The other difference in Florence was the magical architecture and of course, the people.
Something that stays with me is how our Italian counterparts can take a sneaker (or kick or track shoe) and wear it back to a classic black pant, tailored trouser or even a skirt, but do it with a flare and panache. So that it comes off as almost effortless elegance. I can’t put my finger on it, but Italian style definitely mixes casual and dressy in a way that makes me quite jealous.
“Throughout our Italian journey, style was, in effect, all around us and we felt as though it was woven into the fabric of the culture itself.”
Another point of style that I wish more Americans would adopt is men wearing scarves. I saw lots of this in Rome and Florence. And I’m not talking about for warmth or utilitarian reasons. This was all about adding a scarf to add some interest to an entire outfit. If only the guys in the US would reach for a scarf before another tee with a sports team logo (or the dreaded gray sweat pant that never seems to fall out of favor in their wardrobes), then I think the sartorial inclined among us would definitely be much happier.
In Florence and throughout our Italian journey, style was, in effect, all around us and we felt as though it was woven into the fabric of the culture itself. It never seems forced or deliberate. It was more authentic and organic somehow.
That being said then, it’s my wish then that all of my fellow Americans are able to pay a visit and pick up some of Italian inspiration.
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