A few months ago when went to Mantua for an evening walk, I noticed this Missoni bag in a fancy shop window.
I fell in love INSTANTLY.
I wanted this bag. I loved everything about it, the multi-coloured plexiglass chain (otherwise known as Methacrylate), the way the raffia was woven, the color, the fact that it screamed SUMMER, the chicness, the relaxedness ….everything that is, aside from the 300 euro price tag
I live with a budget, often preferring to do things like eat, have a roof over my head and TRAVEL instead of buying luxury items But that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the beauty of luxury fashion, especially since I am surrounded by them all the time for work. I didn’t buy this bag, but I did keep my eyes open for items that would help me recreate this look and low and behold my search paid off.
After a VERY LONG “buy nothing” shopping ban you can read about here and here, I caved at the local Antiques and Vintage Market in Modena’s Piazza Grande. I’ve written about the Antiques Market here, and about how to find a market the next time you’re in Italy here. I found a marbled cream and brown plexiglass loop necklace and a vintage, rattan purse that I really liked, and have since worn all the time.
The Reason I Dressed . Evening Passeggiate
I was in the Riviera Romagnola last week, if you’ve read my standard daily itinerary while vacationing on the Adriatic Coast, you know that each evening’s dinner is followed by a passeggiata aka walk. I stayed in Cattolica’s Port area (which I’ve written a bit about here) so my walks were along the boardwalk, out onto the pier, through the Port area or into the city’s centre.
Look N°1 With Shorts
I love pairing this necklace and bag with simple clothes like a white tank, teal shorts and thong sandals. My belt is tan python leather made by my husband and my bracelet was bought for a few euros from a street vendor.
Look N°2 With Skinny Pants and a Short Sleeved Cardigan
I reused all of the same elements and swapped out the shorts for skinny rolled pants on a chillier night. I threw a yellow, big polka dot scarf and thin, cotton knit, short-sleeved cardigan in my purse so I could layer once the sun fully set. I’ve you’ve read this post, you know that Italians kids stay up LATE. Usually my evening walks would begin around 9:30 p.m. and end around 11 p.m., and since the port area gets breezy I always like to have something to keep the breeze off my shoulders and neck.
I’ve written here about how much Italians fear that their necks get a chill, hence why you’ll always see people in the evenings with light sweaters jauntily tied around their shoulders!
On this particular night we wandered over the bridges into the next town and found our way to a small book shop selling vintage postcards. I indulged in 20 or so and they’ll be making their appearance on the blog soon! There is just something about old black and cream post-cards, with those pretty ruffled edges and their thick sturdy paper that I love. These were all used so they have the original messages from loved ones “wishing you were here”.
I’ve gone ahead and searched the internet for a few necklaces that are similar to my own.
I really love the Adriatic Coast and this is part of a series called Postcards from Romagna, where I’m collecting my thoughts and experiences from this part of Italy to share. Here are some of my other thoughts on the area:
The Riviera Romangola – The June Ritual of beach going in Emilia Romagna
A Day in the Life
Dressing for an evening out in Cattolica’s Port
beach going like an Italian
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