I mentioned yesterday that I met this super stylish mom in the town of Vignola, which is in the Modena region and only 25 minutes away from where I live.
There is a beautiful “Rocca” in Vignola, which was built in the 1200s as it stands today. We were actually headed somewhere else, but I remembered reading about a Children’s event that day in the Fortress so at the last minute we changed plans and headed to Vignola.
This is part of a recent decision to do more stay-cationing in and around where we live. At least twice per month we want to take a day trip and discover a new city or site that we’ve never been to before. Stay tuned in the next few months as we go to Verona, La Spezia, Milan and Lake Garda!
We spent an incredible sun-filled day in the Rocca. There were several special events including the reliving and enactment of Renaissance life in the Fortress. Tomorrow I will be sharing all about the event and the Fortress’ history. It is a MUST SEE if you are visiting Modena or the surrounding area, and you can even bring the little ones.
What I Wore
A few weeks ago we went to a street fair in Sassuolo, I wrote about it here, and I happen to notice this big plaid scarf thing with sleeves!
I’ve been following the oversized scarf and poncho trends on Pinterest for a while. So when I saw this scarf I LOVED IT and wanted it! It satisfied so many of my current trend cravings:
- Plaid aka a “Heritage Fabric” trending for A/W
- Oversized Scarf trend
- Poncho + draped Sweater trend
- “robe coat” trend
I’m not exactly sure what to call this scarf/top thing but it was marked down from 84 euro to 20, and was sold with a little leather cord to tie around the waist – SOLD! Even though the friends we were with commented about how it looked like a “robe”, little does he realize that robe coats are also totally in this year! I wrote about the trend way back when here.
I would actually call this a scarf with sleeves because the two panels are too long to wear open liked a draped cardigan and there are no buttons to keep in closed. I literally draped it around myself and then added this python leather belt from my husband’s own line, and a crystal frog pin by the brand Simon Carter London.
The closest thing that this scarf / shawl / blanket with sleeves comes to are these Lanvin options!
Blanket Coat
or this Lanvin Woven Jacket, onsale from $4,000 t0 $1,500!
A good runner up would be this top from Forever21 for under $25! But honestly this could easily be made at home if you’re any good with a sewing machine, or by adding a scarf and brooch to a poncho you already own!
Accessories
My bag was a prototype of my own design and is unisex with removable / customizable straps. My sunglasses are part of my new GLASSES HAUL!! A historic optical store in Modena closed last week and had all of their vintage frames on sale for 20 euro with discounts on prescription lenses. I got myself two pairs of prescription sunglasses! These are vintage frames from a luxury Italian brand and I’m really happy with my purchase.
My boots are amongst my favourites, I’ve written about the brand, what I paid and where you can find them here.
***TIPS FOR VISITING ITALY if you OWN NICE LEATHER BOOTS***
Please note that if you’re going to visit a Medieval Castle or Fortress while visiting Italy do not wear your favourite pair of leather boots! The cobblestones have permanently damaged the heel and toe of every pair of high heeled shoes and boots I own!
There is a reason that Italian women love Military Boots!
Although I felt great in these boots, I cried a silent cry each time I could feel the leather scrapping off the heel or toe when I got stuck between the cobblestones. I have never understood why many of the top Italian shoe designers design such beautiful heels for a country filled with cobblestones?
Perhaps just so that we can destroy our beautiful investments and will be forced to replace them!
Have a great Wednesday, feel free to come by tomorrow and read about the Rocca Fortress of Vignola, Modena. And thank you for your comments I love hearing from you and eventually respond and visit everyone!