There’s this strange saying in Modena, that you really only learn after you’ve lived here for a long time. A deep ingrained tradition referred to as “fare una vasca”. It refers to the Saturday ritual of walking along the city’s main street, the Via Emilia, which cuts through the centre of town. There is a long section with some of the most notable stores and cafes that is under a long and beautiful portico. On Saturday mornings, the thing to do is go out and walk under these porticos (almost religiously). Look up, and you’ll notice they look like the bottom of a bathtub, hence the term, “fare una vasca” refers to the mandatory stroll along the “tub”!
That’s exactly where I met this super stylish family, in the tub – complete with their new baby, cute dog and totally detailed weekend looks! What you wear to “fare una vasca” is just as important as the time of day you “parade”, you never know who you may run into and you have to be sure to look good, but not too over dressed. This is where Italians excel, the perfect casual look for weekends, cocktails or playground escapades.
What They Wore
I’ve mentioned before here and here, that trainers are totally a thing in Italy. Many North American men think that to “dress like an Italian man” means to wear inappropriately formal clothes, pointy shoes, dress pants and a cardigan over your shoulders at all times. Although, the cardigan over the shoulder thing is done here, (I’ll talk about why in another post) many Italian men dress quite casually and still manage to look very put together.
It’s all in the Details
A scarf doesn’t need to be a dainty item, this dad layered a wooly burgundy scarf under his military inspired coat, paired with a simple beanie and sunglasses, his look is cool without trying too hard, plus he’s comfortable! Look at how great his New Balance trainers with bright orange details are, especially paired with his tapered jogging pants.
I guess that is where the secret lies for Italians. You can’t pull off looking this way with the wrong sneakers and wrong jogging pants. If his pants were oversized, dragging on the ground and frayed it would just look bad!
One of the things I love about both of their looks is how they blended cheaper market finds with more expensive items like his Persol sunglases. They are just a regular family and were very open to admit that both of their looks were reasonably cheap.
What do you mean you have no time to get ready?
Italian women always seem to find the time to put themselves together. They never make excuses for how they look and always seem to find time for real make up, accessories and doing their hair. Don’t ask me how they do it (because I don’t!) or at what time they get up in the morning. It is just a given that being “presentable” in not an option no matter how young your new born is, or how many kids you have!
In a way this automatically inspires you to up your game, and I will be the first to admit that 12 hours after my son was born, I was putting on eye shadow and doing my hair in the hospital. I just couldn’t stand the thought of all the other NICU moms looking great and me looking like I had just given birth!
This is the last week to enter the giveaway for a great prize package inspired by Modena’s “black gold” – traditional Balsamic Vinegar. I love my set and have styled the necklace here and the earrings here so you can see how they look. Good luck to everyone that has entered so far, and thank you for supporting these two Italian artisans!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Now onto YOUR style…
#REASONSTODRESS Real Mom Street Style Linkup
Thank you to everyone who linked up last week! Don’t forget to join me next week with my co-host Marta from Sweaters, Stripes and Sweets! If you would like to co-host the #reasonstodress linkup I would love to have you, please feel free to email me at reasonstodress@gmail.com !
Fab Five from Last Week’s Linkup
Sweaters, Stripes and Sweets
Art in the Find
Style Assisted
The Kim Chronicles
Rachel the Hat