10: A Florentine Wish List (#1)

After almost 3 weeks of observing Florentines, I've begun to compile a list of essentials if one were to try to emulate that special something that is so Tuscan (at least Tuscan in this kind of weather...):

1. A fur coat: There are hundreds of stores that sell fur coats, but some of the women walking around Florence are decked out, to the nines really. Especially with the older women. They have those decadent fur coats that look lived in, they looked like heirlooms. While wearing a fur coat in the states might indicate a special occasion or a reason to look glamorous, Florentine women wear fur coats everyday. This means 2 things: first, that these Italian women have enough confidence and gusto to pull of wearing these grandiose coats. And I have to love that! Second, that it may be in fact that in Italy, everyday is an occasion to look drop-dead-luxurious.

2. A great set of legs: No skin is really shown here. Even miniskirts are paired with tights or leggings, but it's rare to see a miniskirt in this weather. Perhaps it's because people walk everywhere, but both men and women here have great legs. Like really great. I'd kill for a pair... Yesterday alone I walked north past the Duomo to via Guelfa for class, after which I stopped by the supermarket at Corso del Tintori, then walked back to the Duomo for lunch, and finally to my apartment. My feet are sore every night, yes, but I think it's worth it. And it beats the bus.

3. Humongous scarves: I think everyone knows how "European" pashminas are, but it is the excessively chunky knitted scarf that I see most people wearing. Younger men tend to zip their coats up to the neck before wrapping their 2-meter long scarves around their necks, creating a nest around their heads. Women tend to tuck their scarves (designer-name and high end ones) into their jackets, as do middle-aged men but theirs are criss-crossed rather than wrapped.

4. Something leather: Today I saw a girl that must have been fourteen or so, carrying around a gorgeous black leather Prada bag. I suppose that says something about accessories here in Florence, as well as how big of a leather industry is here. Also, Prada is having a sale. But aside from designer name handbags, I've seen all sorts of people with Florentine leather wallets, gloves (oh my God, the gloves!), the greatest variety of boots, jackets, tutto. My only leather purchase so far is a keyring tab with an embossed "Firenze" label. I did buy a pair of very quirky and comfortable loafers from a vintage shop, but they were made in Switzerland back in the 90's. Despite the vintage shopping and lack of leather goods I possess (or don't, rather), Florence is a place where it's hard to find the "good quality" leather over any bag at the San Lorenzo market. There's an abundance of leather goods, which I suppose why many, if not all, Florentines own something leather.

More edits to come throughout the semester!