Fashion is about being
beautiful, looking trendy and wearing amazing clothes. But all of this
fabulousness comes with a hefty price tag that most of us just can’t afford.
Instead of being envious of
celebs who always look straight off the pages of Vogue-think of the time
they have to spend with stylists, trainers, life-coaches, beauty gurus, eyebrow
specialists and more!-consider these few tips that will get even the most
budget-conscious looking ready for the everyday red carpet.
I recently attended Milan fashion week, where, as always, the Italian designers showed the world
they know how to make a woman look beautiful. I found two very interesting
trends in the Italian collections, both of which focus on ‘mixing’ one’s look.
The first is geared to younger women (the under-25s) like my students; the second
to the over-25s (like me!).
For the younger ladies, the
fall/winter look is ‘soft-grunge’-think of a glam version of the Scottish plaid
shirt to wear as a mini-dress cinched with a tiny belt and crazy leggings. Add
a rocker vest, a big soft bag and, for a truly eccentric touch, a men’s style
hat. As for shoes, anything goes, from ballerinas to flat sneakers or comfy
cowboy boots.
More ‘mature’ women can go
‘1940s with a twist,’ a retro style reinterpreted for contemporary tastes. Soft
blouses and knit dresses with thin, waist-emphasizing belts paired with
stockings and ankle boots, or romantic socks with pumps. Play with big shawls
and blazers to complete the look.
Where to find these looks in Florence?
Your first stop should be one of my absolute favorite places in the whole city:
the Santo Spirito market, held Monday through Saturday. The market is small,
but you can find some great pieces at amazing prices. A word to the wise: skip
this market if rummaging isn’t your thing; you have to dig to find the really
great stuff. Another good (if a little chain-ish) place to check this season is
Benetton, which is presenting a new ‘vintage’ collection inspired by the
brand’s past successes.
Vintage is always a great source
for inexpensive pieces. The new A.N.G.E.L.O store (in
front of the Fratellini sandwich shop on via Cimatori 25r) and Pitti Vintage on
Sdrucciolo dei Pitti 19r have something for everybody.
For accessories, an economical solution
is to update your own pieces by using the thousands of embellishments available
at local mercerie (five-and-dime store). The hottest thing going is
studs-stock up and put them everywhere! If you’re not feeling particularly
creative, try the Coin department store for a variety of bijoux at super-low
prices.
Regardless of which trend you choose-or create for
yourself-the trick to looking fabulous is discerning the right colors and
shapes for your particular figure. You don’t have to spend a fortune to look
great. Be true to your body and your personality, no matter your budget, and
you will never go wrong.
UP NEXT: Have a
question on how to best flatter your body style or about what to wear for a
special occasion? Email me at style@theflorentine.net and I will publish the best questions with answers and a special sketch!
