A great, new year FUR sure!!!

I celebrated the first few moments of 2010 on a balcony overlooking Rome's Piazza della Rebulica with some classy bubbly and a classy faux-fur, long vest (compliments of Zara in Rome)! I may not eat meat, but I have no problem showing my appreciation for the many things animals provide us with, which includes wearing real fur when I can afford it! Until that splendid day, Zara will suffice!

InSight Abroad 2

Style Notes: Over-the-Knee Boots


Europeans are stepping up the sex appeal and inching their way into the American magazine market for this winter’s attention grabbing, ‘must have’ boots. From coarse lizard skin to soft leather and comfy suede, over-the-knee boots are essential for any woman’s closet.
Pacing down the ‘Oh so chic’ Via del Corso, Rome’s main shopping drag, you can’t help but drool over the eclectic mix of footwear that the Italian women are going crazy for! Perfect for daytime meandering or nighttime posh club hopping, the Italian boot trend is highly stylish and definitely recommended.
An adjustment from last winter, this season’s boots are flirtier than the mid-shin length of last year. Cutting off right above the knee or in the mid-thigh region, the thigh-high boots of this year up the ante and test your willingness to get a little sexy. These boots are perfect for accentuating and lengthening your legs as well as ideal for nightlife by adding them to fun, flouncy skirts and dresses. Or, you can push the edge and dare to achieve the ‘grunge look’ with dark wash skinny jeans accompanied by an oversized cotton tee and chunky jewelry.
Thigh high boots are not only highly practical for long moped rides and gracefully jumping over puddles of rain water sitting between the cobble stones, but they are very versatile- a necessity when attempting to achieve the ‘European look’. Italian women are always on the go, yet they love to stay feminine and pulled together while at work, running around the city and meeting friends at upscale restaurants. Living on the go while maintaining tall style expectations, Italian women sport boots as a highly fashionable staple piece.
Tights are also a ‘must have’ when looking fabulous in Rome. Patterned, opaque and see-through leggings are seen on every block and in every shade. Over-the-knee boots are ideal for showing off your cute, new tights while giving just the right dose of modestly and edge. You will most definitely have a leg up when it comes to Italian fashion while ‘workin’ it’ in your thigh high boots.
From upscale, ritzy designers, like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Ferragamo, to more ‘wallet friendly’ stores, like Zara and United Colors of Bennetton, a girl on the hunt for some super-high boots will never be out of luck here in Rome. For those of you back in the States, there is hope! Stores like H&M, Aldo and Macy’s are catching on to the hype buzzing in Italy. Shipments of thigh high boots are beginning to hit the racks, so go treat your soles to a tall delight.
Whether pacing the slick, uneven cobblestones lining Rome or lingering down the Avenue on a frigid winter’s day, over-the-knee boots will keep you looking fierce, fashionable and so, very Italian!

Until next trend.
Ciao, ciao.

InSight Abroad

Roma Style Notes: The Harem Pant

My life has officially hit its’ peak now that I have taken up residence in Roma, Italia for the next seven months! What else could I possible ask for? Immersed in The Eternal City, an ancient jewel that has stayed polished and shining brightly for over 2,000 years, she continues to leave visitors speechless and in awe. Your senses will hit ‘overload’ as you wander the streets smelling the fresh food and sipping incredible espresso, not to mention dazing off as you gawk at the most beautiful clothing in the world, top designer names of course. Armani, Roberto Cavalli and Valentino are just a few of the world’s most influential designers who began their love affair with fashion in the city of amore, Rome! These designers aren’t the only ones in love with the way fashion thrives in Rome; I too have joined the club.
Aspiring to work in the world of editorial fashion, I have always had an obsession for fashion journalism and style, but having the opportunity to observe international fashion first handedly has nourished my zeal and given me a taste for what ‘European style’ really is.
Wandering the winding cobblestone streets of Rome I have observed men and women dressed to impress, and for success, whether running down the street, Panini in hand, or perched on a motorini (moped) dangerously whizzing through stop lights. No matter the weather or activity, Italians usually reflect perfection when it comes to their ensemble. A favorite of mine, and a very common trend I have noticed worn by the women in Rome, is the harem pant.
Popular in the 1980’s, this bellowed pocket pant, fitted at the ankles and reminiscent of English riding pants, used to be popular in bright metallic colors and shiny fabrics. After nearly a three-decade absence this look has resurfaced and is extremely prevalent on Italian streets and in the boutiques. Toned down to black and seen most frequently in lightweight cotton or linen, these pants can be paired with anything from simple flats to hardware studded riding boots, especially common in Rome. Harem pants tend to be funkier due to the layers of fabric and the slit pockets, so stacked thin tees, a classic cardigan or a cropped menswear blazer on top is a great way to simplify and finish the look. Not only is this trend practical, but it is very chic, and after all isn’t that the point of Italian style?
This is not a fashion trend to let slip by! Instead, slip into a pair of these feminine pants and you will be well on your way to conquering the ‘Italian look’, even if stuck in The Bend for the time being.

Until next trend.
Ciao, ciao.