Strumpet Bride? Bella Figura?

April 2, 2011

A shop window in small-town Sicily: bridal mini-gown.

Che pensi? Whaddya think?

The height of chic? The depths of kitsch?

Would you wear it?

Sicilian Bridal Gown in shop window, copyright Jann Huizenga

One thing’s for sure. Conservative old Sicily is on the march.

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Studs and Plum Duds: Bella Figura in Sicily

January 26, 2011

More fashion for you, folks, straight from the bars and streets of southern Sicily.

Fat “diamond” ear studs for a barista:

Diamond Studs in Sicily, Bella Figura in Sicily, copyright Jann Huizenga

And may I point out the heart-stopping eyebrows? And beaded necklace (to match the shirt)? Fantastico, no, how the Sicilian male adores adorns himself?

Bella Figura in Sicily, copyright Jann Huizenga

Eyebrow Fashion in Sicily, copyright Jann Huizenga

Studs all over the map.

Bella Figura in Sicily, copyright Jann Huizenga

The full spectrum of purple–plum, wild lilac, dusty grape, violet sky, sangria, raspberry syrup, aubergine–is still very much in vogue (click here for a purple post from last summer). Also note, below, her super-chic wide-as-a-yardstick spectacle arms.

Bella Figura in Sicily, copyright Jann Huizenga

Since purple is the *in* color, a purple puffy is cool, too (in addition to the black and white ones I mentioned in an earlier post.)

Bella Figura in Sicily, copyright Jann HuizengaThe only fashion faux-pas committed by the lass in purple is her nasty plastic bag. But this is about to change, as Italy has just banned it, though word of the new legislation has not yet trickled down to the mini-markets of Sicily.

And below, the short trench, much alla moda.

Bella Figura in Sicily, copyright Jann Huizenga

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Seeing White in Sicily

September 8, 2010

Throw away your black glasses, guys, and get with the program.  White is the new black, at least when it comes to eyewear.

Italians always have the last best word on design, so you can bet these will soon be popular in Peoria.

Sicilian Man in White Sunglasses, copyright Jann Huizenga

Sicilian Man in White Sunglasses at Beach, copyright Jann Huizenga

Sicilian Man in White Glasses, copyright Jann Huizenga

Sicilian Man in White Sunglasses, copyright Jann Huizenga

SIcilian in White Sunglasses, copyright Jann Huizenga

Sicilian Musician in White Sunglasses, copyright Jann Huizenga

How Italians love their glasses. Don a pair and voilà: you’re an aviator, Grand Prix driver, star.

Women here are wearing them, too. And you, dear Reader? Maybe you’re already wearing white?

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Here’s Lucy, a reader from Canada, who’s been wearing white for quite some time–she got them at the Dollar Store!!! Way to go, Lucy!

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In Sicily, Real Men Carry Purses

August 25, 2010

Who’s that man with the sweet-smelling basil bouquet?

It’s Ciccio Sultano, local hero, 2-Michelin-star chef at Ibla’s Duomo restaurant! But wait, what’s that strappy thing hanging around his person? Could it be … a purse?

Chef Ciccio Sultano with Basil Bouquet, copyright Jann Huizenga

In Sicily, they call them manbags. La borsa, gender feminine, is Italian for “purse.” Men shied away from carrying anything girly-sounding, so they quick coined a new word, il borsello, he-bag.

They’re all the rage. Yesterday I was last in a “line” of five at the post office, and everyone had a purse. (I was the lone woman, pity I had no camera.)  It’s curious how what was once taboo has become legitimate, thanks to Italy’s virile soccer players who started the trendy trend.

You can carry a manbag for a stroll in town…

Wearing a Manbag in Sicily, copyright Jann Huizenga

… or for a romp on the beach as fashion accessory to your Speedo.

Man Carrying Purse in Sicily, copyright Jann HuizengaMan Carrying Purse in Sicily, copyright Jann Huizenga

Pretty figo (cool), eh? What do you think they keep in there?

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