Italian Fashion V’s Kiwi Fashion

I have one more story to write before I leave Rome and this will probably appeal to my female Readers!

Shopping in Rome has highlighted some fashion gaps in our culture!

Firstly – do not expect to fit a small or medium size in clothing!

Italian clothing is worn as tight as you can squeeze into and unless you are 6 foot tall and about 60kgs this will be very uncomfortable to wear at home. As someone who always buys a size larger and the looseness gives an illusion of slimness, I am an XL or even XXL to get the right fit!

Secondly – Italians are much shorter than the average Kiwi! The fashionable short style sweaters, tops and jackets would barely cover the breasts – also creating an unwanted mid drift (not ideal at 50 something!)

Thirdly – trousers are either ankle length (offering the average Kiwi the middle age 3/4 pant look) or very long and flared ( which means one would need to wear at least 6inch heels or platforms – a fashion we do not follow and is also very dangerous after a couple of wines)

Fourth note – colour! While some beautiful classic colours and styles are available in the boutiques (at exorbitant prices), the majority of off-the-shelf clothing is very loudly patterned, Lacey and sparkled! Again whilst we might wear this on holiday and feel fabulous, it is not a style that would fit in with our everyday life at home!

And Finally – Shoes! Beautiful shoes – many styles and colours and heels designed to break your leg! While it is tempting to return home with these one of a kind creations (if you can fit them in your baggage allowance) it is not easy to find your size, if you have feet larger than a size eight! Except there are the orthopaedic Velcro options for older swollen feet! Yes kiwi girls we have ‘Big Feet’ – lucky when buying a walking athletic shoe we have the option of men’s styles (also with the wide foot option).

Needless to say my bag is not overloaded with amazing Italian shopping and the credit card has survived fairly unscathed!