So what are you calling me, # 30, a liar? I can assure you it's all true - sadly for me. I am not saying it is backward (those are your words), but things are certainly very conservative and traditional. We are not talking about a large cosmopolitan city like Rome or Milan, but a smallish provincial city in the far South of Italy surrounded by even smaller provincial villages. A place where people seem to have nothing to talk about other than their neighbours, and anyone who dresses or acts in a way that is not the norm gets talked about or stared at.
Sure, not everyone's mother is the same, and I guess my suocera is an extreme version. Doesn't make what I say untrue though. I have been a member of this board for 5 years now and this is the first time that someone has accused me of inventing stuff.
LOL, no njarrat! I'm not accusing you of being a liar! Mine was just an emphatic way of expressing my amazement! ;-)
Please please please please, do not mention with ANYONE what you experience at your husband's when in London. We Eyeties have a poor reputation enough and we don't need someone who depicts such a portait of an Italian household.... ;-))
Oh boy, I don't know if the topic of shoes is that interesting so I was amazed that it managed to pull 32 responses....! I looked and found it extremely funny the way you go at each other.....this I mean without intent to offend so please don't come after me :-) I must say I'm learning a lot about Brits.
Yeah, smart casual.
But that begs the question. What is "casual" for an Italian is "smart" for us! But why on earth would we want to look like Italians anyway? Viva la diversità. no?
Hmm ... those numbers quoted in this survey (run for a company I have never heard of, BTW) don't sound that representative to me. I see very few women going around in stilettoes anyway (they are not that fashionable - wedges tend to rule the roost) and those women who do wear them tend conform to a certain stereotype (we are back to class again!). Put it this way - anything Victoria Beckham wears (who is decidedly NOT 'posh' in English terms but rather media basso) is usually a kiss of death for anyone with a bit of taste.
Am not sure I see the danger in wearing gym shoes - be these trainers, plimsolls etc. These all have rubber soles. What are women - and men - supposed to wear when driving??
Interestingly, I note that Crocs have made it big in Italy. Saw a piece on telegiornale talking about the craze, and even a friend's little daughter was wearing them. They are truly ugly and very unflattering, but I think would make great shoes for gardening as they have closed toes, so I shall get a pair I think. Funny that Crocs have made it whilst Uggs have't - I can't do without my Uggs and they are the most comfy shoes for flying ever.
I'm glad I found this thread. Just booked my trip to Europe, which includes 5 days in Puglia. I've been worried about what to wear in mid-sept, especially shoes, as I'm hoping to go to the beach! but, also hoping to walk around and sightsee and shop, or explore old places (without breaking my neck).
I enjoyed the "England vs. Italy" dress-down (pun intended) because the first place I'm going is London, and I'm equally worried about what to wear there, too, for fashion reasons as well as weather (going to a fancy wedding...eeeks!) had hoped to do the whole trip with just carry on luggage, but there's no way that's happening. just glad to hear I'm not the only indecisive shoe-packer.
side note -- my dad was Italian and I don't think I ever saw him in shorts and tshirts, and in sneakers only near the end of his life (70s). Before then, it was always leather shoes and button down shirts, even to the grocery store. I used to wish he'd dress more "normal" like all the other dads, and less like an old man.
gosh I can't wait to go!
Melody, if you can bear them, Crocs would be perfect for both walking around and sightseeing, and going to the beach - they are so comfortable, and also very fashionable even in Italy. I tend more to flip-flops myself and have a pair of gold leather ones that work for both day and night.
For your fancy English wedding, we tend to dress up. Wedges are very fashionable (still) and are also very comfortable - relatively speaking. So you could get away with packing a smart pair for the wedding and going out, also walking around town (if wedges) and a pair of Crocs or flip flops for Italy beach and sightseeing. Or - depending on where you fly out from - get a pair of shoes from Duty Free. Kurt Geiger has great shoes (branch on South Molton Street in London) and also has a branch in Duty Free at Stansted and most likely other airports. DF prices too.
The good thing about London is that you really don't have to worry too much about your appearance - other than at the wedding. We really don't care what you look like. If you have a sudden desire to look very trendy at a cheap price, just run to Top Shop or the Primark Store (on Oxford Street) for cheap, throwaway fashion that won't break the bank.
I was under the impression that thongs is an oz expression. Beware you could get into all sorts of difficulties on that one! Walking trainers and a pretty pair of light weight sandals will take you anywhere (female wise) . At the end of the day in Italy you can buy whatever footwear you think is necessary.
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