Spice

Typical scene: an Italian city worker strolls to his mid-morning espresso. Completely zipped into a battered orange jumpsuit, he manages to be stylish, with a colorful scarf at his throat and pink tennis shoes on his feet. Whether it is a granny on her way to market, a mother pushing a double stroller, or a high school student mingling with friends, each is a study in color, design, and attitude. 

Let us begin with our own attitude, which is best conveyed by a pretty bra. We vow to start each day with such a thing as Seelani’s Bianca Lingerie Set in berry purple French Leavers lace. And from there?

It is the little touches that create this Italian spice. But fit is important too. We leave it to Italian label Boglietti to provide stretchy knit tops in wool/silk rib. The Felicita, in Long Sleeve or Camisole, is versatile in light grey with a plunging V-neckline accented by macrame floral lace. In black, the Fiamma, also in Long Sleeve or Camisole, is the essence of style with its woven mock Peter Pan Collar. JV has much more Boglietti to choose from.

One can’t help noticing a certain preppy element to Italian street style. Often one sees sporty stripes. JV has them, this time from the UK, with John Smedley’s Elliar Merino Sweater with its red and white cuffs. Perfect for being seen at the grocery store. Preppy also describes the Italian way with shirts. We borrow a charming floral-embroidered white shirt from theTokyo Ginko Cotton Pajama set by Karma on the Rocks. An Italian woman, sun-bronzed and blond-streaked, might let the shirt hang free, slightly unbuttoned. Or pop the collar and tuck it into ironed jeans, accented by sharp loafers and a jazzy belt. 

BTW, did you know that, long before his fame as an Italian designer, a young Emilio Pucci hitchhiked to Portland, OR in the 1930s and talked his way into Reed College by offering to start a ski team? He designed the uniforms, of course, and had them stitched up by local garment factory White Stag. Read the book, Emilio Pucci: The Astonishing Odyssey of a Fashion Icon by Terence Ward and Idanna Pucci (St. Martin’s Press, 2026).

And then, of course, there is the scarf. Karma on the Rocks has some zingers. For driving around in your Fiat, try the Tama Coral Silk Scarf or the Tama Blue.

Time for coffee. But, no cappuccino after 10:30. The Italians would say it spoils your lunch. Which you will wish to enjoy while dressed in their special way. Because JV gave you a few hints on spice. Forza, Jane’s Vanity!!