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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4 Ways To Cut a Bella Figura This Winter

January 12, 2011

Here’s what the Sicilians are wearing this winter.

Winter Fashion in Sicily, copyright Jann Huizenga

1. The puffy.

The temps here in Sicily are not really low enough to warrant these. But fashion is dictated by freezing-cold Milan, and shops in Italy all sell the exact same clothes, so that’s why down here in sunny Sicily, where trees are dripping with lemons and oranges and almond blossoms are popping out, people walk around looking like they’re ready to schuss down the Matterhorn. Note that the jackets must be either black or white–absolutely no colors. Capisci?

Men's Hats in Sicily, copyright Jann Huizenga

2. The hat.

Men wear hats in Sicily, and they’re ADORABLE, don’t you think? The coppola (on the left) is a symbol of the island, and now adventurous women in Sicily are wearing them, too.

Winter Fashion in Sicily, copyright Jann Huizenga

3. The scarf.

My friends Roberta Corradin and Antonio exude Italian chic with a boho twist.  Look at the ease, the nonchalance of these scarves. How do they do that? I got my husband one similar to Antonio’s for Christmas, but he can’t for the life of him figure out how to tie it. The scarf either strangles him or unfurls like a long flag in the wind.

Men's Red Plaid Suit in Sicily, copyright Jann Huizenga

4. The red plaid suit.

Men are the real peacocks in Italy. As they say here, Wowa! Would you or your guy wear that?

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Christmas Day: Street Scenes from Sicily

December 25, 2010

Male bonding while waiting for mama or nonna to ready the Christmas spread:

Three Men in Southeast Sicily, copyright Jann Huizenga

Two Sicilian Men in Southeast Sicily, copyright Jann Huizenga

En route to Christmas lunch:

Sicilian Woman en route to Christmas Lunch, copyright Jann Huizenga

Sicilian Couple going to Christmas lunch, copyright Jann Huizenga

Boxed Christmas Cake in Sicily, copyright Jann Huizenga

Bella figura: Everyone dresses up in their best Christmas finery.

Sicilian Woman at Christmastime, copyright Jann Huizenga

Postscript: This woman offered coffee and sweets to four strangers wandering the streets of her tiny village. Sicilians have truly mastered the arts of generosity and hospitality.

Auguri! This was the word that echoed around the streets today.

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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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