A Broad Abroad

 
When I first chose Italy as my study abroad destination, I had lots of expectations.  Big ones. I expected big bowls of pasta, gelato, art on every corner, and most importantly: fashion. Born and raised in the center of Maine, I found myself having wild daydreams of men who wore anything but the classic UMaine sweatpants. Personally, I spent my high school and much of my collegiate career dressed as I had to be – in high school that was for sports. In college, I dressed for work and for the gym on days off. Some might even say I dressed lazily, in the classic yoga-pants and NorthFace ensemble. I thought when I came to Italy, I had to revamp my entire wardrobe.

This reasoning came from the idea of “European Chic”. While Paris is the hub of all things lovely and chic, Italy is known as the fashion capital of the world. The little town I chose, Viterbo, is in central Italy- far from the fashion capital of Milan, but a short train ride away from Rome or Florence. I imagined small boutiques and eclectic shopping to suit every palette! The “Oz” of shopping, if you will. Imagine my shock when I come to find the opposite! Viterbo is virtually untouched by outside influences, so while there are a few Italian high-fashion labels, most things here are uniquely Italian, and hardly high-fashion. While the few high-fashion notes are definitely worth writing about, there are other lessons to be learned from the ladies of Viterbo. Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of what I’m glad has not made it back to Black Bear Nation. Behold: the fashion crimes of Viterbo.

1. Hello Kitty
I feel like this is almost self-explanatory. Why an otherwise perfectly proper lady would put a neon pink Hello Kitty t-shirt on is beyond me. Nothing in any fashion anywhere do I see this being a permissible brand to own in your every-day clothing. Except maybe a “Will you be my friend if I wear this” party.

2. Bad Roots
One of the many lessons to learn from Courtney Love.
While I thought the ombre trend was flattering on some, there is a difference between boho-chic and why haven’t you done something about that? As a blonde abroad, I’ve struggled with trying to find someone to do my roots. I had almost an inch of brown at the top of my otherwise blonde hair, and the hairdresser said I looked trendy.  Incorrect. While we all have our moments of in-between-salons, or grown-out color, when it becomes a city-wide trend I find it a problem.

 
3. Leggings and Jean Skirts…with Skater Sneakers
I find this trend offensive. There, I said it. While even I have committed the crime of leggings-as-pants and leggings with nearly everything I own, and I have even rocked a jean skirt or two in my day, leggings with the jean skirt is something that I haven’t seen anyone wear in America since approximately fifth grade. Tights with skirts or shorts are ladylike and fashion-forward, but leggings with lace ankles and skater sneakers I’m not even sure if I understand.
 

4. Fake Purses
Most every girl has, at one point or another, seen this or had a friend or even been the owner of a fake purse. While the occasional slip is certainly understandable, this is a city-wide trend in the lovely city of Viterbo. Walking into San Sisto Caffe this morning, my roommate and I counted five(!) noticeably fake designer purses. Not subtle hints, but Louis Vuitton logos with upside-down-V’s, Gucci spelled “Guchi”… you get the point.
 

5. Be-jeweled Denim
…No. This is my final point on the less-than-finer points of Viterbo fashion. Bejeweled items are fun. I get that. Maybe you’ve bejeweled lately with the little girl you babysit. Maybe your phone is bejeweled, or maybe you just like to make your gym bag stand out from the million others near the elliptical at the Rec.  Rhinestone appliqués on denim, however, are unforgivable. While the 90’s were great for music and TV, I think we can all agree that bejeweled jeans are a thing of the past – at least for now.
 
So there they are! The five things about Viterbo that I am glad I haven’t seen (lately) in America. While these offenses are hardly ignorable, there are plenty of beautiful things about this town and culture that I will share with you next time!
 
 
Next time: Trends I Hope Make it to UMaine

Sources:
http://www.prezzopazzo.net/prezzopazzo.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6
http://www.rocknycliveandrecorded.com
http://www.demicouture.ca
http://audreyonthevogue.blogspot.com/2011/01/why-fakes-arent-worth-it.html
http://www.oneilsisters.com/craftsnthings/WearableCrafts/BedazzledJeanJacket.html