We often mention Euro chic here on the forum and I think the term is mainly associated with the French women's sense of style. For the past several weeks, since my language classes have started, I have been privileged to observe one Italian woman across the classroom and she is a constant reminder that the Italian lifestyle and sense of style are equally (or for me probably the most of all) important for the way I perceive the aesthetics associated with one's appearance, but in general too. This lady had spontaneously become a great style inspiration to fine tune my own style further.
Nothing about Flavia's appearance is loud. But everything is so, so good. And beautiful. Like the best Italian meal, it's those few stellar ingredients which, when you identify them, make the lasting impression.
Her clothes are very uncomplicated. Flavia's style is firmly grounded in neutrals, she wears mostly black and grey. Recently she had been wearing the big square scarf with gingham-style print which she throws around her neck and shoulders in many different ways - this detail alone is enough to make me take notes. And then there is the tiny splash of deep, rich shade of red in the cord of her eyeglasses. Stunning.
The best thing about Flavia? She is 60. There is an ease about her appearance, both in her attitude to life and in her outfits. The very detail that actually made me really take notice, was her hair. It's black and it's obviously dyed and it looks great on her - not harsh at all. She obviously knows herself and what suits her. And while everything about her says "I don't dress to impress", I cannot help but to be impressed by her.
I think I will associate this scarf with Flavia from now on. She made me look at it as the more dressy ingredient in the outfit, so the scarf was the starting point to get dressed today. The rest is easy stuff - black turtleneck and cardigan, black ponte skirt, black textured hose, the boots. No splash of red. I felt great in this outfit. While it distantly reflects Flavia's influence, it feels very much like me.
Thanks for reading and for your comments.
ETA: Round-up post coming soon. In the mean time here are the links for the remaining days and outfits from this series:
