Considering Italy is the style capital of the world and a book is very much judged by its cover, it's a shame that the realities of living in the countryside with animals does not make for a fashionable look.
Take today. I am wearing green wellingtons, black mud-spattered trousers, a Barbour jacket with one pocket eaten by a dog eager to get at treats and my new piece de resistance – a camouflage hunting hat. You know, the kind that little old men usually wear.It has nice ear flaps which unbutton to keep out the wind and a lovely peak, like a rapper's hat, except that mine is the right way round.
I bought it in the hunting clothes section of the local Marino fa Mercato store and tried it on to the great amusement of passing shoppers. I knew I needed a hat as trying to stumble across wet fields with three dogs on leads and an umbrella was proving impossible. But now I have my hat and I am ready for anything!
I remember at a party a few years ago meeting a new ex-pat who said 'I realise there are normal clothes and then there are Umbria clothes!' What she was referring to was the need to deck yourself out in things that didn't matter too much, if you were to deal with dusty white roads, house restoration and animals.
Of course when I go out into the public domain I try to dress smartly. I am completely used to the Italian all-encompassing foot to head glance which takes but a micro-second but is the equivalent of being scanned by an airport security camera – you know, the ones that look at your underwear?
The trouble is that my 'at home' clothes have to be pet proof. I now sort of understand (but don't condone) the idea of keeping pets out of the house. It's to keep everything clean! It's so your dog doesn't tramp his muddy paws all over your lovely pristine floors and get hairs on your Versace!
Sadly I will never be like that. My Versace (yeah, right) is packed away in favour of outfits that will withstand paws, hairs, mud and rain.
I will not let my standards slip in one area though. My make up. I ALWAYS wear it and do my nails. Which is why if you spy a strange looking woman sloshing her way across a field wearing odd hunting gear, she will at least have great lipstick!
Last of the Summer Wine is one of Alan’s favourite programmes, but can’t say it has ever been associated in my mind with fashion – until now! Thank you Trish!
I’m sure all Italians think we are barking, if you will forgive the pun!
Oh boy do I know that look!!!!!! Did you ever see COMPO? Last of the Summer Wine!!! Well you have seen me on my doggie travels. Sun, rain (the diagonal kind)wind and snow, can be seen this “Tramp like” figure striding out on the strada!! But YES!!!! always wearing the trusty lippy!!! We cannot be seen in public without ones make up! can we????
LOL! Don’t even get me STARTED on dogs stealing your clothes…
sounds a lot like me Fiona…….dog clothes but always have my lipstick on…my dogs stole my most treasured scarf..found it in their bed….after a good cleaning….its back around my neck..as is the memories that my dogs slept with my scarf….