How Do You Say “Obsessed” In Italian?

Finding inspiration at the Milan Fashion Week shows.

Dear Reader,

Things are heating up. Spring feels like it’s just around the corner, and Fashion Month is fully underway in Milan. Last time, we chatted about New York Fashion Week, and I offered some key(word) takeaways. London Fashion Week took place after that, which reminds me: How funny is it that The RealReal accepts these pink neoprene bags from Simone Rocha?? They give them away for free with purchase at the store! Lol. (Someone should get this bag, though.)

Anyway, I’m here to talk to you about the Italians! I always find so much deep-dive inspo from Milan Fashion Week because Italian brands are steeped in heritage and have such strong DNA. Brands like Armani, Versace, Max Mara, Loro Piana, etc., all look prettyyyyy similar to how they did when the brands were first founded, so it’s not that hard to find vintage pieces that look current. Plus, if you’re an accessories obsessive like me, no one does leather better, and I find that Italian shoes and bags stand the test of time better than most.

The week started off with Gucci. It’s an awkward season for the brand since it recently announced that its creative director, Sabato De Sarno would be leaving after just two years. I’m ready for a change, but I was inspired by the styling of silk scarves, which models wore tied around their heads like Jackie Kennedy (I would wear this one in spring/summer). I also always appreciate the brand’s classic horse-bit hardware (here’s a great one).

Speaking of changes, this was Luke and Lucie Meier’s last show as the creative directors of Jil Sander. They’re a very talented (and attractive) couple, but I didn’t feel like their designs had the same wearability factor as the original pieces. Sometimes, you just want a simply good jacket or top, you know? Thankfully, on TRR, they don’t cost as much as your rent.

There has been a lot of fur on the runways this season—real and fake—but fur is Fendi’s specialty, so the show inspired me to see what I could find on sale. This coat and this shirt from the 1990s are divine, and I love the shape of this off-the-shoulder coat as well. Another tip: If you want more reasonable prices, narrow your search by clicking “vintage-unbranded” as the designer.

It’s been a while since a Marni collection really got me going, but I really appreciated its chic weirdos this season. Maybe it’s because the rest of fashion seems so conservative right now. All you need to stand out in the crowd is an adorable little teapot brooch, or a pair of glittery green shoes.

Prada’s collection also embodied a sense of glamour that was rough around the edges. Rather than being so in-your-face opulent, it questioned notions of femininity and beauty by showing them a bit undone or more loosely. The twisted, ladylike codes of Prada were undoubtedly present, but it felt very Raf to me in its avant-garde-ness. So much that I actually spent the afternoon searching his name on The RealReal, not Mrs. Prada’s. (Two good finds here and here.)

Italian Saved Search Sleeper Hits:

• One of my all-time best TRR finds is a pair of Tod’s boots. Most people associate the brand with preppy loafers, but its other leather goods are worth checking out as well. This could be a nice work bag, and these riding boots are only $100!

• Bally is another underrated leather goods brand. It’s made a bit of a comeback recently, thanks to creative director Simone Bellotti, who is rumored to be leaving after this season to replace the Meiers at Jil Sander. But don’t sleep on the older stuff. I mean, just look at these $175 cowboy boots...

• Vintage Ferragamo shoes are also expensive-looking but cheap.

• Missoni men’s is where it’s at. I’ve wanted to buy the men in my life sweaters like this one and this one.

• I received many compliments on an Etro shirt I bought on The RealReal years ago. The prints are wild, even the stripes. If you like Emilio Pucci, you’ll love this, too.

• And last, but certainly not least, if you don’t have saved searches for Romeo Gigli and Gianfranco Ferre yet, you should. Wow and wow.

Until next time! I’m excited to talk about the Paris collections with you.

xoxo