Miss Sicily
Jessica Wagner
The Hourglass
Ciao babes!!
I love when an outfit comes together and channels a classic style icon.
There are a number of women I draw inspiration from for their vintage movie star timeless appeal - Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, and for this post - Italian bombshell- Sophia Loren.
“Everything you see, I owe to spaghetti. ”
I love my Mediterranean heritage (my dad is 100% Italian.) Who doesn't love good food, good wine, and good family?! I like to think I possess some of the traits Italian women are often associated with: Passion. Zest. Swinging hips and pouty lips. (A love affair with food.) Full of spunk, down for fun.
Being petite, I sometimes struggle when putting together a look that shows off a womanly shape. The hourglass figure is sexy and gorgeous to be sure, but to put it bluntly, after kids I shrunk a bit up top and have little in the way of hips. Pretty much I am shaped like a little boy, straight up and down. I don't mind appearing “younger” than I am, but sometimes I want to be seen as a sexy grown woman. Ya know, bring on the spice, while keeping it classy. This is why I love creating curves, and find the feminine silhouette the most romantic.
Creating an hourglass shape can be achieved with the right types of clothing and strategic placement of a belt or “cinch” at the smallest point of the waist.
Take Miss Loren for example. I think there is something so sexy about brown eyes, dark hair and a voluptuous shape. Spicy and mysterious. Confident. Beautiful inside and out. (One of my favorite movies of hers is "House Boat." If you haven't seen it, it's a must!
“Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful.”
When I saw this look styled by one of my favorite petite fashion bloggers, I ran to the store to see if I could find the same skirt. A cinched waist is a sure-fire way to create a femme shape, and the structure of this midi skirt is everything. Keeping is simple, paired with a white ribbed tank and of course, a statement hat.
Corsets have been appearing on the fashion scene since last spring (as seen here) and I love that this one is in a classic color for fall. It will look just as chic styled with a think knit cable sweater and low, pointed boots.
“I’d rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero.”
Walking around the Cleveland museum grounds, taking in the fresh air and art, I felt transported to the Italian Rivera. I’ve been calling this my “Sophia Loren skirt” and like magic, it seemed to transport me to another time and place.
Until the day I can visit the small fishing towns and stylish resort areas of Italy, I can dress to imagine walking around the with whispering rugged cliffs, turquoise coves and white washed sea side towns.
Outfit Details:
Top: H&M Ribbed Tank Skirt: H&M (Sold out, similar here) Shoes: J Crew Hat: Madewell Communitie Necklace: Kentucky Gypsy Glasses: Pac Sun Clear Aviators Bag: Reusable Shopper Lips: MAC Lady Danger
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What style icons do you draw inspiration from? Do you have a favorite item that can transport you to another time and place? I'd love to hear in the comments below!