Growing up in Florence, Italy, I remember being spellbound by color. I am sure that my fellow students who have jaunted abroad to this fair Renaissance city can completely empathize with my predicament.
I saw the sea greens of Botticelli's Birth of Venus, the golden hues of Giotto's masterpieces and the shimmering blues and pinks of Michelangelo's Tondo Doni. However, while some might see these brilliant colors in that holy of art holies, the Uffizi gallery, I saw them in a place which draws the mind to even greater aesthetic contemplation: my neighborhood glove shop.
As I passed the windows of this small boutique I was assailed with color and glamour — seemingly inanimate hand mannequins insistently begged to shake my own hand, to supplicate me to feel the soft leather encasing them. What truly sold this product, however, was not the decadent window display, but the Italian women stepping out of the boutique.
In the cold, chilly air of the Tuscan weather, their hands were kept toasty warm in hues which brought their fashion ensemble to a whole new level of chic. Orange gloves brought out the brassy undertones of their brown leather jackets, red gloves highlighted the silk scarf imbued with the same tint tied at their neck.
In short, they were their own masterpieces, rivaling their fine art counterparts hanging just across the Arno. Indeed, to my 6-year-old eyes, Botticelli seemed absolutely dull in comparison to these fashion elements. This impetus to keep one's hands warm in the face of the chill is certainly not unique to our fellows across the pond. Indeed, I doubt they could endure our Notre Dame winters with as much aplomb as we do! We can however, take inspiration from their accessory choices, and show our own hands the same tender, loving, stylish care.
When choosing a glove, fit cannot be underestimated. Leather proves to be an excellent choice as it gives over time, learning your hands' unique personality and needs. While slight wrinkling is understandable, beware the sales associate who attempts to sell you an overly worn pair — they have obviously been tried on by one too many enthusiastic clients. The gloves' lining will clue you in to its function — choose a cashmere lining for the colder months, or a silk lined pair should you wish to carry your look into spring.
This is not the time to hesitate in terms of color. Go wild! Leopard print, hot fuchsia, nude or electric blue are permissible and desirable. If you have wardrobe pieces in a color you thought would never go with anything, this is the time to find their long lost fashion accessory soul mate and make your closet their happily ever after!
Of course, should you wish to remain with the classic minimalist look, navy blue, black, and brown never go out of style and will please every piece of your collective wardrobe.
The best part, however, of this accessory is the dry, cracked hands they will prevent. Fear no more the look of horror on your professor's face when you shake his or her hand after a glove-less walk through DeBartolo Quad.
As you take off your glove your classmates will marvel at your fashion savvy. Dillard's currently offers this Italian luxury for $33.60. Winter, do your worst, our hands are girded and at the ready.
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer. Contact Felicia Caponigri at fcaponig@nd.edu
