There are some things in life I consider inalienable rights. While the Declaration of Independence of our dear, beloved country may consider these to be among the greater themes — life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — I consider smaller issues to be just as, if not more, inalienable. These include but are not limited to: shopping, traveling around the globe, visiting museums, attending good entertainment, lounging in bookstores for hours on end and my own "Italian moments."
The last may seem intriguing. Indeed, it is the very "pane e vino" of my existence. As any student who has drunk from the Bacchus blessed fountain of the study abroad experience knows, days in Italy are not spent solely in the pursuit of study, but in the pursuit of the Italian life. In other words, there are many cappuccino breaks.
Indeed, the day is defined by the morning jaunt to the local bar for "cappuccino con un bombolone" (translation, coffee and a doughnut, but oh how much more glamorous it sounds in that Romance language!). Then comes a mid-morning coffee break. Later there's pranzo, followed by a two hour afternoon break where we all join our friends for relaxed conversation in the piazza. Afterward we head back to work for just a few hours before breaking once again for a congenial aperitivo and three-course dinner.
Ah, I can feel you sighing as the memories come flooding back. Remember those days of meeting your friends around the corner after class to watch the water flow from the Trevi fountain? The afternoons spent crossing the Ponte Vecchio in pursuit of that perfectly scooped gelato? Before you moan that these days are lost to you forever, fear not. Darling, we may not be in Italy, but who says we can't have our own "Italian moment" stateside? All we need is that classic staple of Italian casual living: the driving shoe.
The Italian driving shoe is, let's be frank here, a loafer with attitude. Originally made for the obligatory Italian weekend drive to the country from the bustle of the city (hence the name "driving shoe"), it immediately conveys relaxed luxury.
Made of leather, which, as we know from our experience with the leather satchel, molds to your everyday personal needs, the driving shoe is most often worn with a pair of crisp jeans, an oxford shirt, a great tote and a killer pair of shades.
When choosing a driving shoe, obey the fit rules of the loafer: never more than a quarter of an inch space between the back of the shoe and your heel, your toes should lay flat and allow for luxurious wiggle room. The best part of driving shoes are the absolutely delectable, decorative raised rubber circles which align the backs, emphasizing your slim ankles and the attractive curves of your legs as you promenade per la strada.
This decoration also has a practical purpose: when driving it prevents the heel of your shoe from sliding forward, and also prevents the scuffing of that fine Italian leather. While traditionally Italians have flocked to Tod's to purchase this fashion right of passage, Zappos currently offers a pair for $79.00. While this may seem steep, keep in mind they last for years and are a wonderful investment. So, dear readers, if the shoe fits, wear it ... Italian style.
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
