How to Wear It

A Vintage Floral Top

by Francesca Belluomini on April 13, 2011 at 05:46AM

Originally from Milan, Giulia has been living in NYC for over 17 years, where, before she was married, she lived the Sex and the City lifestyle while working for Fendi as a fur specialist. She always saw this floral print top in her mother's closet, made to measure by a designer in Milan in the early 70’s. One day, she decided to snag it, and it's been with her ever since.

The blouse has two labels; one says "Itlistil di L. Maggi," the name of the designer, the other says “tessuto di Falconetto,” a name derived from a Renaissance Italian architect who's use of multicolored upholstery fabrics were adopted by the “house garden style” of Ken Scott for his first eponymous brand in 1954. The cut is slim, with sleeves that are like gloves; the blouse has an accentuated collar and cuffs. It is still in perfect condition – the colors are vibrant, and perfect for Spring 2011, yet it remains in unused in her closet.

Becuase Spring is arriving in NYC, Giulia shipped the blouse to me for a “styling session.” Since the blouse is vintage, I went to the Consignment Bar, where CC let me use the store like a giant closet.

Saturday Mani / Pedi

Dress the blouse down for a warm Saturday out and about in the city with black leather hot pants by Balenciaga, red white and blue striped Prada open-toe mules with kitten heels, and a maxi motorcycle white distressed leather Balenciaga bag.

To a Sample Sale

The blouse goes amazingly well with this Marni taffeta degradé water color skirt. Add even more color by pairing the outfit with purple satin Jimmy Choo ankle wrapped sandals. Giulia added her own Chanel mango-yellow zippered travel bag to the mix, which was a sample sale find itself. What better to bring her luck?

Sunday Brunh with the Girls

Here's one for those chillier Spring days in NYC. Roberto Cavalli leather pants, canvas striped candy-colored Gucci pumps, and a Dior leather bag. And don't be afraid of mixing stripes and prints. Just own it.

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About the Author

Francesca Belluomini has got style, class and sass. In How to Wear It, she offers fun and funky style solutions for your most troublesome wardrobe pieces. When she's not writing, Belluomini designs jewelry. Her collection draws from the colors, textures and aromas of her native Tuscany. See it at www.francescabelluomini.com.