Italians have a thing with sequins.
Maybe you will find the streets of Milan dotted with more refined style, but in Rome the motto is “the more the better.”
Or even, “you know what these sweatpants are missing? Diamonds.”
Rome is over the top, which I love when it comes to architecture and chandelier-filled churches.
My style, has always been a bit light on the bling, which is why I surprised myself when I found my Italian wedding shoes and my eyes lit up like a million swarovski crystals.
I had sensible nude pumps that I regularly wear to my office tucked away to use on my wedding day.
That all changed a few weeks before our Irish wedding when we escaped table planning hell and headed to Palermo.
I once saw a woman teeter towards the Salerno ferry in 6-inch rhinestone encrusted platform stilettos at 8 am on a Sunday.
I have stood behind middle aged women buying produce in their bedazzled butt jeans.
I have prided myself on my style palate while watching these from shiny humans from afar.
Yet, I saw these sequined gold heels (that even have sparkles on the BOTTOM) and knew they had to be mine.
I’ll take these in 37, please.
“Oh yes! These are great. They go with everything,” the sales girl explained. “They are beautiful with jeans.”
I paused to see if she was serious and then slowly nodded my assent.
I guess I won’t have gone fully native until I consider this everyday footwear.
I wore those bad boys for 15 hours and lost feeling in two toes for several weeks.
The temporary nerve damage was worth it for my perfect Italian wedding shoes.
All photos are by Rafal Borek – a fantastic Ireland-based wedding photographer.
Oooh so pretty! When we visited, that was something that amazed me about Roman women – they way they effortlessly walked around those cobblestone streets in stilettos! How do they do it??
Agree! I think it is something you have to be born into. I always change into heels whenever I arrive where I need to be. Cannot commute in them at all.
Wow! You deserve a medal for 15 hours wearing those! And they’re not too much more refined in Milan either :p xxx
Lucy @ La Lingua | Food, Travel, Italy
Sometimes it’s true “Beauty is Painful” But GIRL! 15 hours!? Really?!
The party shut down at 3 am. The bar closed at 5 am. 15 hours was an underestimate!
But of course you looked stunning and radiant! I just hope your hair held up to at least tossing the bouquet!
these shoes are stunning, could you tell me where you found them in Italy? I am traveling there in september and would LOVE to find something similar
Thanks!
Sara
Hi Sara! The brand is cinti, and mine are from Palermo but there are other stores throughout Italy if you use their store locator! Have fun 🙂
Thanks Natalie! I found your blog through being a member of Gigi Guides. Love your information and looking forward to trying out some of your recommendations in Rome and the Tuscany region. All my Best, Sara
Fantastic!! I hope you have an amazing time. In Rome, I recommend trying the Monti area for some shopping. (and then a glass of wine!)
Enjoy 🙂