Mad about quirky stuff?

One day my fifteen-year-old cousin, Giacomo, candidly asked me: "Silvia, where do you find all your (implicitly implying: odd) clothes"? ... Well, everywhere ... When I travel I always come back with a new piece, and never regret about it. I do like to own and wear exotic stuff. So, this post is simply dedicated to a selection of the quirkest things form the exotic world of the www, which are or, in an ideal world, would be in my wardrobe.

The black and white combination, apotheosis of elegance, was the protagonist of the catwalks de la Maison Chanel (= Lagerfield) for this spring/summer, and Elspeth Gibson (British designer) and Phoebe Philo (alias Chloe) complemented their candid white dresses with black shoes in their latest collections. The purity of the white is compromised by the sinful black. The effect is severe and extremely sexy. It reminds the glamorous '40s style, for its smartness and striking effect. Can you remember, for example, the amazing dress boasted by Joan Fontaine in Rebecca?

In the same style is this see-through umbrella with a bell shape, a useful item for windy days. I personally own one and love protecting myself from the rain, wind and indiscreet looks by hiding my head behind it without the risk of bumping against a road signal. It also takes me back to an umbrella I used to possess as a child, conveying a nostalgic sense to this purchase.

Below is a romantic blouse by Lulu Lame in white Broderie Anglaise and Swiss dot adorned by silky black ribbons. It can be purchased by this arty online shop: Le Train Bleu. This top can be easily coordinated with a black mini skirt, shiny white stockings and flat glossy ballet shoes with simple cut by FrenchSole (see below) for a classical but yet individual look.

Let me drive your attention to the sheer and shiny white chemise wore by the models above and below, a must-have for any wardrobe. It is a basic piece which can be used as underwear; as a sexy top combined with a contrasting black or coloured bra; or half concealed under a jacket or a camisole.

Colourful socks are to me a statement of attention to the detail. This leopard print in shocking pink is ironically coupled with sexy heeled shoes for a Lolita look.

I have an undeclared passion for butterflies, and this butterfly umbrella below is just lovely. I used to own a lady bird umbrella based on the same principle, but instead of the wings, the eyes were the protrusion of the cap. The present one is designed for kids, but the straight handle makes it suitable also for an adult (the usual kids' umbrellas' curved handles are usually too small and uncomfortable for the grasp of an adult’s hand). In the same theme is a white tee in soft thin cotton by Chibi, other basic item of each respectable wardrobe, whose back is stormed by little vibrant butterflies. Exquisite, except for the price: £65.

If you are after a more grown-up style, what about this electric blue top ornate by a giant blue rose, as shown below, sported with a simple pair of jeans and silver flat pumps (always below) for a sophisticated ensemble finalised by a butterfly patterned umbrella (this time designed for adults) in the tones of blue and pink (see further below)?

Digression: blue or black roses are generally very sought after type of flowers for their mysterious and gothic component. However, although scientists are trying to create a proper blue rose, they do not exist in nature as such. There is no such rose with a true blue or a true black colour. Black roses are generally a deep, deep red whereas blue roses are typically purple.

For a more casual style, I have selected a lovely knitted grey jumper in Egyptian cotton displaying the iconic and universal symbol of television. I do think that grey is a powerful colour: in between white (which is in fact light) and black (which is in fact absence of light), it can have infinite gradations and always enhances the colour you coalesce with.The black dungaree by Diesel, as seen below, is to me the ultimate classical item for a relaxed guise. I love dungarees and find very hard to find one in the high street shops. However, Hermes and Iceberg (amongst others) presented lovely white dungaree skirts and shorts at the prêt-a-porter catwalk for spring/summer 2006. It can be effortlessly associated with a pair of brown leather gladiator sandals (my highlight of next season). A pair by Ninewest is enclosed below. Alternatively, with a thick jumper and thick tights, it could also be wore during these cold months with a pair of Trippen shoes, whose more eccentric models are listed below for your admiration. Trippen shoes are expensive hand-made shoes created by two German designers. Their unusual shape and first-quality leather are their distinctive features. If I would easily wear the first two knee-high and ankle-high boots below, I am not sure I would put on the more extreme designs of the last two knee-high and half-leg boots, because I find the former too masculine and the latter too aggressive for my mise. But I wanted to show them anyway to demonstrate what the creativity of the designers behind Trippen can accomplish: these two models are named "Penna", in Italian "pen", and their shape is in fact inspired to a stylo. Genial!