Passegiatta?

[epic610]

while waiting for new borsalino como to arrive, read about this charming italian custom called "passegiatta" where after work, instead of cutting the lawn, lugging kids to soccer practice or starting a 2 hour commute like we americans, italians get dressed up and go for a slow "walk" in an upscale shopping area.

hat arrived today. didn't want to go to the mall, which repulses me. kept on my suit, added the hat and took a stroll between 5:30 and 6:30 at Wegman's, a high end grocery chain. even got an espresso at the coffee shop to carry.

all the women flirted with me....young, old, married, single ....made no difference. and i gladly leered back. as long as i am in a suit and hat this behavior seems acceptable; something i could never hope to carry off wearing jeans, sweater and sneakers.

and if the women don't like it; let them shop somewhere else.

italian fedora not as intimidating as a homburg; must say it was nice to see clerk behind the counter snap-to and immediately get up from his chair and say "good evening, sir" just because i was passing.

anyone else experience the psychological effects of wearing hat?

 

[photobyalan]

When you feel confident, other people can sense it and they will tend to show you more respect. If you don't feel more confident while wearing a sharp hat, then there's something wrong with you.

 

[scotrace]

If you don't feel more confident while wearing a sharp hat, then there's something wrong with you.

Ah! Another perfect sig line. :clap

Well put.

 

[Hemingway Jones]

I have been blessed with three opportunities to go to Italy and the passegiata is indeed a wonderful tradition with many variations that usually focus around public squares, where consequentially stores are, though not as destinations as to themselves. San Marco in Venice, The Via Nazionale in Matera, The Corso in Rome are full of well dressed folks strolling together with those they care about.

We used to have the custom in our culture. We called it The Promenade.

I could not recommend a trip to Italy more. It is magical.

BTW, Epic, I grew up in Philadelphia, so I am envious that you have access to real sandwiches, Yeungling Beer, and TastyKakes!