Yes, Everyone You Know is in ITALY RIGHT NOW… Here’s how to DEAL WITH IT
PC: @lifeof_riley
No, it’s not just you. Everyone really is in Italy right now… or Barcelona? Paris? Even Zurich is seeing a boost in tourism. Europecore has risen as yet another Tiktok “trend”. Nylon magazine considers it peak American escapism, a mindset, rather than a continent, to put on a white skirt and live a soft girl life.
It seems that the dreams Americans have of a slower life - work less play harder - is in fact not really a dream, but a regular schmegular reality out in many European countries. So bags are packed (with cute flowy skirts, hair accessories, and dainty bralettes) to have a taste of leisurely walks through beautiful architecture, eating gelatos, and not thinking about anything in particular for once.
But here you are, distinctly NOT in Italy, but on your couch, watching the pretty scenes through your iPhone screen instead. You considered a summer vacation, somewhere equally as beautiful but maybe less crowded… perhaps Croatia? But then looked at your bank account which promptly humbled you. With travel out of the picture, I wanted to suggest a few things you can do in your own hometown that’s not exactly going to Italy, but might make you feel like you’re at least living some kind of a European dream, but for far less *euros*.
1. Shop and dress as if you’re on vacation
Go ahead, get the white flowy dress anyway. Since you’re saving money not buying a flight ticket, spend a little more on your outfits. It’s summer, which is a great time to swap out your wardrobe for something fresh. Then take that new skirt/dress/top out for a spin and go get gelatos with your friends.
2. Take a day off and spend it in your city
You don’t have to have a trip planned in order to take days off from work. Take a Friday off, then spend it fully indulging in a slow, yet fruitful day. Start by making a coffee, and sipping it slowly as you journal your intentions for the day. Dress in one of your cute new outfits, then take a stroll into town. Maybe go into a quarter you don’t frequently visit. Hop into little boutique stores before resting at the ice cream parlor. At 7:00, go to the Italian restaurant you made a reservation of one for. End the night with a negroni and take the long way home.
3. Watch a movie set in Europe
Sometimes watching people live their best lives in Europe is just as satisfying as being there yourself. Treat yourself to a little movie night and watch something that’s set in Italy (or anywhere in Europe for the matter). Some of my favorites are Under the Tuscan Sun, Before Sunrise, and Julie and Julia.
