La Casa di Loto

“Walking along the streets of Venice on my way to a stationers, this mannequin caught my eye, with its ensemble of gently severe practicality (reminded me a bit of Toast and Margaret Howell). Went back after a day of wandering, and you know that scene in The Great Gatsby, where Daisy is going through Jay's shirts, moved by the sheer abundance and beauty? Well, that was me in this shop. Rainbow stacks of elegant and understated crewnecks and cardigans in an array of knitted patterns, racks of full skirts, button-down shirts, and neat woolen jackets. They specialize in natural fibers, and everything is designed in-house and made nearby in Padua. The prices were Uniqlo/Quince-level but the quality was excellent--I think I spent 200 euros for two lightweight pure wool sweaters that are now my favorite, and if I could turn back time, I would have gotten a couple more and this entire outfit, too.”