In Italy we have two types of families, with a few grey areas in between. The first type is (obviously) huge and all members live within walking distance of each other. There's a family event at least once a week and a very strong sense of belonging. Whatever their life and context, the members of these families always relate and refer to each other first. It's not up to me to judge this of course, on oneside you're lucky to have a group of people always by your side, on the other it might be a tad stifling (run away!).

Florence + The Machine - Never Let Me Go (Clams Casino Remix)

The second type is simply the opposite. Ancient family feuds are dragged out for generations, children are left wondering who their grandparents-uncles-cousins might be and subsequently left to be fattened by their overbearing mothers.

Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)

Those are two examples of family that are imposed on you. Whatever context you were born into, it's maybe the only thing in life that you can't change about yourself. You can choose to change your name, change from being a son to being a daughter, nearly everything…except your heritage. And that's why we create families of our own; not blood-related, not necessarily a spouse…unless you belong to that first type of family, there will always be someone out there to which you can relate to better than your family. Being related doesn't imply you have to have a relationship - and that's what makes most Christmas dinners so embarrassing.

Voom Voom- Best Friend

We've got one life to enjoy, I figure it's best to make it count by being with the people we really want to be with…and it's not as easy as it sounds.

Seeing as this week's article was about the Italian Family, Swide though that it was appropriate to go with what we know and use the beautiful SS12 campaign shot, styled with that Mood Swing vintage touch, taken by Giampaolo Sgura for Dolce&Gabbana. See the campaign photos by clicking here.