Pretty Pastels

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Let's not pretend we aren't all excited to dress up like sweet tarts... Farewell Neon, I now prefer Pastel.

Do as the Romans do...

Monday, May 28, 2012

Rome, Rome, oh beautiful Rome! This was our final stop on our Italian travel adventure, and whether coincidentally or purposely, the best was saved for last. The modernization surrounding the ancient landmarks and ruins creates an aesthetic original to Rome. From Piazzas to Cathedrals and little watering fountains in the alleyways, everything had a purpose, meaning and historical relationship to the city. These could not be fabricated or duplicated in custom homes or gaudy hotels, and that thought is refreshing. Authentic Beauty.

I can't help but feel a bit of jealousy towards the locals who get to bask in the beauty and aromas of their home city, so for the few days we were there we pretended we didn't ever have to leave. When in Rome, do as the Romans do......(although I am sure they tire of the same ol' sites at one point, but I don't see how.)

ADMIRE THE BEAUTY OF THE COLLESIUM

SMILE IN THE RAIN

WALK THROUGH THE FORUM

DANCE IN THE PIAZZAS

TOSS A COIN IN THE TREVI FOUNTAIN

THINK ABOUT HOW OLD THE PANTHEON REALLY IS

DRINK YUMMY CHAMPAGNE DRINKS

ENJOY THE HIDDEN BEAUTY DOWN EVERY STREET

EAT THIS

POSE IN FRONT OF THE PANTHEON

VISIT THE VATICAN AND SISTINE CHAPEL

RELAX IN FRONT OF INCREDIBLE FOUNTAINS

DANCE ON TOP OF ROME

CHILL OUT ON THE SPANISH STEPS

RUB THE FOOT OF ST. PETER INSIDE ST. PETER'S CHURCH

VISIT VATICAN CITY

SNEAK PICTURES OF BERNINI'S "APOLLO AND DAPHNE" INSIDE THE BORGHESE

EAT CANNELLONI

STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES

" I WILL NOT SAY GOOD BYE TO YOU ROME, BUT I WILL SEE YOU LATER."

Jacket: OZOC
Dress: Bebe
Flats: TOMS
BackPack: LV

Flower Power

Thursday, May 17, 2012

April showers brought May... Outfit inspo? Who doesn't love beautiful arrangements or a lovely manicured garden? Sometimes I think to myself, "Wow, I wish I could just wear that bouquet." Literally, bundle it up and tape it around me:).. Well, a dress full of petals may not be the most practical thing... However, I can at least forfeit the texture and rock the color.

Dusty Yellow Crochet Dress

Bright Berry colored kicks

Deep Purple with Orange trim handbag

Salmon and Deep Orange Maxi

AY Bebe, AY Bebe, AY Bebe

Monday, May 14, 2012

"I'm in da club Hollerin', AY bebe, AY bebe..." .. aaand now Hurricane Chris will be stuck in your head the for day... gomen! (sorry in Japanese). Along with the lovely club anthem, I am sure you have a lot of other important things consuming your mind, leaving little room for being the creative director of your Summer wardrobe. Maybe Bebe Summer 2012 Lookbook can help you out?

While shopping around for some upcoming events, I came across some looks and pieces that I love. I am a fan of the brand, but Bebe isn't necessarily my "go-to" spot for shopping, however it is definitely a ONE-PIECE wonderland. Any Bebe dress, romper or separate can be jazzed up with some hoops, heels, or sandal and look Glam. Pretty much styling itself. Hey, less time wardrobing = more time on your Summer schedule and checking things off the mental to-do list. Not a bad mantra.

WHITE ON WHITE

My favorite Summer staple.. The ROMPER. I am loving the red, knee length look. One piece, piece of cake, that looks effortless and chic.

Patterns, stripes and color blocking. One dress, few accessories and your ready.

Dress up your shorts. Love the colors of these outfit makers. They would look glam even with a burn out tee.

Crochet sweaters and swimsuits. My Summer beach Uniform. Would look great with Skinnies and a Bandeau as well.

Five Shades of Blue on top of the Duomo

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Dominating the Florence skyline, is the DUOMO of The Cathedral of Florence. You can get a glimpse of this beautiful dome from every angle of the city, through narrow alleys and hotel balconies. The climb to the top is not for the claustrophobic, but it is well worth the view. You see the hills of Tuscany, numerous landmarks and the lovely hues of blue in the horizon.

I can thank my 'oh so comfortable' TOMS for getting me up the 463 steps safely. Pairing with the glittering flats, I opted for a monochromatic blue ensemble that coincidentally allowed me to blend in with the shades of the sky.

On top of Firenze

BABY BLUE hue above the hills of Tuscany

NAVY BLUE Maxi Skirt: OZOC

Maxi skirts have become a staple of mine, as I find them extremely versatile and fun to style. Go glam at night or rock a fun, flirty daytime look, like I styled for my day at the DUOMO.

DENIM Blue Jacket: Forever 21
COBALT Blue basic tank: Zara

Cropped Jackets go hand in hand with maxi skirts and dresses. They accentuate curves and the short length prevents you from looking too boxy.

TURQUOISE Accessories: from Firenze and New York

I am usually not in favor of "matchy matchy" but I love the look of same color accessories.

CIAO!!!

House Beautiful

Prior to leaving Tokyo for our trip, we moved into a new apartment. I finally have the time to start piecing together our home abroad and can't get the Parisian Flair I fell in love with in Paris out of my mind. I found this Spread in House Beautiful and can't help but drool over the French aesthetic.. GORG!

I love the use of minimal colors

Chandalier? WOWZA

Daydreamin....

photos courtesy of House Beautiful

A Walk Around Florence

After a few days in Venice, we continued our journey to Firenze, Italy. We took the train from Venice and passed through the rolling hills of Tuscany and arrived in the city famed for Michelangelo's David, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio Bridge and of course the Steak Florentine. In the first taxi ride through the city, I just stared out the windows in awe at the marriage of old and new, with historical statues adjacent to high fashion boutiques and large piazzas filled with hipster teenagers snapping pictures of "Perseus with the Head of Medusa" statue.

We set off into Florence, first stopping to visit our friend "David", who is much larger than I had imagined. We shopped through the flea markets and stopped for a stroll around the San Lorenzo market. Inside you can find everything from leather products to tripe. I munched on delishioso dried fruit and laughed as my husband walked from glass cases to live butchers, salivating over the meat varieties. This triggered our appetites and we stopped for lunch at the famous trattoria, Fiachetteria, for their steak Florentine. Later we pass by a tiny shop that lets you choose and bottle your own wine. How amazing is that? Aww Florence, my love affair begins. One of my favorite souvenirs is from an Italian ceramic shop where everything is hand painted. I snuck a peek at the old woman in the back delicately painting a plate and I was sold. We walked parallel to the Arno River on our way back and snapped some pictures in front of the Ponte Vecchio Bridge.

My Italian style was laid back with a pop of blue hue. I sported my convys again, jersey blue dress and my fav trench for the bit of breeze.