STREETS OF ROME / Shopping outfit and some tips on shopping and VAT refunds

Hello!  I am writing this post wide awake at 4:30am PST so that could only mean that we are back from our wonderful holiday in Rome.  There is so much history encompassing the city, so many beautiful churches where you get moments of peace and serenity and a place to worship and pray for those who are religious, such delicious meals (and desserts!) prepared by Italians who take immense pride in their cooking,  an abundance of art pieces whether it be paintings, sculptures, or architecture all over the city by renowned artists like Bernini, Michaelangelo, and Caravaggio, and all of that with the kind hospitality of the locals.  Thank you beautiful Roma for an experience that I've only been able to dream of!

ANCIENT GLORY / Exploring the ruins of Ostia Antica in grid pattern and flats

After the stunning beauty of St. Peter's Basilica, Shane and I explored the historical harbor city of ancient Rome, Ostia Antica.  This was one of my favorite sites to see because it wasn't packed with people; there were times where it felt like we were the only two people exploring and this really gave us the chance to imagine how life in Ancient Rome was like.  My most memorable part of Ostia Antica is sitting in The Roman Theatre built in 12BC and through Rick Steves, I learned that it is still used today!

VATICAN CITY / Peplum sweater and olive pants in St. Peter's Square and Basilica

Ciao from Vatican City (St. Peter's Square to be exact) where these pictures were taken.  Shane and I are having the most wonderful time in the Eternal City and to say that I am in awe over everything that Rome has to offer would be the understatement of the year.  We are only on day 4 of our trip and already we've got to see some of the most beautiful churches in the world, eat some delizioso Italian food (after only our third big meal in Rome, Shane says he feels he has been lied to his whole life about what Italian food is), and interact with the kindest people.  In a quick summary, we've gone to Florence and back, saw the Vatican Necropolis (highly recommended!), explored St. Peter's Square and Basilica, and unknowingly saw the Crypt of the Nativity at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.  Incredible.

OFF WE GO / Tips for comfy dressing on long plane rides

I am a bubble of excitement as Shane and I are en route to Rome!  Unfortunately there lies about fourteen hours of airtime keeping us from our destination but I'll be using that time to read my guides, listen to some Rick Steves, watch some movies on the plane, and of course do some blogging.

ONE YEAR / A 'Thank You' Message and lots of love

I am over the moon to share that a year ago today I decided to start blogging again! One year of consistent posts, one year of sharing special moments, one year of my little escape from reality. It is cliché of me to say but blogging again is probably one of my best decisions from the last year and then even more cliché to say that I can’t believe it’s been one year. Fast forward 116 entries and we are at where we are now, unbelievable!

To me blogging is more than just conjuring up outfits and sharing them, to me blogging is the opportunity of building new bonds and strengthening old bonds.  Blogging has served as a medium to bring forth discussions of fashion, social media and socializing, photography, and/or writing between friends old and new.  It has created laughter, joyous memories, and special moments that I will always cherish forever.  I don’t see this as an adventure I am partaking on my own but instead one we are going on together.

With that, thank you from the very bottom of my heart for all the love and support you have given me over the past year.  Without your encouragement, kind words, and criticism, this blog wouldn’t be where it is at today.  Thank you all so very, very much!!  Cheers to another year!!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ED TRAN 

PATTERNS / Layering with subtle plaid, vintage stripes, and textured chevron

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ED TRAN