Happy Easter from Roma!

Happy Easter everyone! Easter mass at the Vatican with Papa Francesco was really cool. I am so glad to be in Rome for Easter, it is a life changing, historical and remember-able experience. I am so glad to be in Rome, and cannot believe that I will be leaving soon! It is so upsetting, but I am ready to go back to America and see all my family and friends. 

I hope everyone has a great Easter!

Pisa

Pisa today was really fun. I went with two of my roommates and we had a blast! Though the weather was really overcast, it was still really nice to have a break from a big city and have a nice calm little vacation.  We climbed the tower and saw the duomo (cathedral) and the baptistery. Pisa is definitely a major site to see when in Italy, but it can be done within four hours, leaving you a lot of time to meander through the streets, eat and shop. I had a good time & was glad to see such a monumental site; and buy two new scarves! The buildings were so beautiful and the leaning tower was so cool; my first words upon seeing it were "Holy crap, it really leans!" Well said.... 

The Best Day to Wear White & Other Tales

The Best Day to Wear White:

A typical Wednesday morning would start off as, wake up, go to drawing class, take pictures of what we are drawing, sit there for three hours staring at the huge and frightening drawing challenge, go home and eat. Well last Wednesday was not one of those days. As we went to the Pantheon to draw, our Professor found a Florentine paper making shop and then ran back to find all of us saying, "Come with me!" We then preceded to follow, and wound up in this shop watching the owner give a demonstration on making their colorful paper. Then he said three of us could try. Of course I am usually one to want to do it but never say anything then regret it later, but I thought, "When in Rome," and raised my hand. So I decided to make a green, pink, and black paper design. The man gave us an apron, and said be careful because the inks will never come out.. hence the title since I was wearing my only white oxford that I spent forever finding one that fit me just right.  But moral of the story, if you are careful, the Florentine paper making ink won't get on your nice white oxford. 

Other Tales:

 I went to Papa Francesco's inauguration mass, and got to see him on the pope mobile! Also, because of the mass, all the buses near me were stopped so my class was cancelled! 

My love, Zara. 

 Some pictures from Thursday's class, we visited Piazza Navona and several churches near it.

Elephants are my favorite, hands down. And this one is smiling with me.

There were a bunch of peacocks walking around the zoo. This one had its feathers open (since other female peacocks were around). 

By far, my favorite animal at the Villa Borghese Zoo!

On Saturday, I spent six hours walking around Rome going into major churches, and even random churches I passed by. I took so many pictures and had a lot of fun. I really like exploring the city, with Rick Steve's book in hand, since we don't see everything in my classes, and its better than sitting around the cramped apartment on the computer all day; even if Pinterest is calling my name. 

Shopping: Zara (Again)

It is safe to say that I have fell in love with European style clothing. It's simple, its chic, and effortless; at least once you have the basics. I think a lot of Europeans have better style than most Americans, but it depends on the person. Yes you can find a European in sweatpants, but it isn't as prevalent in everyday life as it is in America. The major difference in Europe is that people really care about what they wear and how they present themselves; even on that lazy Sunday afternoon. Another major difference, the clothing fits. I am not saying all Americans have clothing that doesn't fit, but majority of (stylish) Europeans have well fitting pants, shirts, jackets, etc. My theory to why this is is simple, 1. Europeans like to make themselves presentable to others, or at least for themselves, 2. there are tons of boutiques and shops not available in the U.S. that Europeans have at their finger tips, and they utilize them well. After saying that, I don't want people to throw everything away and run to a boutique and buy expensive things, but I think we should be more cautious of what we buy, how it fits, and how it makes us feel.  As an American, I am used to the idea of "more is better" and having Targets, and department stores everywhere, allowing me to stock up on "trendy" items for cheap prices. Then I take a look in my closet, see all this crap that is ugly and so last season, that it either sits there, goes to a friend, or given to the American Red Cross. But in Europe, where closets are very tiny (by American standards), you learn that "less is more" and having basic and classic pieces in your wardrobe will go a lot farther than what is "trending" now. The limit on space for your clothes doesn't limit your wardrobe, but it will hinder you from making those last minute, gotta have it, purchases. If you stick to the basics, and even invest in them, you will definitely enjoy the outcome. Once your basics are done, add your own signature style with accessories, and other clothing items (but don't buy ten shirts of the same peplum trend- you will get sick of them by the summer). The number one accessory item in every stylish Europeans' closet: Scarves. Simple patterns and solid neutrals will go with any outfit, and help add a little warmth. 

So after my spiel, here is what I got from Zara to add to my basics & classics:

This really pretty chambray blue blouse, which will be perfect with white jeans and black jeans for spring and fall. The back is a little longer than the front to cover your butt, so I might even hem it even with the front, but most likely this shirt will be tucked in. 



Another cardigan? Yes, a nice navy blue one which is the same as the black one I bought. Hey, basics are my lacking in my wardrobe, plus you need to stay warm and look sophisticated all at once. 



And again, the same crew neck with the zipper at the back, but in basic black. Maybe I have a basics obsession... when in Rome..



This black ruffle tank. I really like this and it can be dressy with a blazer, or just a normal everyday shirt with a cardigan over it (and you know I have plenty of those). 

So what is next?

Again, I am on the lookout for some dark wash skinny jeans. I am hoping to find about two pairs (maybe three?) dark and medium washes, that fit like a glove. I am also looking for an open tan colored cardigan, and some solid color cotton racerbacks for the summer. As for accessories, a light grey scarf and a camel (color) scarf. If budget allows, I want to get a lightweight black blazer that is more casual. A pretty hefty list. My plan for when I get back in the states is to do a total clean out of my closet and really look into how many outfits I can make, the quality of the pieces, and if the article of clothing fits into my life style. It is time to say goodbye to those emotional pieces (I'll wear this eventually, or my prom dress will be used again), and make room for the essentials that will bring your wardrobe to maximum height. 
I cannot wait!

Busy Week

So last week, which was some college's spring break, was so busy for me. My parents and one of my brothers came to Rome and we saw almost EVERYTHING! I saw around 10 churches in the first three days. My father had already been to Rome before, and knew a lot of things about churches and the pope, (Papa Francesco!), so we saw some interesting churches, as well as common tourist things; i.e. Trevi Fountain, Colesseum, etc. I also got to take them to some awesome restaurants, and hit up new ones, thanks to the Rick Steve's book my mother's friend got me (it is nicknamed the "bible" by her husband). So without further ado, here is my hectic last week!

 We got interviewed by Jim Torres for ABC Channel 7! (NYC's ABC)

 There is the new Pope! Papa Francesco (Pope Francis). That was an awesome night, me and my brother ran from the bus stop across the river and made it pretty far into the crowd. Though I have a nice camera, and was pretty close, my zoom only went this far! 

 We saw a ton! Many churches, several museums, got interviewed, saw the new Pope & had a great week together as a family (minus another brother and the dog). I had a great time and I am so upset that they had to leave... But my exploring Rome continues!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!