Christmas at the Vatican!

Ciao Ciao! I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas, and welcome to my final holiday post. This year, it was necessary and a bit exciting to celebrate in a completely different country with new and exciting traditions to be made. Our week of Christmas went something like this: * Attended a Christmas party with our close Italian friends. * Ate dinner at our very favourite authentic Italian restaurant. * Indulged in amazing Italian wines & cheese at a friend's house. * Purchased our first traditional Italian Christmas cake. * Received a sweet phone call from my family in the States. * Woke up early to see the beautiful Vatican on Christmas morning. * Had a feast on Christmas day with a very fashionable lady and her family. {she is the talented coordinator of fashion shows in Paris, Milan & Rome and the one who asked me to model for her event last month!} * Spent time touring more of Rome.

What an adventurous and happy Christmas we had, and I can't wait to hear about all of your's as well! Here are some photos of our spectacular Christmas morning at the Vatican, and can you believe it was almost 70 degrees here on Christmas day?!!

Faux Pas... & Christmas in Rome {Part 3}

Well my Beauties...Christmas is officially this week. I am delighted to share with you today a beautiful tree, the Trevi Fountain at night, and a sparkling weekend of discoveries. I proudly committed a fashion faux pas of wearing black and brown together...but I loved how it looked so I guess I'm breaking the rules! ;) I should have one final Christmas post for you after the holidays, but for now I am signing out!

From Italy, I am wishing you all a spectacular holiday and a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas in Rome {Part 2}

If you have ever lived in the center of a big city, then you know that you need a few perfect jackets that are light yet warm and the material is durable for rain, wind, and any other weather surprises that might present itself. I will begin by saying that I am so glad that I packed my classic Burberry trench for Rome. Great jackets are so necessary for dashing around Rome. On this particular night of strolling, there was such a chill in the air, and a light mist of rain. Christmas lights were shining throughout the narrow streets....and a magical feeling surrounded the city. Some cities have grandiose displays, and yet in my experience so far there is something so charming about the understated and simple holiday lights, just dangling ever so softly above the old roads and towns... I hope you enjoy these photos of Rome at night, at this very beautiful holiday time!





Upon many requests, I decided to share with you a few photos of our new apartment. This space for us will be temporary, but It is cozy and comfortable, and we are still in the process of making it our home in terms of decor. However we made a specific point to buy some flowers, a necessity for a new place, right?! With these photos I just want to share with you a few special details....just a glimpse...oh can we stay forever??






I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and I will have my next "Christmas in Rome" post next week.

Ciao & Baci! xoxo

Christmas in Rome {Part 1}

Ciao lovelies, I'm back! Wow, moving sure does take a lot of time, but we adore our new place! We moved into our new apartment this past weekend and we are just settling in. Recently we took a long walk throughout Rome and I was inspired to begin a series of posts on Christmas in Rome. Today I will highlight this particular walk, where we discovered so many hidden streets with gorgeous lights and a beautiful holiday spirit that is filling the air! Something about quaint cobblestone, cozy cafes, bustling piazzas, and lovely holiday lights/decor that fills the senses with delight!

I hope you enjoy this first taste of Christmas time in Rome, and can you believe Christmas is already next week?! More holiday posts on the way soon....

Beach::Dress::Monte Porzio

Today I'm going to leave you with a little inspiration in Italy and a little inspiration in San Diego where I used to live. Although this dress may not be fitting for this winter season, we actually shot these photos in the middle of January....one of the beautiful things that I miss about living in San Diego! Perhaps this photoshoot of the dress we made last year will bring more sunshine to warm your day.

We made this dress with a vintage-summery appeal, and with a bright baby blue cotton fabric. One of my favourite aspects is that purple tule sash that was made from my grandmother's vintage fabrics. My grandmother recently passed away, so it is my honour to have this piece made in her memory and included in the dress. The photoshoot was a blast as well! It took place 1 year ago this January. I remember it was a perfect 75 degrees right on the beach in the middle of winter!

We are currently working on a jacket, and the photoshoot should take place in a few weeks here in Rome...I can't wait to show it to you. I hope you like this dress we designed and I would love to hear your thoughts!






And now to conclude with some photos of one of the most adorable little towns outside of Rome. Monte Porzio is situated just at the base of the Castelli Romani mountains, and it is like a "mini-Rome," just small, clean and so quaint. We recently strolled around these charming cobblestone streets late at night with friends, and we were left with the most authentic gorgeous Italian taste in our mouth (figuratively and literally!)







This weekend we are moving to a new apartment here in Rome so we will be busy packing away! Have a wonderful weekend, my beauties!

Adorable Couple::Another Award!

I took this sweet photo yesterday in Rome. I thought they were too precious for words....



Also, I recently received this wonderful award from Blondie at Blonde Episodes! Thank you so much, Blondie!


Since I am daily inspired by so many blogs, I would like to pass this along to a few blogs that have especially stood out to me recently:

1. Girl Whimsy
2. Couture Millinery Atelier
3. Apartment #34
4. Everyday Delights
5. Leah

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Fountain Obsession

This past weekend I took the advice of the lovely and talented Crystal at Plush Palate and went to see Gianicolo. She had mentioned in one of her previous comments that I need to see this place for the most breathtaking photos of Rome. I'm so glad I took her advice because Gianicolo was breathtaking indeed! Not only was the skyline picture-perfect with the outdoor museum of Rome opened up in front of us like a painting, and mountains to paint the background....but there was a stunning fountain right behind us as we gazed upon the city. I think I have mentioned my new love of fountains here in Rome, and this one has to be one of the most beautiful I have seen. This fountain is called the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola and was built by Pope Paul V in the early 17th century. It was such a gorgeous and sunny day, and the warm sun was quite welcomed. I have this fear of over-accessorizing so when I couldn't find any jewelry to match my outfit, I went with none! I hope you enjoy the mini photoshoot we had at this stunning location, and I hope you all had a wonderful weekend as well!