Updates from Europe

Hi, everyone, and apologies for the lack of posts lately. It's nothing personal. Really. Even my own mother has been failing at contacting me lately. Being eight hours ahead of the rest of the world, sleeping (or not sleeping) at godawfully inopportune times, and digging in the hot sun for eight plus hours a day does a number on the appeal of fashion-blogging.

Aside from all that, what [i]have[/i] I been up to? Last Tuesday I flew to Rome with a couple of stops along the way. Long story short, Rome was fantastic. Everyone always talks about the gorgeous fashion and it's true; you can spot the local Roman women from miles away because they always look lovely. It's so nice to be in a city where you can't be overdressed.

I didn't bring my wallet (purposefully) when I went down the walk of fashion down near the Spanish Steps; I knew better than to have any access to funds while in the vicinity of Armani and Max Mara. I also didn't want to be tempted to "waste" time shopping when I only had three days in Rome. Note to any ladies voyaging to the Old World any time soon -- you might want to sacrifice fashion for the happiness of your feet. American girls aren't usually used to always walking on rock (cobbles, marble, granite, ancient Roman pavement), after all. I was on my feet for about fifteen hours a day, most of which was on rock, and at around two in the afternoon, my feet would hurt so badly that it was like an elaborate form of torture to keep playing the tourist act. Not just "aw my feet are sore :(" pain, but I literally could not walk across the bed and breakfast when I got in at night. And I was just in gladiator sandals! Not heels!

I'm in Croatia for the next couple of weeks. After that I should be back in Italy (I have to be to catch a flight), but depending on how my work schedule works out over here, I may have some extra days to play with. I'm trying not to let Sicily or Greece play into the equation...

That's all for now. When I get back I'll put up some outfits inspired by the girls on this side of the lake, some more polish reviews, and figure out my work schedule and catch up on paperwork... oh scratch the last two for the blog. :D Ciao for now!

Fashion: Rome: The Forum

I went ahead and did up the first Polyvore for my trip, even though it technically will be for my third day in Rome. I had the hardest time finding the exact pieces I am bringing, so a few things, like the earrings and sweater, are close approximates instead of the exact ones. As always, click through for the separate items.

The base of the look is a fantastic blue maxi dress. Forever 21 stopped selling it almost as soon after I bought it, but it is beautiful. I really hope they restock, because I want to get a chocolate one and a grey one if they happen to restock. To bring up the length just a little, because it is not petite-friendly on the length, I use a wide belt similar to the one pictured here. It also slims the look and gives more definition to the dress.

The gladiator sandals pictured here are probably my favorite shoes that I own. These are the Sydnee gladiator sandals by Mantego Bay -- for Payless of all places! I had been looking for gladiator sandals to appease my Roman bent long before they became ridiculously popular a couple of summers ago, and these were one of the first "no frills" sandals that I found. They look more like something out of a historic costuming store than the cheaper gladiator sandals that have since become incredibly mass-marketed. They are also the most durable shoes I think I have ever owned. They have walked all over the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire with me; now it's time for them to walk on the Augustan pavements at the Forum.

The sweater is a bit different than the one pictured here, but I always pack one to avoid the sun and potential cold. Mine has more stripes that are positioned diagonally; they are also much thinner, and the sweater is a little looser. Mine is also an Armani Collezioni, and it really looks good with the maxi dress.

Other accessories? The dress does not like fighting with necklaces, and the earrings that I will actually wear have one less tier than these, but the colors are nearly identical. I have a couple of gold/bronze-colored bangle bracelets that will be worn similar to the model's in the photograph of the dress. And lastly, the champagne-colored eyeshadow in the Almay set, as well as the "Volcanic" color of the lipstick (apropos for a trip that may involve Pompeii, no?) are staples.

I think "Bling Dynasty" may be the nail polish for the trip -- I only should need one while I am traveling, and I do not particularly want to be wearing an expensive nail polish when I'm digging in the dirt. Finish it all off with a splash of Armani Code, and this girl is ready for her extended Colosseum tour.