Italy has some of the most expensive, most luxurious, and downright beautiful designer brands and stores. Although I couldn’t afford even a keychain, window shopping was enough satisfaction for me.
Prada and Louis Vuitton from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Chanel always keeps it classy..
Dior, Gucci and Tiffany’s signs…
some Valentino mannequins…
Stairway to Heaven (aka Louis V)…
and dazzling Dior from the Spanish Steps…
xx, Ciera
Ciao! Arrivederci! My Italian adventure has finally come to an end, two weeks and two long plane rides later, I am left with a bittersweet taste of wonderful memories and excitement to sleep in my own bed. This trip has taught me so much about who I am and who I want to be. I have learned to appreciate all that I have back at home- wonderful family, friends, air conditioning, variety of food choices, toilet paper, seat covers, free water, customer service, and again air conditioning!!! As well learning how difficult language barriers really are, the importance of being bilingual, and being able to figure things out on my own. In some ways Italy was so much different than my expectations, but it was a fun, enlightening, once in a lifetime experience that I will always remember. Hopefully in the future I will be able to return back to Rome (counting on that wish at the Trevi Fountain!) or wherever my travels may take me overseas. Now it’s back to sunny California beaches for me…
So, did anyone else have any exciting summer ventures? Leave any thoughts or comments below! I would love to hear from you! 🙂
xx, Ciera
If you already didn’t know, the Lizzie McGuire Movie was one of my absolute FAVOURITE movies growing up. Hilary Duff was my idol and role model (I used to want to be a singer and actress) and she inspired much of my fashion and hairstyles growing up. I can remember the day the movie came out, my mom took me out of school early to watch it with my BFF and for about the next three months straight we would reenact the entire movie with our Bratz dolls. One of my favourite scenes from the movie was when Paolo takes her out on a date and they run through the fountains together, so when I looked up the location online, to my excitement I found exactly what I was looking for- Villa d’Este, Tivoli.
The most difficult part was figuring out exactly how to get there. First we took two metro lines down to the train station, where we got tickets for only 3 euros (meaning no air conditioning). After an hour we reached the Tivoli stop, searched the station for a map but had no luck. Fortunately it is a relatively small town, so we followed the signs up through a steep hill through the main shopping town and finally found Villa d’Este overlooking the beautiful countryside. The magnificent landscape, fountains, music, and architecture was the perfect, relaxing finish to my two week vacation.
{ Dress: Rome Street Market dress | O’Neill sandals | Thrifted aviators | Topshop bracelet | Rome Street Market earrings | MAC Rebel lipstick }
xo, Ciera
Just a few snapshots I took all over the streets of the one and only Rome… hope you enjoy!
xx, Ciera
Choosing a restaurant in Italy is actually more difficult than it looks. Even though most places sell relatively the same food, in terms of quality and price, not everything is equal. The streets near the Westin have so many cafes, bistros, shops, and other hotels nearby that it’s hard to know even where to start. Plus, there are people standing outside every restaurant begging you to come try their food. My family’s strategy was to walk around the side streets, looking for the place with the best looking dessert. While we were on the street, a man approached us with a polaroid camera and took a picture for me and my sister for $1 American money and a 50 cent euros (we talked him down from 5 euro). I felt like such a hipster but I’m a sucker for the vintage feel of polaroids. For dinner, we found this great little bar and sat outside while the sun went down. I finally had my first real Italian four cheese spinach ravioli (which was delicious) and a coconut chocolate pastry for dessert.
{ ASTR shirt | Santee Alley skirt | Thrifted shoes | Topshop necklace | Rome Street Market sunglasses | Anne Klein crossbody }
xx, Ciera
The Vatican city is actually its own independent state, separate from Rome, and governed by its own set of rules. It was so exciting getting to visit a one of the most internationally recognized places in the world.
Breakfast began with a ricotta cannoli from a bakery across from the Vatican.
The tour was only 3 hours so I wasn’t able to see everything, but we went through the gardens, museum, the Sistene Chapel, and St. Peter’s Bascilica. So much history was packed into my brain in so little time that I was overwhelmed, but also left in complete awe.
Afterwards it was on to the next tour at the Colosseum and the Forum. I’ve always loved history and so I was interested in learning all about the gladiator games and amazed by all the ancient architecture. You can only imagine how magnificent it must have looked when it was first built thousands and thousands of years ago. It was definitely a day complete with stunning sights and fascinating information.
xx, Ciera
Sorry for the little break in posts, I have been incredibly busy and am coming near the end of my journey! I will try to update everything within the next few days, so please bear with me 🙂
Anyone that has seen pictures or videos of the Trevi Fountain has undoubtedly fallen in love with the magic and beauty it contains. It is truly one of the most romantic places, filled with an indescribable hope and enchantment that dazzles people from all over the world. Actually, the fountain was a bit smaller than I expected- the movies always made it look HUGE!- but it still is absolutely amazing and lived up to all my expectations. Of course I had to throw a coin in the fountain, meaning I must come back to Rome someday!
I had breakfast outside at a cafe right next to the fountain called the Trevi Cafe and ordered some amazing nutella banana strawberry crepes.
Afterwards we decided to do some more sightseeing and walked down to the Pantheon and Spanish steps for a few hours.
We finished off the day by finally getting a real American dinner- the Hard Rock Cafe- smoothies, macaroni & cheese, and nachos- yum!
You can see more pictures of my outfit from today here.
xx, Ciera
Rome, although not as hot as Florence, is still definitely much warmer than my normal beachy California weather. I thought now was the perfect time to break out a crop top, paired with a loose and flowy high low skirt. This became one of my favourite outfits since it’s super comfortable and also aqua/turquoise is my favourite color. I walked around a lot today, so I put my hair up and out of my face in a messy bun.
{ Fashion Q top | Santee Alley skirt | Wet Seal necklace | Garage sale aviators | Steve Madden handbag | Fergie sandals }
xx, Ciera
I am beyond excited to finally be able to explore Rome, the eternal city! I have been dreaming of Rome ever since the Lizzie McGuire and Mary Kate and Ashley movies (don’t judge) and when I reached my hotel, I truly believed that I was still in my dreams. Never in my life have I stayed in a hotel this fancy, but my family actually used points from our time share to book two rooms at the Westin Excelsior for free! It is absolutely perfect here- chandeliers, gold detailing, comfy white pillows, an indoor pool, spa, and gym, and most importantly AIR CONDITIONING. 
The view from outside…
View of the lobby…
Down the hall..
Sitting poolside..
Chandeliers everywhere!!
The bath and shower..
Our own matching robes and slippers!
Best of all, the beds are very comfy 🙂
You can see more pictures of my outfit here. Suite dreams!
xx, Ciera
Before leaving Florence I had to stop by my favorite bakery Pugi for one last delicious chocolate pastry.
After that it was off to the high speed train for our final destination: ROME, ITALY. Once we settled in our amazing hotel, it was time for a celebratory birthday dinner for my dad’s 49th birthday! We went out for cake, cappuccinos, and gelato at a nearby restaurant.
{ Target tank | Stradivarius pants | Aero sandals }
xx, Ciera
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