Heavy Metal: Metallic Trend for Spring

A huge trend I've been noticing both in Italy and in US magazines (I still pour over every month's issues of Vogue, Vanity Fair, Elle, Lucky and Glamour!) is metallics for spring. There's no better way to warm up a frosty complexion than with a little glow. 

I think the best way to incorporate metallics tastefully is through accessories (including makeup!). I've pulled together some neutral shoes with metallic touches, my favorite dainty gilded necklaces and finally some metallic cosmetics that will complete the look.

Bonus points for pairing with all neutrals (i.e. this goes perfectly with a little black dress!).

Badgley Mischka Ankle Strap Wedge Sandals / Valentino Sandal Heels  / Yves Saint Laurent Gold and Sheer Flats / Tory Burch Jackie Wedge Sandals / J Crew Embellished Sandals / Chloé Scallop Flats / Valentino Wrap Sandals

Alexis Bittar Station Necklace / Van Cleef Arpels Mother of Pearl Necklace / Mallary Marks Gold Necklace / David Yurman Trefoil Chain Necklace / Jennifer Meyer Jewelry Cross Necklace / Jennifer Meyer Jewelry Diamond Necklace / Jennifer Meyer Jewelry Heart Necklace / Bianca Pratt Diamond Necklace

drybar Gold Mine Shimmery Leave In Conditioner/ Butter London Nail Polish / Laura Mercier Radiance Primer / Chanel Shimmer Eye Shadow / Smashbox Face Illuminating Powder / Christian Dior Eye Shadow / Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick

xoxo

Roma: Midterm Update + A New Playlist!

This past weekend marked one month of my study abroad program in Rome. It seems that time has gone so fast and so slow all at the same time! I can't believe I'm almost halfway through my time here. 

A midterm break- both physically and mentally- is exactly what I've been needing so I am ready to continue soaking up all that Rome has to offer. This post marks the beginning of my reflections.

So far, my stay here has been incredible. Everyone on my program keeps using the phrase "such an experience." From running around the gardens at Villa d'Este in Tivoli to the most amazing week-long visit from my boyfriend to going to Easter Mass at the Vatican to becoming a regular at a few places near my apartment, every minute has been filled with memorable cultural experiences, no matter how small.

A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Well here are some photos from the trip with captions:

Cappuccino

First things first: food. Specifically, coffee. Italian espresso is simply delicious. Whether you stop in at a famous coffee shop like Tazza D'Oro and Sant'Eustachio or any random cafe, you're hard pressed to find a bad cappuccino and coronetto (the smaller italian equivalent of a croissant). And the designs in the coffee are simply gorgeous! The cup above was the best-- and most beautiful-- coffee I tried during the trip.

Aperitivo

Next up are aperitivi or appetizers. Aperitivo is the italian practice of having drinks and snacks before dinner. I've gotten early into ordering meat and cheese platters as appetizers when I go out to dinner with friends. Again, the presentation is just as wonderful as the taste of the food!

Chocolate and Hazelnut Gelato

The gelato is simply heavenly! The best part is the panna or cream they put on top. It's nothing like sugary American whipped cream, but instead it is light and fluffy, enhancing the flavor of the rich gelato.

Spaghetti Pomodorini

And last, but certainly not least in the food category is pasta. The pasta in Italy is just slightly al dente (meaning firm) which really adds another dimension of texture to every dish. I'm loving trying fresh pesto and cacio e pepe during my travels!

Sant'Andrea al Quirinale

In terms of art, I am obsessed with baroque architecture, and there are few better places to study it than Italy. The gilded roof pictured above is in Bernini's Sant'Andrea al Quirinale. I love the sense of movement and grandeur that is baroque architecture.

The Boxer at the Palazzo Massimo

Visiting museums with my classmates and professor have provided me an unparalleled academic experience. There's nothing like learning from an expert and then discussing the pieces we study while they're physically in front of us. Previously, I had very much discounted the impact art and architecture can have on a viewer when the work is physically present, but now I really understand how striking a work really is in the flesh (cue my bizarrely emotional responses to seeing the Dying Gaul and Gardens of Villa d'Este).

Villa d'Este

When we first walked into the gardens, one of my classmates remarked that Villa d'Este was actually heaven on earth. I think he is right. I am rarely so overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur outdoors as I was upon visiting the gardens at the villa in Tivoli. The fountain-filled gardens at Villa d'Este show a controlled version of nature, striking a balance between the untamed earth and man's command over the natural world. 

Il Papa

For Easter, many of the students on my program including myself were able to get tickets to Vatican Mass. It was an incredible and exhausting experience that I will certainly never forget. 

Mosaics

Mosaics are seriously everywhere in Italy, and I think they are absolutely incredible. I am used to seeing mosaics with larger, more noticeable tesserae, however the ones I have been seeing in Rome look like actual pictures from far away. The pieces of glass and ceramic tile are so minuscule!

The Capitoline Museum

I visited the Capitoline with my classmates one of the first days of the program and absolutely loved it. The Greco-Roman art grows more impressive given its place on the piazza at the top of Capitoline Hill, designed by Michelangelo himself. Additionally, the museum opens up to the above view of the forum, giving the artwork proper historical context and transporting the viewer further back in time. In fact, I loved this museum so much I took il mio ragazzo back when he visited!

All Roads Lead to Rome

When the bf visited Roma, we made sure to stop by the Trevi fountain and toss in 3 gold coins so that  we would return back to Rome. His visit was one of the best parts of the trip as I loved showing him all the restaurants, historical sites and other favorite places I've told him about in one of the most romantic cities in the world. Looks like our coin toss worked as I'm lucky enough to be seeing him again in 6 days! I can't believe it!

And here's the soundtrack that's been blasting all trip long:

Ciao!

xoxo

Required Reading & Rome Update

Confession: Before I arrived in Rome, I not only overestimated not only how much time I would have to post, but also how much time I would want to spend posting. So for the past 4 weeks, my blog has been a series of random updates and excuses as to why I haven't been posting. In reality, I simply haven't wanted to devote an hour or more per day to writing.

This blog has always been my creative outlet- a side project that I didn't want to be stressful, but instead a place to share what I love and what inspires me.  During my first month in Rome, I wanted to soak it all in and explore, so I took a break from Prose, Pearls & Polka Dots.

And during that time, it felt great. 

But now that things have settled down, I am going to try to post a little more often when inspiration strikes me. However, while I am studying abroad my main priority is to soak it all in. And let me tell you- there is a lot to explore and experience.

I will be posting some more in-depth updates about the trip, but today I have some articles I have been reading to share for "Required Reading."

Note: This week's "Required Reading" won't feature the normal categories of what I post, but will be a compilation of different favorite things I have read online. 

1. For anyone who has, will or is studying abroad, this list of tips is helpful and mostly applicable to making the most of your trip. Especially number 15!

2. I am legitimately paranoid when it comes to sunscreen. When I was a sophomore in high school I went to an outdoor music concert in a tank top and forgot to reapply sunscreen to my shoulders. What seemed like months of peeling and redness later, the burn recovered but I still have a smattering of freckles across my shoulders. Now that spring has arrived, applying sunscreen all over is very important. Read this guide for head-to-toe protection.

3. I have been eating so much great pasta in Italy. What makes it stand out is just how well it is cooked- slightly al dente, but not too firm. When preparing pasta at home, follow these tips to get the perfect texture every time.

4. Now Smell This and The Olfactorialist are two blogs I consult whenever I'm looking for a new perfume. They recently came in handy lately when a perfume I had turned a strange color and started smelling strange- turns out I've been storing my perfume incorrectly (aka displaying them on my bedside table) all along. Follow these tips to make your scents last long and smell great.

5. One of my favorite websites is The Coveteur. Dedicated to following the lives fashion's biggest names, The Coveteur gives readers a peak into the closets of stylists, profiles new designers and highlights all things chic. This article about Grace Coddington of Vogue's birthday is phenomenal as is this look into make up artist Lisa Eldrige's home.

6. Finally, I have been recently loving theSkimm. My wifi hasn't been the most consistent while in Rome and my mornings start much earlier, so I haven't had as much time to peruse NYT right when I get up (thankfully since downloading the mobile version of the paper, I've been able to read it at lunch). However, for my morning informing, theSkimm is perfect. Monday through Friday, I get an email with important news stories even some fashion and entertainment updates. It's written very conversationally and is great for right when I get up in the morning. 

Happy Monday!

xoxo

March Favorites

March has been such a whirlwind. I can't believe I've gone from finals on the East Coast to home for a few days in California to now studying in Italy-- so many wonderful things have happened over the past 31 days, and I know things will continue to get better in April.

Here are a few of my favorites from March:

Head to Toe Black

via Pinterest

I love the all black look (I'll be posting more about it later this week) that I have seen so many Italians rock. It is chic and sophisticated. By playing with textures and adding one bold accessory (a necklace or a scarf or a bag), you look instantly elegant. Obsessed!

Joie Ailey Leather Jacket

via Joie

In the same vein as the all black look, I am obsessed with my Joie Ailey leather jacket. I know I'll get a ton of wear out of this classic piece and think the cut is just so flattering. Love it!

Silk Scarves

via Pinterest

I have been loving adding a silk scarf to a neutral outfit. The pop of color instantly livens things up.

Dior Healthy Glow Blush

via Pinterest

I have been obsessed with the Dior Healthy Glow range for awhile, but I am especially in love with the blush- it's simply perfect for spring. The color is very bright initially, but gets much more subtle when applied (use a light hand) and blends easily. The cool blue undertones make eyes look whiter and your face look fresher all around!

Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil

via Pinterest

A few weeks ago, I got a facial after a particularly bad breakout (most likely due to a very stressful end of the term). The esthetician said my skin was pretty weak and dehydrated and recommend I use something with Vitamin C to strengthen my skin. Luckily, I had this serum at home already and began using it twice per day. It could be a total placebo effect, but my breakouts are majorly reduced even after traveling and getting less-than-ideal amounts of sleep. Great find!

Cacio e Pepe Pasta

via Pinterest

Since getting to Rome, I've tried out a new pasta dish called Cacio e Pepe. Essentially it is a type of pasta with some olive oil, cheese and lots of black pepper. Initially I wasn't sure if I would like it, but I ended up loving it. Obviously it isn't very healthy so I've only had it a couple of times since arriving in Rome but it's incredible.

Gelato

via Pinterest

I've been trying out a new gelato place every few days (somehow my sweet tooth has majorly disappeared since moving to Rome) when I'm in the mood, and I've found a few great places. At the end of my trip, I'll be posting a guide to all my favorite places in Rome including gelato.

Rome

via Pinterest

I am so happy that I decided to study abroad in Rome for a quarter. There were so many times I became nervous about the program- I am not an art history major, I barely speak italian, I was going to miss my family and boyfriend so much et cetera. However, the city itself has provided me an unparalleled educational and cultural experience that I have really enjoyed. My italian has drastically improved since I got here, I've learned about the fundamentals of Roman art and architecture throughout history and keeping in touch with my family and boyfriend has not been as difficult as I anticipated (thank you FaceTime). Feeling at home while abroad is so nice and thanks to a few visitors over the term, my real home doesn't seem so far away.

Happy Wednesday!

xoxo 

Italian Style: Leather Jackets

Joie Leather Jacket

Since getting to Italy, I have noticed just how popular leather is with Italians. From skirts to bags to even pants (not for the faint of heart!), leather-- or pelle in Italian-- is in every story window, but nothing quite matches the staying power of a leather jacket.

I have wanted to buy a leather jacket for a very long time, but always felt they were too edgy for my generally feminine taste. However, after trying on Joie's Ailey leather jacket, I realized that was simply not the case. This jacket was a big purchase for me, and I know it will have a lot of staying power- I've already worn it countless times as it's perfect for transitioning from winter to spring!

Here are some outfit ideas:

Rebecca Taylor Floral Dress / Diane Von Furstenberg Python Dress  / Dolce Gabbana Bow Blouse / Equipment PJ Shirt / RED Valentino Circle Skirt / Alice + Olivia Skirt

I try to stay within my comfort zone with the jacket, by making sure I mix it with classic pieces so my outfit stays feminine. I love the combination of black and white, especially with a girly bow at the neck. 

For springtime, throw a leather jacket over a floral dress for an unexpected twist, or mix animal prints by adding it to a snakeskin ensemble (however, don't try leopard print other than shoes as that verges on tacky).

Dress up your favorite silk PJ style shirt (so comfy) by tucking it into a black circle skirt and tossing on a leather jacket. Rolling out of bed has never looked so good!

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo