Travel in Rome ~ Keep the Style, Keep the Attitude!!

Day 4 and Day 5 in Rome, we continue our Journey to walk every inch of ancient Rome. Niel, Abby and Ilona are very excited whenever there are steps/stairs and big open space for them to run around, and to chase each other. ^^ 


Kids are simple, they will have fun just like that!!! 


Day 4, we went back to Piazza Navona again to visit the shops. 

Now this Kapital blazer + shorts becomes my signature look in Rome, I love it!

This shop has pretty blown-glass accessories and Murano is the special glass only made by Venice. I wish I can carry some chandelier home.... 
We are going to visit Florence in two days and hopefully we can make a trip to Venice.



 Rome designer: Patrizia Pieroni. There are only 1 store in Rome and 1 in Paris. 
That lovely frame bag is about EURO 495. 

 Missoni green/brown collar w/ zip-pull, Isabel Marrat pull over, Joie leather high-waisted shorts, black tights, DKNY socks, Kelsie lace-up wedge, brown distressed messenger.



I tried on this Vintage dark brown back bag, do you think I look "stylish"?
... but when did I carry back bag?



Do you notice that we almost buy new shoes for kids during our trips? hha... Like Mother, like kid!! ^O^



Camper Rain coats...little souvenirs for kids. 



The rain boots to the far right has rubber, leather and inside faux fur lining...how luxury! 



The very first time that we had Chinese Food in Rome. They don't have much exotic food there.... but kids love pizza and pasta so it is not a problem when it comes to meal time!


They have their school work to do everyday (school required) which I think is wonderful. They will remember their Journey better when write it down in words!!



Did you see my new boots!!? 
From ethic(I took picture the other day in previous post). 
It has gorgeous moss green + taupe leather and suede and faux fur lining inside!!
Euro $120!! Fab. 



Panthon. 



You can't miss Fontana di Trevi when you are in Rome. 

Last day/Day 5 in Rome

Like I said, cotton blazer + shorts become my fashion staple here in Rome. The weather is nice and even it is rainy and cool, you won't feel slightly chill and uncomfortable at all. Except rain sometimes do get you nerve when kids are getting tired!!

Everyone has their new THINGS on!! I have my new Gap hat, Abby has her new down coat, Ilona and Niel has their new Camper boots. 

Kids are happy as they run all over the place inside the Colosseo!!



DH and me.



Finally DH's most want visit 




Unexpected encounter.... black cat inside Colosseo!






Ethic boots, lovely color, warm lining makes them a perfect boots walking in cool and rainy day.



Santa Maria Maggiore at Esquiline Hill (this is almost another side of Rome that we haven't set our foot at.)



Chinese food again~~ :P 



Let's call it a day ... my feet are sore..... 
Piazza de Popolo!!


Stay tuned~
xoxo Rachel 

The Coat Goes w/ the Hat ~ Plus Chanel 10A Limited Edition Khaki Brun Nail Polish!

Humanoid Orange pull over shirt w/ shoulder patch

Marni 10A houndstooth shearling jacket

Joie Leather shorts

J Crew military inspired belt

black stockings

Falke stripes thigh socks

Free people wool hat

Givenchy Tinha studs hobo

Marni 09' platform heels




I rampage through our guest closet down stairs for hats again this morning.  

The underlying reason of me wearing a hat is that I won't keep getting a hair cut, and have it grow just a bit longer/faster. ^O^

MY ODJ. 

1. Top:

Vince box-cut shirt

 Kapital cotton blazer w/ leather elbow patch

2. Bottom:

Max Co. twill cropped pants in Khaki

3. Accessory:

San Diego knitting hat

Elfi Altendorfer designer jewelry pink butterfly agate necklace

Louis Vuitton black mini monogram clutch 06'

4. Shoes:

Jean Michel Cazabat sandals

Chanel Limited Edition Khaki Brun Nail Polish!'
(a pale stony taupe)

Chanel 505 is not limited edition.... which is sort of a taupe color as well.

Such a pretty Khaki green!!!

Big kisses to Cathy who helps me snapping this LAST one in NM today! ^^

Have Fun w/ your nail polish. 

xoxo Rachel

A Day - Well Planned!!

I signed up as a volunteer for Niel's school. His school organizes a Project Cornerstone for parents to read books to each class once a month and do some fun activities according to what book is about. I am glad that I have a parter, Mark, whose son also goes to the same class as Niel. And he is a well-experienced volunteer for school.

9:00 AM

Today's book: "Have you filled up your bucket? "
Everyone has to write a "warm fuzzy" = nice words to the other classmate.

  How does it work? If I said that I am so grateful to have you stopping by my blog and leaving me a comment. I am filling up your invisible bucket!! Then, if I have a smile/Thank-you words in return, we are filling each other's invisible bucket. We'd both be so happy!! ^O^ 

10:30 AM
Figured I have only 3 hours alone and should put it to good use. ^O^

My ODJ.


1. Top:
Free people taupe lace tube top
Anthropologie jersey and silk shirt
Ports 1981 sequin cardigan 


2. Bottom:
Joie high waist leather shorts


3. Accessory:
Louis Vuitton silver loop w/ 3 signature charms earrings
gray socks
two tones croc embossed leather belt
Chanel 09' cruise matte white 227 reissue


4. Shoes:
Alexander Wang Abbey sandal heels 


It turns out this Ports 1961 second hand cardigan $89 is so practical to me. 


Same shade but different textures will give your same colored outfit some depth and fun. 

I intended to leave my bag unbuttoned...but I guess I won't even dare to do that when travel to Italy this November. 

Then I start putting Halloween pieces around my house... untill....... gotta go picking up Niel from school at 2 PM, and dropping off for Chinese class at 3:30 PM. Again, picking up Ilona and Heidi from school around 3:45 PM. Running errands in between, then picking up Niel at 4:30 PM and rushing from Cupertino to Los Gatos for both Niel and Heidi's 4:45 PM Piano Class. .... VROOM, VROOM ~~~~ (Of course I am, we are, late for 5 mins when we were there about 4:50 PM already.)

Anyone wants to be hired as private chauffeur?  lol

5:35 PM

It is 6:30 PM when we arrived home for dinner. Who says that I'd be Super relaxed and FREE when kids are all gone for school????!! 

"WOMEN and CATS do as they please. 
Men and Dogs should relax and get used to the idea!!!"

Have you filled up your bucket yet?
Have a good laugh!
xoxo Rachel 

Hot in the air!

It is 104º F here in San Jose today!! HOT HOT HOT > <.....Scorching hot!! But since I am staying IN most of the time, I am glad that I didn't have a heat stroke even in my leather shorts today!! lol

Ann Taylor bib necklace gifted from Ann. There are tiny rhinestones and it looks incredible precious!
(SOLD OUT!!! ^O^) 
I love brass baubles and they are great to jazz up any kind of looks. 
I think Ann Taylor is doing not bad in business from swinging back to profit this season at their retails. 


I had purple eyeliner today. 



I don't really like to display my necklaces on a rack or anything, I'd rather store them inside the drawers. Just a few of my fave. I'd hang them on my vanity desk to keep my room look tidy. 



Isn't that a gorgeous thing or what?!


No, I don't want to wear boots or anything seems COOL today even w/ leather shorts.
Something Kawaii it is. ^^ 


I bought this lace bat-sleeves jacket in Taipei and I am so happy w/ its look and good price. 
It is made in Korea and these days most of Asians raved about Korea's culture, music, and styles...everything!! 



Rrrr,... almost twisted my neck there. 


Yu gave me this distressed lace "leggings" but it is so tight that I barely wear it pass my Bu**.  Therefore, I made it as leg warmer or arm warmer w/ elastic bands instead. 


My ODJ. 


1. Top:
Free people tube bra
Mexx sheered navy shirt (bought from Taipei, way back in 99')

2. Bottom:
Joie high waist leather shorts


3. Accessory:
Ann Taylor brass w/ crystals bib necklace 
Distressed lace leg warmer..(by me)
HoBo International distressed suede messenger bag


4. Shoes:
kron by Kron Kron 



W/ necklace and o la la ~ my complete ensemble. 

So, we are slowly renovating our Pergo floor to hardwood inside the house.  But mainly, it is our two bedrooms downstairs are given a face-lift first. Next? Should be our tiny closet!!

The warm color of this Maple "Mirage" hardwood flooring gives Ilona's room a very hospitality look. 

Ilona normally climbs onto her bed to nap in the late afternoon. But she still sleeps w/ Abby upstairs during the night. 


Sweet dream,  my little princess!!
xoxo MOM

Maroon RED + YELLOW!!

Isabel found this Joie leather shorts w/ pleats in front and bought one for me too. Thanks to her!!


I love it very much and I think it has that timeless look which would be another wardrobe staple of mine! ^O^


Isabel also thinks we are undergoing a phase which super short shorts is deemed as inappropriate attire for our age.... (over 30s). Well, I can't quite argue w/ her and I do want to look more sophisticated for the years to come.

Can't stop my girls modeling in front of the camera. 

This is the moment that they are willing to do things that I like to do.  ^O^

What is great about this Joie leather shorts is that....it has that body flattering pleats in the front!


1. Top:

• Parameter pinstriped tunic shirt dress (wore as top)
• Boss orange label brown leather blazer

2. Bottom:
Joie leather shorts w/ pleats... a little flare look.


3. Accessory:

• Karen Walker Dandy sunglasses in tortoise
• Hermes horn earrings 2010
• Proenza Shouler PS1 clutch
• Turkey Pashmina red/orange scarf (a gift from the owner when I bought that Turkish fabric covered cow-boy boots in Carmel-by-the-sea)

4. Shoes:
A. Wang suede lace-up boots 09' 

This Joie leather shorts currently sold at Nordstrom Rack for $129.
Another great deal. 

Looking at those pictures of  yesterday and today's outfits, I found there is an coincidence of my ensemble: two dominant colors of Yellow and Maroon.


You know, you really should go through your entire wardrobe couple times in a year to sort pieces out. Otherwise, your laziness and unstoppable buying behavior would left your entire closet defunct.  (I am actually talking to myself here!!:P)





MY ODJ


1. Top:

• Dries Van Norton injet print blouse
• HM green short blazer w/ drapes in front

2. Bottom:
Y-3 big pocket cropped pants


3. Accessory:

• Anthropologie yellow ruffle scarf made in India
• J Crew gold stud belt
• Proenza Shouler PS1 clutch 

4. Shoes:
Christian Louboutin Bianca lambskin 140 KID 









Calling friends for happy hour. ^O^


Have a great Wed. evening!
xoxo Rachel