Cheers, London!

My last full day in London, how bittersweet. The day began with a traditional english breakfast complete with eggs, sausage, hashbrowns, bacon, beans, and toast. The we headed to Abbey road to channel our inner Beatles.

Our study center provided us with a farewell tea at Trafalgar Square. It was so enjoyable. We spent the afternoon indulging in tea, scones, and desserts while reminiscing on our fabulous trip abroad. 

I cannot believe my study abroad trip has come to an end. In a just 4 short weeks I traveled to 4 countries, snagged my dream internship, made wonderful new friends, crammed in every possible thing I could do, and experienced things I will never EVER forget.

London, you will be missed.

What I am wearing:

• Leopard print top from Forever 21
• Beaded necklace from Bloomingdales
• Red wide leg trouser pants from Dorothy Perkins
• Vintage Moschino bag
• Michael Kors cut out oxfords

Portobello Market

Portobello Market was one of my favorite markets I visited on this trip. With a little more upscale items, and lots of vintage I enjoyed just walking through. One woman's vintage jewelry shop was unbelievable. Her collection was very impressive and you would have had to spend an entire day there just to see it all. Just beautiful. Another shop I enjoy was a vintage store solely dedicated to furs. I tried on a cream mink coat just for fun. It was fabulous. 

I am wearing a shirt I bought at Spitalfields with fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld on it. This is such an awesome shirt and I got so much use out of it on this trip. That night we went out to one of London's exclusive rooftop bars, Paramount which was located on top of the Center Point building. For the night out I transformed this outfit from day to night by pairing my Karl Lagerfeld tee tucked into a pair of red trousers, a black and white striped blazer, and a chunky bib necklace and wedges. Perfect transition from day to night!

What I am wearing:

• Coral colored J Brand skinnies
• Karl Lagerfeld graphic tee from Spitalfields market
• Leopard scarf from Zara
• Vintage Moschino crossbody bag
• Gold sparkly oxfords from Urban Outfitters

Big Ben and Westminster Abbey

Today we went to both Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. It was a beautiful day with blue skies perfectly dispersed with fluffy clouds. We only walked by Big Ben but it was a beautiful sight. 

Next we went into Westminster Abbey. I am so happy I took the time to go inside because it was just breathtaking. I literally stood in the same place Will and Kate were married. It was an amazing feeling. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside, but the interior was so intricate. 

This was a quick day trip because we had to be home early to get ready for our bar crawl that night. We went to 5 different bars in 5 hours. It was so much fun and almost everyone from our retail group went. It was a great way for the group to get together before our trip ended.

The previous day we went to Spitalfields market where I purchased some untique things, and also found one of the best vintage stores I saw on this trip. The selection of shoes and handbags was unreal. Cases with vintage Chanel, LV, Hermes, Dior surrounded me and I was in heaven. The bag I am carrying in my pictures was purchased here and it was such a good find. This vintage Moschino was hidden in the mass array of designer handbags and I snagged it as soon as I could. Such a unique purchase from London. :) 

What I am wearing:

• Michael Kors chambray buttoned and tied up
• Chartreuse lace dress from Cotton On
• Michael Kors cut out oxfords
• Vintage Moschino crossbody bag from a boutique in London

Crossing off my London bucket list

Taking advantage of a free day we decided to cross a few things off our to-do list starting with the changing of the guards. There were crowds of people gathered around the Buckingham Palace all just waiting to see the guards. If there were that many people there then, I cannot imagine how it was during the Royal wedding. Unbelievable. 

After that we picked up sandwiches and headed to Hyde Park for a picnic. The weather was so nice that we had no choice but to enjoy it. It's a rare occasion that we didn't hit rain once! We all sat in the grass enjoyed our food and company and of course took lots of pictures.

Next stop was the London Eye. This giant ferris wheel gave us the perfect view of London. It was definitely worth the long wait sitting in line. 

After that it was the perfect time for an afternoon tea. We went to Harrods, London's famous department store and enjoyed scones, cakes, and vanilla tea. It was fabulous. I enjoyed every single sip.

We didn't have much time at Harrod's because we had to catch the 7:00 show for Cantina. I have to go back before I leave to do some shopping! I cannot leave London without at least ONE purchase from there. :) Cantina was an awesome circus show that had me literally on the edge of my seat. After we went out for dinner and drinks which lead to dancing the night away to some classic 90s. 

A day totally dedicated to having fun, and that is just what we did. We only have a week left here and we are going to live it up! 

What I am wearing:

• H&M black and white striped top
• Cobalt blue boyfriend blazer from Forever 21
• Hermes scarf (my new purchase from Milan!!)
• J Brand black skinnies
• Sparkly gold oxfords from Urban Outfitters

Ciao Milano!

My weekend get-away to Milan was more than fabulous. Indulging in food, fashion, wine and gelato I can say that my stay was quite successful.

We arrived to Milan early Friday and went exploring. We walked around the center of town and saw the Duomo. It was breathtaking to see, absolutely HUGE. Little did I know one of my favorite bloggers, The Blonde Salad was there nearly 45 minutes after I left. :( You can only imagine my heartbreak. I also tried my first real gelato. Naturally it was to die for, and it wasn't my last of the weekend. We went back to freshen up and we headed off to dinner by the Naviglio Grande Canal. The scenery and people watching was ideal.

The next day was devoted to shopping and drooling over all the luxury brands in Milan. I was in awe with every step we took and I even treated myself to something I have been eyeing for a long time - an iconic Hermes scarf. For lunch I ate a 4 cheese pizza that literally cannot be described and of course had wine. I also loved how many dogs I saw walking in Milan. Dogs of every size. Made me miss my animals back home. :)

Finally we treated ourselves to fancy dinner in town. There is not one bad thing I can say about this meal. Fully equipped with an appetizer, pasta, dessert, wine, dessert wine, and lemoncello we were in heaven. Our waiters were precious and gave us the best service we could ask for. We ended the night at a bar on a side street watching all the beautiful italians pass us by. What a perfect night.

Our stay in Milan was not nearly enough time. Italy was one of my favorite places visited so far and I only got a glimpse of it. I cannot wait until I can come back again one day and see it all....and drink more wine.

What I am wearing (outfit #1)

• Tie-dye tunic from boutique in Camden
• Black leggings
• Collar necklace from Bloomingdales
• Black combat boots from Aldo

What I am wearing (outfit #2)

• Kitty print dress from Zara
• Michael Kors jean chambray
• Neon skinny belt from Target
• Sparkly oxfords from Urban Outfitters

What I am wearing (outfit #3)

• Free People black and gold tunic
• Black leggings
• Black combat boots from Aldo