Halloween Party

(My Cat Costume)

(Bloody Red Mini Whoopie Pies)

(Witch's Brew)

(Casket Cookie Brownies)

(Fun Sized Candy Display)

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. I just love any excuse to dress up, entertain, and eat candy. A little Halloween party was a great way to try out some spooky recipes and get into the holiday spirit. For food I stuck with appetizers and desserts that followed the Halloween theme perfectly. This holiday is all about having fun so make foods and decorations that you and your guests will get a kick out of. The trick to making an impressive Halloween party is all in the presentation. Make sure to add cute details like skeleton body parts, candy corn, drops of blood, fake teeth, and any creepy crawlers to the food and decor. On Halloween you can really go all out and use your whole arsenal of decorations and ideas. It's always good to have a scary Alfred Hitchcock movie or themed music on in the background as well, to set the mood.  Throwing a party should always be enjoyable, whether it's a little get together or a giant blowout. Find your inspiration and have fun with whatever you decide to do. 

Wishing you a very happy and stylish Halloween!

Fun in Florence

Dress: T by Alexander Wang  Shoes: Gap  Purse: Longchamp  Sunglasses: Dior  

Nails: Chanel in Graphite

As I was strolling through the Boboli Gardens in Florence I found myself very happy to be casual and cool in my favorite t-shirt dress and ballet flats. The gardens provided an excellent backdrop for surrounding myself with statuary and escaping the busy city outside. The Italian weather continued to be hot and humid through October and I enjoyed being comfortable as I hiked through the grounds. Since you do so much walking in Florence it is imperative to have comfortable shoes. The cobblestone streets and rocky paths do not agree with heels. During my trip I favored combat boots during the rainy days and flats for the rest. My Longchamp crossbody purse has been my constant companion throughout my travels. Not only is it easy to walk everywhere with, but it's also waterproof. Since it rains a lot in Europe it is great to be able to keep your camera, phone, and wallet dry when unexpected weather hits. When in Florence make sure to wear something you can be out in all day. The last thing you want to do is have to go back to your hotel to change your shoes or grab a jacket. Go for function when dressing for a day out in a big European city and add style with your accessories, like oversized sunglasses or statement jewelry. 

City Spotlight: Florence

(View of the Duomo)

(Best Gelato I've Ever Had)

(Piazza de la Repubblica)

(Gorgeous Statue from Piazza della Signoria)

(Spritz from Giacosa)

Florence is hands down one of the best cities I've ever visited. If you love art, food, shopping, architecture, or taking long beautiful walks this city is for you. From the second I got off the train I was blown away by the gorgeous buildings and bustling city life. Since Florence is rather small and a pedestrian city you can walk to every major attraction. For the art lovers, like myself, you'll find yourself in heaven with the Uffizi, Duomo, Accademia, Archaeology Museum, and so many more! Make sure to book tickets for the major museums in advance since the lines can be 1 to 2 hours long. If you don't have time look for the companies who sell reserved tickets right in line. They only cost 5 Euro more than a regular ticket and will save you hours of your valuable time. 

The food in Florence is the best I've had in Italy. The restaurants, markets, and boutique food shops are incredible. Make sure to have some pizza and pasta while you're there. I highly recommend prosciutto, cheese, and arugula pizza pictured above and fresh pear and cheese pasta. If you're looking to take some pasta, olive oil, or anything else food related back home with you make sure to check out Enoteca Alessi. They have the most amazing selection and experts who can help you find what you're looking for. Gelato is a must in Florence!  Be sure to try Grom or Vestri. Never go to the tourist trap gelaterias with neon colors. Ask where the best places are because it will be worth your while. Another one of my favorite things I tried in Florence was a spritz. It's an incredibly refreshing before dinner drink that everyone in Italy seems to love.

For those who love shopping welcome to paradise. Florence has everything from major Rodeo Drive style shops on Via de Tornabuoni, to eclectic vintage boutiques and everything in between. Two of my favorites were Dixie, a reasonably priced Florence based clothing store, and Consigli di Anna for some incredible Florentine jewelry. Fashion in Florence was much trendier and younger than I had seen in the rest of Italy. People there really embraced casual cool hipster trends like fedoras, scarves, boots, flannel, studded purses, and lots of black! The people who lived in Florence really made their style look laid back and effortless, but with an attention to incorporating new trends. If you want to explore your inner cool artist wardrobe this is the place to do it.

Night Out

Dress: Scoop  Coat: Helmut Lang  Shoes: Sam Edelman  Clutch: YSL  Ring: Vintage  Earrings: Lagos 

Dressing up to go out for the night is one of my favorite things to do. The most important thing to me is wearing something I feel great in. My standard going out wardrobe consists of silk dresses, lace up heels, and oversized jewelry. Now that the weather is starting to cool off I've been wearing long coats over my dresses. Once winter hits I will add tights and heeled boots. Another great look for going out in colder weather includes skinny jeans or shiny leggings, an oversized embellished top slightly tucked in, and a fitted jacket. I always reach for my oversized clutches when I go out. I can never fit anything into smaller bags and can't stand taking a bulky purse. YSL makes my favorite Belle du Jour clutch, which can easily hold your cell, makeup, cards, and anything else you need. I have also found some great larger clutches from Marc Jacobs and F21. In terms of shoes wear something you can actually walk in because that girl carrying her heels while she walks barefoot on the sidewalk never looks good. For makeup I love smoky eyes and nude lips at night. I always go for glittery nail polish when I go out. Chanel, OPI, and Deborah Lippmann make the best. Have fun with you clothes when you go out. It is a great time to try out trendier items and play with your style. 

California Meets Verona

Dress: Ann Taylor Loft  Necklace: Nordstrom Collection  Watch: Michael Kors  Sunglasses Ray Ban

Since I was only in Verona for one day, I didn't have too much time for pictures. I was extremely busy running around crowded piazzas and trying to take in everything the city had to offer. It has been unseasonably warm in Italy since I got here. By now everyone should be bundled up in layers and scarves, but instead it is 85 degrees. I can't stand to be walking around when I'm hot, so I decided to wear a sundress to keep me cool. In doing this I learned that in Italy if it's fall, no matter how warm it is, you dress for fall. People were looking at me like I was crazy to be wearing a dress in October, but it was so warm out that I didn't mind. Sometimes being comfortable, especially when you're traveling, is the most important thing. I normally try to assimilate to my surrounding culture as much as possible, but on that hot day in Verona I was happy to look like a California girl. Nothing beats a dress when it's warm out. Pair it with some comfortable sandals and a crossbody purse and you're ready for sight seeing in warmer weather. 

City Spotlight: Verona

(Beautiful Busy Street in Verona)

(Juliet's Balcony)

(Shoes Studded with Everything from Stars to Skulls)

(Pasta Pomodoro and Chianti) 

(View from Across the River)

Verona, what a magical city full of bustling piazzas and an incredibly romantic atmosphere. I don't know if it's because Verona is the setting for one of greatest love stories of all time, but you really can feel something special in the air. I only had one day there and it just wasn't enough. There is so much to take in, even though it's such a small area. I took the train from Sacile and two hours later I was in Verona. I proceeded to all the major sites including the arena, duomo, piazzas, and of course Juliet's house. It really was an amazing feeling to stand on Juliet's balcony and entertain ideas of Romeo standing below. Verona is so charming and it's one of those cities where you can walk anywhere and always end up somewhere spectacular.

 The fashion in Verona was different than what I've seen in the rest of Italy. Most people dressed in complementary neutrals, florals, and stylish basics. The major center, Piazza Bra, is known for it's great shopping and on Via Mazzini you can find stores like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier and many others. If you're looking for deals check out the side streets that take you into Roman Verona. There are reasonably priced trendy shops all over. One thing I noticed a lot of was burgundy, mustard, and emerald colored clothing in the shops. You also couldn't go anywhere without seeing skull embellishments on shoes, clutches, and jewelry. As a city Verona has such an old world style and it's so interesting to see trendy new fashion in the middle of it all. 

Fashion Favorites: Sunglasses

Sunglasses are an important aspect of any daytime look. They not only complement your outfit, but also reflect your style. Even if you're just running out the door in shorts and a top, adding a pair of oversized sunglasses and a messy bun makes your look all the more chic. The 4 main types of sunglasses to have are: aviator, cat eye, wayfarer, and Jackie O. 

Aviators look good on just about everyone and are great for every day. They have classic metal rims and are really lightweight. My favorite brands for aviators are Ray Ban and Gucci. 

Cat eye sunglasses have a really sophisticated classic style that I love. Make sure to get an oversized pair, all the more glamorous, in black or tortise. Vintage cat eye sunglasses are great, but if you're looking for a modern brand you can't do better than Dior. Anytime I see amazing cat eye sunglasses they always turn out to be Dior. 

Wayfarers are also a great every day look. They're timeless and cool. I love the oversized black Ray Ban's, but Chanel also makes exceptional wayfarers for a more designer look. 

Jackie O glasses are what you want to wear for special daytime occasions with a nice dress, say if you're going to the races or a daytime wedding. With these type of glasses the bigger the better. You can't go wrong with Celine, Dior, or Chanel, for these. 

Some of these brands can be expensive, but if you absolutely love and buy a great pair of sunglasses they will last you a long time. If you're willing to put thought into your outfit, then having great sunglasses will make you all the more stylish. Make sure to try on various pairs and brands to make sure that the sunglasses complement the shape of your face. No matter how many pairs you try on you'll always find your way back to your favorites!

London Calling

Cape: Premise Sweater: KAIN  Pants: Citizen of Humanity  Scarf: American Apparel  

Shoes: Gap Purse: Longchamp  Sunglasses: Dior

As I spent my time in London I found myself glad to have brought comfortable shoes, scarves, and cozy knits. Compared to the warmer Italian climate, the weather in England was a bit colder than I expected. I knew I was going to be doing a lot of walking outside and decided to wear lots of layers. The trick to surviving varying European temperatures and not packing too much is to pick versatile pieces that can easily be put on or taken off.

The first day I wore my favorite striped sweater, trust me I have a lot, an oversized knit vest, and an oversized infinity scarf that I can't seem to go anywhere without in Europe.  I was visiting the British Museum that day and since every major city in Europe has coat checks it's easy to leave your coat and scarf once you enter a warm building. Comfortable shoes are also a must. Gap actually makes the most amazing city ballet flats that fold right up and can even fit in your purse if you need a change of shoes! (see images above) 

Unfortunately my camera broke while I was in London and I apologize for not having pictures of my additional outfits. However, I am borrowing another camera, until I get a new one, and will continue posting for my upcoming trips around Italy. I do hope that all my wonderful readers are enjoying the website renovations and the layout changes. I've always believed one's style should constantly improve and this site is no exception. I am also happy to announce that Style Occasion can now be found on Facebook and Pinterest. I love to hear from readers and if you have any comments or questions feel free to email me at styleoccasion@gmail.com. 

City Spotlight: London

(One of My Favorite Mottos)

(City Views of London)

(Strolling Through a Park by Russel Sqaure)

(Amazing Lamb Pie from The Defectors Weld)

(View of the Thames and the London Eye)

(Clever Scaffolding Coverage)

London is just one of those cities that has everything: fashion, food, nightlife, art, architecture, and an eclectic vibe as diverse as the people who live there. I think it's this combination that makes London one of the best cities to visit. There really is something for everyone, whether it's the British Museum, trying one of London's amazing restaurants, or walking through Hyde Park. Personally I couldn't get enough of the museums, architecture, and of course the fashion. The great thing about London fashion is that you can try any trend you want there. You could wear a neon tweed jacket with leather pants or a classic navy trench with bright red heels and feel comfortable.

The main trends I really loved were bright colors, prints, studs, and edgy footwear. The British are not afraid to add some serious color to their look including red, pink, green, and yellow. They utilize bright colors in coats, shoes, or bags and pair them with black or neutral additional pieces. The bag to have in London was a bright colored leather messenger bag. I couldn't walk a block without seeing one. I also noticed a lot of stud embellishments on clothes and shoes. Of course the color black still reigns supreme, as it seemingly does all over Europe, but it was refreshing to see an edge and some color added to the mix. Dresses with tights and ankle boots with heels were the clear favorite at night. By far the most popular footwear were heels in bright red and converse!

I loved the way the the London girls would mix together prints, colors, and trends to create an exceedingly cool, edgy look. London is every fashionable girl's dream city. If you get a chance to go make sure you take some of your more trendy pieces including black leather, bulky jewelry, and a bright coat or accessory. In London there is always a style occasion.