Clara in Germany!

The Karoviertel is my favorite corner of Hamburg. It's full of funky vintage shops, free-live music, and a bohemian attitude. While the neighboring Schanzeviertel has already been invaded by hip, young professionals and designer baby-strollers, the Karoviertel maintains an element of grit that I hope sticks around.  A couple taking a beach day to beat the scorching city heat. This store is dedicated to vintage sneakers! No shoes, no problem at a corner cafe. Look at that smile! And super industrial, well-made backpack, of which you will find plenty of in this city. Typical Karoviertel street decorations This corner of Hamburg is also incredibly lush with greenery, which balances the funky atmosphere beautifully. Colorful steps right off the U Feldstrasse bus stop, which you can reach easily from the main station. Here people sit to enjoy live music, or take a quiet moment to journal. Street art aplenty. 

This Summer, I am an intern at the internationally focused art cooperative, the Kunstverein in Hamburg! It feels good to be back in this wonderful port-city.  Near the main station Workplace! Garden of "Planten un Blomen" during my lunch break Heading home to the suburb of Buchholz, where I am staying with my wonderful host-family.

Italian style is so iconic, that for a young American it seems completely out of reach and out of budget.  Yet, Italian style transcends brand names and luxury. In university areas especially, you can see sweats, baggy jackets, and dirty sneakers. But all those Italians still look so good, and so cool.  How, and why? The key to Italian fashion lies in one's attitude. I observed a pride in self-presentation, so deeply ingrained in the Italian imagination that it has become as easy as breathing. "Fare bella figura", or roughly translated to "make a good first impression", is a phrase that has been a mantra in Italian culture for centuries.  For example, all clothes fit well, jeans are often rolled, and if socks are mismatched, you can bet it was a decision rather than an afterthought. If you aren't wearing your jacket, you carry it with strength like the Bolognese man above. You don't need money to look cool. Every piece of wh...

When I think of Pompeii, I think of arid land and death. Going there, however, after the crazy-fun atmosphere of Naples, was humbling and stunning.  Walking from the bus station to the Pompeii ruins Modern statue in Pompeii by Igor Mitoraj A worthwhile excursion to Vesuvius by bus, which costs around under 30 euros For a more luxurious outing, head to Capri, the perfectly manicured, rich aunt of Naples.  Morning view. Just keep walking up. Capri Fashion: bright color and obvious displays of wealth Afternoon. Linens, pastels, and prep

Style in Naples is a cocktail of color and confidence. Bold hand gestures are the only necessary accessory. Less is not more; it's just sad.  Girls  Sweatpants and doc martins are a yes, just remember to have them tapered and visually harmonious with your pet. Street-side shrines, layered with memories and color Does your lipstick match your hair? Does your hair match your dog? Many Italian men wear blazers in blue and navy, as opposed to an obvious black. Pose is everything

Naples is dangerous. Naples is dirty. Naples is crazy. During my solo trip at the beginning of June, I experienced that only one of these things is really true, that is, that Naples is indeed, mad as a frikkin march hare.  Christmas tinsel lines the streets year-round, families of ten race the streets on mopeds, and people don’t text to meet up their friends. Group by the water Mopeds and red lipstick A typical night in Naples will most likely end with 20 new contacts in your phone, olive oil down your shirt, and the sound of fire-works ringing in your ears. Over a one-euro drink at the nutty and always full Cammarota Spritz, a table of Neapolitans explained to me that the party will always come to you.You just have to stay open.Directly after that statement, our neighbors then proceeded to pull duct-taped bongos out of their backpacks, cry joyously into the abyss, and inspire a street-wide conga line. Cammarota Spritz in the Latin Quarters. ...