Arrivederci!

We have packed the majority of our belongings – suitcases line our living room walls. The kitchen cupboards are relatively bare. Our refrigerator only contains memories of meals past… Too soon, we will be leaving our beloved Roma.

Sardegna is our next destination, Porto Cervo on the Smeralda Coast to be exact. Relaxing beach time tops our list of requirements before we head home. Well, that, and a bit of exploring of the ancient (1800 – 500 BC!) nuraghi (dwellings and fortress’ of the Nuraghic people).

Sicilia and Sardegna are similarly sized islands, far too large to explore in just one week. Rich with stunning beaches and history on every coast, and inland, we had to reach out to a couple of Sardegna traveled friends for recommendations.

There are a few other adventures I may share (I don’t think I wrote about our dreamy trip to Siracusa, Sicilia back in October [truthfully, my sophomoric writing can’t do Sicilia justice – it’s as much emotion, as an incredibly, beautiful experience – we must go back! And take yourselves to Noto!], fun and funky Barcelona in February, Lucca and San Gimignano in April, so many recipes to share, wonderful meals shared with our generoso e molto gentile famiglia qui in Italia, and we were in Tivoli touring the various Villas last weekend…), but at this point, this may be my last entry.

Thank you to those who sent me comments and messages. I’m sorry I wasn’t open to being a bit more public, but this blog was only written for family and personal friends.

Ah, and I have an interesting observation regarding our time here. When we planned our year here, we hoped we would expand our language skills (I'm still in Italian 101, but my husband has progressed!), enjoy lots of time with our Italian family, travel, eat, drink and be merry. We found, we immersed ourselves into a similar lifestyle as we had at home. Don't get me wrong, we certainly enjoyed every experience, but I wish I would have progressed out of Italian 101, spent additional time with our Italian family, and traveled a wee bit more. Such is life! It guarantees, we'll be back!

American family and friends – we’ll see you on the other side of the world soon! Arrivederci e baci-baci!

Favorite Shops in Rome! April 2011 Updates Included

I wouldn’t be me, if I didn’t mention a few worthwhile shops I’ve enjoyed while living in Rome. Many of these shops are within my neighborhood, as we live in the heart of the shopping district.

Update: We have returned to bella Roma for my daughter's Spring Break. There have been a few changes in the last nine months worth writing about.

Degli Effetti – this is my number one place for buying everything! Clothes, shoes, bags, hosiery, etc. Massimo has been in business for over 30 years, is well known in the industry, is well known in Rome and carries primo items. Givenchy, Alaia, Balmain, Ann Demeulemeester, Commes des Garcon, Rick Owens, Margiela, If Six Were Nine & LGB (not easy to get your hands on these two!), Yohji Yamamoto, Celine, Jil Sander, See by Chloe, Robert Clergerie, etc. Massimo has a tailor close by who will alter items within 24 hours. If you are a serious customer, they will take you to The Apartment. My photo isn't great, but it has my favorite shopping partner in it and she's camera shy. Piazza Capranica, 93 – 06.6790202 (close to the Pantheon)

Gente – if I can’t find what I’m looking for at Degli Effetti, I’m sure to find it at Gente. Gente has quite a few stores littered throughout Rome, but the one I shop at is right by my apartment because they have such a good mix of high (Givenchy, Balenciaga, Lanvin, Louboutin) and low (J Brand, 3.1 Philip Lim, Diane von Furstenburg, Uggs [for my daughter]). The other stores offer a lot more casual wear. They do have a clearance store on Cola di Rienzo. Via del Babuino, 81 – 06.3207671 (between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo)

Gente Update: Gente has now expanded to the palazzo next door, there's a walkway through the back of the store, so they have even more high end items to choose from.

VBH – gorgeous, high quality handbags made out of a variety of materials; leather, snake, crocodile, etc. Their styles range from classic to trendy, are day-to-day useful and the only thing that is missing - a great, big, fat label or logo plastered on them. The staff speak many languages, including English, and are as sweet as can be. This is not a brand easily found in America. Via di San Giacomo, 21 – 06.36008834 (between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo)

Corrado Sacchi – there are as many jewelry stores in Rome, as there are churches! And I certainly don’t count myself as an authority. However, I’ve had a bit of fun at Corrado Sacchi. The jewelry is handmade, you are able to order custom pieces (if you have a week to be fit for the wax cast, then another week for the final piece), the historic pieces are a sure way to capture your precious memories of Roma and there are modern designs as well. Via della Palombella, 39-40 – 06.6869223 (close to the Pantheon)

Society – this linen store is very dangerous, but far from formal. These linens are in washed colors, light and textural to touch with no ironing involved. Bedding and table linens are available, as are a few men’s cotton items and scarves. Segolene is from Paris, but speaks English and Italian perfectly. She’s a doll to consult with - I was able to complete my order online, as I didn’t have exact measurements with me. Touch everything in this store! Piazza di Pasquino, 4 – 06.6832480 (just west of Piazza Navona)

Cesari – Mrs. Stefania overlooks every item in this lovely, formal, high-end linen store. The embroidery on the table linens is done by hand, the towels come in over 60 colorways, the bedding is sumptuous and Mrs. Stefania believes every woman should own at least one piece of her tempting lingerie. Each week, it’s a treat to see the window displays, which have been beautifully restyled. There were countless gift bags, filled for lucky recipients, lined up along the back hallway to be delivered during the busy holiday season. Via del Babuino, 195 – 06.3613456 (just south of Piazza del Popolo)

Tad Concept Store – I love how they label this as a concept store. Reason being, there is a small flower market, café, hair salon, parfumerie, jewelry selection and housewares department. However, what brings in the customers is the Chloe, Basso & Brooke, Derek Lam, 3.1 Philip Lim, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Velvet, Roberto del Carlo and Current/Elliott. I’ve noticed a drop in brands, quality and sizes this season, due to the economy, but their windows are always eye catching. Via del Babuino, 155 – 06.326.95131

Tad Update: Tad has closed, as their owner has passed away. A fond farewell to Tad!

Galassia – another favorite of mine, however, due to their bargain basement. Galassia carries a few of the same designers as Degli Effetti, but not the same items. As items rotate out of season and are not purchased, they go into the basement and are majorly marked down. I’ve found some fabulous buys (we’re talking 80% off!) on Kenzo, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Ann Demeulemeester, and Rick Owens. Via Frattina, 21 – 06.679.7896 (close to Piazza di Spagna)

La Sella – is the place to go for leather goods (belts, wallets, cosmetic cases, purses, etc.) if you want a Roma stamp on your items. The quality is fabulous, selection and colors run from classic to trendy (for smaller items) and the prices are amazingly good. Perfect for gift giving! Via Cuccagna, 16 – 06.68807121 (just south of Piazza Navona)

Capua Cashmere – colorful, quality cashmere at a good price for women, men and a tiny children’s selection. You don’t really need cashmere in Rome, but I need it at home! They offer classic sweater styles, hats, scarves and gloves. Via di Campo Marzo, 32 – 06.68801441 (close to Parlamento)

Ripple Made – my son’s favorite store to shop. They carry Nike SB, Vans, Cheap Monday, and a variety of skateboard/street clothing brands. Rowena lived in London, travels to NYC, so speaks excellent English, and is able to give my son a heads up on brands not easily found in America. Via Laurina, 39 – 06.36006166 (close to Piazza del Popolo)

Energie – my daughter’s favorite store to shop and my son likes it too. They carry fun shoes and clothes for teens - a huge selection of Converse All Stars, Adidas, Nike, Superga, Munich, Tigre, and Desiguel (which I like, but buy in Spain where it’s much more inexpensive), North Face, Killah, Paul Frank, Roxy, and Ben Sherman. There are locations sprinkled here and there in Rome, but we shop at: Via del Corso, 75 – 06.3211452 (close to Piazza del Popolo)