Where to Buy Capri Pants on Capri

Yes, Capri pants really did originate on the island of Capri. Perhaps they were invented to make hopping from your yacht to the dock a little less hazardous. The place to buy them is La Parisienne in Piazza Umberto 1 (#7). Jackie Onassis bought them by the dozen here and Audrey Hepburn made La Parisienne's cropped pants part of her iconic style. Get them in classic white and wear them with big shades for that true casual Italian holiday look. (They even do custom orders!)

The Saldi Calendar

After months of searching, I have finally found what appears to be a calendar of Italy's summer sale season. The website which has published the calendar, pricesharing.it, claims to be an on-line consumer review organization. Where they got their information, they do not say. But so far it's the only Saldi calendar I have seen on the web, so I'll take it. Rome starts its Saldi on July 4th, Venice on July 5th, and Florence on July 12th. The discounts on this season's fashions will be considerable, so be sure to save your Euros for some stylish new Italian clothes!

Ferragamo's Celebrity Handbag Auction to Benefit Abruzzo

Ferragamo and GlobalGiving.com have put a collection of handbags donated by celebrities (Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Eva Longoria, to name a few) on eBay. All proceeds go directly to benefit the Abruzzo region, which was devastated by an earthquake earlier this year. At last check, Madonna's Sophia bag was going for $2,235. Read more about it on eternallycool.net. Want to donate to the cause but aren't interested in fashion? GlobalGiving.com has an Italy Earthquake Relief Fund that you can donate to anytime you want.

125 Years of Bulgari in Rome

In 1884, Bulgari opened its first store in Rome. Since then, the jeweler has been inspiring women all over the world with its creative and innovative designs. Naturally, the jewels of Bulgari are in perfect keeping with my other-life fantasy of being an Italian contessa. Now I (and dreamers like me) can get a little closer to Bulgari's works at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome. The museum, located on the Via Nazionale, is presenting eight galleries full of jewelry created throughout the past 125 years. Don't miss the gallery devoted entirely to Elizabeth Taylor's Bulgari collection! Now through September 13th.

How to Get Your Italian Fashion Fix On-line

Italian style is bold, whimsical and elegant. Not only are the designers unique, but the way that Italians put themselves together is so different from the rest of the fashion world. But where can you go to get your Italian fashion fix? Sei di Moda, DWeb and Velvet are three fashion websites connected to La Repubblica, Italy's premier newspaper. They will tell you all about the latest trends in Italy, give you updates on the fashion shows in Milan, and alert you to the important fashion events in Italy (like Saldi!). They will also clue you in to Italian gossip, home design and beauty. Of course, it's all in Italian, but the pictures can tell you more than enough!

Contessa Nally: Must-See Italian Fashion Blog

If you want to see fashion shows, artists and beautiful people up close, go to contessanally.blogspot.com. Venice resident Contessa Nally Manfredi Bellati is a photographer and stylist who has worked for Vogue and Bazaar and whose photos appear in magazines all over the world. Now you can see her candid photos of Milan (pictured), Paris and New York's Fashion Weeks and many other fashionable and fabulous events all over Italy on her blog. You will definitely be mesmerized by her beautiful world.

Al Moro-Where Rome's Most Fashionable Eat

Recent interviews with Silvia Fendi in Elle and Valentino Garavani in Departures detail the designers' favorite places to eat and shop. On both of their lists was Trattoria Al Moro near the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Established in 1929, it has long been the favorite of Rome's literary, cinematic and fashionable crowd. Valentino recommends the pasta carbonara and of course you must have the Roman traditional antipasto, fried artichokes. Vicolo delle Bollette, 13.

The Last Emperor Opens in the US

"The Last Emperor," the documentary about the life and career of Roman designer Valentino, opens in the US in March. The Film Forum in NYC on March 18th is the first venue for this exciting movie that has all the fashion world talking. The movie provides an inside look at the high fashion world and all its foibles, and most endearingly portrays Valentino Garavani's 50 year relationship with his partner Giancarlo Giammeti. If you can't get to Manhattan for the show, see it in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas.

Rene Caovilla on Sale at Gilt Groupe

Rene Caovilla, the quintessential Italian shoe designer, is on sale at Gilt Groupe, an invitation-only designer shopping website. Rene Caovilla shoes tend to run at prices over $800 (eek!) and in this economy, that's just not practical. Gilt Groupe has dozens of styles on sale for 50% off-so hurry and find yourself an invitation to join this preferred shopping site!

Tod's Film Takes Gwyneth to Rome to Promote Pashmy Bag

Tod's, the Milanese shoe company famed for its driving loafer, recently released a film on its website starring Gwyneth Paltrow (who has her own website now-read a review here). The film, directed by Dennis Hopper, is dedicated to a new handbag, the Pashmy, and what happens when the celebrity loses hers in Rome. Campo dei Fiori and the Villa Aldobrandini in Frascati are the featured locations in this short film. Villa Aldobrandini is an incredible 17th century palace built by the nephew of Pope Clement VIII, Cardinal Pietro Aldobrandini. The Villa is famous for its commanding view of the valley leading up to Rome, as well its water theater, park and Baroque wall-paintings. The Villa and the charming town of Frascati make for an excellent daytrip from Rome- and admission is free!
Watch the film here.

Delfina Delettrez Fendi-Jewelry on the Via del Governo Vecchio

A new jewelry boutique has opened in Rome on the Via del Governo Vecchio. Where else would a fourth generation Fendi heir decide to sell her designs but on the most unique and eclectic shopping street in Rome? Delfina Delettrez Fendi, the daughter of Silvia Fendi, accessories designer for Fendi and Bernard Delettrez, the French jeweler, has created a modern line of jewelry inspired by Gothic themes: snakes and skulls in lots of enamel. Even if playful Goth is not your style, you should stop by and see the exquisitely designed store. The green jewel-box of a shop is located at 67 Via del Governo Vecchio.

Readers: Have you been to this store? What did you think of Delfina Fendi's jewelry?

Moschino Comes to New York

Moschino, one of Italy's more avant-garde fashion houses, has come to New York City's Meatpacking District. Moschino is known for its witty take on classic pieces. There are three brands, Moschino (the most expensive line), Moschino Cheap and Chic (not exactly cheap, but cheaper), and Love Moschino (the casual line). Moschino is definitely not for the faint of heart, but even the most traditional shopper can find something to love in their accessories lines. Their shoes are fun and fabulous! The Modern Traveler always tries to pick up a pair when she is in Rome (Via Borgogna 32/a). See the New York Times for an article on the new store in Manhattan.

Readers: What do you think of Moschino? Fabulous or ridiculous?

Valentino: The Last Emperor

The Venice Film Festival was the site of the premiere of a new documentary about the life of fashion designer Valentino Garavani. Valentino retired last year but his designs are still going strong-and so is his influence. Rome, of course, hosted his retirement party last summer in full glory, with a retrospective of his designs in the Ara Pacis Museum (pictured) and a stunning party at the Villa Borghese. This fall, from September 3rd through September 10, Samsung is hosting a digital exhibition of Valentino's works during New York City's Fashion Week called "The Red Thread: The Inspiration and Passion of Valentino." There you can also see sneak preview footage of the new documentary, "Valentino: The Last Emperor."

More Hip Shopping on the Via del Governo Vecchio

Near Piazza Navona is a shopping district that many tourists do not visit-or at least, if they do, they are in the minority. The Romans themselves still very much possess the Via del Governo Vecchio. For all the best international designers, visit Josephine de Huertas and Co. (pictured), at three locations in the vicinity. Arsenale, opened ten years ago (64 Via del Governo Vecchio), is known for its unique silks and interesting embellishment. This year, Arsenale's designer, Patrizia Pieroni, is featuring bright colors and flower appliques reminiscent of the 1970s flower-child movement. For more on restaurants and hotels in this neighborhood, see a recent article in Travel and Leisure.

Readers: What's your favorite shopping district in Rome?

The Best Sales During "Saldi" Season-Fendi?

According to Suzy Gershman, author of Born to Shop Italy, the best place to shop during Italy's twice yearly sale season is the Fendi in Rome (Via Borgogna 39). In January and July, heaps and mounds of discount Fendi items appear at this store (one of the most fabulous in the Piazza di Spagna shopping district) from recent seasons and seasons past. Handbags, shoes, clothing-all at a fraction of the regular price! For more on shopping in Italy from outlets to outdoor markets, see her book-and watch out for her biting wit!

Readers: What are some of the best deals you've found during Saldi season in Rome?

The Guardian interviews Frida Giannini, creative director of Gucci

A recent interview with Frida Giannini in the London Guardian uncovered some insider secrets of Rome. Giannini is the creative director of Gucci and grew up in the Monteverde Vecchio area of Rome (just above Trastevere and south of the Vatican). She shares with readers her favorite restaurants in Trastevere (pictured) and other neighborhoods, shopping districts, and even hotels. Don't miss her museum recommendations and tips on buying vintage Gucci in the flea markets at Porta Portese and the Borgetto Flaminio.

Via del Governo Vecchio-Hip Shopping near Piazza Navona

If you are not into the big-name designer shops around Piazza di Spagna and you are looking for a more avant-garde experience, take a stroll down Via del Governo Vecchio near the Piazza Navona. You'll find unique clothing stores from Italian and international designers, funky jewelry, trendy leather goods and even vintage apparel shops. You'll avoid the major crowds and certainly discover something entirely new. There are also a few restaurants and cafes with which you can restore yourself after the sensory overload that you'll experience. The famous Antico Caffe della Pace is just around the corner (head north on Via di Parione). Diverti te!

The Ara Pacis

The emperor Augustus built the Ara Pacis (the Altar of Peace) in 9 BCE to commemorate his new era of peace after a century of civil wars in Rome. The altar is a masterpiece of classical sculpture, depicting various images of fertility, peace, Roman history and Republican values. The altar was recently installed a new museum designed by Richard Meier. Last summer, the Italian designer Valentino, who is preparing to retire, staged a retrospective exhibit of his designs in the museum. You can visit the museum and the altar, nestled between the Mausoleum of Augustus and the Tiber River, Tuesdays through Sundays 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Buying fakes in Italy-Just don't do it

While you're walking around Rome, you won't be able to miss the street vendors with their handbags, sunglasses, belts and wallets on display on the blankets in the streets. You may be tempted to pick up what seems like a pretty good knock-off of a designer product. But you also won't be able to miss those vendors being chased out of the piazzas by the police. Selling and purchasing counterfeit bags in Italy is against the law and buyers could be liable to fines of up to 10,000 Euros. Not only does the counterfeit industry diminish the value of the genuine products (like this Fendi bag) but the production of counterfeit goods involves all kinds of nefarious activity. Child labor, smuggling, gang violence and drugs are a part of the counterfeit business. Even terrorism is supported by the counterfeit industry. So next time you are tempted to pick up a fake handbag, think twice. Save your money for the real thing.

Max Mara-(Relatively) Reasonably Priced Italian Style

Perhaps you have heard about this classic Italian women’s clothing brand and you aren’t really interested. Well, Max Mara in Italy is not like Max Mara in the U.S. The designs are simple, luxurious, and stylish-and you can actually wear them in your real life. And the prices are always 30% less in Italy. The shop is located at Via Condotti 17-19a near Piazza di Spagna and takes up three storefronts with dresses, sweaters, suits and accessories.