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.

Weekend Trips from Rome: Pontine Islands

If the madness of Rome starts to wear on you (and in the heat of summer, it just may), do as the Romans do. Head to the sea for the weekend. About an hour from Rome is the Tyrrhenian coast near Terracina, an area much enjoyed by Rome's residents since antiquity and well-known in mythology (Circe, the sorceress in Homer's Odyssey is said to have transformed Ulysses' men into pigs here). About 15 miles off this coastline is a little-known archipelago, the Pontine Islands, named for its principal island, Ponza. These rugged volcanic islands are as beautiful as Capri, but are smaller, quieter and sometimes also less expensive. On Ponza, Anna Fendi has another Villa Laetitia with only 3 rooms and she also owns La Limonaia a Mare, a 5 room guesthouse with views of the sea. You can catch a hydrofoil to Ponza from Anzio, just south of Rome, and be sure to rent a boat when you are on Ponza (available in the harbor). The water is one of the main attractions!

Villa Laetitia-The Fendi Family Designs Again

Anna Fendi's mansion along the Tiber River came with a guesthouse that was perfect for a small hotel. The Fendi matriarch and her daughters and granddaughters (including Delfina, who has her own jewelry store in Rome) transformed the foresteria into the 15 room Villa Laetitia (Happiness House), each room mixing modern flair with the traditional architectural forms of the house. All rooms have a kitchenette and many have direct access to the gardens and grounds. The hotel is just a 15 minute walk from Piazza del Popolo, and to be fair, is almost reasonable with rooms starting at 180 Euros. The hotel is on Conde Nast Traveler's Hot List 2008, along with the famous J.K. Place hotel on Capri.

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?

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?