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.

Mario Batali's Lazio and Frascati Recommendations

Mario Batali,the famous Manhattan restaurateur whose newest project is a series on Spain with Gwyneth Paltrow, has an extensive website with recommendations for restaurants and hotels all over Italy. Of particular interest to the Modern Traveler are his recommendations for Lazio, the region around Rome. He touts two spots in Frascati, the site of the baroque Villa Aldobrandini (pictured). For gnocchi and views he recommends Zaraza and for a more upscale experience (with wine caves) Cacciani in the center of town. If you can't make it to Lazio, but you are in Manhattan and want a taste of Rome, visit Batali's Roman-style restaurant, Lupa.

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.