Rome.
Rome’s a bit like that auntie you see once in a blue moon; who spoils you rotten with sweets, encourages you into a hyperventilated state of euphoria then hands you back to mum and dad who’ve no idea how to deal with the monster they’ve created. At least that’s how I felt landing back at London Gatwick; a beaten up suitcase, an expanding waistline and a camera-roll assaulted by way too many rosé raising and gelato slurping.
It really is true “When in Rome”
So here I am a week later, still salivating over a four cheese pizza I hoovered at the Colosseum, still bruised from an unfortunate rough ‘n tumble at the Trevi Fountain, still three kilos heavier.
Deciding to go to Rome was a no-brainer.
The press-trip of a life time. On the face of it; billed as a working trip with Kenzo, to celebrate the #KENZOPOPPYPARADE and take cute photos of the Red Edition launch of their iconic fragrance Flower by Kenzo. In reality, a Roman holiday; an all expenses fandango with Mr. Luxe, complete with a luxury hotel in the heart of the city and an itinerary Anthony Bourdain would be proud of.
When people ask what first attracted Mr. Luxe to his jet-setting, food-hoovering, rosé fuelled Mrs… I deliver.
Doing Rome
I packed 26 outfits for this three day getaway.
But in 37 degree heat, my wilting body could only handle ventilated clothing – happily schlepping around Rome in the most incredible JH Zane blouse with the not-so-spaghetti-friendly but breezy sleeves. Other faves included my abundant collection of backless tops and that blue bardot blouse I just kept on recycling.
As far as European cities go I feel like the Italians are way more dressy than anywhere at home. I packed a few statement pieces (the Magda Butrym blouse was a triumph), but kept my suitcase choices as neutral a palette as possible and pretty much rotated the same pair of yellow sling-backs for every outfit.
If you decide to go shopping in Rome, here are my must-sees:
Via del Corso – right in the centre of Rome and with plenty of designer and high-street faves. It’s a really long and straight (very Roman) street peppered with statues and towering traditional coloured buildings. I’ve never visited a shopping district like it; the ratio to shopping and eating was 50/50 so we sat in a piazza just to the side of Valentino – slurping up spaghetti and people watching.
Via Margutta – we found this by accident; a small street in the artists corner with some incredible art galleries and small boutiques, perfect spot if you’re in the mood to buy something a little different.
Piazza Navona – we came here for the fountains not realising that behind them via del Governo Vecchio, just to the right behind Piazza Navona is an amazing shopping street. Lots of Italian brands, leather bags/shoes and peppered with plenty of restaurants in between.
At the top of the spanish Steps
The Flower by Kenzo RED EDITION party took place at the top of the iconic Spanish Steps. It’s a glorious spot to people watch and late into the evening people pour down them and sit with their picnics to see the sunset. Our Uber driver dropped us promptly down at the foot of the steps but there was rumour of hot arancini canapés so Mr. Luxe and i hot-footed it to the party like Olypmians.
They really pushed the boat out with jeroboams of sparkly Moet and Chandon fizz, platters of tasty bite-sized treats and a dreadlocked dj who played us european funky house throughout… how is this work?
Where we ate in Rome:
Alfredo – The birthplace of fettuccine ‘Alfredo’, Kenzo treated us to lunch here. The deco felt like something out of the Godfather and though i wouldn’t maybe come here to shoot cute pics the food was incredible and we felt like we’d eaten a slice of history.
Ginger – Somebody slid into my dm’s with this recommendation. Looks great, super modern. It’s unusually healthy and not really carb-laden – we didn’t eat pizza or pasta! Very vegan friendly and the portions were big, i was able to order a starter as a main.
Da Teo – in the Piazza Ponziani, we stumbled on this by accident and I insisted we try it after falling in love with how it looked (lots of hanging ivy over an alfresco terrace. The food was classic Roman fare and we loved the fried courgette flowers and the pasta.
Mr. Luxe and i returned to the scene of the crime the next day and then after a midday nap we wandered down to the Colosseum where we spent a couple of hours sat on a wall canoodling over a giant pizza in the sunshine– my favourite memory from the trip. We loved Italy so much I’ve booked Florence next week. Sometimes in life you have to follow you heart and pursue the pasta…
La dolce vita
L x
Fave accessories from the trip
Manebi slides
Pretty Little Thing chain belt
Hair Rehab clip-in extensions
Alighieri coin necklace
Ph. J. P. Luxe
Huge thanks to KENZO for the most wonderful trip. All words, styling and awkward poses my own.