My Roman Holiday

My Roman Holiday

Rome was home base—but the magic extended beyond the Eternal City. From Pompeii to Positano to the Tuscan hills, this was a Roman holiday with a few stunning detours.

Getting There, Getting Grounded

I’ve always wanted to go to Rome. Why it took me this long? No idea. I almost chose Iceland instead, but at the last minute, Rome called. I had eight days, it wasn’t high summer, and I figured I’d beat the worst of the crowds by going in June. I was right (sort of). I’ve always been drawn to Rome—its history, architecture, fashion, and pasta.

My flight was seamless: Seattle to Detroit to Rome. I’d pictured a massive airport but was surprised by how easy it was to navigate. I headed straight to the taxi line, and the drive into the city caught me off guard—in the best way. Gorgeous planted flowers lined the freeway (not wildflowers, planted), and suddenly, as we entered the city center, it hit me: statues, gold, marble, espresso in the air. Rome knows how to make an entrance. And so did I—I couldn’t wait to wear what I packed. I nailed it.

Rome, By Foot and Feeling

I checked into my hotel, took a quick shower, threw on my white sundress, black sandals, sunglasses, and straw fedora, and hit the streets—90 minutes after an 18-hour flight. I walked for an hour to get my bearings and find my piazza. I was ready for pasta, wine, and people-watching.

Carbonara? Cacio e pepe? No. I went all in on Italian beef carpaccio and focaccia—which was actually sliced pizza crust in a basket. I don’t even want to admit how much olive oil I soaked into those slices.

As I guzzled my first glass of wine and downed half a bottle of still water, I took it all in. I felt like myself in the outfit: white sleeveless dress, skinny black leather belt, slip-on sandals, and a straw fedora. Audrey Hepburn was definitely my inspiration (and funnily enough, Roman Holiday was playing on the plane!). My love for Gregory Peck matches my love for Audrey.

But let’s be clear—it was HOT. High 90s. And crowded. Which led to some quick pivots.

Day Trips That Shifted the Vibe

I arrived on a Friday and realized the crowds were only going to get worse through the weekend. Cue the escape plan. I booked a few day trips through Viator (which I loved), and my first was a Saturday drive to the Amalfi Coast—with a stop at Pompeii on the way back.

A matcha and pistachio cornetto kicked off the road trip, and I’m not being dramatic: it might’ve been the best pastry I’ve ever had. But, make sure to get the Cream Pistachio.

Amalfi is one of those places where the photos don’t do it justice. The cliffs, Mt. Vesuvius, yachts, citrus trees, water like sapphire, homes stacked into hillsides—it was all somehow better in person. I bought a ceramic lemon (when in Amalfi…), and yes, I bought handmade sandals. Of course I did.

Pompeii was awe-inspiring. Beyond the murals and preserved streets, what struck me most was the engineering. What they built—and what still stands—is staggering. The reverence in those cobblestone streets is real.

My look that day? A hand-dyed green slip dress, a sheer Forte Forte shirt tied at the waist, and my favorite Rag & Bone Spire slippers. Stylish, breathable, and cool.

On Sunday, I headed to the Tuscan hills. First stop: Montepulciano, my new favorite Italian town. It’s known for its Vino Nobile (yes, it was delicious) and its vertical streets, medieval architecture, and charming shops—like “Unusual Shoes,” where I had to buy handmade boots. Couldn’t help myself. You may want to be following @dreamsandchaosalways for my Rome purchases. I'm already at look 3.

Then came lunch at the oldest winery in town. A six-wine flight paired with local dishes: pici all’aglione (Tuscan garlic is so much sweeter & larger than ours), salami, cheese, bruschetta with honey and chili flakes, and Cantucci biscuits with Vin Santo. Heaven. The wine cellar alone was worth the trip.

We ended in Pienza—a beautiful little town with sweeping hillside views. I took photos. I bought sweets: limone sorbetto, Florentine cake, almond biscuits. Yes to all of it.

Each place left its mark:

Amalfi made me stop and smell everything—and reminded me that color matters. Pompeii made me grateful for the ruins, even the ones in my own life (and even the Forte shirt I tore on an Amalfi railing). Tuscany reminded me to slow down and breathe. My citron silk skirt (again Forte Forte) never looked better than it did in that golden light.

How Travel Inspires My Work

Every time I travel, I remember why I love the work I do. As a stylist (and former designer), I’m inspired by everything: music, art, architecture, texture, nature, movement, climate. I love choosing the destination—and choosing the pieces for the experience.

There are pieces I always bring—on purpose. Repeats, yes. Because they work. Because they make me smile. And when I travel, that’s the only requirement.

How we dress on vacation shouldn’t feel like a costume. It should feel like us. Maybe even the unfiltered version. This trip was all about flats and dresses—slip, corset, one-shoulder. I finally wore my custom 6” drop gold earrings. No regrets.

This trip reinforced what I always say:

The most powerful style moments are often the simplest—when you feel like yourself, in the right setting, wearing something you didn’t overthink.

(Or… maybe you let me do the overthinking for you.)

Curious What Was in My Carry-On?

If you want to see what actually made it into my suitcase (and got worn on repeat), head to One Carry-On. All Style. for my full packing edit.

 

Planning Your Own Roman Holiday?

Or just want help building a wardrobe that feels like a lifestyle?

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xo,

Suzi