I’m unaplogetically eating fried pizza as I write this… and it’s amazing.

My time in Italy has been nothing short of divine. Milan — from the Dolce & Gabbana Martini Bar, to the restaurant the Kardashians went to, to a lovely walking tour, to front row at the Blue Note Milano jazz club, to breakfast at Prada, to crying and praying at the Duomo (one of the biggest churches in the world), to now—Stresa, on Lake Maggiore. Just divine.

So many things on my heart at the moment…

Deep gratitude. An excitement for life again. Stepping into my womanhood. Expressing myself through fashion. Confidence. Ownership. Realizing all that’s in front of me; all that is possible. Alignment. No longer getting in my own way. Holding my inner child. Emotional regulation. Growth. It’s all happening. And guess what? I am right on time.

What this time in Italy has given me is clarity. Detachment from the bullsh*t. I’m excited to get back out there. I’m excited to create. I’m excited to learn. I’m excited to be.

Lessons & Vibes from Italy

Dolce far niente – The sweetness of doing nothing. It’s not laziness—it’s presence. Italians have mastered the art of simply being, and it reminded me that rest isn’t something to earn. It’s a way of honoring your soul.
Fashion as expression – Milan, one of the fashion capitals of the world, helped me reconnect to the joy of dressing for me. Not for approval, but as a celebration of who I am. It’s not about labels—it’s about the craftsmanship, the energy, the feeling. And wow… Milan is the heartbeat of it all.
When in Rome, eat the pasta – I’ve struggled with body image and my relationship with food for years—and I know I’m not alone. Being in Italy, eating the pasta, the cheese, the pizza, sipping the wine… I expected to feel guilt. But I didn’t. The food here is high quality, made with care, and meant to be savored. I felt nourished, not weighed down. There’s something powerful about letting yourself fully experience joy—without shame, without rules. If you needed a sign to let go and enjoy the moment, this is it.
Quality over quantity – In Italy, less really is more. It’s not about having a million things—it’s about choosing the right things. One perfectly made handbag. One unforgettable meal. One meaningful conversation. It reminded me to slow down and be more intentional with what I buy, how I spend my time, and where I place my energy.
Go slow – Everything here feels intentional. Meals aren’t rushed, conversations aren’t cut short, and no one’s in a hurry to do life. It reminded me to slow down and actually feel my life as it’s happening.

Itinerary

Milan, Italy

Accommodation

AC Hotel Milano – We stayed at the AC Hotel Milano, one of the Marriott Bonvoy properties. Modern, clean, and a solid home base for exploring the city.

Food & Drinks

D&G Martini Bar – We kicked things off at the Dolce & Gabbana Martini Bar, and it was it was such a vibe. The cocktails were fabulous, the service was top-tier, and the little bar bites? Honestly some of the best I had. Totally worth a visit—not just for the drinks, but for the whole experience (and yes, it’s definitely photo-worthy).
Marchesi 1824 (above Prada) – This little pastry shop tucked above Prada in the Galleria is a gem. Marchesi 1824 is chic, quiet, and so beautifully designed—soft greens, marble counters, the works. I had a cappuccino and a pastry and just sat there taking it all in. Such a nourishing, elegant start to the day.
Camparino in Galleria – This was a fun discovery. Camparino is the original Campari bar—historic and tucked right into the heart of the city by the Duomo. It’s old-school Milan. I didn’t expect to love Campari so much, but now I’m a full Campari girlie. Bitter, bold, and totally grown.
Ristorante Da Giacomo – This is the spot the Kardashians ate at, but I swear it’s not just hype. Ristorante Da Giacomo was such a vibe—elegant but warm, like having dinner in someone’s Italian home. The food was next-level. One of those meals you want to remember forever.
Blue Note Milano – We saw Macy Gray at Blue Note and it was one of those “how is this my life” moments. It's one of the most iconic jazz clubs in the world, but it still feels intimate and cozy. No bad seats, great sound, great energy. Absolutely make time for this if you're in Milan.

Activities

Shopping on Via Montenapoleone – Milan’s version of 5th Ave. Via Montenapoleone is lined with every designer brand imaginable. Even if you’re not buying, it’s worth walking for the inspo alone. This street is fashion.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – The famous glass-roofed mall right next to the Duomo. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is iconic. Beautiful architecture, luxury shops, and a great place to just wander and feel the Milan energy.
Walking Tour – We did a private tour with Withlocals, and it was such a great way to learn about the city. Our guide was lovely and gave us stories you don’t get just Googling. Highly recommend doing something like this when you first arrive.
Duomo di Milano – We bought basic tickets to walk through the Duomo di Milano, and honestly… it was breathtaking. The scale alone is overwhelming—in the most humbling way. Ornate. Decadent. Holy. Every detail, from the stained glass to the towering ceilings, made you feel small in the best possible way. I cried. I prayed. I felt the weight of history, beauty, and something bigger than all of us. You can pay extra to go to the rooftop (which I’ll definitely do next time), but even just walking through the main cathedral was a spiritual reset.

Stresa, Italy

Accommodation

Regina Palace Hotel – We stayed at the Regina Palace Hotel and wow. The building is grand and classic, and the location right on Lake Maggiore makes it feel like a dream. You walk outside and it’s like you’re in a painting. Total reset energy.

Food & Drinks

La Piola – La Piola was a highlight. It’s modern, laid-back, and the food was so good—fresh, flavorful, and served with love. A must if you’re in Stresa.
Dinner in the Main Square – Like any European town, Stresa has that charming central square with restaurants spilling out onto the cobblestone. We didn’t plan—we just picked a place and sat outside, and it was perfect. Doesn’t really matter where you go; it’s more about the vibe.
Red Baron Bar – Found Red Baron Bar on a walk and it was one of those happy surprises. I was the only tourist there. Got a three-course meal and a local beer for 15 euros. Off the beaten path and so, so worth it.

Activities

Borromean Islands Boat Tour – From the docks in Stresa, you can hop on a boat to visit the Borromean Islands — Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. It’s cheap, easy to do, and so peaceful. Getting out on the lake is a must.
Switzerland Day Trip – From Stresa, Switzerland is just an hour away. You can drive or take a bus tour. I didn’t make it this time, but it’s absolutely on my list for next trip. So wild how close everything is in Europe.

Must Try

Campari & Aperol Spritz – I am now officially a Campari girlie. Aperol is cute, but Campari just hits different. It’s more bitter, more grown. I even started mixing them—half Aperol, half Campari, extra prosecco—and I’m calling it the Sav Spritz. You heard it here first.
All the Pasta, Pizza, and Gelato – I made it my personal mission to try as many pasta dishes as possible: pomodoro, carbonara, cacio e pepe, lasagna… no regrets. And between meals? Gelato, always. When in Rome, right? I took it literally.