If our cramped, overpriced Manhattan apartments had terraces, we'd be relaxing this summer on these stackable Accademia Treccia chairs, which debuted at this year's furniture fair in Milan. The beautifully woven chairs come in understated hues of white, black, red and green.

Chef Eddie Navar just opened a new Italian cafe, Piccolo, in Chicago--abiding by the philosophy that Italians don't get fat because they eat smaller portions. The trattoria features modest servings of Italian classics, including bruschetta, panini, and salads. Two points: 1) We're not doctors, but we've seen plenty of chubby Italians and 2) the Spaniards already tried this trick on us; they called it tapas. We figured our way around that one pretty quickly though--can anyone say seconds?
Piccolo, 859 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, 773-772-3355

Valentino is known for haute couture, but apparently he has a little Homer Simpson in him as well. Last week, Jezebel.com posted a photo of the fashion legend sitting on a boat, wearing a bathing suit featuring little donuts and eclairs. We're not sure when or if these trunks will be available to the public, but seeing Valentino sporting them will certainly make us more confident in our own quirky swim attire.

Ciao Bella reigned supreme at this year's Fancy Food Show in New York. Among other honors, the artisanal gelato maker won the Outstanding Dessert award for its Blackberry Cabernet Sorbetto. Italian-born chef Danilo Zecchin described their dessert-making process as such: "We experiment and taste--then experiment again." Not a bad job if you can get it.

After the umpteenth hotel bed, traveling--even in Italy--can start to feel a little monotonous. Add some authenticity to your trip by crashing on couch! Couchsurfing.com offers a list of people willing to host travelers--for free--in locales ranging from the urban to the exotic. One of our bene interns stayed with a couple in Rome for a few nights last summer and loved hanging out and shopping with them, in addition to eating their rustic home-cooked meals. Before signing on, you'll want to check out your potential hosts' references, but when you're looking for an insider's experience, nothing beats an authentic Italian couch.
(Photo via Rowkitcat)

According to the New York Times, Italy's beloved fedora has become the "summer status symbol." But judging by these photos, we aren't sure what status the hats are meant to denote. Chic downtown women? Don Cheadle look-alikes? Old guys with weird-looking dogs? Ah well, any way you slice it, the timeless Italian accessory looks good on everyone.

After decades of infamously hazardous driving conditions, Italian politicians have finally vowed to make Italy's streets safer, by curtailing wild motorists and their disregard for traffic laws. Italian leaders are calling for a nationwide driving makeover, and even the Pope has gotten involved, releasing his "Ten Commandments for Motorists." Not for nothing, but what does a guy who drives a bullet-proof golf cart know about traffic? The Pope-mobile has never left the Vatican!

In an effort to fight this summer's heat-wave induced power shortages, the Italian Health Ministry has officially recommended that men remove their neckties to stay cool. The health minister explained that tie-removal would lead to health benefits and a reduced need for air conditioning. Other ministry initiatives this summer include "don't shoot yourself in the face" and "remember to breathe."

(Photo by The Sartorialist)

Think traditional jewelry lacks a little spice? We've found an answer. Italian accessories designer Brunella Caccaviello, who has worked with Pucci, Ferretti and Valentino, just launched her own line of, get this, knitted jewelry. Since she creates every stitch in her Flos ad Florem line, the line lives up to the high standards of Italian crafting. New Yorkers can find Caccaviello's designs at Annie O, 105 Rivington Street, New York City (212-475-3490).

Italy's Pig Magazine and Zeiss Sunglasses have come together to create our summer eyewear obsession, Super Sunglasses. These retro shades harp back to the days of Hollywood starlets and are infused with a palate of bright colors. Whether you'll be tanning in East Hampton or at Cinque Terre, these glasses are it this summer. You can see more photos here and buy them here.