Celebrating Creativity and making meaningful connections to the local community are core values at La Dolce Vita. It is my pleasure to introduce you to the special guest who will be joining us as we share our passion for antiques while we journey through Tuscany together.

It has long been a dream of mine to offer a retreat where antiquing plays a starring roll of the show, while also including many of the cultural and culinary activities that are synonymous with Tuscany.

As I turned my thoughts to the special guest who I wanted to invite to share this special week, Melissa Parks immediately came to mind. She is someone who knows herself and her style well. She can style a still life photo like a rockstar, and has a way of relating to the antiques that she collects and sells that is genuine and heartfelt. Finally, her passion for the hunt for the next treasure is something that I totally relate to. I was absolutely thrilled when she accepted my invitation!

For those who don’t already know her, let me share why I know she is the perfect guest to join us for this La Dolce Vita: Antiquing Edition Retreat:

Melissa Parks, affectionately known as Megillicutti in the vintage community, embarked on her journey as a vintage dealer at Randolph Street Market in Chicago, where her distinct selection and style quickly garnered a loyal following. Today, she is a celebrated dealer at Warehouse 55, a nationally recognized vintage store. Known for her keen eye for unique finds and the stories they carry, Melissa has made a significant impact in the vintage world, connecting the past’s charm with those who cherish it today.

Melissa’s expertise extends into the realm of storytelling, both through her writing and her styling. She has contributed feature articles to Flea Market Style and Lived-In Style magazines, sharing stories of fellow collectors and the deep connections they have with the treasures they decorate their homes with. Her styling work has brought the essence of vintage charm to life in photo shoots, establishing her as a key voice in vintage aesthetics. Her unique approach to blending vintage pieces into modern living has not only been recognized in Flea Market Style and Country Living magazines but also celebrated in Ki Nassauer’s Lived In Style: The Art of Creating a Feel Good Home, where her home exemplifies her talent for creating spaces that are authentic and unique.

Through her Instagram (@megillicutti), Melissa continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for those passionate about vintage aesthetics and storytelling. By sharing her latest finds, styling tips, and personal reflections, she invites followers into a world where each piece holds a story waiting to be told. Melissa stands out not just for her knowledge and skills but for her ability to inspire others to weave their own stories through vintage collection and styling, hosting the weekly hashtag #tqitb, short for “the quest is the best!”

Melissa’s Instagram: instagram.com/megillicutti