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.

For years I’d been dreaming of a retreat where antiquing takes center stage alongside all the cultural and culinary experiences that make Tuscany so special. That dream came to life in 2024 with the inaugural La Dolce Vita: Antiquing Edition, and this fall we’ll celebrate our third annual retreat. It has been such a joy to watch it grow into a week that antique lovers rave about!

From the very beginning, I knew I wanted Melissa to join us as our special guest, so I was thrilled when she accepted my invitation back in 2024. I had been a fan of her Instagram for ages, and when she came for that first retreat, she was warm, generous, and full of knowledge. Everyone fell in love with her immediately, and she has since affectionately called that week “the best week of her life.”

This Fall, I invited her to return and join us for every step of the 2026 antiquing adventure. Throughout our week, in addition to being inspired by the beauty of Italian antiques and shopping ’til she drops with the rest of us, Melissa will share casual conversations about antiquing and her philosophy of collecting for personal use and for resale.

For those who don’t already know her, let me share a bit more about Melissa’s background:

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