A Nostalgic Breakdown

**Make sure to check out this week’s Sipping The Rosé for the latest gossip in the Bravoverse!

I truly had all the feels during this week’s episode of RHOBH.  As a quick side story, I studied abroad in Rome and every time Italy is mentioned in my peripheral, I have a slight nostalgic breakdown.  Seeing the ladies travel from Fiumicino Airport through the countryside to Rome brought a tear to my eye. From the cobblestone streets to the Coliseum at night, it was almost too much to much bear.  However, I’m sure you don’t give a fuck about my feelings (nor should you) so let’s dive into last night’s episode. 

Denise is the MVP this week because, much to her dismay, there wouldn’t be a storyline without her.  I also truly felt bad for her situation and am beginning to think she might call it quits after this season is done.

There was only ONE reason why Kyle and Teddi only told shit stirrer, Rinna, about the Brandi/Denise hook up.  They wanted to cause drama and knew Lisa would do their dirty work for them and blow shit up. Well, mission accomplished.

Erika, Kyle, Dorit, Teddi and Lisa arrive at their beautiful Italian hotel and immediately go to their rooms to freshen up- with Dorit and Erika’s glam team in tow.   What a life that must be- I truly can’t imagine. I still don’t know how to properly put on eyeliner!

They arrive at a restaurant, directly across from the coliseum (killing me slowly) and order their ‘go-to’ drinks.  Kyle orders her typical margarita, which I agree is strange to do on your first night in Rome, but Dorit’s hypocritical shade is even more questionable.  In Dorit’s confessional, she makes fun of Kyle for her drink order but then orders a vodka soda with lemon.  You can’t get much more basic than that, Dorit. 

Denise and Garcelle surprise the ladies at dinner, triggering Teddi and making her even more intolerable than she already is.   We’re never sure how these interactions actually go down since the producers often manipulate the situation, but overall, it seemed tense. 

I have to hand it to Denise and Garcelle- they just got off of a 14+ hour flight with no glam team and looked better than all the women combined.  As awkward as this interaction was, nothing too crazy occurs and they decide to call it a night.

They all meet up the next morning for a full day of activities, of course, looking flawless.  Erika is channeling her version of Olivia Pope with a stunning Chanel top hat, leaving Kyle, shaking in her boots.  I’ve always said that this show has the best fashion of any franchise and these ladies never disappoint.  That is, besides Teddi.

Another element of this episode I enjoyed was the numerous occult topics brought up.  It was a slight pivot from their normal conversations, but this bitch was all for it.  They visited the Piazza del Popola, where The Exorcist was apparently filmed.  How did I live in Rome for 4 months and not know this?  I’m booking my trip NOW. 

Then, Denise nonchalantly brings up how her house is built on a pagan burial ground and that her daughter sees spirits at night.  I think we need an episode, Paranormal Activity-style, of Denise’s house at night and just see what creepy stuff the producers catch.  This would be a win-win for Denise since it would make up for her quitting the show mid-season plus she wouldn’t have to film with any of her co-stars. 

This might just be me completely unaware with the current state of the fashion world, but is Fendi still considered a relevant brand?  No shade, just truly curious because if I had their dough, you would see me in Prada or Dior when visiting one of the top fashion capitals of the world. 

Teddi continues to have the biggest stick up her ass when it comes to Denise who tries to make conversation with her.  Why was Teddi even invited back this season?  She’s so intolerable and judgmental.

They all leave Fendi without dropping less than $4,000 each, with Kyle coming out on top with a little over $9,000.  I have heard from credible sources that Kyle is a certified shopaholic- like has an actual shopping addiction.  Can anyone confirm this?

The women get back to their hotel and get ready for their second night in Rome.  As I’m typing this, I am realizing that half of the show is just watching the ladies get ready for events and yet, we’re somehow still entertained.  That’s some serious skill on the producer’s side.  Dorit insists she’s going for a ‘casual’ look and shows up in head-to-toe Chanel, leaving Kyle quaking, again, for the second time in one day.  You love to see it.

Erika also looks incredible and insists that Italy is where you go to show off your expressive side.  I never got that memo because this is how I looked on my first trip to Rome at 14. 

Yes, that’s a head-to-toe Abercrombie and a kukui nut necklace with gel-curled hair... 

Everything starts off tame at dinner, besides Sutton’s seriously rude faux pas with her wine. However, we’ve come to expect nothing more from the former debutante so lets move on.  Their drinks haven’t even arrived yet before Teddi brings up the ‘alleged’ comments Denise said about her cast mates to Brandi. 

If I didn’t believe Brandi before, Denise’s face, when Brandi’s name was uttered, confirmed it.  Denise tries her best to shut down the rumors as nonsense, and I actually believe her for a moment.  However, she then back peddles and looks more guilty than ever. 

***Rinna says she’s going to stay out of this rumor because of the Yolanda/Munchausen debacle she started back in season 6.  I bet Yolanda still regrets doing the show to this day. 

Teddi continues to antagonize Denise and eventually drops the Brandi affair bombshell to the shock of the entire group.  I know Teddi is doing everything in her power to stay relevant and secure her diamond next season since she’s the most uninteresting person in the cast, but airing Denise’s personal life in a social setting is just cruel. Bringing up someone’s sex life to a group of women at a dinner party is tactless, but knowing it will air on national television is a new level of trashy. I felt so bad for Denise at this moment because she looked completely mortified and blindsided, like someone slapped her in the face with a Manolo.  She pleads for Bravo not to air this conversation, which is obviously the antithesis of the producer’s intentions.

Next week, Denise drops the tea that Brandi hooked up with another woman in the group.  Do we think there is any truth to this or is she trying to save face and discredit Brandi?