On the corner near Giant Eagle in Rochester is the Rome Monument and Rome Inspiration building. Rome Monument is a very well known company, having been in business since 1934. Every so often you will hear of a cemetery being vandalized and Rome coming to the rescue, either by cleaning and restoring or even replacing and donating monuments. They deal primarily with headstones and gravestones, and have been a staple in this industry since they opened. But, what about Rome Inspirations?
Rome Inspirations is completely different from the Rome Monument side. Both are owned and operated by the same family, but they are totally separate entities. In addition to helping people remember those they have lost, Rome Inspirations also helps people celebrate life and special occasions! The easiest way to review this amazing store is to break it into six categories – bereavement, pet loss, ladies boutique, kids boutique, religious items, and home decor.
Bereavement
When the unfortunate inevitably happens, there is nothing more fortunate than having Rome Inspirations nearby. The products they carry not only help console others in their time of grief, but more so, the products focus on the memories and not the loss.
They have custom silk floral embellishments, done in-house by the very talented Maureen, and a huge assortment of gifts – stepping stones, wind chimes, small plaques with lovely sayings, and many other options. These are a perfect way to send your support and unlike fresh floral arrangements, these gifts will last a lifetime, just like the memories of the loved one that has passed. Rome’s assortment offers customizable options for every price point, including coordinating items for gifts from a group, and they will deliver it to local funeral homes at no charge.
Pet Loss
Again, something that nobody wants to think of, but it does happen. When your beloved pet passes, you have two options – cremation or in ground burial. Either way you go, Rome is there to help. With a staff of animal lovers, they know that this wasn’t just a pet; this was a member of your family and should be treated with just as much care and dignity.
They have urns available for ashes or boxes available for burial, and they will assist you on your needs based on the size of your pet. When it comes to the urns, they are filled on site by their Certified Cremation Specialist and she welcomes you to be a part of the process. She will fill and seal it with care and compassion, and you can be in the room while it is being done if you would like to be.
Just as with any grieving, there are bereavement gifts available for you or for you to pass along as a gift to someone. Stepping stones, plaques, prayer cards and keepsakes are all perfect ways to help someone through the loss of their pet. In addition, Rome also offers some books and other materials on how to help children through as well. Pet loss is hard for adults, but for kids it can be confusing and devastating! When you don’t know where to go next, just come to Rome and they will help you
Ladies Boutique
Let’s lighten the mood now and talk about shopping. Is there much better? The ladies boutique is full of one-of-a-kind items that you need in your life. Everything from jewelry, to purses and tops, the boutique needs to be your first stop when looking for new things to line your closet! They have women’s apparel tops, jewelry, and accessories like scarves and handbags.
The apparel is limited to tops only, but that doesn’t limit the selection. They are as diverse as you can imagine so there is definitely something for everyone! Between carrying brands like Miss Me, Belldini, and Erin London, they have casual everyday tops and more embellished, special occasion pieces as well.
The jewelry and accessories are exactly the same way! Anything from unique everyday necklaces and bracelets, to special occasion fashion pieces for prom or your wedding. New stock arrives weekly (that’s not a typo! Weekly!) so you will be sure you won’t see anyone else around wearing the same top. There were ponchos and tanks, pullovers and jackets. So many adorable things, all with fantastic prices too! Tops start around $30! During the Christmas season they offer many different festive shirts and jacket – I can’t wait to stop back!
Kids Boutique
Moving downstairs via elevator, you will come to the infant boutique. This room is filled to the brim with specialty gift items and clothing for the babe in your life. Even many gender-neutral picks for those pre-gender reveal showers! They carry brands like Mud Pie, which if you have kids (girls, specifically), you know how adorable those clothes are!
In addition to that, there are so many other brands in so many other price points. There are one piece sleepers with a ticket of $16 (And no, THAT isn’t a typo either!) That is such a great value! Adorable accessories – hats, headbands, and booties; and gifts – picture frames, wubbies (is that the technical name? A stuffed animal attached to a blanket – aka a “lovie” in the Beaverhausen house), and bath robes, pepper the walls between all of the hanging clothes.
No kidding, if I said ‘This is so cute it hurts!!’ no less than 500 times, I would be shocked. Every single thing was “coo” worthy. This boutique has everything you need for gifting or for your own babes. Put this as your first stop on your baby shopping trip!
Religious Items
Rome Inspirations is also your go-to for all sorts of different religious gifts! They have a large supply of garden statuary, including Mary and the Holy Family. There are Baptism and Christening gifts for the baby and the godparents, First Holy Communion and Confirmation gifts, and a selection of Greek Orthodox icons, too. Scattered throughout the entire building are large paintings done by Jack Dawson. These paintings have hidden religious images within and are beautiful! Diane showed me a moving painting reflecting on 9/11.
Another huge area for their religious items is the White Room – the First Holy Communion dress and suit area for kids. It looked like a bridal boutique with white gowns all around the room, a center table of small shoes, purses and other accessories, and a large display of boys suits! These dresses were simply gorgeous! Christy and Diane know every aspect of these gowns, including any churches requirements and the overall market on these gowns.
The prices of these gowns are very reasonable and are less than all others around the Pittsburgh area. They work hand-in-hand with Adriana, their veil designer for custom orders, to customize the dress, veil and any other aspect to make the whole look complete. They also can work with brides for their flower girl gown, making it custom for their wedding. Boy’s suit sets are $70, and the girl’s dresses start around the same.
Home Décor
Did I mention how huge this store is?! So we have clothing for women, kids and babies, accessories, gifts, statuary. and now home décor. It was right before Easter when I visited and oh! They had hydrangea bunnies, grass wreaths with carrots, even egg topiaries! So adorable! With the vast selection of unique and reasonably priced items, Rome Inspiration has your house covered too!
So, let’s wrap this all up then! You need some new duds for your baby or the lady in your life? Check out Rome Inspirations.
You need a heartfelt sentiment to a friend, coworker, neighbor, acquaintance that just lost a loved one? Rome Inspirations.
You need something to memorialize your pet that just crossed the Rainbow Bridge? Rome Inspiration.
You need seasonal decorations for your house without breaking the bank?? Rome Inspirations.
Seriously guys, check them out! They are located at 300 West Park Street in Rochester and are open Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm and Saturday 9 am – 12 pm.
We love going to the open house events! Refreshments are delicious and they have some nice sale items! A free gift with a purchase was a great extra surprise, too! The women who work there are so friendly!