packmybags

We will be in the above areas in Italy for almost two weeks. I would love to hear on this forum what is unique to these regions, and also whether it is worth buying some items in Italy based on the price differential with the same goods in the US. The shopping will not be a huge part of the trip ~ I won't be going to the outlet mall, etc. but want to here about what you loved that you bought in Italy and what you can only find here.

Thanks!

cathies

The markets in Florence are fun. I have lovely leather gloves that I bought there.

annhig

yes, leather in Florence, definitely. it's worth trying to find some of the shops that local use rather than the tourist "traps" if you want something original that won't break the bank - i can't remember the names of any shops but I found some nice ones in Oltrarno and also in the area to the east of the Duomo towards Santa Croce.

raincitygirl

For beautiful gloves go to Madova, it is in Oltarno, if you cross over on the Ponte Vecchio you can't miss it.
Also in Oltrarno beautiful costume jewellery at Angela Caputi, via di Santo Spirito 58, that is her workshop. I went a bit crazy there last time. Not cheap but worth it.

There are many nice stores in that area actually which have good quality Italian goods at varying price points.I would be very careful at the markets as a lot of the stuff there is made in China or just isn't very great quality plus some of the salespeople can be pretty overbearing. I avoid the markets now.

An Italian handbag line I like is Furla, great quality and style at a mid range price compared to Gucci and the like.

If you take your passport to the customer service desk in La Rinascente ( dept store) they will give you a card for a visitors discount to use in the store. They have a nice range of goods including home wares and some nice food items.

I never miss a chance in Florence to shop at Jennifer Tatanelli's shop Casini, right across from the Pitti Palace. Fantastic leather goods and she does a range of lovely blouses, dresses, skirts etc as well. The most comfortable and long lasting ballerina flats and wedges ever. If there is a colour in a style you like that they are out of she will have it made up and mailed to your home. Some of the best and friendliest service I have had. Quite pricey and worth every penny.
She also has a great restaurant/ coffe bar next door called JT Caffe which has delicious food and coffee.

cathies

My gloves from the market are definitely Italian made, I guess I was lucky.

Raincitygirl, your last post sounds interesting, my kind of shop!

nytraveler

Agree that leather goods and jewelry are great to buy in Florence. But forget the idea of bargain prices. What you can get is unique styles and wonderful workmanship for both - but you will definitely pay for it.

I have bought quite a few purses, gloves (fancy leather not basic) and they were not cheap - but different than NYC. Also bought some jewelry in the past (gold and semi preciuos stones that were great deals but that was 20/25 years ago when the lira was worthless). Now you can still get great jewelry but expect to pay full price and check carefully exactly what you are getting.

Some places will sell 10K and call it gold - be sure you are getting at least 14 K or better 18K.

raincitygirl

cathies, next time you are in Florence, check it out.

cathies

Hopefully next year, raincitygirl.

packmybags

Thank you, leather afficianados. Any other suggested products?

raincitygirl

A visit to the Farmacia Santa Maria Novella is always fun. Beautiful products: fragrances, hand creams, room scents, cosmetics etc and even if you don't buy, the inside of the premise is gorgeous with frescoed ceilings, lovely old wood counters, tiled floors etc.

Via della Scala 16. Near the Piazza Santa Maria Novella.