Rush right out and rent National Lampoon's European Vacation with Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo. One of my favorite scenes shows them in outfits they buy in Rome. Make sure DH watches.

:-D

How about buying an outfit to go along with your purse when buying momentos in different countries, I think it is a nice idea. I think that you now agree though that the majority of your packing should be done at home.

Betsy, that was sooo good a post! Gave me some laughs remembering that scene!

Julie

Oh, and don't forget having to pay customs duty on what you bought!

Yes, he's lost his mind. This is an absolutely dreadful idea on SO many levels...unless, of course, you're millionaires and shopaholics and have no interest in sightseeing.

bamababe, there are some very upscale hotels that have the closet full upon your arrival. Pre-trip you advise them of your measurements & likes/dislikes & type of clothes/shoes/undies/everything wanted. It's all there when you arrive in your room. Don't know if Rome has such. But if your hubby has the bucks (oops, Euros), it could be an option.

Julie

LOL...my German step-daughter and her partner arrived here in America for their visit with empty suitcases. Here in Delaware it is tax free shopping to boot. Good lord did they spend money!!?? And they adore IHOP.
They returned home with $70 jeans that would have cost 100E's...and heavy coats, and shoes and loads of shirts and underwear. Also, Advil, Excedrine and vitamins they say are horribly expensive in Munich.

Please...The cost of clothing in Europe is the same as in the USA. Much of it is made in China. The problem is the USA dollar! It has been losing value for some time. I suspect there is a quiet scheme afoot to lower the value of foreign government investments in US Dollars. A barrel of oil is at $80. Imagine the dollar being worth only fifty cents today compared to its worth some time ago. Oil is at $40 a barrel. I have friends who like shopping, one claims it is better that the museum and church gig. Italian styles are now considered 'most fashionable'. Why not go home with 'my Italian wardrobe'?

Actually, I found the cost of basic clothes much much more expensive in Italy than home. We can get kids clothes, well made and all that, at places like Old Navy and Kohls for a song (think leggings for $6.00). Didn't find anything even close to that in Italy. Shopping for special outfits in Europe is a good idea, but basics? US has the prices beat hands down.

I think the OP is American, so the cost to her would definitely depend on the value of the USD. Aside from that, I don't think the cost is the same in Europe, as I know German people who request their relatives in the US bring them various shoe and clothing items when they visit Germany, because they are more expensive there. Of course, you can buy cheap stuff in Europe if you know where to go, but this isn't efficient or always feasible for a tourist.

I think the reason has to do with a lot of stuff I don't think we want to get into here, regarding govt. regulations, fees, import duties, unions, wages, etc.

Even when the value of the USD was about equal to the euro which is a very good exchange rate compared to now, I didn't consider everyday clothing or items in Europe to be a bargain. In any case, the idea is silly for many reasons, not the least is the sheer waste of buying clothes you don't need and already have at home.

It sounds to me like the guy is just trying to be funny or sarcastic, and is maybe making comments either about how the OP likes to shop too much when they travel, or packs too much.

If you do some shopping and find some great clothes - fantastic... buy an outfit or two. But I would not want to HAVE to do this to be able to get dressed the next morning.