artebelle-
don't you just love max& co. I bought a fantastic pair of wedged espadrille's and some bermuda shorts there at their store in florence. any one going should check it out they have very reasonable clothes. Is there one in the states?

I know there's one in Orlando at an outlet mall--but could not for the life of me tell you which one. Premium outlets? The one with the Saks outlet I think.

I see that this post hasn't been used in a while, but hopefully someone will see it. I am going to Italy the middle of Sept. I have just recently bought a ton of brown (which I'm told is the new black). Hopefully I won't be out of place.
Also, someone told me that Italian women don't wear sneakers. So, I'm leaving mine at home. Thought I'd buy a pair of really comfortable somewhat dressy, flat boots that I could wear with either my pants, jeans and skirts. I'm afraid to wear my boots with higher heels, as everyone states the cobblestone is awful to walk on. Plus, I'm not as young as I used to be......
Anyone have suggestions for that time of year?
BB

Stuart Weitzman's web site has his new fall collection on it and lots of boot options. Of the ones he's showing, I like the Steadydate (waterproof, Goretex), Conan, Wrapumup, Booter, and Undercover styles. Several come with coordinated bags. They can be a little pricey, but these should give you some ideas to work with.
http://www.stuartweitzman.com/store/...partment_id=71

Buy Naot shoes for Italian cobblestones. Come in all shapes/styles,cheaper to buy them In Italy, but easier to buy before you go so ready to walk when you get there. I have two hip replacements, and they are so awesome, I even climbed the Eiffel tower!!

Any comments on the "brown"? I remember going to Paris about 6 years ago, and I have this really fabulous "fushia" leather coat that I wore..... Dumb....... I stood out like a sore thumb...... Won't make that mistake again.......

bblount, I can feel for you. I made up my mind (mostly after reading the endless "how do I fit in?" posts on this board) that I didn't CARE about fitting in in Italy, as long as I was dressed nicely. I bought a very cool aqua messenger - I think it was even made in Italy. However, the minute I started using it in Italy I realized what it reminded me of - a diaper bag!!! There IS something to be said for tan or black.

missypie,
I see that you spend a lot of time on these posts. And it looks like you travel alot. How cool. Tell me about it, if you don't mind.

I would suggest thinking about another pair of shoes instead of boots that you can wear with your outfits. You say you are going to Italy in mid-Sep. It can still be very warm. Just be prepared with a backup plan if you see the weather in the 80s.

I was wondering about that. But I also don't want to take alot of foot wear. Trying to keep the luggage to one 22 inch and my overnighter......

Yeah, and boots are pretty heavy and bulky to pack if you don't wear them on the plane. And, I would think, not very comfortable for long flights.

The problem is when you pack for travel, assuming you're trying to pack lightly, some fashion just doesn't work. You need comfortable walking shoes. More shoes are heavy. You need clothes that don't wrinkle or stain easily and that wash and dry easily. That's the knock on jeans; they're hard to get dry in continental dryers -- if they have a dryer. (Lots of rentals don't.)

I was last in Rome in early October and the highs were in the low 80's. Plus the hotel had turned off its air-conditioning because it was October. I would have cooked in jeans tucked into boots.

Mimar,
Thanks for the advise. I plan on taking alot of skirts because they are light weight and don't take up a lot of room. I'll have to rethink the boot issue. Just thought that comfortable walking shoes (I have awful problems with my feet), will look really dorky with skirts. And, unfortunately, I am a bit vain...

Didi-Jakes is correct-as I often say, you can never go wrong in Italy and Paris with black, black and more black, black pants/jeans, blue jeans with black top, cropped jackets, and pretty skirts-just stick with the basic colors; black, white, creme, and brown (brown VERY in) generally no prints, no hot colors-you just don't see them-and you'll do just fine.

Take the boots and "wear" them on the plane. Some airlines supply sock-type things to really wear during the flight; if yours doesn't, take a pair of dark stretchy socks or knit slippers.

But have an alternative for warm weather. Flat ballerina slippers would look good with skirts, and they would take up almost no room in your bag. Make sure to buy comfortable ones far enough in advance to get used to them.

bblount- My advice is don't be too skimpy with footwear. You can always wear a skirt an extra time or two (I never pack "alot" of any one type of item) but if something goes wrong with your shoes, you're screwed. And from a fashion point of view an extra pair of shoes (sandals, boots) gets you much more bang for the buck than the same top in a different color (for example).

BB- p.s. I'd take the sneakers.

Girlspytravel...
Glad you said "Brown very in"...... No one had yet said anything about brown after I stated that brown is the new black. I was worried. Now I'll take my new brown things as well as black.... Most of my things are light weight and don't wrinke. And I don't have a problem wearing things more than once. Actually, my husband is going to be the problem. He just can't seem to pack light...... I'm working on him, though.........

I endorse the focus on footwear rather than more clothes -- especially if you have problem feet.

What I really liked wearing a few weeks ago when I was there was a Pucci scarf I bought there--it brightened up all the black clothing considerably and had that greaet Italian design.

If it were I, instead of boots I'd pack good closed-toe walking shoes (I use Paul Green, but other brands that work well have been written about here), 1-2 sandals (I pack SAS and an upgraded Teva), and one pair for dinner out etc. (either solid ballet flat or strappy wedge). All but the closed toe walking shoes go fine with the skirts. I observed absolutely no panty hose on anyone when I was there in June.

For clothes, I'm in the black clothes camp; true it's not flattering for everyone but you can put color or lighter tones near your face in a top, cami, or scarf. Or go with other neutrals (brown, navy) with a few brighter accents.

I've done well with black pants (1 cas. 1 dressier), 1 beige/khaki color slacks, 1-2 skirts (1 black, 1 reversable), tops that go with all, and a black cashmere cardigan. I bring a lightweight rain jacket with hood that folds up quite small for rain/chill. Anyway this is sounding more like what to wear vs. what's hot in Italy but I'd suggest being cautious with boots/jeans etc. even if they're in.

I see a lot of great shoes at the naot.com website, kam1. Can you tell me something about the widths of European sizes? I wear NN, so I'm not sure that the conversion chart is for me. Thanks, J.

I will be going to Venice and the Le Marche region of Italy in late Sept. early Oct. 2006. Question: I know "black" is the color to take but I recently purchased a long, very tasteful, animal print skirt (or is tasteful and animal print an oxymoron)? Anyway, my question is, will I look totally out of place wearing it in Italy? Accessories would all be black.

Thanks.