Is it cheaper to purchase prada in Europe? I am looking at a backpack that is $695 at Needless Markup (Nieman Marcus). Though ther are some on ebay for hundreds less, I doubt their authentcity.

I can no longer carry purses due to a neck injury, and there just aren't that many nice backpacks out there - I already have Coach & Dooney and would love to upgrade.

Yes, I found Prada in New York (the Prada store rather than department store concessions) more expensive than in Europe. Within Europe Italy is a particularly good place to buy Prada for choice and price.

Yes it is cheaper to buy Prada in Italy than in NYC.

There is a great Prada outlet store outside of Florence. The train from florence to the outlet is about 45 minutes.

If you have your heart set on a Prada splurge, then go for it, but you might investigate a few other, less expensive but stylish alternatives. For example, Mandarina Duck (Italian label) has just come out with a laptop backpack (co-branded with Sony VAIO) - I expect they will be selling the same thing without the VAIO co-brand.

Just be aware that the line-up at outlet stores can be limited. It's hard to tell what they have available. Also sometimes they may carry merchandise that's one or two seasons old.

CFntmpn: Please tell me you aren't paying full retail at NM and other such stores for that backpack. Please tell me that you know you can get that Prada backpack for around $225.00 (the large one) on line. Here is the website to go to get Prada, which will take you to the individual websites with the best discounts for a particular product-and don't worry-it's all 100%:

www.designerapparel.com (click the Prada link, then click "handbags"-there's around 750 products)

My black Prada handbag arrived a couple of weeks ago-just as described-only I paid about $800.00 less than the retail price for it-with authenticity card and Prada dust bag cover also included, of course.

Girlspytravel: Since you seem to know about discount shopping, do you have any leads on Taryn Rose shoes for less than full-on retail? Thanks..sorry to intrude on the Prada thread.

EK-TR being TR, it's harder to get discounts on these shoes than other designer brands, and the problem is size and stock. That being said, however, you can try this link:

www.shoescentral.net

Sierra Trading Post also has Taryn Rose. www.sierratradingpost.com

Make sure you know the VAT Tax Refund scheme so you get your tax (about 20-25% i believe) back when leaving the EU - last week a poster said they failed to get it back thru poor planning i believe.

I've been to this place in Manhattan and they carry authentic name brands at great prices:

http://www.dutyfreeapparel.com/