Prada Outlet
Sep 9th, 2004, 07:44 PM
#2
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Are you talking about SPACE?? Localita Levanella ss.69 52025 Montevarchi, Italia?? Phone:011390559196528. It is an hours drive from Firenze, sweetie. Call and get directions. One of my sister's ex-husband has a villa nearby. That's how I know about it. Never been there, as I don't shop at outlets.
The last time I was in Firenze, I saw an advert for an organized tour of the outlet. I'm sure the other two fashionistas who frequent this site will have more info. for you. Foodsnob, Marilyn, were are you???
The last time I was in Firenze, I saw an advert for an organized tour of the outlet. I'm sure the other two fashionistas who frequent this site will have more info. for you. Foodsnob, Marilyn, were are you???
Sep 10th, 2004, 06:23 AM
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Oaks -
I'm not sure I'd consider myself a fashionista but when we were in Italy on our honeymoon my husband and I visited the Prada outlet. Directions I don't have but I can give you my impressions of the store.
We arrived relatively early and there was already a line. We took our number and had an espresso at the cafe a few doors down (or was it across the way?). After about twenty minutes we got in. My husband and I split up so all I can tell you about is the women's items.
I ended up buying three items (one of which I'm wearing today in fact) - none of which have a Prada logo on them as I don't care for logos. A cashmere sweater for 40 euros, a stretch wool v-neck for 20 euros and a leather purse for 150 euros. These purchases were heavily discounted and I searched for them (purse had original tag on it for 540 Euro). There was quite a variety of clothing including the brand miu-miu with styles ranging from what I consider classical pieces to trendy items. They also had the black microfiber Prada purses, wallets, that one sees everywhere.
There was a good selection of shoes but I had already blown my shoe budget(6 prs) in Florence so I didn't purchase any.
Essentially, lots to choose from but I hear it's hit and miss. Prices are fair - you have to look for the deals. However, I'm Canadian and our dollars don't go that far. Would I go back? Yes, if we had a car and were driving by - I enjoyed it and I finally bought my first Prada purse!!
I'm not sure I'd consider myself a fashionista but when we were in Italy on our honeymoon my husband and I visited the Prada outlet. Directions I don't have but I can give you my impressions of the store.
We arrived relatively early and there was already a line. We took our number and had an espresso at the cafe a few doors down (or was it across the way?). After about twenty minutes we got in. My husband and I split up so all I can tell you about is the women's items.
I ended up buying three items (one of which I'm wearing today in fact) - none of which have a Prada logo on them as I don't care for logos. A cashmere sweater for 40 euros, a stretch wool v-neck for 20 euros and a leather purse for 150 euros. These purchases were heavily discounted and I searched for them (purse had original tag on it for 540 Euro). There was quite a variety of clothing including the brand miu-miu with styles ranging from what I consider classical pieces to trendy items. They also had the black microfiber Prada purses, wallets, that one sees everywhere.
There was a good selection of shoes but I had already blown my shoe budget(6 prs) in Florence so I didn't purchase any.
Essentially, lots to choose from but I hear it's hit and miss. Prices are fair - you have to look for the deals. However, I'm Canadian and our dollars don't go that far. Would I go back? Yes, if we had a car and were driving by - I enjoyed it and I finally bought my first Prada purse!!
Sep 10th, 2004, 06:30 AM
#4
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If you must buy pieces at outlets, then make sure they're classic lines. MiuMiu tends to be a more detailed collection and much more "now" than Prada, so it's very difficult to purchase classic pieces.
However, I'd really like to advise you to purchase one piece from their current collections, rather than a few dated pieces.
However, I'd really like to advise you to purchase one piece from their current collections, rather than a few dated pieces.
Sep 10th, 2004, 09:41 AM
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We shopped at the SPACE/Prada outlet just 3 wks ago. It is difficult to find.
Here's the best directions I can give: The outlet is in Levanelle, a barely there town south of Montevarchi on the SS69. There is ONE small sign for Levanelle on a building as you pass through town, only in view if you're heading south! If you miss it and reach the town of Levane you've gone too far south. We never saw any signs for SPACE or Prada anywhere. The SS69 is a 2 lane street with stop lights that runs N-S a few miles West of the A1, South of Florence. It was shown clearly on our Michelin map. Going south on the A1 from Florence you would exit at San Giovanni go west to the SS69 then south, pass thru Montevarchi. Levanelle is next. It really seems like an extension of the outskirts of Montevarchi. There are no obvious landmarks to watch for as you approach the place. The building, on your left heading south, is set back off the SS69 behind another plain industrial type building. The outlet is in a warehouse type structure with a distinctive triangular-saw tooth type roof line. The building is perpendicular to the road. There is a small street that leads back to the warehouse with parking behind it. Right away you'll notice the nice cars in the lot and people milling about. You take a number from a machine on the wall outside. Then you can go into the cafe next door on the left and wait till the light up board shows the next group of numbers allowed in.
All in our group made purchases. The selection was a little better than I expected. I bought a black medium size (leather & microfiber) sachel type Prada bag for 200 Euro, a pair of Church's brand suede driving shoes for 65 Euro and a Helmut Lang denium jacket for 80 Euro. I got the VAT tax refund form from the shop too. I thought it was worth the stop. Good luck!
Here's the best directions I can give: The outlet is in Levanelle, a barely there town south of Montevarchi on the SS69. There is ONE small sign for Levanelle on a building as you pass through town, only in view if you're heading south! If you miss it and reach the town of Levane you've gone too far south. We never saw any signs for SPACE or Prada anywhere. The SS69 is a 2 lane street with stop lights that runs N-S a few miles West of the A1, South of Florence. It was shown clearly on our Michelin map. Going south on the A1 from Florence you would exit at San Giovanni go west to the SS69 then south, pass thru Montevarchi. Levanelle is next. It really seems like an extension of the outskirts of Montevarchi. There are no obvious landmarks to watch for as you approach the place. The building, on your left heading south, is set back off the SS69 behind another plain industrial type building. The outlet is in a warehouse type structure with a distinctive triangular-saw tooth type roof line. The building is perpendicular to the road. There is a small street that leads back to the warehouse with parking behind it. Right away you'll notice the nice cars in the lot and people milling about. You take a number from a machine on the wall outside. Then you can go into the cafe next door on the left and wait till the light up board shows the next group of numbers allowed in.
All in our group made purchases. The selection was a little better than I expected. I bought a black medium size (leather & microfiber) sachel type Prada bag for 200 Euro, a pair of Church's brand suede driving shoes for 65 Euro and a Helmut Lang denium jacket for 80 Euro. I got the VAT tax refund form from the shop too. I thought it was worth the stop. Good luck!
Sep 10th, 2004, 11:48 AM
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The Prada outlet is called Space. You can try this site gives you all the info you want on the outlets and the Mall.
http://www.intuscany.net/guides/shopping_
http://www.intuscany.net/guides/shopping_
Sep 11th, 2004, 10:34 AM
#7
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Thanks for all of the tips. It sounds great, but it could be a tough sell getting my boyfriend to join in the lines and extra driving on what is already such a short trip to Italy.
The above link did not work.. anybody have another? I guess I can google it.
thanks again. Can't wait to go!!
The above link did not work.. anybody have another? I guess I can google it.
thanks again. Can't wait to go!!
Sep 11th, 2004, 11:38 AM
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Hi again,
try www.intuscany.com. Then click on guides that will take you to another page and click on shopping. That should work.
try www.intuscany.com. Then click on guides that will take you to another page and click on shopping. That should work.
Sep 11th, 2004, 01:38 PM
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To Oaks; Don't know where you live but there is a Prada/Miu Miu outlet , also called Space in Woodbury Common in NY state. My girlfriend and I are going to drive there next month to check out this place. Look under www.premiumoutlets.com/woodburycommon
It's located in Middletown NY which is in the Hudson R valley about an hour from NY. Maybe there are other Premium Outlets that also have this shop.
It's located in Middletown NY which is in the Hudson R valley about an hour from NY. Maybe there are other Premium Outlets that also have this shop.
Sep 12th, 2004, 06:32 AM
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Hi there -
I just returned from Italy 2 days ago and spent an entire day at the outlets in Florence(for any shopper, this is a must). Bottom line, if you want to go, go with an organized bus tour - your hotel can set it up, it's only 27 euro and they will hit each store for you with plenty of time to shop. The outlets are so out of the way from the city (and spaced out individually), you'll go mad and broke trying to find them yourself. I HIGHLY recommend doing an early AM bus tour (from the SMN station) that will drive you directly there. If not, you have to take your chances on local trains, take a cab from there and then figure out how to get to each outlet individually after that. Plus, this is in a very remote area - no phones, no taxi stands waiting outside. We went 2 days in a row - once with the tour and once by ourselves, and the bus tour was WORTH IT. Try www.caftours.com
The first stop on the bus tour was Prada in Montevarchi (2 hr stop). Next stop was The Mall (my favorite - but in a separate village a good 30 min from the Prada outlet), which houses Gucci, YSL, Tod's, Hogan, Valentino, Armani, Bottega Venegga, La Perla, Ferragamo, etc. That's another 2 hr stop. Next is 45 minutes at Fendi/Celine/Lowe outlet (must drive there), then an hour at D&G. Then you hop back on the bus and they drive you back to the SMN station where you started. This is a day trip - expect to leave at 8:30 am and get back around 5:30 pm.
I nearly passed out from all the shopping and found great, great deals on lines I couldn't get here in the U.S. Hey, with the conversion rate I probably paid more than I thought (50% off of an $800 bag is still expensive), but it was one of the highlights of my trip. Good Luck!
I just returned from Italy 2 days ago and spent an entire day at the outlets in Florence(for any shopper, this is a must). Bottom line, if you want to go, go with an organized bus tour - your hotel can set it up, it's only 27 euro and they will hit each store for you with plenty of time to shop. The outlets are so out of the way from the city (and spaced out individually), you'll go mad and broke trying to find them yourself. I HIGHLY recommend doing an early AM bus tour (from the SMN station) that will drive you directly there. If not, you have to take your chances on local trains, take a cab from there and then figure out how to get to each outlet individually after that. Plus, this is in a very remote area - no phones, no taxi stands waiting outside. We went 2 days in a row - once with the tour and once by ourselves, and the bus tour was WORTH IT. Try www.caftours.com
The first stop on the bus tour was Prada in Montevarchi (2 hr stop). Next stop was The Mall (my favorite - but in a separate village a good 30 min from the Prada outlet), which houses Gucci, YSL, Tod's, Hogan, Valentino, Armani, Bottega Venegga, La Perla, Ferragamo, etc. That's another 2 hr stop. Next is 45 minutes at Fendi/Celine/Lowe outlet (must drive there), then an hour at D&G. Then you hop back on the bus and they drive you back to the SMN station where you started. This is a day trip - expect to leave at 8:30 am and get back around 5:30 pm.
I nearly passed out from all the shopping and found great, great deals on lines I couldn't get here in the U.S. Hey, with the conversion rate I probably paid more than I thought (50% off of an $800 bag is still expensive), but it was one of the highlights of my trip. Good Luck!
Sep 12th, 2004, 05:26 PM
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The bus tour sounds like a great way to do it (and that way I don't have to drag my boyfriend along). I just wish that I had more days!! I only have 3 days total in Florence... not sure that I should really be succomming to my love for shopping and spending (or as he would say "wasting"
and entire day on an organized bus shopping tour.
Definitely something to consider though. Thanks!
and entire day on an organized bus shopping tour. Definitely something to consider though. Thanks!
Oct 14th, 2004, 12:55 PM
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I drove to the Prada outlet and most of the others. They aren't easy to find, however the locals were very nice in giving directions. One guy knew where I was trying to find before I even had a chance to ask him. I went early on a Monday and found the place to be empty with out a line. It filled up by the time I left. I think the prices are very good for those products, compared to what they cost here. I purchased shoes for 40 Euros and some other ones for 100 Euros. I bought Prada and Armani ties for my dad and brother for 10-20 Euros. Don't forget to get a VAT refund form so you get the VAT tax back. That makes them an even better bargain. I found the Gucci outlet at the Mall and the Prada one to be the best. I never found the D&G one.
Oct 14th, 2004, 01:09 PM
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Thanks, wow $12 for a designer tie that is a good price! And $48 for shoes. Hmmm I'm not a big shopper but maybe we'll take a few hours and go? Is there a way to go just to the Prada outlet? any busses/tours?
Oct 14th, 2004, 01:36 PM
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I got lucky on the 40 Euro shoes that they had them in my size. I also bought some handbags for 180-220 Euros which sounds like a lot but to get designer bags at say Neiman Marcus Outlet they cost $400-$700 and to buy them in season is even more. (Yes I've done that also and I could have financed a trip to Europe on what they cost)
You can always hire a driver to take you to the outlets or take a taxi but I'd negotiate a rate first.
You can always hire a driver to take you to the outlets or take a taxi but I'd negotiate a rate first.
Oct 14th, 2004, 04:49 PM
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I was in Italy last month and hit the SPACE outlet (Prada) and the mall on the Caf Tour. I highly recommend. In case you're hotel doesn't set up the tours (ours was too small), we just popped into another hotel and they set it up. We paid 20E for the two stop tour.
The prices were amazing at the Space outlet -- Prada shoes retailing for $800 for 30E, purses retailing $400 for 110E, and lots of cashmere sweaters under 100E.
The prices at the Mall weren't quite as good, though I did snare a pair of Ferragamo sandles for 50E.
Good luck!
The prices were amazing at the Space outlet -- Prada shoes retailing for $800 for 30E, purses retailing $400 for 110E, and lots of cashmere sweaters under 100E.
The prices at the Mall weren't quite as good, though I did snare a pair of Ferragamo sandles for 50E.
Good luck!
Oct 15th, 2004, 01:49 AM
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Are "sandles" a shoe made of wax?
What is the point of buying high fashion shoes that were in vogue months ago, and are now just too passé for words? Also, they are invariably in vile colours. It's just buying items for the sake of it!
What is the point of buying high fashion shoes that were in vogue months ago, and are now just too passé for words? Also, they are invariably in vile colours. It's just buying items for the sake of it!
Oct 17th, 2004, 08:12 PM
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To m_kingdom2: Why are you bothering to post in this thread if all you are going to do is make fun of spelling errors and those who enjoy shopping?
The shoes I purchased are timelessin style, and, because I live in California, I can pretty much wear them year round. Yes, I did see lots of people in the outlets who appeared to buying for the sake of buying, but for anyone who is truely interested in high fashion labels at steal prices, then the outlets outside of Florence are a must.
The shoes I purchased are timelessin style, and, because I live in California, I can pretty much wear them year round. Yes, I did see lots of people in the outlets who appeared to buying for the sake of buying, but for anyone who is truely interested in high fashion labels at steal prices, then the outlets outside of Florence are a must.
Oct 17th, 2004, 09:06 PM
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Here is the exact link from the intuscany.net site:
http://www.intuscany.net/guides/shopping_spacci_2.htm
http://www.intuscany.net/guides/shopping_spacci_2.htm
Oct 17th, 2004, 11:44 PM
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Hi,
We are going to be in Florence in Nov & have added an extra day so we can go to the Factory Outlets without missing out on site seeing in Florence. I have been to Florence before but my Husband hasn't. Can anyone tell me if there are ATMs at the outlets . As I have read lots on this site about credit card fraud those of you who have made purchases there how have you paid ?
We are going to be in Florence in Nov & have added an extra day so we can go to the Factory Outlets without missing out on site seeing in Florence. I have been to Florence before but my Husband hasn't. Can anyone tell me if there are ATMs at the outlets . As I have read lots on this site about credit card fraud those of you who have made purchases there how have you paid ?
