My wife wants to buy leather shoes, coat, etc. in Italy when we go there in May. Is this a good idea? If so, where is the best place (city/shop) to buy ladies leather goods?

Thank you for your inputs.

Michael

Where will you be in Italy?

We will be in Firenz, Venezia and Verona, however are flexible in our travels.

In Florence you will probably get the best selection, but really, no better than in the larger US cities. I drove myself nuts looking and barganing in Florence and just felt like I was at such a disadvantage language and culture wise that I just didn't get anything expensive there.

Look around in the stalls of the open markets and then have the owners take you to their real stores if you want the experience, but they get really aggressive if you go that far with them, so be aware.

I would stick to leather shoe buying in Italy, they are less expensive than in the US and better selection, too.

Hi Michael-

There is a recent thread on a similar topic, if you haven't read it yet:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34474908