Shopping in Italy??
Nov 28th, 2006, 10:48 PM
#2
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The best shopping in Rome is near the Spanish Steps; Via Condotti and the streets near there, Via Babbuino. All the big names are here, but in some of the side streets you will find small boutiques as well.
Nov 29th, 2006, 01:46 AM
#3
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ROMA
Via Condotti for designer clothes
FIRENZE
Via de'Tornabuoni or Via della Vigna Nuova for Designer clothes
Craft markets around Piazzadi Santa Croce; Piazza del Ciompi & Piazza di Santo Spirito
Ferragamo shoes or Cresti for something more affordable.
Enjoy your retail therapy!
Via Condotti for designer clothes
FIRENZE
Via de'Tornabuoni or Via della Vigna Nuova for Designer clothes
Craft markets around Piazzadi Santa Croce; Piazza del Ciompi & Piazza di Santo Spirito
Ferragamo shoes or Cresti for something more affordable.
Enjoy your retail therapy!
Nov 29th, 2006, 08:10 AM
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Bob - because when I wear my bracelet from San Gimignano, scarf from Rome, necklace from Acqui Terme or look at my prints from Venice hanging in the room it floods back wonderful memories and I am so happy I bought them!!
Nov 29th, 2006, 08:44 AM
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If you are interested in shops and items that are specialist, personal and where the owners are often the artisans and you wish to explore other areas off the well beaten track in the Tridente area (via Condotti, Babuino) then a compact pocket or purse sized book that we used was very useful.
"The Civilized Shopper's Guide to Rome" by Pamela Keetch and Margaret Brucia published by the Little Bookroom, New York 2004.
The book is organized as a series of 8 walking tours with excellent locator maps and the bonus of some interesting restaurant/cafe recos. Each shop gets at least a page with contact info and opening hours. The writeups also often include local history and other cultural history for the area or streets covered.
The range of shops covered is vast and complete from art, books and antiques, clothing (even buttons), shoes and jewellery to home decor, housewares and accessories (inc. lighting), religious articles, souvenirs and many more. And lots of foodie items including markets, gourmet shops, pastries, gelato and chocolate.
It was a surprisingly important contribution to our daily itineraries in our recent month in Rome. I myself had no real intention to 'shop' but our trip took on more of the aspect of a walkaround wander which incorporated and integrated both history and the present reality of Rome. I came to see it as a vital contemporary city and not just a container for art and architectural artifacts. This book was instrumental in that shift. Bought on a whim, sight unseen from Amazon as a gift for Valerie. Who knew?
"The Civilized Shopper's Guide to Rome" by Pamela Keetch and Margaret Brucia published by the Little Bookroom, New York 2004.
The book is organized as a series of 8 walking tours with excellent locator maps and the bonus of some interesting restaurant/cafe recos. Each shop gets at least a page with contact info and opening hours. The writeups also often include local history and other cultural history for the area or streets covered.
The range of shops covered is vast and complete from art, books and antiques, clothing (even buttons), shoes and jewellery to home decor, housewares and accessories (inc. lighting), religious articles, souvenirs and many more. And lots of foodie items including markets, gourmet shops, pastries, gelato and chocolate.
It was a surprisingly important contribution to our daily itineraries in our recent month in Rome. I myself had no real intention to 'shop' but our trip took on more of the aspect of a walkaround wander which incorporated and integrated both history and the present reality of Rome. I came to see it as a vital contemporary city and not just a container for art and architectural artifacts. This book was instrumental in that shift. Bought on a whim, sight unseen from Amazon as a gift for Valerie. Who knew?
Nov 29th, 2006, 11:23 AM
#9
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My wife really was't into "designer" merchandise until we visited the outlet malls 20 miles outside Florence (Montevarchi - Prada; Regnino Sull'arno - Fendi, Gucci, Burbury; Pucci etc.)
She bought a few purses and some shoes 2 years ago at Fendi and we were amazed at the savings, and then last summer, on the first "sale" day in Florence, the savings were even more spectacular.
As I say, my wife would never consider buying these items in North America but it is somewhat hard to resist when one is literally getting them at 25% of what they cost back home!
For some reason, some people actually seem to care that the goods are "last year's models" - at 75% net savings (esp. with vat tax returns), who cares?
We have now promised each other that, as long as we can return to Europe, at least one road will always lead to Florence and the malls!
She bought a few purses and some shoes 2 years ago at Fendi and we were amazed at the savings, and then last summer, on the first "sale" day in Florence, the savings were even more spectacular.
As I say, my wife would never consider buying these items in North America but it is somewhat hard to resist when one is literally getting them at 25% of what they cost back home!
For some reason, some people actually seem to care that the goods are "last year's models" - at 75% net savings (esp. with vat tax returns), who cares?
We have now promised each other that, as long as we can return to Europe, at least one road will always lead to Florence and the malls!
Nov 29th, 2006, 12:03 PM
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My friends have a wonderful shop in the Mercato Centrale in Florence called Conti. You can buy fine local prodcuts such as balsamico, olive oil, vin santo, sun dried tomatoes (they will vacuum pack), cantucci, wines, jams, etc. They also have tasters of just about everything. For me, it's a "don't miss"!
