Shopping in Rome and Venice
Nov 11th, 2003, 08:40 AM
#21
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i would tend to look for jewelry, scarves, mufflers and leather purses because you can easily stuff purses with your clothes travelling home and jewelry, etc. does not take up room in the suitcases. if the girls are not into brands they can find very nice and european-looking leather purses in the markets or they can bargin with the hawkers for knockoffs on the street if they are into brand names. a few classic pieces of jewelry they can keep forever as souvenirs are nice, too. i thought the bead prices were high in venice compared to the usa, but i did not compare before i left. (for junk souvenirs, which i persoanlly think are fun, just go behind the rialto bridge in venice. scads of stalls..the gondolier of the month calendar was a big hit with my 20 yr old daughter. gold is usually a good buy if they like gold. the girls may have fun pricing items before they leave if they are aspiring shoppers.
for the poster on florence:you can find anything you desire in varying quality in the markets. carry cash to get the best prices on scarves, purses, etc. you will always get a discount for cash and if you purchase in quantity. you do need to be discriminating however; i found well-made mixed in with hong kong made. (do not believe all the made in italy tags..some are, some aren't) but if you like to shop, it sure is fun!
for the poster on florence:you can find anything you desire in varying quality in the markets. carry cash to get the best prices on scarves, purses, etc. you will always get a discount for cash and if you purchase in quantity. you do need to be discriminating however; i found well-made mixed in with hong kong made. (do not believe all the made in italy tags..some are, some aren't) but if you like to shop, it sure is fun!
Nov 11th, 2003, 10:19 AM
#22
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Slander, not to make matters worse for you, but the gold jewelry selection in Florence beats the other places we visited as well (Siena, Positano & Rome) I kept thinking I'd find something later since Florence was our first stop but never did.
Nov 11th, 2003, 10:27 AM
#23
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The very best area to shop is Rome is the Via Cola di Rienzo, near the Vatican. Tons of clothing boutiques. My 16 year old liked the "Onyx" boutiques, (an Italian chain). There are no bargains in Venice, unless you are looking for Murano Glass jewelry & trinkets. If you have the time to go to Paduva, outside of Venice, there are many stores for "ordinary: people. It might not be worth your trouble to venture there, unless you are talking a side trip to the fabulous Scoveni Church.
Nov 11th, 2003, 06:41 PM
#24
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"The very best area to shop is Rome is the Via Cola di Rienzo, near the Vatican."
I agree 100%. There are so many nice boutiques in that area. As well as inexpensive chains similar to The Limited & Express. I remember a really nice little shop that sold beautiful knit tops, skirts, and scarves in the most vibrant colors.
Nov 12th, 2003, 09:56 AM
#26
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Original poster is still here, and enjoying all the great responses! I am glad that this post has generated so much interest, and welcome the addition of Florence to the list.
It seems I was wasting my breath trying to get my daughters excited about all the fabulous art and architecture we are going to see. What has really piqued their interest is the list of stores provided here.
We leave in 10 days, so there is still plenty of time for us to benefit from additional Rome or Venice shops anyone may want to add. We'll save the Florence list for a future trip.
Thanks!
It seems I was wasting my breath trying to get my daughters excited about all the fabulous art and architecture we are going to see. What has really piqued their interest is the list of stores provided here.
We leave in 10 days, so there is still plenty of time for us to benefit from additional Rome or Venice shops anyone may want to add. We'll save the Florence list for a future trip.
Thanks!
Nov 12th, 2003, 11:22 AM
#27
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Your daughters may also be interested in Nomination charm bracelets that we saw all over Florence especially. They are stainless steel bracelets with flat charms that everyone was wearing in Italy in October. They are relatively inexpensive and fun to pick out the charms.
Nov 13th, 2003, 08:08 PM
#28
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Florence has wonderful shopping. It's much better in a way because it's compact and fairly easy to navigate. Unfortunately I didn't pay attention to street names when I was there in Sept. But, I know that you can walk to the central market from the train station in just a few minutes.
On the market you will find leather gloves, silk scarves, linen skirts, leather bags, leather coats, and so much more.
The streets around the market are filled with nice shops. Roberto's is a nice leather shop and also where you can purchase the Jelly Kelly bags. There are two shops that sell really funky plastic jewelry, which is very trendy now. I bought my favorite pair of boots at a shoe shop a few blocks off of the market. There is one shop that sells nothing but very nice hair decorations, barrets, combs, clips, etc. Another shop sells handmade books. And, there are many clothing boutiques, as well.
I did notice that the prices for leather gloves were much lower in Firenze than the glove shops near Piazza di Spagna. I would have saved at least 5 euro had I bought my gloves on the market in Firenze.
On the market you will find leather gloves, silk scarves, linen skirts, leather bags, leather coats, and so much more.
The streets around the market are filled with nice shops. Roberto's is a nice leather shop and also where you can purchase the Jelly Kelly bags. There are two shops that sell really funky plastic jewelry, which is very trendy now. I bought my favorite pair of boots at a shoe shop a few blocks off of the market. There is one shop that sells nothing but very nice hair decorations, barrets, combs, clips, etc. Another shop sells handmade books. And, there are many clothing boutiques, as well.
I did notice that the prices for leather gloves were much lower in Firenze than the glove shops near Piazza di Spagna. I would have saved at least 5 euro had I bought my gloves on the market in Firenze.
Nov 14th, 2003, 09:23 AM
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There are also some wonderful leather shops near Santa Croce Church. They sell leather gloves in all colors and also nice souvenier change purses or cases in which to put those rosaries you bought in Rome.
