What's the best thing you bought in Florence or Tuscany?
Apr 16th, 2007, 08:16 AM
#81
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If you sew or have a seamstress in your home city do check out the fabric stores. The fabrics are so gorgeous, fabric is easy to pack and you can have pillows, table runners etc. made for your home.
Apr 16th, 2007, 07:19 PM
#82
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LoveItaly, we have a friend from Florence who works in a fabric shop and she can't wait to get here to visit so she can buy up all the fabric she can afford and carry from JoAnn's fabrics because they are so much more plentiful and way cheaper than anything she can get in Italy! Apparently they can't get anything cotton that's not exorbitant.
Apr 16th, 2007, 07:37 PM
#83
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Hi Lady, that is interesting as I have a JoAnnes very close to where I live and I have never seen beautiful silks etc. that I have seen wandering around the fabric stores in Florence with a friend who lives in Italy. Perhaps our JoAnnes doesn't have the quality of fabrics that you JoAnnes has? I was overhwhelmed with the various fabrics that I saw in Florence.
Apr 24th, 2007, 05:44 PM
#84
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A Man's reversible black/brown belt that has a silver buckle that flips for when you want it black or brown..In Florence at the San Lorenzo street market - 2 for 25 Euro.. that's the only thing my husband wants when I go to Italy...
Apr 24th, 2007, 06:06 PM
#85
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Hey Frugaltraveler!
If you don't want to wait until your next trip to Italy- my husband found that type of belt at Target the other day... of course- I'm sure it isn't Italian leather. But if you're in a pinch- it might help!
If you don't want to wait until your next trip to Italy- my husband found that type of belt at Target the other day... of course- I'm sure it isn't Italian leather. But if you're in a pinch- it might help!
Apr 24th, 2007, 06:35 PM
#88
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In Florence, I bought an incredible Black leather purse, with adjustable shoulder strap. has a very unusual buckle on either side to adjust the length. and then it is hand-tooled with a design in the palest gold---absolutely elegant. i use it for special occasions. yummy.
surfingmomma
surfingmomma
Apr 24th, 2007, 07:56 PM
#89
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Ditto for Santa Maria Novella in Florence.
The dainty little wax sachets are nice
to bring back as gifts. I purchased
a few, left them in the hotel room,
came back and was wowed by the scent
and went back and bought a dozen.
Seems they were only about 12 euros
a couple of years ago.They will also give you a bag and printout giving history of
SMN for each one and the
bag is almost a gift by
itself.
The dainty little wax sachets are nice
to bring back as gifts. I purchased
a few, left them in the hotel room,
came back and was wowed by the scent
and went back and bought a dozen.
Seems they were only about 12 euros
a couple of years ago.They will also give you a bag and printout giving history of
SMN for each one and the
bag is almost a gift by
itself.
Apr 25th, 2007, 03:54 AM
#90
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A mosaic of the tuscan countryside purchased from Scarpelli Mosaici,
Piazza Duomo 36r 50122 Firenze Tel. 055 212587. We have the plessure of enjoying it year round. There are small and very large pics to choose from. Our is small since it gets pricey.
http://www.scarpellimosaici.it/inglese/inglese.htm
Piazza Duomo 36r 50122 Firenze Tel. 055 212587. We have the plessure of enjoying it year round. There are small and very large pics to choose from. Our is small since it gets pricey.
http://www.scarpellimosaici.it/inglese/inglese.htm
Apr 25th, 2007, 12:46 PM
#94
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They have many Florentine subjects starting from around 300 euro. They are willing to assist interested buyers via email as well. They can send you photos and prices of items to choose from and will ship it directly to you. Our mosaic is apx 12" long and 4" high plus a 2" fabric matt and nice wooden frame. I think it was about $300 E. It was a splurge but we never regretted our decision. They are all hand made and gorgegous. Good luck!
Apr 25th, 2007, 12:47 PM
#95
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They have many Florentine subjects starting from around 300 euro. They are willing to assist interested buyers via email as well. They can send you photos and prices of items to choose from and will ship it directly to you. Our mosaic is apx 12" long and 4" high plus a 2" fabric matt and nice wooden frame. I think it was about $300 E. It was a splurge but never once have we regretted our decision. They are all hand made and gorgeous. Good luck!
Apr 25th, 2007, 01:35 PM
#96
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300 Euros! Wowzers! I'm glad you prepared me for that one. I'm actually more likely to buy one now that I know what to expect, if that makes any sense! I think I'd have to pick mine out in person in the shop...only 18 days til we arrive! The pictures online are gorgeous. I can see why you love it. Thanks very much for sharing!
May 7th, 2007, 03:25 AM
#97
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I purchased 3 of the most beautiful leather jackets at a very reasonable price. I was a backpacker so they obviously didn't cost too much!! 
Everyone comments on the jackets whenever I wear them so the guys I bought them from really know their styles and what is going to suit you.
I highly recommend taking the time to see these guys if you want to purchase something stylish and they are always willing to help you find other bargains in the market place too - they helped me find a beautiful leather handbag, leather belt, and an awesome pair of jeans all for a bargain.
Miriam Leather Factory
"Moda In Pelle"
Via dell'Ariento, 35r - 50123 Firenze
Ph. 0039 055 291283
If you are standing in front of San Lorenzo church, there is a street leading away from it called Via dell'Ariento (it will be lined with carts and stalls...) Head toward Mercato Centrale and just after you cross Via S. Antonino, start looking for the address (it will be on your left in between a jewellery store and a fruit store). It's not a cart, it's in one of the buildings on the footpath. Just ask for "Fabio" or "Alex".
Enjoy your shopping!
Everyone comments on the jackets whenever I wear them so the guys I bought them from really know their styles and what is going to suit you.
I highly recommend taking the time to see these guys if you want to purchase something stylish and they are always willing to help you find other bargains in the market place too - they helped me find a beautiful leather handbag, leather belt, and an awesome pair of jeans all for a bargain.
Miriam Leather Factory
"Moda In Pelle"
Via dell'Ariento, 35r - 50123 Firenze
Ph. 0039 055 291283
If you are standing in front of San Lorenzo church, there is a street leading away from it called Via dell'Ariento (it will be lined with carts and stalls...) Head toward Mercato Centrale and just after you cross Via S. Antonino, start looking for the address (it will be on your left in between a jewellery store and a fruit store). It's not a cart, it's in one of the buildings on the footpath. Just ask for "Fabio" or "Alex".
Enjoy your shopping!
May 7th, 2007, 07:20 AM
#99
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some years ago i bought the best pair of sandals I have ever owned in Florence - stylish but at the same time very comfortable and they lasted for years. I saw other leather goods that were attractive and good quality. Prints and art posters were also great.
