Shopping in Italy?

[MrsPotatohead]

I'm going to Florence and wondering if anyone has recs for purchasing leather (either shoes/sandals or maybe a crossbody). I do have the Rick Steve's book and he mentions a few shops, but wanted to check with you fashionable people:) Or if you have other recs around the city that would be great too!

[miamigirl]

I don't go here, but just wanted to share my experience. I found the most amazing leather purses in the San Lorenzo leather market in Florence. Their prices are great, and don't be afraid to bargain, especially if you buy more than one item. Have fun!

[MrsPotatohead]

May 19, 2016 13:32:20 GMT -5 miamigirl said:

I don't go here, but just wanted to share my experience. I found the most amazing leather purses in the San Lorenzo leather market in Florence. Their prices are great, and don't be afraid to bargain, especially if you buy more than one item. Have fun!

this is really helpful, thank you!

[callmehales]

#JEALOUS

[momin2013]

I don't go here either, but if you're at an actual store that accepts credit cards but you offer to pay in cash, merchants are usually more willing to budge on prices. DH bought a beautiful leather jacket and shoulder bag for much less than the tag price at a store in Rome by offering to pay cash.

[MrsPotatohead]

May 19, 2016 16:45:11 GMT -5 momin2013 said:

I don't go here either, but if you're at an actual store that accepts credit cards but you offer to pay in cash, merchants are usually more willing to budge on prices. DH bought a beautiful leather jacket and shoulder bag for much less than the tag price at a store in Rome by offering to pay cash.

thanks for the tip!

[tacocat]

May 19, 2016 13:53:36 GMT -5 MrsPotatohead said:

May 19, 2016 13:32:20 GMT -5 miamigirl said:

I don't go here, but just wanted to share my experience. I found the most amazing leather purses in the San Lorenzo leather market in Florence. Their prices are great, and don't be afraid to bargain, especially if you buy more than one item. Have fun!

this is really helpful, thank you!

This is what I did 10+ years ago and I still use the same bag to this day!

[rnrun]

I have an I Medici cross body bag that H bought me in Florence and I absolutely love it. We both purchased wallets from them as well. The quality is fantastic.

[neonpink]

I am an avid traveler with Rick Steves' I've never used his shopping guidelines before but I got hosed in Barcelona at a place he recommended. It was a small breakfast place and for 3 people and very little food it was 90 euros! If I remember correctly I had a pastry and my H and his brother had 2 maybe 3 plates of small tapas that they shared. My warning is sometimes because of the popularity of his books the price goes up and the value at the store next door is the same but the price cheaper.

Florence is amazing though. Have a wonderful time.

[MrsPotatohead]

May 20, 2016 15:06:26 GMT -5 neonpink said:

I am an avid traveler with Rick Steves' I've never used his shopping guidelines before but I got hosed in Barcelona at a place he recommended. It was a small breakfast place and for 3 people and very little food it was 90 euros! If I remember correctly I had a pastry and my H and his brother had 2 maybe 3 plates of small tapas that they shared. My warning is sometimes because of the popularity of his books the price goes up and the value at the store next door is the same but the price cheaper.

Florence is amazing though. Have a wonderful time.

ugh, that's a bummer   I can totally see that happening. He says in there too that food is really hit or miss?? Was it really that hard to have good meals and not pay $$?

[neonpink]

May 20, 2016 17:39:36 GMT -5 MrsPotatohead said:

May 20, 2016 15:06:26 GMT -5 neonpink said:

I am an avid traveler with Rick Steves' I've never used his shopping guidelines before but I got hosed in Barcelona at a place he recommended. It was a small breakfast place and for 3 people and very little food it was 90 euros! If I remember correctly I had a pastry and my H and his brother had 2 maybe 3 plates of small tapas that they shared. My warning is sometimes because of the popularity of his books the price goes up and the value at the store next door is the same but the price cheaper.

Florence is amazing though. Have a wonderful time.

ugh, that's a bummer   I can totally see that happening. He says in there too that food is really hit or miss?? Was it really that hard to have good meals and not pay $$?

I would look over any menu at the places he recommends. When I came back to the States the place I had gone to was in the intro of the show and while we are there it had his book on a shelf. I think he was making a killing on being in the book.

Italians eat well and I didn't have a bad meal in Florence. I typically look for Italians in a place and eat there. Im on trip advisor/ contributor so that can be a good resource if your looking for a place too.

Also please eat some gelato for me. It's so good.

[runblondie26]

May 20, 2016 7:45:04 GMT -5 rnrun said:

I have an I Medici cross body bag that H bought me in Florence and I absolutely love it. We both purchased wallets from them as well. The quality is fantastic.

Yes, I have an I Medici bag I picked up in Florence over 10 years ago, and still get compliments on it when I carry it. Fantastic quality!

[bcarp30]

I didn't buy leather but I did buy a vintage gold piece and a florentine coin on the Ponte Vecchio. We also had an amazing dinner, hands down the best steak ever in Florence. I'll try to remember the name and post it!

[bcarp30]

I remembered MrsPotatohead! It's Buca Mario. www.bucamario.com/mobile/index.php

[MrsPotatohead]

May 25, 2016 9:44:36 GMT -5 bcarp30 said:

I remembered MrsPotatohead ! It's Buca Mario. www.bucamario.com/mobile/index.php

it's on the list! thanks

[miamigirl]

May 25, 2016 9:44:36 GMT -5 bcarp30 said:

I remembered MrsPotatohead! It's Buca Mario. www.bucamario.com/mobile/index.php

Omg, yes! This is the best!

Order the Bistecca alla fiorentina, it's the traditional dish there.

[sa]

Gilardini!!

www.gilardinishoes.it/negozi_en.shtml

Fabulous shoes and fair prices.

I still regret not buying more while I was there.

[MrsPotatohead]

Just a little update:

Gilardini was awesome, got super cute shoes by a local shoe maker

Buca Mario was AMAZING, I ate way too much.

Thanks for the great recs guys!

[sa]

Jun 27, 2016 4:11:23 GMT -5 MrsPotatohead said:

Just a little update:

Gilardini was awesome, got super cute shoes by a local shoe maker

Buca Mario was AMAZING, I ate way too much.

Thanks for the great recs guys!

Any pics of the shoes

[MrsPotatohead]

Jun 30, 2016 7:47:04 GMT -5 sa said:

Jun 27, 2016 4:11:23 GMT -5 MrsPotatohead said:

Just a little update:

Gilardini was awesome, got super cute shoes by a local shoe maker

Buca Mario was AMAZING, I ate way too much.

Thanks for the great recs guys!

Any pics of the shoes

Not yet will post when I wear them! (It was too hot and now where we are it's too wet, boo)

[sa]

Ok, I'll wait. I'm sure they are gorgeous. Can't wait to see!

Are you still in Italy? If so, enjoy!

[MrsPotatohead]

Jun 30, 2016 16:28:29 GMT -5 sa said:

Ok, I'll wait. I'm sure they are gorgeous. Can't wait to see!

Are you still in Italy? If so, enjoy!

Not italy, still in Europe though heading home in a few days!

[MrsPotatohead]

Jun 30, 2016 16:28:29 GMT -5 sa said:

Ok, I'll wait. I'm sure they are gorgeous. Can't wait to see!

Are you still in Italy? If so, enjoy!

(they're flats)
SaveSaveSave

[sa]

Love them! MrsPotatohead,

[divanerd]

Florence was great have fun! Bargain with cash don't use cards for shopping.
I really liked the neighborhood near Vatican.

[ashsummer]

I've never done shopping in Italy

[MrsPotatohead]

Aug 1, 2016 11:03:47 GMT -5 ashsummer said:

I've never done shopping in Italy

LOL

super helpful (and months too late)
Save