SHOPPING I Shopping for Designer Clothing and Accessories
f you’d like to spend some quality time with your credit card in Florence and the Tuscan countryside, look no further than some special outlets that are well worth a visit. Keep in mind
that that these high-end brands are top quality and are not like many of the outlets stores in the U.S. that often offer “seconds” and/or items specifically made for outlets. The discounts tend to run as much as 50 percent and up from Gucci, Ferraga- mo, Burberry, Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen, to name a few.
Sotto Sotto in Florence A 10-minute walk from the Duomo on via Pietrapiana, this outlet is similar to the now-defunct Loehmann’s or pre- bankruptcy Filene’s Basement stores in the U.S. The original is located in Sesto Fiorentino, but this new in town branch is a place to go early and often—there is a lot of product turnover, with new merchandise arriving daily. It’s often who gets there first who gets the best selection.
© tinx/Bigstock
The Mall in Leccio Reggello (about an hour outside of Florence…go by car or scheduled bus service) Built expressly as an outlet mall, an extensive number of designers have individual boutiques within offering very good discounts. There is also a good restaurant and café on the premises.
The Prada outlet (officially called Space) in Montevarchi (about an hour outside of Florence…go by car or scheduled bus service) Located in an old factory building, Prada sells mostly its own high quality products and its less expensive brand, Miu Miu. When you arrive, you are given a beeper and a number to avoid overcrowding. As you shop, the staff collects your purchases and takes them to the check- out area for payment. As orderly and hassle-free as one can expect in Italy!
Spring 2015 |
| 11
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36