Bazart in Florence

Last 7th December, the temporary shop by the Cultural Association ARTEDOVE in Florence (S.Ambrogio area) has opened and it will remain open until 23 December. 

BazART is a melting pot of art, design, handmade products and fashion, where you can find accessories for the home, for the person, jewelry, baby products, clothes, pottery, in limited edition. 

All products are created by young designers and artists who have their own self-creation. BazART is also a cozy place with great music, to drink a cup of tea together around a samovar, share experiences and spend time with your friends.

International Cultural Association ARTEDOVE in Via de 'Macci 81 red (not far from Santa Croce) Florence until December 23

Timing of upcoming events:
- Saturday 15: from 10 am to 8 pm
- Sunday 16: from 11 am to 8 pm
- Saturday 22: from 10 am to 8 pm
- Sunday 23: Closing Party from 11 am to 10 pm with tea and music.

Inauguration of jewellery with chocolate tasting

The goldsmith artist NegarAzari-Azhar invites everybody to the inauguration of her Contemporary Jewellery shop Naa-Studio, on Friday 16 November from 19h00, in via dei Serragli 59a/r 

For the occasion, the renowned chocolatier Andrea Bianchini will prepare delicious creations inspired of the fusion of two arts, jewelry and chocolate. Naa-Studio, Contemporary Jewelry Shop, is an experimental laboratory for "contemporary and design jewelry", a new concept in Florence, for those who love to wear a unique jewel at an affordable price. A, 60 mq laboratory shop of unique treasures such as: rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, usb port, frames and so much more carved and sculpted by hand using the Florentine traditional techniques. The perfect union of design and tradition. NegarAzhar-Azari, a young Florentine woman with Persian origins, had always thought to bring contemporary jewelry that can mainly be found in art galleries, to a new environment where people can have an easier access to it, something like the "democratization of art", using materials not necessarily precious (bronze, iron, wood, ebony, leather, textiles and various semi-precious stones or synthetic), but of great artistic value and design at an affordable price.

Superlative massage at the Four Season Hotel Spa in Florence

I was completely shocked when I received, as a birthday gift, a superlative 75 minutes massage at the Four Season in Florence! I had various opportunity to visit the Four Season in Florence (aperitif, brunch etc), but a visit to the spa was certainly a treat. 

I chose the massage, “Gocce di Luce” with candles. The candle composed by a special butter melt transforming the butter in warm oil used to massage the skin: this oil is composed by avocado oil, coconut oil, Shea butter; the fragrance is sweet oriental- spicy with vanilla tones.

Few words about the atmosphere of this Spa: amazing, warm and a tremendous kindness of the girls who work there. They let you fill up a form, first of all, asking if you want a gentle, medium or strong pressure of the massage then they lead you to the big changing room.

Everywhere all kind of amenities you might need like towels, make up removal, candles, water, fruits, fragrances: a true paradise for women.

After wearing my soft bathrobe I enter my room called after one of the hundreds kind of trees of the garden. It took me just few seconds to disconnect my brain from the rest of the world: the gentle but energetic massage of my back, the legs, feet and the massage of my face relaxed me so much that I said to myself: ”I stay here forever”.

The relax continued also after the 75 minutes massage when I lay on a bed in the relaxing room, sipping a herb tea cup and eating some organic biscuits watching the freezing cold wind bending the arms of the trees.

Other details I appreciated of the spa:

Many objects that you see at the Four Season in Florence are created by Florentine or Tuscan artisans like the alabaster shelf coming from Volterra or the tray and basket coming from a Florentine artisan, but above all, all the spa products coming from The Officina Profumo of Santa Maria Novella, an institution in Florence since 1612 that created only for the Four Season in Florence (no other 4 Season of the world have) the 4 Spa line named after the seasons, like the famous scrub made by the berries of the Tuscan cypress. 

Info: 055/2626 630 - mail: spa.firenze@fourseasons.com

Four Season Hotel - Borgo Pinti Florence, Italy.

You may be interested also in http://lovingflorence.blogspot.com/2008/10/mediterranean-massage-at-urban-spa-in.html

Shellac professional colour nail design

I already wrote about Joe, my hairdresser in Florence, right in the city center.

Now I can also have my nails done at Joe's: a young woman who works there has now specializes in semi-permanent nail-polish application, gel, nail reconstruction..

I'd never heard about semi-permanent nail-polish and it's been a real re-birth for me.

This is how it works: she first applies nail-polish (Shellac - CND); and then you place your hands into a sort of small oven so that in a couple of minutes your nails are dry!

And they look perfect! It stays for almost 2 weeks. I never before had such gorgeous hands and I can now forget about filing, polish remover and all the rest! And it's quite inexpensive, on top of that!!

And the colours are really cool: I personally love coral red and fucsia pink.

Hairforce

Via Ghibellina 74/R Florence
Tel. +39 (0)55 241736
hairforce@fastwebnet.it (you can make reservation by email!)

Luxury italian stone jewels

I just received an email from a italian reader who lives in France: she has created some luxury "mosaic jewels" with tuscan travertine stone. Here is what she wrote to me:

The idea of creating stone-made jewels came to my mind some years ago. When I run into the small mosaic tesseras of Tuscany travertine marble, I had the chance of setting stones off and driving them into an intimate and private world.

Besides being a clear esthetical choice, this series of stones and silver-made jewels represents for me also an ethical choice: recovering discarded materials from mosaics. Such a choice deeply roots in the Tuscany land and in its history. Precious objects are created from materials commonly used in the building industry. The simple design of my jewels merges contemporaneity and traditions and enhances the intrinsic beauty of the stones. It accords shapes and shades of color, thus putting forth a new concept of discreet and un-standardized luxury.

For info: http://www.valeriaevarossi.it/

Winter sales in Florence!

This weekend I'll go downtown in Florence for some shopping. From the 7th of January in the stores of Firenze there are the wintersales.

I think I need a pair of high heels shoes, I have heard that in all RomanoFirenze shoe shops the whole fall/winter collection is up for a bargain price.
If you are interested too hurry up, the stock is limited and Florence has a lot of shoelovers, so come by as soon as possible!
And from next tuesday all the shopping and fashion addicted will be amazed from the Pitti Uomo Fashion Fair, the biggest event in Italy regarding man clothes.

Winter sales

From the 1st of December romanofirenze.com, a shoe store in Florence, has started with the winter sales. Exclusively for those that buy online the whole fall/winter collection 09 is discounted, from 20% up to 40%.

Do not miss this opportunity to buy the trendiest shoes for a convenient price, and to get them shipped right to your home. The store has worldwide free shipping for orders over €250.

Vintage fair in florence

Here we are again... Vintage Selection 2009, summer edition, is coming fast. From the 7th of July until the 11, at Stazione Leopolda, the best vintage stores will come from every part of Italy. The place to buy original vintage Louis Vitton bags and Gucci shoes from the sixties.

Read also:
- Vintage selection winter edition 2008
- Vintage fair winter edition 2009

If you are looking for best second hand clothes stores in Florence, Italy, or just vintage shops in Florence, visit one of these stores:

Officina Vintage via del Giglio (men clothes)
Officina Vintage Borgo Albizi (women and accessories)

Pitti Fair: Officina Vintage by night

In Wednesday 17th June, during the exhibition “Pitti Uomo”, Officina Vintage will start the 5-days event “Officina Vintage by night”: the main shop, located in Via del Giglio, will be open until 10.30 pm for the whole week (Sunday included).
An “aperitivo” will be taking place on Wed. 17 th from 7.30 pm up to 10.30 pm.
The main theme will be “ladies and gentlemen” elegance: outstanding evening dresses will be on the show, in a “starry sky” frame and lounge music.

Opening time:
Wednesday 17th: 7.30 – 10.30 pm (aperitif)

Come to meet the Wedding Planner in a Florentine villa

Are you coming in Florence at the end of June? Are you thinking or dreaming to get married in Florence or Tuscany? If you are in Florence at the end of June and you want to have the first information about getting married in Tuscany, come at the free meeting with Simona, the Wedding planner of La Testimone di Nozze Weddings at the elegant Florentine Villa il Garofalo at 6,30pm on June 30th, 2009.

Simona will talk about organizing the reception, the ceremony, the documents and all the details to make your DAY into a perfect one. The meeting is absolute for free and it will be followed by a cocktail.
For info and booking email to info@latestimonedinozze.com

I love shopping at THE MALL!

Last sunday I went with a friend of mine to THE MALL, the big outlet in Valdarno area, not far Florence (it takes about 30 minutes by car to get there, it's very close to the highway A1 exit "Incisa").I wasn't looking for something special... just to go and see what they have.

When my friend Enrica decided to enter to Ferragamo I was not sure to go inside... I know things are very expensive there! But when I saw the last pair of a lovely brown boots for just 99 euros I couldn't believe to my eyes. I tried them on. Perfect.
In origin they cost 383 euros!

Besides the boots I bought also a pair of marvellous red Ferragamo shoes for only 55 euros (unbelievable!).

After that we decided to enter also in Gucci Store. It was very crowdy! Full of japanese! The prices were higher, but I fell in love with a pair of high heel black shoes, and I had to buy them!

Thery were 50% off: instead of 350 euros, I payed just 150 euros.

I really enjoyed my afternoon at the Mall, maybe my Visa didn't :)

See also the post about Barberino Outlet

Pitti Man fashion fair

Pitti Immagine 2009

Thom Browne and “The Men’s Fashion Show” Pitti Uomo 75
Pitti Uomo 75, the 2009 edition will feature a vast array of previews and special projects from special guest Thom Browne as well as designers Comme des Garçons and Allegri Wednesday, January 14, American designer Thom Browne will present his new menswear collection for autumn-winter 2009/10. The event will take place at the Institute of Aeronautical Military Sciences. In conjunction with Pitti Uomo 75, Oliviero Toscani, together with Sterpaia, Bottega dell’Arte Communication and Oliver Saillard (curator of the Musèe des Arts Decoratifs, Paris) will curate Workwear: Work for Seduction, an exhibition in culture and fashion. Inauguration of the event will be held at Stazione Leopolda on Tuesday, January 13th.

Pitti Woman’s Precollection 3
From Tuesday January 13th through Friday, January 16th, Florence will host the third edition of Pitti W_Woman Precollection, the Pitti Immagine salon-event dedicated to women’s fashion. Events, which will be held concomitantly with Pitti Uomo 75, will take place in the Dogana and Villa Vittoria, both a short distance from Fortezza da Basso. Seventy international names in design will present previews of their collections for autumn-winter 2009/10. Special guest, Giambattista Valli will preview the new line Thursday, January 15th in the Salone dei Cinquecento, Palazzo Veccio. This is to be a refined and exclusive event.

Pitti Bimbo 68
This one-of-a-kind international event offers a complete sampling of children’s fashion, bringing together different styles from sportswear to elegant classics and different designers from big names to independent creators. Design and textile as it relates to the world of children’s fashion will also be featured. Attesting to the interest in and quality of this event are new additions Diadora Heritage, Diesel Footwear, Paul Frank, Ballantyne’s children’s line, the Dekker Kid collection and the Pitti Bimbo debut of the USA’s Gold Rush Outfitters. Events to be held between Thursday, January 22nd and Saturday, January 24th.

Pitti Filati
From Wednesday, January 28th through Friday, January 30th, the new edition of Pitti Filati will host an audience of international buyers and fashion designers. The topics on the proverbial table to include new levels of creativity in response to current trends. Attendees will surely receive useful tools with which to approach the evolution of fashion.

Vintage Selection 13
From January 28 to February 1 Statzione Leopolda will be host to Vintage Selection 13. The event will be a combination exhibition and market, featuring clothing, accessories and vintage design items. Take a look at fashion gone by in this Vintage Selection archive, and gain an understanding of where it’s going

Taste 4
Taste is an exposition dedicated to flavours and ideas. This original journey was conceived of by Gastronaut Davide Paolini and is devoted to the cultural and organic diversity of food. More than 170 contributors have been selected from across the country on the basis of excellence and niche products. Taste will be held from the 14th through the 16th of March, 2009 at Stazione Leopolda as part of Pitti Immagine. For more information, contact taste@pittimmagine.com.

Fragranza 7
By the end of the three-day event that was Fragranze 6, approximately 1,300 industry players had gotten involved (a 20% rise over the previous year’s statistics and including a doubling of foreign buyers). In addition, a substantial number of lovers and conniseurs of world frangrances attended the events open to the public. At Fragranze 7, to be held from September 11 through September 13, 2009, facilitators anticipate a continued growth of success.

Pitti Immagine Milan
The next edition of Salons Woman Touch! and Neozone Cloudnine, to be held from the 1st through the 3rd of March, will be staged at NHOW Hotel in Via Tortona 35 and Padiglione Visconti, Via Tortona 58 in Milan.

See also Pitti Uomo Immagine 72 and Sundek Party for Pitti Uomo 74

Shopping Antiquities and Modern Malls in Florence

From antique markets to the Italian version of the American mall, there is a variety of shopping available throughout the city of Florence.

The antique market at Piazza Ciompi is a great place to spend the morning exploring and browsing through the history of Florence. Although small in size, it is filled with beautiful jewelry, luggage, clothing, silver products, and much more. Prices in the market range depending on the type of item being purchased, as well as its age and condition. The market is made up of small booths run by vendors each is completely filled with hundreds of things to sort through and discover. The density of the market and the amount that is in such a small place can be slightly overwhelming so be sure to allow yourself a few hours if you want to really explore and take the time to look through everything. If you feel like only spending a short time here, it is still definitely a place to visit since it is filled with unique people and objects and will definitely make you feel connected with Florence, its history, and the Florentine people. If you are looking for anything trendy, clothing, or anything specific, stick to the center of Florence. However, if you would like to find a selection of unique, beautiful, and historic artifacts of Florence, Piazza Ciompi is the perfect place.

The Gigli mall is located about 30 minutes outside Florence and is an American style mall filled with a variety of Italian stores. The mall includes a food court, indoor market, furniture stores with bathroom vanity, and a large selection of stores perfect for clothing shopping. Most of the stores are moderately priced and salespeople were friendly and helpful—which is a nice change from the clothing stores in the center of Florence. The Gigli mall is a great way to spend the afternoon. For students studying in Florence, or visitors on an extended stay, the mall is a great place to do some real shopping. However, for tourists spending a short time in Florence, it can easily be skipped since it is not really a tourist attraction, but simply a place for italians to do their every day shopping.

Piazza Ciompi can be reached by on foot 10 minutes from the Duomo. By taking Via dell’Oriuolo from the Piazza del Duomo which leads into Via Pietrapiana at Piazza Salvemini.

The Gigli mall can be reached by C.A.P. bus from the Stazione Centrale di Santa Maria Novella. The cost of a bus ticket is 1.40 euro and they leave the station every half hour.

See also the post about outlet shopping near Florence, the Barberino Outlet, the Vintage store in Florence.

Outlet Shopping

GUCCI, PRADA, PINKO or CK? So you hear that the outlets are a must see place upon arrival in Italy, right? Well, let me give you the dirty downlow- but keep it quite guys!

Barberino Designer Outlet, half an hour away from Florence and less than an hour from Bologna. More than 90 shops featuring the best brands with fashion products from previous seasons at prices cut by 30 to 70% all year round. In the heart of Tuscany, Barberino Outlet is located less than a mile from the main italian highway 'Autostrada del Sole', crossed by 90000 vehicles. Shopping is a completely different story at Barberino. A pair of fashion shoes? Breathtaking lingerie? An item for home? Here you will be able to find something truly exclusive, choosing among the best brands. The prices? Discounted all year long 30% to 70%! Don't miss it!
The area, covered by Bologna and Florence airports, enjoys excellent links with Florence, Pistoia and Prato through ordinary motorways. There's also a daily shuttle bus from Santa Maria Novella, Florence main railway station, to get there (just exit on the right of the station and you'll see the bus stop near the green area).
Address Barberino Designer Outlet: Via Meucci - 50031 Barberino di Mugello (FI)
INFOLINE: 055 842161

The Prada outlet, as it is frequently called is actually called SPACE and it is home to not only Prada. Other names such as Helmut Lang, Miu Miu and Jill Sander. The prices are spectacular- it is really flooring. A few years ago, the prices were even better when the Lira was in action, however, prices for PRADA have remained the same, unlike other Italian fashion houses. Make sure you take at least half of a day for your journey. Trains leave to Montevarchi, where the outlet is located, throughout the day. Once you get there, you hop in a cab and you are zipped right to the all white intimidating building. After you press the button for your personal number- get ready. Among the many aisles of ornate bags, intricate ties, and gleaming shoes, you can find some great deals.
SPACE (Prada) - Località Levanella, 52025 Montevarchi (AR) - Tel : +39 055 91 901
Opening hours : Normally seven days a week. Please call ahead to check opening hours as they are subject to sudden changes. Saturday is the busiest day. Admission is possible until 1/2 an hour before closing time.
How to get there:
By train, take the train to Montevarchi station and then get a cab (about 15 minutes).
By car: take the A1 autostrada - Exit 'Valdarno', Out of the toll turn right and follow signs for Montevarchi or Centro. At the big round about that has an IPER - COOP supermarket exit left. Then continue towards Arezzo. Pass through Montevarchi and 'Località levanella' after the village pass a gas station and then follow signs for I PELLETTIERI D'ITALIA in the 'Zona Industriale' on the left. The sign for the outlet is at a traffic light. On your left is a huge grey factory that is all Prada and the out let is in the back of the main factory complex. Prada is the hardest to find but the most worth the effort. Do not hesitate to show local people the address to get a direction, they are quite accustomed to lost fashionistas. During the off seasons, you can basically go to the outlets at anytime. However, during summer hours, all of Japan and California flock to that stainless steele ticket dispenser to get their ticket and wait...and wait...and have a cappuccio at teh chic bar next door....and guess what...wait some more until their number is called. Don't lose your ticket. If you liek an itme, a sales associate will stow it away under your personal number. After your 10 or 15 sweeps around the store, it time to check out. You tell them your number and they ring you up. Hurry before the exit lines get big. Some people buy large and keep going. There is always something here worthwhile to buy!

The Gucci Outlet, is also located outside of Florence at THE MALL. It is actually pretty expensive to get there and the prices are not anything to drop your cheeseburger for.
The other stores at THE MALL are Agnona, Bottega Veneta, Emanuel Ungaro, Ermenegildo Zegna, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Loro Piana, Hogan, La Perla, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tod's, Sergio Rossi, Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent. All have older styles with high prices, however, you can always snag a good deal here and there.

THE MALL information desk opening hours are: from 9 to 18 non-stop Monday to Saturday
Tel +39 055 8657 775 Fax +39 055 8657 801

THE MALL address: Via Europa 8, 50060 Leccio, Reggello Firenze
Opening hours : from 10 to 19 non-stop Monday to Saturday and 15-19 on Sunday.
Please call ahead to check opening hours as they are subject to sudden changes.
How to get there: The mall provides a shuttle bus to collect clients from their hotels and take them to the out let. Seats may be reserved by calling THE MALL information desk.

Aperitif....to the hairdresser!!!!

After having spent the entire day at the BTO, the fair of tourism on line, I ended up with a terrible headache.

I had an appointment with my favourite hairdresser and I was happily surprised that on Monday, as they close late in the evening, they asked Salamanca, the Spanish restaurant beside them to bring some tapas, the Spanish aperitif and between a shiatsu massage and a coffee; it is nice to grab some tacos and sauces with sangria. Jo explained me that if they have to stay open late in the evening it is nice to offer something to customers and I have to admit that this is “taking care of customers”…

Hairforce
Via Ghibellina 74r
Open from Monday to Saturday (Monday opens in the evening as well).

Vintage store in Florence

OFFICINA VINTAGE - TWICE!!!

A young, talented, creative group of friends opened Officina Vintage last year in a hidden corner outside the historical centre of Florence and it was immediate success. Now, after one year, they are ready to open another shop this time in the historical centre of Florence just few steps from the Duomo, in via Del Giglio 41/red. At Officina Vintage you can find vintage clothing of the 70ties and 80ties : a more complete selection of clothing and accessories dedicated to all Vintage lovers and those who want to dress with a very personal taste but especially to own a unique and
inimitable item.
The grand opening of this second shop will be on Saturday, November 15th from 5pm until 9pm in Via Del Giglio 41/red, near the Medici chapels. Come to visit this colorful shop full of creative ideas: the verve of these four guys will conquer you!!!
Time openings:
Monday from 3pm to 8pm
Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to
2pm – 3pm to 8pm
Sundays (until Dec. 31st) 10am to 2pm – 3pm to 8pm

Mediterranean massage at Urban Spa in Florence

Following a very stressful moment, I decided to try for a relaxing massage at Fonbliu’.

This urban spa is in Porta Romana, one of the nicest areas of Florence surrounded by the gentle hills of Florence. This small urban spa is one of the gifts that Florence, sometimes, offers to its inhabitants.
The environment is a very calm, clean, essential one. The girls who work there are extremely kind and they have a sort of relaxing attitude: “good for them”, I thought!
Once you enter they offer you a soft and perfumed white bath robe with a pair of flip flop: you enter in the cloakroom and then you exit beside the swimming pool forgetting about the chaos and the traffic just a few steps away from you.
I chose a massage called: Light of Morocco, a relaxing massage that helps untied tension not only physical but also emotional ones. This massage evokes the manual gestures done in the hammam and more than using argan oil (antioxidant) enriched with a patchouli fragrance, the girl used a mhakka: a little terracotta disc that activate circulation and it works as a peeling as well.

Now, I don’t know if she was good, if I needed to relax, if it was the terracotta disc, but I felt particular sensations: I was in peace with the whole world! My legs, my entire body was in complete relax when I left the spa and next time I think I will try the so called Nausica treatments, a special soft bed where you will be surrounded by steam, vaporized water, essentials oils, and at the end they offer you a massage as well…to try!
Last two things to say: men are going to have massage as well as women (I asked it for curiosity) and if you are lodged at Villa la Vedetta a splendid 5 stars hotel at Piazzale Michelangelo, they have a shuttle bus for the spa.

Fonbliù, Urban spa Piazzale di Porta Romana 10r
Tel. +39 055 23 35 385
Email: info@fonbliu.com
www.fonbliu.com

Hairforce, much more than a hairdressers

Last friday I went to Hairforce, after my travel to Ny I needed to have my hair cut and brushed!

The hairdressers Hairforce is in the heart of Florence, in the historic Via Ghibellina, 2 steps from Santa Croce.
The salon, recently restructured, is managed by Joe, Sicilian, but in reality a citizen of the world (including London and Tokyo - searching for the latest fashion trends). Working alongside Joe is a group of young, very friendly and well-trained colleagues.
Always up-to-date on the latest cuts and colours, they understand quickly which look will suit you best, and when the moment has come for a change.
But the really great thing about Hairforce is not just the professionalism or the talent of the team in terms of cut and style, it is the atmosphere that exists in the salon - a place where you can really relax in peace.
As soon as you walk in the door you are offered a coffee and then head to the shiatsu massage chair for a shampoo.
There is also free internet for clients, so you can check your emails if you like.
A quick flick through the magazines, a chat, a joke and then the relaxing shampoo and massage.
Then the cut, the colour, the blow dry.
Every one of the team specialises in something: whether its colour,up-dos and styling or cutting.
The fact that they are in the centre of Florence also means that they know the new bars and restaurants that opening - in a chat between cut and blow-dry, you often find out nuggets of information about things to do in the city.
And they are pretty quick, and reasonably priced.

Hairforce
open from monday to saturday.
late opening on mondays.
hairdressers for men and women.
english speaking.
free internet access for clients.

Hairforce V.Ghibellina 74/R Tel. 055 241736
Hairforce V. Tozzi 28 Tel. 055 608119

If you print this page Joe will make you a 10% off discount!

Barberino outlet and cheap eats close to Florence

Today I went back to Mugello. I wanted to go and swim in the Bilancino Lake, but the weather was not fine even for sunbathing! I decided to have a cheap lunch at Casa del prosciutto at Ponte a Vicchio, where you can have tasteful panini(bread) with prosciutto (ham), or youcan seat and order delightful and oily tortelli di patate (I had some with mushrooms) and other tuscan food for less than 10 euros per person.

After lunch the sun has come back, so we hade some time swimming and sailing in the lake, near the Bagno Maria beach.
Last but not least we went to McArthurGlen Barberino Outlet: the big mall with outlet stores only 20 minutes from Florence, where you can buy clothes by Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Pollini, Guess, Max Mara...
I bought just few things since there were already the winter collections and for me it was quite strange to try coats and wool stuff...

Florence Summer sales start today july 12

In Italy every Region has a different rule for the beginning of the sales. In Florence, Tuscany sales start on July, 12. You can buy italian leather goods near Santa Croce. You can find lovely fashion bags and accessories by Gucci, Hugo Boss, Louis Vitton, Armani with a discount price close to Piazza Repubblica.

Some stores have started their Summer Sale 2008 since last Saturday, but a huge range of items will be reduced by up to 50 per cent in these days.
In Italy, even if you can see the prices on the labels, you can always try to negotiate asking "What discount can I get?" or "What can you do about the price?" (in italian you could say: "un piccolo sconticino extra?")
At Rinascente, in the store’s excellent fashion department, not far from Ponte Vecchio, you will find cutting prices on a phenomenal range of goods by up to 60 per cent.

In italian sales are known as "saldi". So watch out for the signal "saldi" or "sconti" on the windows of the stores and get discounts of up to 60 per cent.