When times are tough we all try to spend less on the luxuries and put our hard earned money towards necessities. But with a little bit of research and internet savviness, you can find the best buys and travel to some of the best places on earth to find ultimate fashion finds. I'm sure you can sense a bit of a theme going on in my blogs - Italy, Europe, Italy and more Italy. But I have to say, that my greatest fashion finds have been in Italy and I hope all of you fashionistas can save your pennies to visit the home of Style and Fashion - Italy and search for your own designer finds. In order to plan your trip to Shopping Trip of a lifetime to Italy, I highly recommend if you have yet to visit, you must start off in Roma and see the amazing historical monuments and soak in all the culture this city provides. Take a stroll down 'Via Condotti' where all the world's Designer stores are situated. It will lead you to the 'Piazza di Spagna' aka Spanish Steps.
For many travellers, Florence would be the next destination and ideally so, as it is a very beautiful city. If you do not intend on driving in Italy, the best way to get from City to City is by Train. Florence is the perfect stop along your shopping holiday. There are some great markets for you to explore where you can buy pashminas and leather bags, journals and Italian souvenirs. See the real Statue of David located at the Accademia Gallery and take pictures of the Beautiful Duomo aka Cathedral and see the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio Bridge along the Arno River. Don't forget to stop by one of the many gelatterias and be sure to order some 'Pistacchio' gelati - my favourite flavour. Whilst in Florence you can book a shopping tour http://www.viator.com/tours/Florence/Florence-Shopping-Tour-to-Prada-and-the-Mall-Fashion-Outlets/d519-24288GROUP (Copy and paste this link into your browser). This Tour costs approximately EUR28.00 and the driver will take you to the Space Outlet which houses Prada, Helmut Lang, Miu Miu, Jill Sander and Prada Sport all under the one roof. You will spend a few hours there and then head to The Mall which houses Gucci, Zegna, Agnona, Burberry, YSL, Y3, La Perla, Valentino, Fendi, Tod's, Hogan, Bottega, Armani, Sergio Rossi, Veneta, Ungaro, Diesel, Stella McCartney and many more. There are some great buys to be found. On my past shopping expeditions I have always found some amazing handbags, wallets, jackets, shoes and accessories. It pays to do some research and head straight to the main designers you prefer, so you can look around there first. A good tip is to hold items first and then you can always come back to pay on the day, so you can look around the other designers first, especially if you are on a strict budget. My favourite store for handbags has been D&G. This is separate store which was used to be part of the shopping tours, but I have found less interest in tourists in buying at this outlet, as it tends to be out of most people's price range. I honestly think everyone's wallets and credit cards tend to be shopped out by the time the bus gets here, as it is the last stop.
What I like about Designer Outlet Shopping in Tuscany is that much of the selection you find, never even found its way to their Australian stores. So chances are, you will find items that were strictly for release in Europe and North America only. For those who prefer a bit of the designer luxuries, along with some other well known brands, there is a great chain of Designer Outlets opened by the McCarthur Glen Group http://www.mcarthurglen.com/ I really hope they open in Australia someday. As I would most definitely be tempted to stimulate the economy with a good number of Premium Brands under the one roof.
If you're ever in Germany, ensure you checkout http://www.outletcity-metzingen.com/outletCity.php?language=en&server=live in Metzingen which is closer to Stuttgart. I especially love the multi-level Hugo Boss outlet. This outlet houses other designer brands such as Burberry, Escada, Bally, Lacoste and Ralph Lauren to name a few. So next time you're in one of these cities, be sure you take time out to Designer Outlet Shop. I'm sure you will find some fabulous Designer bargains:)
For many travellers, Florence would be the next destination and ideally so, as it is a very beautiful city. If you do not intend on driving in Italy, the best way to get from City to City is by Train. Florence is the perfect stop along your shopping holiday. There are some great markets for you to explore where you can buy pashminas and leather bags, journals and Italian souvenirs. See the real Statue of David located at the Accademia Gallery and take pictures of the Beautiful Duomo aka Cathedral and see the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio Bridge along the Arno River. Don't forget to stop by one of the many gelatterias and be sure to order some 'Pistacchio' gelati - my favourite flavour. Whilst in Florence you can book a shopping tour http://www.viator.com/tours/Florence/Florence-Shopping-Tour-to-Prada-and-the-Mall-Fashion-Outlets/d519-24288GROUP (Copy and paste this link into your browser). This Tour costs approximately EUR28.00 and the driver will take you to the Space Outlet which houses Prada, Helmut Lang, Miu Miu, Jill Sander and Prada Sport all under the one roof. You will spend a few hours there and then head to The Mall which houses Gucci, Zegna, Agnona, Burberry, YSL, Y3, La Perla, Valentino, Fendi, Tod's, Hogan, Bottega, Armani, Sergio Rossi, Veneta, Ungaro, Diesel, Stella McCartney and many more. There are some great buys to be found. On my past shopping expeditions I have always found some amazing handbags, wallets, jackets, shoes and accessories. It pays to do some research and head straight to the main designers you prefer, so you can look around there first. A good tip is to hold items first and then you can always come back to pay on the day, so you can look around the other designers first, especially if you are on a strict budget. My favourite store for handbags has been D&G. This is separate store which was used to be part of the shopping tours, but I have found less interest in tourists in buying at this outlet, as it tends to be out of most people's price range. I honestly think everyone's wallets and credit cards tend to be shopped out by the time the bus gets here, as it is the last stop.
What I like about Designer Outlet Shopping in Tuscany is that much of the selection you find, never even found its way to their Australian stores. So chances are, you will find items that were strictly for release in Europe and North America only. For those who prefer a bit of the designer luxuries, along with some other well known brands, there is a great chain of Designer Outlets opened by the McCarthur Glen Group http://www.mcarthurglen.com/ I really hope they open in Australia someday. As I would most definitely be tempted to stimulate the economy with a good number of Premium Brands under the one roof.
If you're ever in Germany, ensure you checkout http://www.outletcity-metzingen.com/outletCity.php?language=en&server=live in Metzingen which is closer to Stuttgart. I especially love the multi-level Hugo Boss outlet. This outlet houses other designer brands such as Burberry, Escada, Bally, Lacoste and Ralph Lauren to name a few. So next time you're in one of these cities, be sure you take time out to Designer Outlet Shop. I'm sure you will find some fabulous Designer bargains:)
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