Shopping

"Epoca" is a new designer label vintage shop at Via dei Fossi 6r (near Piazza Goldoni). Epoca has all kinds of clothes, shoes, hats, bags, etc. from leading Italian designers, like the beautiful Pucci blouse we saw in the window there last week. Although the global economic situation has definitely affected Florence, and many stores have closed (and continue to close!) there are also new things like this popping up in different spots all over town, which is great to see. Via dei Fossi is a very fancy street filled with antique dealers and high end carpet and home furnishing shops - it is neat to have a store like Epoca in the mix there.

EPOCA
Via dei Fossi 6/r
Cell: 339 2518587
Email: valentinaferroni@alice.it

Every Thursday there is a flower and plant market just off Piazza Repubblica (starting in the south-west corner). Here are a few recent photos to get you in the mood:

People are always asking on travel websites and blogs, "How do I get to The Mall?". "The Mall" is a super high-end boutique outlet not far from Florence that features only the best luxury brands. FYI, it may be an "outlet", but this is high end label shopping - if you come back from here laden with bags, you'll have spent thousands of euros.

Some of the brands you will find:

• Balenciaga


• Fendi


• Gucci


• Pucci


• Ferragamo


• Stella McCartney


• YSL

...to name but a few. So how do you get there? That's after the jump.

Luisa Via Roma is one of the hippest boutiques in Florence, if not in all of Italy. It is really a destination not to be missed if you are into high fashion, up and coming designers, and want to be seen in the trendiest and latest that the Italian fashion world has to offer.

The store was recently completely renovated, and features large touch screen monitors where you choose items from the shop and then have them brought to you in a private dressing room. They also have a suite available for VIPs, and are very involved in the Florentine fashion shows, the throwing of fabulous parties, and all the other things that the beautiful people do.

LUISA VIA ROMA
Via Roma, 19/21r
50123 Florence (FI), Italy
Tel. +39 055 9064116
http://www.luisaviaroma.com/

The Gold Market is a popular jewelry store on Piazza Santa Croce - they have been in business at this location for almost 40 years. They have a brand new website and now you can buy their gold jewelry directly from Italy and have it shipped to most countries.

The Gold Market
Piazza Santa Croce 20/r
50122 Florence (FI), Italy
Tel. 055 242 983
http://the-gold-market.com

Luxist.com is reporting that this stylish bag is made in Florence:

"Melissa Loyd Maish, the former creative director of Bally, has her own line of purses. The atelier is based in Florence, Italy and the line features luxe looks in leather and linen. My favorites are the Sunset models, adorable linen bags with leather appliqués shaped as birds, suns and other organic shapes. The tote is white linen with brown leather and sells for $770."

Treat yourself.