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

GUYA is actually two separate shops - one on via Por Santa Maria, and another on via Calimala, closer to Piazza della Repubblica (these are actually the same street physically but just have different names - very common in Florence). They feature unique designers from Italy and around the world, and carry both men's and women's fashion.

Besides their two unique boutiques (which are a must visit when you are in Florence), they just "opened" their brand new website where you can shop for all the latest fashion trends from wherever you are in the world:

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La Perla is one of Italy's most well known brands, with a reputation for fine lingerie and other apparel. The La Perla boutique in Florence is at 22 via degli Strozzi (map below the photo), near the Palazzo Strozzi. You can also shop on line by clicking on the logo.

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.

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: