If you could buy one fashion item in Italy...

Sheri

We are traveling to Italy (Milan) this summer. Shopping time will be somewhat limited, so I would like to really focus on one special thing.

If you could buy one clothing, purse or shoe item, what would it be?

I don't "need" anything specifically, but do want to indulge a bit in the Milan shopping experience. I have a fairly classic (with a slight bit of trendiness) style.

Thanks

Sheri

3 years ago

Shopping

19 replies

Latest reply was from Runcarla

Bijou

Veteran

Sheri, Milan is a great fashion city, renowned for its style. A few questions may help you narrow it down:
Is there a category of clothing or accessories that you love? My best friend loves shoes whereas I am more of a handbag person.
Do you want this to be something you can wear or use often? A handbag you can use daily or one that will be precious and owned a lifetime…
Does it have to be Made in Milan / Italy?
Do you want it to be purchased from a specific store or designer? E.g. I got a special thrill buying a jacket from Harrods when in London, it was the buying experience that helped make the item special that would not have been the same if bought in a clearance warehouse.
Would you prefer to buy from a small local artisan rather than a known brand name?

One of my best purchases on holiday was a trench, bought in Paris after seeing Parisian women looking chic in their trenches for their daily commute to work.

3 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Absolutely shoes. I had a fabulous pair of Italian navy flats (well, a 1/2 inch block heel) when I was a teen. I still miss them. Walked all over Europe in them.

3 years ago

cat2

Veteran

Amazing silk prints. A scarf or blouse.

3 years ago

Sheri

Active Member

Great suggestions. I think it would be something I would wear / use regularly. I work full time, so I invest in my wardrobe in that area. I don't think I need another handbag (I have a couple of good ones). I am thinking shoes or a jacket.

3 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Since you already know that you want shoes or a jacket, I’d start looking into experiences related to purchases. I have a bauble of Murano glass made by glass-blowers I was able to watch working; are you interested in seeing/learning about how Milan designers and fashion producers work? Maybe there’s a special store, as Bijou suggested, where you’d enjoy a purchase, or a market. https://traveltriangle.com/blog/milan-shopping/
https://www.getyourguide.com/s.....nIds%3A139

3 years ago

Lana

(website)

Veteran

SHOES! No question in my mind. I found some beautiful handcrafted boots in a shop in Volterra, and they were too much for me to spend at the time. I wish I would have splurged.

3 years ago

Indigoprint

Veteran

I went to Paris as a senior in high school(way back in the 70's). I also knew I wanted to bring home a special article of clothing. I choose a sleeveless midi dress with a tiered skirt. I loved it and wore it for many years. I wish I still had it as it would still be stylish .(although most likely would not fit). Seems like some European styles are timeless.

3 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I’d go with a loose agenda in mind. Shoes and leather goods are an excellent bet in Italy! I bought a great black leather belt in Florence 30 years ago and wore it to tatters until I finally gave it up after 20 years.

But part of the joy in shopping while traveling for me is to keep my eyes open to unexpected items. Don’t get too laser-focused on shoes or whatever.

Have fun! Sounds like a wonderful trip!

3 years ago

kkards

Veteran

This is a difficult one, when i think of Milan, i think of fashion designers and brands, unlike Florence where i think of leather, or Venice, where i think of Murano glass..
I’m of the same mind as Janet, keep an open mind and see what speaks to you

3 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fabulous, Sheri! I LOVE Italy.

I bring back food, artwork, or crockery, usually. Or leather goods. Or a pretty outfit. Nodding along with Janet to keep an open mind. Have a wonderful time

3 years ago

Hadilly

Active Member

When I went to Milan a few years ago, I had fun biking to the Etro outlet and choosing a scarf. They had a lot of clothes too.

3 years ago

Bonnie

Veteran

My favorite necklace was bought from a local artist in Florence, Italy. I loved that it was locally designed and made, and a unique piece that I knew I would wear often.

3 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

When I was a teenager I visited Italy. I bought a couple pairs of leather gloves which I still have. I also bought some beautiful little paper covered boxes. I still have them, too.

3 years ago

The Cat

Veteran

Knitwear, scarves and bags.

3 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I would first go for shoes, because I always do. But also look at the hats -one of my favorites (long since destroyed) was from a hat stand in Rome.

3 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I thought I would buy more in Italy than I did... I ended up with two benetton tops, one pair of sneakers, one bag and two scarves.

The tees didn't really last but the rest have and three years on are providing happy memories.

I do think accessories are a great long term choice - shoes, bags, gloves, scarves.

3 years ago

RobinF

Veteran

Hubby and I got a small watercolor in Florence, purchased from the artist himself. It wasn't expensive but I love the associations and memories it brings back.

When it comes to clothes, I would get a bag or shoes instead of "soft" clothing - lasts longer and doesn't go in and out of style as quickly in my mind. But I agree that keeping an open mind is the best option. See what you fall in love with.

3 years ago

Anonymous

Definitely a bag. And if I still had money left, boots. Have fun shopping!

3 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Anything leather

3 years ago

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