Angela Caputi
Angela Caputi wows Florentine cognoscenti with her highly creative, often outsize, acrylic jewelry. A small but equally creative collection of women's clothing made of fine fabrics is also on offer.
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Window-shopping in Florence is like visiting an enormous contemporary art gallery. Many of today's greatest Italian artists are fashion designers, and most keep shops in Florence. Discerning shoppers may find bargains in the street markets. Do not buy any knockoff goods from any of the hawkers plying their fake Prada (or any other high-end designer) on the streets. It's illegal, and fines are astronomical if the police happen to catch you. (You pay the fine, not the vendor.)
Shops are generally open 9 to 1 and 3:30 to 7:30, and are closed Sunday and Monday mornings most of the year. Summer (June to September) hours are usually 9 to 1 and 4 to 8, and some shops close Saturday afternoon instead of Monday morning. When looking for addresses, you'll see two color-coded numbering systems on each street. The red numbers are commercial addresses and are indicated, for example, as 31/r. The blue or black numbers are residential addresses. Most shops take major credit cards and ship purchases, but because of possible delays it's wise to take your purchases with you.
The usual fashion suspects—Prada, Gucci, Versace, to name but a few—all have shops in Florence. But if you want to buy Florentine in Florence, stick to Gucci, Pucci, and Ferragamo.
Bargains on Italian designer clothing can be found outside the city.
Angela Caputi wows Florentine cognoscenti with her highly creative, often outsize, acrylic jewelry. A small but equally creative collection of women's clothing made of fine fabrics is also on offer.
Candles, soaps, and other heavenly products for the body and house may be found in this shop, which is set in a Renaissance palace.
The cheese selection at Baroni may be the most comprehensive in Florence. It also sells high-quality truffle products, vinegars, and other delicacies, many of which are, or can be, packed for shipping.
Come here for men's trousers, cashmere sweaters, and shirts with details like mother-of-pearl buttons.
One of Florence's oldest paper-goods stores is the place to buy the marbleized stock, which comes in many shapes and sizes, from flat sheets to boxes and even on pencils.
Photograph albums, frames, diaries, and other objects dressed in handmade paper are high quality, and the prices lower than usual.
Experience olive oil in all its permutations at La Bottega dell'Olio. The shop, which is tucked into a small piazza, has a great collection of fine olive oils, as well as bath products made from olive oil.
Synonymous with Florentine embroidery, this shop sells luxury lace, linens, and lingerie that have earned the eponymous signora worldwide renown. There's also beautiful (and expensive) clothing for children.
Complete your winter wardrobe with a pair of high-quality leather gloves, available in a rainbow of colors and a choice of linings (silk, cashmere, and unlined), from Madova. It's been in business for 100 years.
The essence of a Florentine holiday is captured in the sachets of this Art Nouveau emporium of herbal cosmetics and soaps that are made following centuries-old recipes created by friars.
Looking for some cheddar cheese to pile in your panino? Pegna has been selling both Italian and non-Italian food since 1860.
This shop has been selling both Italian and non-Italian food since 1860. If you're tired of mozzarella and feel the need for some cheddar, this is the place to find it.
Renaissance goldsmiths provide the inspiration for this dazzling jewelry with a contemporary feel.
It's possible to break the bank at what might be the best salumeria in Florence. Perini sells prosciutto, mixed meats, sauces for pasta, and a wide assortment of antipasti (starters).
Although it has shops throughout the world, Pineider started out in Florence in 1774 and still does all its printing here. Stationery and business cards are the mainstay, but the stores also sell fine-leather desk accessories as well as a less stuffy, more lighthearted line of products.
Leatherworkers ply their trade at Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School), a consortium in the former dormitory of the convent of Santa Croce. High-quality, fairly priced jackets, belts, and purses are sold here.
You'll find an extensive line of Florentine papers and paper products in this shop, where artisans also rebind and restore books and works on paper. Opening hours are tricky, so it's best to call before stopping by.
Dr. Vranjes elevates aromatherapy to an art form with scents for the body and home.
This salumeria shrink-wraps its own high-quality pork products, making it a snap to take home some salame di cinghiale (wild boar salami). It's also known for its exceptional prosciutto.
Most people want to buy gold when they come to Florence (for which it is justly famous). That said, Brandimarte, which has specialized in exquisitely crafted silver objects since 1955, is well worth a visit.
Missoni knitwear is the main draw at Cabó.
Still in operation after four generations, this Florentine institution sells antique jewelry and makes pieces to order; you can also get old jewelry reset here.
In a city where it seems just about everybody carries an expensive leather bag, Cellerini is an institution.
Trendy Diesel started in Vicenza; its gear is on the "must have" list of many Italian teens.
The aristocratic Marchese di Barsento, Emilio Pucci, became an international name in the late 1950s when the stretch ski clothes he designed for himself caught on with the dolce vita ("sweet life") crowd—his pseudopsychedelic prints and "palazzo pajamas" became all the rage.
The sister store of the Giorgio Armani boutique has slightly more affordable nightclub- and office-friendly garb.
This classy institution, in a 13th-century palazzo, displays designer clothing and accessories, though elegant footwear still underlies the Ferragamo success.
Paolo Fattori and his wife, Luisa, handcraft exquisite, one-of-a-kind bags and other leather accessories at this one-room store and workshop.
If you're shopping for elegant cashmere, look no further. This Genoese-based company has been making scarves, dresses, and sweaters (among other things) for men and women since 1885.