Anything worth searching out in Italy?

[SheWoreYellow]

Either clothes brands or beauty, anything that’s harder to get or more expensive in the UK?

I mean, obviously there is an absolute tonne of stuff, the Italians are all fabulously dressed, but what comes to mind first?

Everything I've been I've found everything more expensive and their taste sort of more flamboyant but also more boring Almost dated I guess.

Yeah, that’s kind of why I’m asking. I was hoping I’d missed something.

I like the pure gold jewellery, there are much nicer styles and designs than you can get here.

I don't live in the UK anymore so not sure if this brand is widely available there, but I always end up buying lots of lovely, reasonably priced underwear from intimissimi in Italy. I think Massimo Dutti is a bit cheaper and I love Twinset for something stylish/bit different.

The “Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella” is worth a visit if you go to Florence. It’s a working apothecary and has soaps, perfumes, teas, chocolates- but it’s like walking around a museum.

There’s an Italian brand called L’Angelica Istituto Erboristico that does the most amazing body lotion for about a fiver. I bought a bottle on holiday last year and have been intermittently trying and failing to get hold of more ever since. It’s the most gorgeous stuff- really thick and moisturising, but sinks straight in- and it completely got rid of the kp on my arms.

Also Ballerette- lovely ballet pumps in every colour of the rainbow. You can get them online easily enough but the shops are so pretty.

@Suzi888

The “Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella” is worth a visit if you go to Florence. It’s a working apothecary and has soaps, perfumes, teas, chocolates- but it’s like walking around a museum.

Second this

Bags. Bags and more bags. I have several

Massimo Dutti isn't Italian.
I haven't found anything cheaper here than the UK tbh. Usually the opposite, even for actual Italian brands.

But as pps have said, there are some lovely erboristeria brands which are good and fairly cheap.

Look for local leather goods producers

Agree with previous recommendations - a wonderful place.
eu.smnovella.com/
Leather shoes and bags, and if you like stationery you can buy beautiful notebooks and paper.

Il never forget going to Rome and being absolutely stunned at the lack of good shops. It was all tacky tourist crap! Florence wasn't great either - just jewellery shop after jewellery shop full of horrid yellow-gold jewellery! But those are the only two places I've been.

The best thing I bought there were some gorgeous olive soaps! But the shopping was pants I'm afraid.