Archive for 'Shopping'

As with many places around the world, certain towns in Italy are known for local traditions in the production of specific foods and goods. In Italy, the regional foods of the country are often more familiar to us but there are some exquisite local craft traditions that continue to this day and that are well-worth checking out, especially if you are fond of the finer things.

Take, for example, the charming medieval town of Arezzo, which has an impossibly rich tradition of jewellery and gold craftsmanship that will make the magpies and lovers of sparkly things around the world want to book a villa in Arezzo and pay a visit. If you’re looking to enjoy a vacation in Tuscany and all that that entails but also want to invest in something truly special to commemorate your trip, then Arezzo is the perfect destination.

If you are a perfume enthusiast and you happen to have been browsing our Italy Villas to find a perfect vacation rental in Florence, then you might not know that the city is actually the perfume capital of Italy. So, find your villa with pool in Florence, prepare to indulge all of your senses, and bring home the scent of the birthplace of the Renaissance...

During the height of power and wealth among the Renaissance courts of Florence, patronage of artists and artisans was a key way that nobles could display their discernment and riches. Great sculptures and paintings, iconic buildings, stunning churches, impeccable pieces of jewellery, lush fabrics, and more were all created at the behest of these influential citizens. However, there was also a wealth of patrons paying for the finest fragrances in the world. During this vibrant era, the art of perfumery flourished and the likes of Catherine de' Medici's deep passion and important patronage only futher ignited the city's fascination with fragrance. 

We have previously discussed various spots to shop if you have found a vacation rental in Milan. As the fashion capital of a nation famous for being chic, Milan obviously has no shortage of cool places to get a bit of a sartorial fix while exploring the city. From vintage boutiques, to trendy concept stores, to streets of high street favourites, to bustling local markets, to stunning flagship stores of some of the most beloved designer labels in the world, there are all sorts of incredible places to shop in Milan. However, if you love colour and have a particularly playful sense of style, then one perfectly curated little gem of a boutique that you should definitely make time to see while on vacation in Milan has to be Wait and See.

Wait and See is a clothing boutique that is located on a pretty little street right in the heart of the historic core of Milan, on Via Santa Marta. Housed in an 18th century building that was a convent in a former life, this vibrant and exciting store was opened back in 2010 by the discerning Uberta Zambeletti who curates a treasure trove of gorgeous objects from all over the world. From new to handmade to vintage pieces of clothing, accessories, jewellery, stationery, homewares, small gifts, and more, sourced from everywhere from the UK to California, Zambeletti’s store is bursting with colour and surprises and unexpected gems at every turn. The shop itself is also utterly full of colour and character and interesting decor and is a wonderful space in which to browse for something really special, making the whole experience of coming here memorable and enjoyable.

Though Milan is famous as a fashion capital of the world, those who have found a luxury villa in Lombardy or a vacation rental in Milan itself, and who are looking to bring a little bit of Italian style home with them, might not know exactly where to head for the best shopping experiences in the city. We have previously put together a guide to some of the city’s most beloved and best vintage boutiques and stores but for those in the market for an upmarket purchase to remember their trip by, an investment piece to indulge in on a special occasion, a little taste of the designer lifestyle, or simply some excellent window-shopping and people-watching, then a visit to the main shopping street of Milan, Via Monte Napoleone, is a must. The third most expensive street in Europe and home to stores for Gucci, Moncler, Roger Vivier, Bulgari, Versace, Armani, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada, Saint Laurent, Rolex, Cartier, Dior, Burberry, Tod’s, Fendi, and many more luxury brands, it is an upscale shopping street that will make fashion-lovers googly-eyed with excitement. So, whether you have the budget to directly shop in this neighbourhood yourself or you simply want to see how the fashionable set of Milan live and dress with your own eyes, be sure to take a wee stroll in this gilded part of the city...