Tuscany is one of those rare places in the world that puts a ridiculous grin on everyone’s faces, none more so than me. The bizarrely picturesque landscape is dotted with the most gorgeous of towns and cities. Where else in the world is so artist, political, calm, warm and fragrant as Tuscany?
Trains wined through rolling hills, groves of apple trees, corn fields and renaissance towns a massed with villas and palaces. Artists are happily capturing the vineyards, languid river and the hazy heat of a summer spent in Tuscany. I feel completely at ease with the world here. Rome with all it’s bustle, history and splendour has a very different pull to the laid back feel of Florence; the city of novels, artworks, poetry and genius. It truely is for the artist.
This is my third week in Italy and I’ve finally found a place where it’s much nicer to be a local rather than intrude on the locals. Where waking up early isn’t a task it’s a pleasure, rewarded with Italian 1 euro espresso and local smiles because I can order in Italian now and no longer have to resort to the less poetic of languages to communicate.
The streets of Firenze aren’t a heated mess of tourists but a pleasant mix. Tourists here are also less in a rush to tick off a preconceived list of attractions but are happier to take in the natural beauty. Florence has a transformative effect on the uncultured, because culture is everything here. Gallery haters are content to queue for the Uffizi without pushing and you can hear a pin drop in the Duomo.
It’s this atmosphere that has allowed me to discover the best of Florence. In the days not spent running around like the mad hatter, I’ve gone mad for the vintage shops instead. I’m a massive fan of second hand shops, charity shops, opportunity shops, auctions and vintage shops. My most loved vintage purchases have been a pair of black, diamond encrusted Manolo Blahniks, a cashmere caramel Burberry coat, a 60’s baby blue cocktail dress and numerous bags and scarves.
Florence vintage shops are beyond imagination. I honestly feel like I’ve died and gone to fashion heaven when I’m inside exploring the disordered mess for bargains or flicking through nicely ordered racks of secondhand designers.
If you ever have the time then I highly suggest taking a day to look around the Florence vintage scene, even if you don’t buy it’s guaranteed to make you happy anyway. Patience is key however so if you don’t possess this virtue I don’t recommend it and you may be better off heading down one of the main streets to shop.
Off the beaten track is where I thrive however so this is my experience and review of just some of the shops I discovered in my wonderings and the many treasures they held.
VERBRIS – Via Maggio
Verbris has that real ‘old school’ junk shop look and feel. It’s dark and the interior is covered from floor to ceiling in piles of clothes, racks of bags, boxes of scarves and other second hand/ vintage pieces. At first sight it’s daunting but the moment you start sifting you are rewarded with items like vintage Celine bags, Prada heels and gorgeous fur coats. This is one of those shops that epitomises “look and you shall seek”!
VINTAGE DI CELESTE COMPOSTELLA – Via Maggio
A small shop in neat order. The collection varies but the prices are amazing so it’s worth a look. Some pieces while I was there included a Gucci jacket for 40€ (unfortunately too large) and a Valentino two piece. Other things included classic bags and belts.
GAUDELI’S VINTAGE – Piazza delle’ Olio
This little shop is a wash with lovely pieces and locked cabinets of designers. It’s worth a look and some bargains can be found, evident from the ecstatic American mother and daughter that were leaving as I arrived. Make sure you ask for the best prices and the best pieces.
DESII VITAGE – Via Conti
This was by far one of the highlight of Florence. I have never been to a better shop in my life, and I’ve been to a fair few! This place is a treasure trove of past and present designer glory. It’s a who’s-who of labels, a mecca of loved and honoured designs and a jumble of barely used to well worn but in perfect condition items. Think Birkin to Bradshaw. My heart literally stopped for a beat on sight of the front window. What shop displays Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Gucci, Chanel and Prada all in one window? I went back twice to this shop just because I wasn’t sure the first time if I dreamt it. The prices are indicative of quality and the owners know it; you won’t find Hermes for 50 euros here! However, given the quality and condition of the pieces, the prices are still a steal for vintage and designer label lovers. If you don’t mind parting with 200€ then you can be the owner of a stunning pair of Christian Louboutin patent black, strappy, heeled sandals. For another 200€ a full length vintage Burberry Trench. The second time around I tried, but unfortunately my budget didn’t allow me to buy, no matter what else I tried to persuade myself. My favourite items where navy blue Valentino pumps with a carved Perspex heel,(these shoes were a total work of art, a masterpiece that will be the envy of all and will make some young lady very very proud), a monochrome Chanel mini dress and Burberry pocket square with pale blue edging and the classic Burberry check.
Happy shopping!
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