Hit the ground running with an exclusive tour of the Ferragamo and Gucci museums. No where better can you witness the strong relationship between art and fashion than with a rare glimpse of the footwear created by Ferragamo for Hollywood celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe and Greta Garbo, as well as the unmistakable suitcases, handbags, purses, silk scarves, clothing and jewelry created by Guccio Gucci. Afterwards, we’ll hit Ferragamo and Gucci emporiums (as well as Prada) to score our own masterpieces.

DINNER – included

We kick off Day 2 in the San Lorenzo district. Florence has a reputation for fabulous leather goods, so our first stop is a visit to my favorite leather atelier brimming with custom handbags, jackets, luggage and small accessories. This is not your typical bag but one crafted by a talented husband and wife duo using sumptuous snake, python, gator, hair-calf, calfskin, deerskin and just plain old gorgeous Italian leather. 

Then we’ll peruse another of my hidden gems for more leather but this time jewelry (pewter and silver too). Seriously to die for. You will want to stock up on gifts as well as for yourself.  

Next up: a date with three sisters who pursued a common dream of independent fashion with a shop-lounge that has become synonymous with style, quality and unconventionality. You’ll ooze “cool girl” with their handcrafted dresses, tops, skirts, shawls, bags, hats and jewelry mixed together in unusual chromatic combinations. We’ll also score some fun items for the house (and maybe even bring back Italian rag dolls and unique clothing for the little ones).

LUNCH – included

Caffeinated by espresso, we’ll wind our way to a made to measure sandal store.  These are the sandals that Capri made famous.  Choose your style and leathers.  They will be made to fit your foot. Yes, they can accommodate a narrow or wide width!  We will circle back and pick up the finished product on Saturday. 

Then it’s off to a  hip indie boutique that has received rave reviews from the fashion world.  An independent concept store based in Florence, it serves up contemporary apparel brands and a broad selection of international publications. 

Last stop of the day is another artisan shop teeming with ready-to-wear and made-to-measure clothing, lingerie and swimwear. Located in the heart of Florence’s historic Oltrarno quarter, we’ll encounter three more fashionistas who forged their diverse abilities and passions to produce creative and artistic goods in a spacious store-laboratory. There is something bewitching about the high concept, high quality products that are utterly modern yet reminiscent of the finest Florentine artisan traditions. 

DINNER – included

DAY 3

We love the next shop owner whose jet-setting lifestyle made it impossible to take the road less traveled in a pair of high heels (she hails from Ohio btw!). So she created a boutique devoted to fabulous flats handmade in Italy, using the finest fabrics by the same artisans who have been making shoes for centuries. Shoes make people #HAPPY she says! We agree! Here, you can design your perfect pair or choose a pair of ready-to-wear for a true Cinderella moment (fyi – the shop works with the same “accessoristas” who apply Swarovski crystals and jewels to the luxury shoes worn on the red carpet!). 

LUNCH – Included

It’s time for some bling! Embellished silver jewelry with colored quartz, bracelets that are inspired by the movement of the planets and hammered “timeless jewels” will spark your appreciation for the elegant, refined and simple. Here you can choose from a myriad of chains by the yard and create your own necklaces … not to mention earrings, bracelets, bangles, diamonds, gold and silver … the options are endless! Bonus: we get wholesale pricing!

Our latest showroom isn’t just about jewelry though … you’ll also discover exquisite hand-forged tableware. You won’t want to leave without a decanter for wine, each accurate in every detail, shape, volume, weight and size for the ultimate enjoyment of the Italian vino you are sure to ship home!

Now that we have a collection of new rings, let’s keep the focus on our hands and visit a shop that has been producing leather gloves since 1919. You will never feel gloves this soft again – the leather is like butter. The selection is unbeatable and the quality incredible.

We’ll finish our whirlwind shopping fest with one more jewelry store. Fabulous handmade artisan creations.  Semi precious and precious stones set in silver and 14K gold.  Bet you can’t choose just one!

Start the day in the Santa Croce area of Florence for a romp through a whimsical shop filled with color and light.This textile galleria weaves a very personal home furnishings line with women’s and children’s clothing collections. Though designed in Italy, each piece is produced in India by specialized artisans, who monitor every single stage of production from the weaving and dying of the cotton to the ancient block printing.

LUNCH – included

Spend a leisurely afternoon visiting a perfumery set in an antique 16th-century palazzo full of aromas crafted with passion — a space to behold and breathe.  The store harkens back to a bygone era of Florence. Set in an ancient 16th-century palazzo in the Santa Croce district, the beguiling space is punctuated with glorious arched ceilings and glowing orange orbs. Large wood cabinets give birth to rows of brown glass bottles safeguarding botanical ingredients from which we will create our own signature scents! where you create our own signature scents.

Or opt to revisit coveted shops or opt for a vintage shopping tour de force with either a Buy Request assistant or our Florence translator. 

DINNER – on your own

Go big or go home!

Today will squeeze in a satisfying visit the the mall! Not just any mall but THE PREMIUM DESIGNER OUTLET MALL in Italy representing all of the names you would expect such as Alexander McQueen, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Tom Ford, Pucci, Valentino, Versace, etc.

Plan on spending the day scoring last-minute treasures before our final arrivederci. Buy Request will be with you every step of the way to guide you in making selections you will love forever!

A driver will take you back to your hotel to retrieve your luggage then drop you off at the departure place of your choosing in Florence after 4pm. 

Depart or stay in Florence for more touring and shopping (si!!!). I will be available for one-on-one appointments from June 24—June 26. Prices vary according to itinerary.