Florence City Guide: Shop, Play, Taste

“In Paris, you learn wit, in London you learn to crush your social rivals, and in Florence you learn poise.” - Virgin Thomson

What to Buy:

What to Buy: Fall in love with jewelry from Pointe Vecchio, a bridge famous for it's architecture and hanging shops. There are a variety of different styles and a reasonable range of prices. Bellini is a charming jewelry shop named after my favorite cocktail (a bellini consists of Italian Prosecco wine and peach juice). Here you will find statement pieces made out of silver and gold. Dainty Florentine Fleur-do-Lis earrings are an ideal gift. A little luxury goes a long way.

Florence is the leather capital of Italy. Great deals on leather goods can be found everywhere. Walk around a couple shops and browse through prices before making a purchase.


Where to Eat: Trattoria Za Za: From Ben Affleck, beautiful models, and Italian locals, this restaurant is one of the best in Florence. If you tire of pasta, they serve up a delicious chicken and truffle sauce dish that won't leave you feeling guilty. Authentic Italian food with a warm, inviting ambiance. Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 26r tel: +39 (0) 55 215 411





Where to Play: Astor: This posh, cosmopolitan bar plays fashion show coverage on two big screens all night long. Mix and meet beautiful people from all around the world. Located right by the Duomo. Hard to miss.




What to Drink: Chianti wine is a must-have. Made in the Tuscan region, this native drink can be paired perfectly with a Florentine meal.



What to See: Michelangelo's David is an artistic marvel. The sheer size and precision of realism is absolutely astonishing. David is perfection in statue form. Sadly pictures are not allowed, but you will remember that image for the rest of your life. David is found in the Accademia Museum.




Where to Save: The Mall: Premium outlets right outside of Florence. Find La Perla lingerie, Gucci, and Fendi merchandise up to 50 percent off.

Love Vs. Lust: Strappy Sandals

Lust: Strappy Patent Band Sandals by Sergio Rossi

570 Euros ($695) at Intermix

Love: Strappy Suede and Satin Sandals from the Zara Woman Collection

80 Euros (Around $100) at Zara

TOCCA EAU DE PARFUMES

Tocca is a fine Italian beauty company offering decedent cosmetics, fragrances and home accessories. What stands out the most from the collection are the eau de parfumes that exude beauty and glamour. Each scent is unique and exemplifies a certain type of woman. We chose our three favorite scents and the kind of woman we thought would wear each. What's your scent?

Stella: The Romantic

Stella by Tocca is a fresh and subtly sweet aroma that brings to life the vivacious spirit of an Italian beauty spending a holiday along the Mediterranean coast. It's perfect for a woman who loves romance.

Cleopatra: The Goddess

Inspired by the infamous Egyptian queen, Cleopatra by Tocca exemplifies this powerful seductress. This warm, intoxicating scent is perfect for a woman that wants to make a statement, loves the exotic and craves uniqueness.

Brigitte: The Sex Kitten

Brigitte by Tocca is inspired by the original sex kitten herself, Brigitte Bardot. It's perfectly sensual and sweet aroma exemplifies the playfully sexy appeal of a sex kitten.

Biography of Enrico Converi by Vanessa Lee

The name on everyone’s lips is Enrico Coveri, the Italian designer is known for his iconic bold and striking designs of which have caught the attention of the likes of Vogue and Elle UK. Born in Prato, Italy in 1952 Enrico studied stage design at the Accademi delle Belle in Florence for a few years before moving into freelance design. Working particularly with sportswear and knitwear, he became known for his use of pastel tones., use of detailing such as sequins and love of fine quality material. Some of his clients included Touche, Tycos and Lux Sports.

However his passion to start his own busines took over and he opened his first place in Milan in 1981, which followed me several more stores across the country and finally New York which included perfumes and furniture. However his main line was a ready-to-wear line for woman, males and kids with bags, shoes, bags and hats. Along the way Enrico won the Uomo Europeo award, Rome, 1982 and Fil d'Or award, Munich, 1982. He continued successfully running his business until his death in 1990 at the young age of 38 years old. However his business was continued by his family and under the charge of his sister the collections to come reflected on his own unique style and legacy.His influence and trademark style has inspired the likes of Louise Goldin and Jonathan Saunders.

Pucci Printed

Though Paris, France is often considered the European home of all things fashion, Italy has produced quite a throng of haute couture clothiers. Dating back to the 1800’s, Italy has been the home of expensive, genuine designs, and particularly leather goods. Italian fashion exploded in the early 1900's!

Emilio Pucci changed the worlds view on Italian fashion forever. Originally a ski wear designer, Pucci’s introduction into the couture world was somewhat unexpected. After his ski wear designs appeared in “Harper’s Bazaar” in 1948, the exposure prompted Pucci to create a women’s haute couture line. Featuring silk dresses with pop art designs that were funky, bold, and colorful, Pucci became an instant “it” designer. Throughout the following decades, Pucci created a lingerie lines, swimwear lines, and even a designed stewardess uniforms for an international airline! No matter what the design may be, they were all quintessentially “Pucci,” with colorful kaleidoscopic flair.

With boutiques all over the world, desirable clothing and accessory lines (there’s even a Pucci PlayStation device carrying case!) Pucci’s legacy has definitely lived on since his death in the early 1990’s. It continues to be one of the most recognizable brands today.

Pucci air hostess uniform a: picture circa 1965

A look from Emilio Pucci Ready-to-wear Spring 2008

That's Haute

Italian Sensuality

Milan is by far the sexiest and most risque fashion capital. I think for me, Italian fashion means extremely well tailored clothing that fits your body as if it were second skin. Rich colors and brights prints are an Italian staple. Just think Versace with murderous cocktail dresses that skim the body perfectly. Roberto Cavalli makes gaudy chic. Dolce and Gabbana's bustier dress really sums up Italian fashion for me, as does a mini Pucci dress or scarf paired with over sized sunglasses. The main things to take from the Italians is that it's all in the fit, don't be scared of prints (but make sure they are luxe), and last but not least head to toe black, navy, plum or any midnight shade for that matter is a very fabulous thing.

Fabulous Fendi and Fur

When you look around a shopping mall or flip through a sexy Vogue magazine, Fendi will always pass your fascinated eyes. "1918 - Adele Fendi establishes a fur business in Rome, which in time will acquire world wide recognition for its innovative treatment of pelts and their imaginative fashioning. In 1978 the already famous Fendi fur company, now run by Adele's five daughters, presents its first collection of prét-à-porter designed by Karl Lagerfeld." source

Here are a couple beautiful ensembles Fendi is known for:

A Million Bucks-

Fendi Trendi-

Chic and Sleek-

Out to Work -

The Cocktail Lover-


Club Hoppin' -

In the Nude -

Society Queen -

Dinner at Dolce -

"Whatever one's personal beliefs regarding the wearing of animal furs, the partnership of Karl Lagerfeld and Fendi undoubtedly broke barriers in the field of fur design. In Italy, fur sales have continued to constitute a major part of the company's business—where the Fendi sisters claim to have changed the age-old tradition of fur as being a status symbol to being a covetable high-fashion garment." source

Fendi facinates as they go wild with color and design elements to make a unique product for the most discerning tastes. Fendi is sharp and smart, just how I like it.

-Jeani Steal

Girly Gladiators

Roman inspired gladiators for your fancy.

Ancient Roman sandals, also known as the "caligae or caliga (singular)" were worn by practically everyone during their time in history. Updated versions of one of the most useful sandals have been debuted in the past seasons, for an ultra gorgeous-utilitarian, and modern trend. The design of these sandals are practial, but can be modified in many ways, which enables them to forever be hip and in style. What is your favorite, flat or sky high?

Don't like what you see here? Not enough feminisim or modernism, or just not enough color? Check out more styles at Barney's.

Need More Italian Heat?

• Missoni living @ All Things Bright and Beautiful.
• Bright Spring Braccialini Bags @ Trendinista
• Get a "Taste of Italy" @ The Travel Diva
• Splendid and Sexy Missoni Bikini @ Kristopher Dukes
• Italian Hives @ StyleHive
• Italian Recommendations @ ThisNext