My husband and I have been planning a trip to Rome for this May. My husband has not been too excited about Italy and said he would prefer going to London and Paris instead. I am torn about this and honestly one of my biggest misgivings about changing is that I was looking forward to shopping in Italy (my friend went in Oct and found really cute purses and clothes at Italian markets for bargain prices). Does anyone know what kind of bargain shopping can be done in london and paris - I don't want to shop for things that I could buy here in the u.s. We've also thrown around the idea of Germany. Thanks!
Posted by
Columbus, Ohio, USA
258 posts
Bargain prices in London - not with the current exchange rates! London is quite expensive because $2 is about 1 pound. I did enjoy some shopping in Paris, but I don't think I would consider it bargain... The best places I've found to shop are Prague and Marrakech, Morroco. But I've never been to Italy either.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
I don't think one should plan a European Trip based on "Bargain Shopping"...because with the dismal US Dollar bargains just don't exist in Europe.
Posted by
OP
University Place, WA
4 posts
In my opinion, it's always a good idea to plan a European trip around shopping - no matter what the us dollar is doing!! We decided on Paris and bought our tickets yesterday. After more research and the advice of a friend who just came from Paris, I found the names of three really "designer depots" in paris - similar to a consignment or thrift store here, but with only high end designer products, like Hermes, MaxMara, Chanel, etc. Supposedly the owners are very particular about what comes in their shop and the clothes bags and shoes are in immaculate condition but at a fraction of the cost. We'll see when I get there!
Posted by
Pearland, TX, USA
852 posts
Jamie,
The following web site may help you...
http://troi.cc.rochester.edu/~tdip/tomsguidetoparis.htm
bon voyage /ciao ... P.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
With the dollar to pound exchange rate there are no bargins waiting for you in London. At least with the euro if you are a sharp shopper, and get names of places ( like you did through your friend) you might come out with a just ok deal.
I sort of think the idea of getting something unique to Europe is more important they just getting something cheap right?? Anyways I have no idea what field you play in, but I imagine its beyond me.
I also can't see going to Europe just based on shopping, I guess everyone has their thing though, so I would definately ask more of your friends for bargin outlet names etc in Europe.
PS I would agree that Paris and Rome would be better then Paris and London, and Germany, while a VERY nice place to visit, is not a bargain hunters dream, my SIL is German and she goes back everyear, and says things are way cheaper here as a rule.
Posted by
OP
University Place, WA
4 posts
thanks for the advice....and Perry, what a great website! Thanks for the link.
I guess by "bargain prices" I meant finding unique european fashions at a lower price than they normally are. I definitely don't want anything that can be found in the u.s. and I realize that I'll have to shell out some major euros no matter what - I just don't want to pay full price.
Thanks for all the help!
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
The leather goods for sale in the street markets of Italy look nice, and are hard to resist, but not are all of great quality. My sister bought a valise that the handle broke off of. The market clothing too is not of greatest quality, but it's hard to resist these impulse purchases and all the cute souvenier items on display there. I love to shop and if you do also you just have to budget for this knowing everything bought in Euros is 50% more in dollars and everything in pounds is twice as much. I'm going to Paris tomorrow and the semi-annual sales are on now, and you can get pretty good bargains in many stores -- so there is some break on the price there. London and Paris are great cities, but your husband should like Italy too, is there anyone that doesn't? But don't base your choice all on shopping!
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
London has some cool markets where you can get trendy clothes at good prices. They won't be desinger- but they will be cutting edge- one edge or the other. I love shopping in London- but not for clothes- I go more for art, crafts, unique items, etc. Camden Lock area, Covent Garden, etc. are not only great places to shop, but great people watching areas.
Posted by
Voorhees, NJ
4 posts
Jamie, If you don't mind, can you share the names of the three "designer depots" you have found in Paris?
You would love Paris, I never get tire of going there year after year. I always found something news to see, shop, learn...etc each time I return.
Thanks!
Posted by
OP
University Place, WA
4 posts
Maggie -
this is an article I found online that gave the names of some:
http://gofrance.about.com/od/parisattractions/a/parisshopping_2.htm
Also, my friend went to one in the Marais called Free P Star - she doesn't have the exact address, she found it just wandering around. She said after a little searching there, she found some very cute things at good prices. I haven't looked yet, but I'm sure that directions can be found online somewhere.
Hope this helps!