MECCA-Outlet Shopping in Florence |

December 23rd Monday

Today our daughter Amani arrived, my son did not know she was coming, we kept it a secret. Initially she was not going to be able to join us and then everything worked out-so we were able to spend Christmas together.

After a late breakfast we ventured out to “Space” the Prada factory store, I love Prada and Mui Mui, so I was excited at the thought of going to “Mecca”.

Prada Outlet

So after about an hour or so of riding through the Tuscany hills, we reached our destination. The parking lot was full, and lots of shoppers mostly foreigners were leaving with large shopping bags, which got my heart rate up a bit at the thought of the anticipated “deals”. The “space” was the size of a small department store, everything was neat and organized and plenty of sales people dressed in black ready to help. Upon entering you were handed a number which I later learned was the number you gave the salesperson who took the items you wanted to purchase to the counter. Knowing that the dollar is not so strong ie. 100 euro equals 137. dollars, so that item that is 200 euros will set you back 274. dollars, kept me with my phone calculator in hand. The best buys were in the shoe department, they had a 100 euro section,in which most of the shoes were a few seasons behind.

prada outlet

(btw, sorry about the poor picture quality, but they did not allow pics, so I had to take these on the down low.)

I tried on a few shoes, but many of them were similar to shoes I already have–how many animal print shoes does one really need? They had a lot of pretty flats, but I have not worn any of the Prada flats I picked up a few years back, the rest were really “out” there even for me ie. odd shapes etc.. I stumbled upon this charcoal grey suede lace up bootie, which was finished with a glitter heel that I liked, and they were in the discount section.

Mui Mui bootie

Amani settled on a classic nude patent pump, that she was very happy with.

Amani’s shoes

Next on to the purses, everything started at 650 euros ie. 900. us, so for me that is still a nice piece of change, so I moved on from the bags. Now if a person had their heart set on a Prada bag this is a good price, since in the states the same bags start at 1400.

Prada outlet

Prada Outlet

I did pick up a Mui Mui wallet, to replace the one I got 3 years ago that was about 1/2 price.

Mui Mui wallet

Next stop was the Dolce and Gabbana factory outlet, now that was literally a drive-by, everything started at 1000 euros! I love D & G, but the few pieces I have, I lucked up on and got at a really good prices in the states.

D & G outlet

Our last stop was “The Mall“, this outlet is the Rodeo Drive of outlets, YSL, Valentino, Burberry, Prada, Gucci, and Dior just to name a few of the discount boutiques here. By now poor Amani was exhausted and opted to stay in the car and the Reggie-s and I went for it, I was OK browsing until I hit the Valentino store, I love the rock stud collection and was thrilled to find this pair in my size and 40% additional off the outlet price. Yes, its a few seasons back, but I loved it then and I really love it now especially for under 200..

Valentino Rock stud bootie

One thing about fashion, it is an universal language- once the salesperson noticed my fondness for the rock stud collection, she then showed me a animal print rock stud bag, that was also an additional 40% off–had to have it!

Valentino Bag

The other thing about these outlets they are not giving the goods away, and unlike at home where there is always a sale, these stores do major markdowns July and January. I also like that the merchandise is not shop worn, and it appears to be stuff from the actual collections, not something made for the outlets. So if you are “balling” in the designer goods lane, this is the place for you, and if your know your stuff there are deals to be had.