OK - following on from the H&M thread, I was just wondering what inexpensive but stylish clothes shops in Italy do people recommend?
I generally stock up on clothes whenever I go to Northern Europe or the US (some shops I like are H&M, Banana Republic, Old Navy, JCrew, Topshop). However, after almost 2 years here it may be time for me to start exploring Italian options.
So - what shops in Italy do people recommend for the 30 something professional on a budget? Shops which are stylish but not aimed at teenyboppers, stock sizes over 44, but are not matronly. And of course these shops must have good sales and not be too expensie the rest of the year.
OK - to get the ball rolling - one shop I really like here is Stefanel - I bought a lot of their stuff in the sales this year. I also like Zara, a Spanish chain which they have here - although I find it hard to find clothes at Zara which are big enough for me (size 44 and 178 cm tall).
Ramona, I'm glad you started this thread because I've really been having a hard time finding nice clothes that fit lately.
One shop I've bought a few things in now and then is Oltre. I think it's supposed to be a modish "tagli commodi" shop, but it starts with size 42! I don't think the prices are that great in relationship to quality, but if you hit them during the sales, it can be worthwhile.
But even there I have problems finding trousers and jeans that fit. I find that most trousers cause camel toe (ugh) while at the same time being too wide around the waist. And then of course there's the perennial problem with the ultra low-rise trousers. I'm not interested in mooning everyone around me every time I bend down, and I'd like a pair that I could wear without a belt when I want to be comfortable. Ladies, any suggestions about trousers will be appreciated. I've gained some weight since I came over and can no longer fit into the trousers I brought with me.
Ramona, I apologize for the trouser hijack- but maybe there are some other women with similar issues?
Ugh - camel toe. Yuk. Actually I'm still laughing over the horrified look on my boyfriend's face when I explained what that meant to him!
I just realised that I've actually never bought a pair of trousers here. I bought some fabbo ones in France (at Galeries Lafayette on sale!) when I was there in January but not Italy. Somehow I doubt they'd be long enough for me since I think I may hold the title for tallest woman in Rome.
I bought several nice jumpers (sweaters for the Americans) at Stefanel in the sales in Jan. and I bought a really crap jumper at Sasch which immediately fell apart. I've bought a few t-shirts at Benetton but generally find that the t-shirts are all too short so I end up with the navel baring Britney Spears look. What do 30 and 40 somethings do here when they want to look a bit more dignified? There seem to be so many shops aimed at the teenybopper market. My friends have recommended both Halfon and Motivi to me but I've found their stuff to be way too small and horrible quality.
I've find the same to be true about Halfon and Motivi. The Benetton t-shirts are always short, and when combined with the low-rise trousers, well, you know.
I have to say that I've never head any trouble finding beautiful sweaters/jumpers. I bought a very pretty blue one at Sisley during the sales. Another shop that I like because it sometimes has clothes that look a bit different is Ethic, which has a few shops in Rome (and a teeny one in Naples.) I wasn't very impressed with their offerings this past year, but I have several beautiful skirts that I bought in the past that are still among my favorites. Again, though, to avoid paying too much, it's best to wait for the sales. I don't think I've ever bought anything from them at full price.
Nara Camicie for shirts and blouses. Stefanel I agree with. Rinascente and Coin can be good, especially Coin's ownbrand Koan. Oviesse can be okay, as can Upim.
I have just started to fit into Zara trouser's having lost that much weight here! So I know the problems. Unfortunately my solution is a little drastic. I have today placed an order with M&S, which do trousers, jeans etc. by length as well as being generously sized and fitting on or above the waist. But I am having it sent to my friend who is sending it on to me here! As their jeans start at £25.00 maybe a trip to the UK is worthwhile!
They were doing some real bargain ones a few months ago at just 8 or 9 pounds each! They looked alright to me. I didn't buy them as they only had 2 colours - a dark blue and I already had a very similar pair, then in the other colour they didn't have my size. Last week I didn't see them in M&S so i think they might have ended that offer.
I'm thinking of doing some UK internet shopping and getting my parents to bring it over - they come in a few weeks. I have just been back, but now I'm thinking of all the things I didn't pick up
I've not been in Stefanel for years. I stopped going in as I thought it was way too over priced for what it was. Maybe it's changed a bit now...
Has anyone seen the movie The Weather Man with Nicolas Cage? There is a hilarious thing about camel toe in that movie. Anyways I go nuts looking for tops here. They all shrink up on me in the waist and arms. I was thinking if my mother saw me every day she would be telling me to pull my shirts down and cover my stomach! www.anythingbutdull.blogspot.com
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Autumn,
Posts: 479 | Location (City & State): Milan | Registered: 18 October 2004
I love Max Mara - and before you all shout at me that it's too expensive I must point out that I've had trousers from there in the sale that cost 30 euros and they last for ever, great quality. I've also found some nice things in Upim recently too.
HAHA...this thread is digressing rapidly I'm still laughing though, and I couldn't remember what movie I'd seen it in as well...but you're right: Weather Man.
...well, back on topic. I'm glad to hear recommendations for great shops to get clothes at reasonable prices. I'm a HUGE bargin hunter (just ask my friends) b/c shopping isn't fun w/o the hunt!
Coin for me too. One place where I usually find decent stuff (not all of what they do, but at least some) is Camaieu. it has a couple of shops in Milano, and I think also in other places. Yet my favorite technique is to hit small non-chain places too: some rea really crappy, some have decent stuff at decent prices.
I love Max Mara too. Especially the coats. They are timeless and last forever. Sometimes I find I have to break down and buy a few expensive things and mix it with cheaper stuff. I think that is the key. The last Max Mara jacket I bought was a cute cropped leaather jacket and I have worn it for two falls and two springs so far and it works out great. Speaking of leather, I have a pair of awesome leather pants I bought at Gucci in NYC in 1999 and when they stretch out too much I can have them refitted at the Gucci store here in Milan for 15 euros. I havent had that hard of a time finding stuff at H&M in Milan. I usually find a few items that are wearable like 2 pairs of cords I bought 3 years ago. They are comfy and work for every day use. I also can find tee shirts there that are long enough to cover my stomach. hehehe Two other brands that I like that are a little more expensive but are great when found on sale is Tru by Trussardi and Conte of Florence. www.anythingbutdull.blogspot.com
Posts: 479 | Location (City & State): Milan | Registered: 18 October 2004
Originally posted by airynfaerie: ...well, back on topic. I'm glad to hear recommendations for great shops to get clothes at reasonable prices. I'm a HUGE bargin hunter (just ask my friends) b/c shopping isn't fun w/o the hunt!
Wait until you get to Florence then, you will love the Cascine Market on a Tuesday. I've been a regular at the Lent Markets on a Sunday for the last few weeks. I loaded up on shirts for 2 or 3 euros, bags for 1 euro! And I don't like cheap rubbish, so I really wouldn't have bought them if they weren't okay!
Put it this way, I bought a t-shirt from Stefanel for 35euros and it already has holes in where it has caught on my glasses frame when I cleaned them on it! Yes, there is a moral, but I'm not sure what it is!
I'm still laughing at the hijack of Ramona's thread: camel toe is a new one on me too!
Like Ramona I'm 178 (unless I've shrunk with age) and a UK 14L/16U (42/44), and after a year here haven't yet bought any clothes (apart from ski wear). I haven't really looked very hard, but I've been to Oviesse and found that anything approaching my build is for short old ladies. Sometimes I go with a friend who is equally "Northern European" build and trying things on can be hysterics inducing!
Fortunately I can get to the UK a couple of times a year and can stock up: for example some decent M&S jeans last time(GBP9), and shoes, always shoes (42/43!).
Posts: 701 | Location (City & State): Valle d'Aosta | Registered: 24 November 2005
Suefischio - so the only solution for us tall, curvy women is to travel overseas to buy clothes.
OK - since the chances of actually finding a pair of trousers or a bra which fits me here and which does not cost 70-100 Euro seems to be virtually nil - can anyone recommend some good northern european websites which ship to Italy?
I've found a great UK based website for larger sized bras which ships to Italy. Ironically enough, it has an Italian name!
Since you live in ROme, why not book a cheap ryan air flight to London and have a weekend there doing your shopping? SOmetimes the flights are next to nothing, certainly less than the cost of posting a pair of trousers!
I go regularly, take onyl 1 change of clothes and an empty suitcase and get lots of bargain items making the cost of the flight etc well worth it.
I'm sure lots of people can give you advice on the shops and areas etc to go to.
I go regularly, take onyl 1 change of clothes and an empty suitcase and get lots of bargain items making the cost of the flight etc well worth it.
Such a great idea. If you have to stay in a hotel though it could be less cost effective. How long do you stay for? I've often thought of going just to the airport for a day to go in the shops, but i've never been able to get the right flight times to do it.
Expats in Italy Forum 
And then of course there's the perennial problem with the ultra low-rise trousers. I'm not interested in mooning everyone around me every time I bend down, and I'd like a pair that I could wear without a belt when I want to be comfortable. Ladies, any suggestions about trousers will be appreciated. I've gained some weight since I came over and can no longer fit into the trousers I brought with me.
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