The Saldi Calendar

After months of searching, I have finally found what appears to be a calendar of Italy's summer sale season. The website which has published the calendar, pricesharing.it, claims to be an on-line consumer review organization. Where they got their information, they do not say. But so far it's the only Saldi calendar I have seen on the web, so I'll take it. Rome starts its Saldi on July 4th, Venice on July 5th, and Florence on July 12th. The discounts on this season's fashions will be considerable, so be sure to save your Euros for some stylish new Italian clothes!

How to Get Your Italian Fashion Fix On-line

Italian style is bold, whimsical and elegant. Not only are the designers unique, but the way that Italians put themselves together is so different from the rest of the fashion world. But where can you go to get your Italian fashion fix? Sei di Moda, DWeb and Velvet are three fashion websites connected to La Repubblica, Italy's premier newspaper. They will tell you all about the latest trends in Italy, give you updates on the fashion shows in Milan, and alert you to the important fashion events in Italy (like Saldi!). They will also clue you in to Italian gossip, home design and beauty. Of course, it's all in Italian, but the pictures can tell you more than enough!

The Saldi Bus

The city of Rome is so committed to bringing customers to its city center sales that it has provided an express bus from Termini Station to the shopping district during Saldi season. The 100 will take you straight downtown and operates every 6 minutes, from 10:30 am to 8:30 pm, 7 days a week. Better hurry as Saldi season ends on February 13th!

Saldi Begins! Italy is On Sale!

It's here! The twice yearly shopping event-SALDI! Retailers in Rome are offering huge discounts on everything in their stores. The city government even gets involved-there's a shuttle from Termini to the shopping districts for tourists and suburban residents coming in to the city. Not sure what to buy this year? La Repubblica has a guide to the styles you don't want to miss out on. Sale season in Rome lasts from January 3rd to February 13. The Saldi Calendar is slightly different throughout Italy, so make sure you check the schedule for each city before you go. Saldi is the perfect time to make an investment in a classic or a trend.

Most Romantic Shopping in Rome

With the economy in trouble at home and the US dollar so weak abroad, shopping in Italy has got to be about more than just the goods. It's got to be about the experience as well. Rome is full of interesting and picturesque shopping opportunities for your honeymoon or vacation. Of course, for big spenders there are the shops near the Piazza di Spagna. Granted, there are Prada stores in all the world-class cities, but when someone compliments you on your shoes or handbag, it will be much more fun to say "Thanks! I got it in Rome!"And if you are in Rome in July or January, you can take advantage of the Saldi (sales). If you are in the market for antiques, there are several options. For antique books and prints, head to the Piazza Fontanella Borghese for an open-air antiquarian market. Not only will you find works in print, but you will also encounter rare coins, stamps and even jewelry. If you are budget-conscious, any one of the city's flea markets will suit your fancy. The Porta Portese is the largest market in Rome and there you can find any number of second-hand goods from all over the world. Be prepared to sort through some questionable items and to haggle once you've found what you're looking for! (Click here for more on Rome's open-air markets). For more expensive and larger options-be aware that shipping costs can be pretty steep-head to the Via del Babuino near Piazza di Spagna. You'll find countless shops filled with elegant antique furniture, paintings and china. Even if you don't buy anything, strolling down the street with your loved one while perusing beautiful old Italian goods will certainly feel romantic. The Modern Traveler's favorite shopping experience is always Santa Maria Novella, the Florentine perfume shop near Piazza Navona. The profumeria is over 500 years old and the original scent was created for Catherine de Medici. What could be more romantic than buying perfume?
Readers: What's your favorite shopping experience in Rome?

The Best Sales During "Saldi" Season-Fendi?

According to Suzy Gershman, author of Born to Shop Italy, the best place to shop during Italy's twice yearly sale season is the Fendi in Rome (Via Borgogna 39). In January and July, heaps and mounds of discount Fendi items appear at this store (one of the most fabulous in the Piazza di Spagna shopping district) from recent seasons and seasons past. Handbags, shoes, clothing-all at a fraction of the regular price! For more on shopping in Italy from outlets to outdoor markets, see her book-and watch out for her biting wit!

Readers: What are some of the best deals you've found during Saldi season in Rome?

Where to Shop in Rome-High End

Piazza di Spagna is known for its luxury shops like Gucci, Fendi and Prada. There you can find the designer goods that have made Italy famous. In addition to the big names that seem to be in every world-class city, you will also find lesser known but just as luxurious brands like Missoni, Moschino, Alberta Ferretti and Rene Caovilla. How to maximize your American dollar's purchasing power? Wait until JULY. Almost every store in Italy dramatically reduces its prices for the summer Saldi. July is the time to stock up on your designer shoes, bags, apparel, linens (try Frette and Pratesi)-anything and everything. Diverti te!