Women's Clothing, Rome

There are plenty of streets to shop in Rome.

Alot of them, like Via Condotti (near the Spanish Steps) are way out of the average travellers price range.

In other areas, such as along Via del Corso, you will find more middle of the road style shops which are perfect for when you feel the need for some retail therapy.

Just remember that a lot of shops close for a couple of hours early afternoon.....this gives you the perfect excuse for a long lunch and a glass of wine or two!

What to pay: Depends on which country you are coming from - not too bad on the USD or GBP, but if you are on the AUD - ouch!!

In 1887 Rome (within the walls) had its first (and last) department store: it was a branch of a large firm of Milan: it was built using a modern technique based on a structure of iron bars which allowed large shop windows. In 1917 the department store chain was given a new name: "La Rinascente", almost a synonym of "il Rinascimento", the Italian word for the Renaissance.
The small size of the building is not comparable with the XIXth century department stores of other European cities.

What to pay: Average prices - always variety - sale items

This is one of the outlets in Roma, to tell the truth, it is out of it:)))
This outlet is called "The Castle Romano outlet"
I suppose, that in every hotel, there is an info, regarding it,
but dont pay attention to the advise of people working on the reception desk, not to go there cos of the price is the similar to the centre of Rome.
The prices in the centre of Roma are much higher, really, belive me:)))) then in this outlet
http://castelromano.mcarthurglen.it/index.php?lang=en
It is very easy to go there by a public transport, but...........believe me, it is more convenient to take a special bus , that costs 23Euro, it will take you from the hotel at 12.30 and will waiting for you near this Castel, untill 6pm. ( so if you are planning to buy a lot of things, it is the best way to do this).
The whole info about this bus you may ask on the reseption desk
The alternative is the public transport, it is very easy, but be prepare to spend much time for this:)))
to know how to reach this Castel by the public transport , please, send an e-mail http://castelromano.mcarthurglen.it/index.php?lang=en
and ask them how to reach thier outlet by the public transport:)))) thet will give you the perfect info.
But , dont forget to ask them HOW TO GO BACK ( because we didnt know this and had some problems:)
The prices there are really nice::)))))

What to buy: There you can buy any clothes (for men, women, children)

What to pay: Prices are lower then in Rome ( not taking to account the summer period)

As it's name suggests, its a discount store!! It is a reputable discount store in Rome that sells high end label goods at reduced prices. When you walk into the store, it is very much like a shop. Clothing, shoes, and accessories are nicely displayed. Some of the accessories are behind glass cabinets and such (to deter theft I suppose). It is adequately lit and the staff are pleasant enough. However, in the true Italian shopping style, better dress to impress. The sales personnel can be a bit on the snobbish side.

What to buy: You can buy anything that you want (or what it is that you can afford rather). They have all the big name labels, depending on what comes in. You can find Armani, Versace, Ferre, etc.

What to pay: 50% off retail or more depending

Shopping in Rome can be really nice experience, even if you do not have lots of cash.
Of course it's worth seeing designers stores like D&G, Valentino, Prada which are located in Spanish Steps area; Via Condotti, Via Frattina.
However there are fashion shops in Rome which offer nice clothing at much lower rate:

Stefanel www.stefanel.com

United Colors of Benetton www.benetton.com

Blunauta www.blunauta.it

Coin department store: clothing, accessories, beauty, children, home decoration
www.coin.it

Geox : shoes www.geox.com

Stonefly: shoes www.stonefly.it

Furla: handbags www.furla.com

Coccinelle: handbags www.coccinella.com

Prenatal: childresn clothing www.prenatal.it

All these stores you will be able to find on Via Nazionale, Via Cola Di Rienzo and Via del Corso.

There are also very nice small boutiques on Via del Governo Vecchio (nearby Piazza Navona)

Every wednesday on piazza monte testaccio, on north side of the market hall there is several good shoe sellers. Locals go there to buy good up-to-date shoes cheap.
Check it out, market is small but hip, and there is not so much people. From 9am-2pm

What to buy: women shoes

What to pay: 20-70euros

When you are in Rome there is no point to go to shopping malls. First, because the stores which are in shopping malls are also in the center of Rome. You will find the same boutiques in Via Cola di Rienzo, Via del Corso and Via Nazionale. On Via Cola di Rienzo and also close to Metro station S. Giovanni there is a big fashion store COIN. Another similar La Rinascente is on Via del Corso, so you can do your shopping while sightseeing.

In the center there are also lots of small boutiques, which offer unique clothing at a good rate. Look for them on Via del Governo Vecchio, Via dei Serpenti and many more in the heart of Rome.

Additionally, the prices in shopping malls are often more expensive than in small boutiques. And what's important you will lose lots of time to park your car, I heard up to 1,5h to park your car in Parco Leonardo shopping center during weekends.

Personally I was once, 3 years ago, in fashion outlet Valmontone (about 70 km out of Rome, direction Cassino). I will never go there again, first I got sick of all these stores and secondly the prices were really high.
My advice: the best shopping is in the center of Rome!!!

If you cant visit porta portese sunday market, there is daily market near san giovanni metro station. there is most of the same sellers and several regular sellers at place, be prepared to haggle, take car of your purse.

What to buy: Cheap shoes and womens bags

What to pay: 40euros for several items alltogether
10euros for bag, 2 euros for blouse, 5 euros for funny t-shirt and so on.

Many of the major designers have shops near the Spanish Steps. Walking through those streets was like paging through Vogue.

What to buy: You can buy very expensive clothes and bags here at these designer shops. For those of you who have to have your custom made shirts, this is the place to come.

Or you could go over to Ponte S. Angelo (the bridge by the Castel S Angelo) and buy a knock-off for 1/20th of the price. (The shirt probably won't fit.)

What to pay: Depends if you have to have the real thing.

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For a different kind of shopping experience, you should head to Via dei Giubonarri, right off Campo de Fiori. There are lots of tiny shops here that sell very nice clothing. You will find very cool and different designs and the quality is not bad at all. There are also classic design clothes that you can buy if you want. I got a very nice merino wool jacket and an angora sweater at much cheaper prices that I could ever get in any department store in Chicago. The design on them is very different than what I can find here, so this makes the purchase even more valuable :)