During this season of gift giving and with Little Christmas, the Epiphany, in a week, seems like a good time to talk about favorite shops in Florence.  Whether shopping for gifts for friends, family or yourself, Florence will not disappoint in any season.

On top of my list is Farmacia Santa Maria Novella.  As you step through the door of this once chapel of the church of the same name, the fragrance of the potpourri, colognes and soaps will greet and intoxicate and possible take you back in time. Started in 1612 by the Dominican friars of Santa Maria Novella, the products, with the help of Medici prestige and influence, became very well known throughout Europe. There are also many herbal and ancient preparations, such as anti hysterical drops, that are still popular among the Florentines.  My favorites products are: eau de cologne Melograno;  the Potpourri;  the Terracotta Melograno (pomegranate) and Dermprotectivo oil, which boasts of preventing stretch marks during pregnancy (which I do not have first hand experience with but my daughter in law can vouch for it ) and is also a wonderful skin oil with it’s melograno scent. I use it on my winter parched dry skin. Great to layer with the cologne of the same fragrance. As a big licorice fan, I can not resist buying a package of the licorice rocks which are divine.

Check out all the products at   http://www.smnovella.it/

La Via del Tè near the St. Ambrogio market is a unique tea shop and a surprise find in a city where great espresso rules.  There are about 300 varieties of loose teas, fruit infusions and herbal teas.  Great selections of tea accessories such as tea storage tins, tea cups and pots, and gift packages.  My fav is the Fennel Licorice, a digestive mix and Ninna Nanna, for sweet relaxation. The shop has a wonderful tea room where you can have fresh scones and clotted cream. A fun change of pace to sit for an hour or so with friends rather than the quick espresso in a bar.

http://www.laviadelte.com/detail_negozio.asp?ID=57&IDP=124

Gherardini is one of the oldest handbag names in Florence.  LOVE these handbags. Their most famous line “softy” is made out of a coated lightweight material trimmed in leather and embellished with beautiful zips and snaps.  I am over carrying heavy leather bags. These are practical and beautiful.  Gherardini also makes all leather handbags, wallets and belts and umbrellas, and even raincoats  The shop is located on the fashionable Via della Vigna Nuova.       http://www.gherardini.it/

Let’s not forget about jewelry.

APROSIO!  Aprosio now on Via Della Spada features jewelry, handbags shoes, scarfs and more, handcrafted in Murano glass beads and Bohemian crystal.  Each item is a work of art delicately fashioned. 

http://www.aprosio.it/about/

Angela Caputi is another amazing jewelry designer whose jewelry is made with plastic and other synthetic materials.  While Aprosio is delicate Caputi is bold. Both are beautiful and original.  Angela Caputi has two shops in Florence and the Strozzi Museuem gift shop carries a good sample of her collections.

http://www.angelacaputi.com

Zecchi  is for art lovers. From paints to handmade paper it is the place where many Florentine artists prefer to get their supplies. Lots of history and located on the street Via dello Studio.  Nice selection of easels and artist smocks, and the paint brush selection will make you dizzy.  Fun to see the  bottles of brilliant pigments and tempera. Also, the bulletin boards are full of announcements of local art shows and studios, where one can investigate the possibility of taking lessons or just using some studio space.

http://www.zecchi.it/

Clothing textiles and beautiful accessories for both the home and to wear can be found at Lisa Corti.  Many of the textiles are from India and her ideas and designs are also influenced by Japanese and Chinese traditions.  The textiles, place mats, tablecloths are colorful with terrific patterns. The shop in Florence is located in the St. Ambrogio district, near Cafe Cibreo.

http://www.lisacortifirenzeroma.com

On Via Borgo deglo Albizi, 35,  you can find the women’s clothing and art gallery, Mimi Furaha. Michela, the owner, for many years was the very dedicated, knowledgeable and very personable sales person at Ponciff which has now been transformed into Mimi Furaha which means “I am happy” in her African language of Kiswaili.  She continues to carry Ponciff, some French designers and other Italian designers,  She often sponsors art events in her lovely store. She is delightful and her store is full of modern designs. I am particularly fond of the selection of hats.  http://www.mimifuraha.it/

So, for newcomers to Florence I have given you a start…please readers share with me your favorite shops and we all will have some fun shopping to do in 2014. Next post will feature favorite food shops and restaurants.

Happy New Year to all from Fondly in Florence!