Best Vintage Shopping in Florence

I loved lazy days where I did my loop around Florence to stop by all my favorite little shops and oggle the beautiful new items. Those days were even better when there was something I actually had in mind that I “needed” and could go from just some sad American drooling at the window to an actual self-respecting shopper. For example the day I decided I “needed” a leather bag to wear on my bike in case the basket was full of groceries. Or when it occurred to me that I “needed” a new dress to wear to an event because the others I had were simply not suitable. And obviously, i “needed” a coral necklace to wear for good luck, you know, just general, all-around good luck. I mean, we’re talking life and death, people!

Now that I have learned to curb these “needs” (wink face) I will share some of these little gems with you for your next trip (ideally with Select Study Abroad). Below is a map of some of my top favorites that I hit up on a regular basis for window shopping and/or regular good, old-fashioned actual shopping. In case your computer is mad at you and won’t let you see said map, here is the Florence Vintage Shop run-down:

Nadine:
Probably my favorite shop in all of Florence, if not the world. I went there first in almost all situations. The girls who work here are all super nice (one in particular grew up in America and speaks perfect English, though she will willingly humor you if you need Italian practice) and they have a great selection of both vintage items as well as some local Florentine designers. The prices are also very good. All the things I get complimented on I got from this store.
INFO
Address: Lungarno Acciaiuoli, 22/r, 50125 Florence (Just beyond the Ponte Vecchio)
Phone: (39) 055.287.851
Website
 
 
Pitti Vintage:
This store used to be over by the Pitti Palace (hence the name) but has since moved. I used to love visiting it on the weekends (though they do tend to have odd hours) and seeing the owner’s pug sleeping on its little day bed (note the picture at right, taken by lolaisbeauty.blogspot.com, who also wrote about Pitti). Their collection is very impressive and they have a fair amount of men’s items as well. Though many things were more beautiful to look at than actually buy, I enjoyed eyeing the amazing dresses and jewelry all the same. Here is a You Tube video of the old space near Palazzo Pitti just to give you a taste of the selection. Note: They appear to have moved since I was last there so I have marked both locations, just in case.
INFO
Address: Borgo degli Albizi 72r, Florence 50122
Phone: (39) 055.23.44.115
WebSite

Ceri Vintage
This is a great little vintage spot. It is not your typical selection either as it mixes random vintage finds with relatively recent hand-me-downs and vintage fabric and findings. I always felt like I was in someone’s well-stocked attic snooping around, which is always fun. I have also bought some lovely dresses and a very cheap bag from here that I love!
INFO
Address: Via dei Serragli 26/r is Ceri Vintage
WebSite

The “Junk” Shop:
That is not the name of this place and this is an approximate location. I called it the junk shop to dissuade others from going there because I loved it so much (it was selfish, I know). It is half-vintage, half-used, with a kind of upscale good will kind of feel. You could find anything from some under appreciated art for your bathroom to a 25-cup coffee pot to copies of old Italian movies on VHS, if that is you thing (it was mine). I came in from time to time and never left empty handed. If I couldn’t find anything useful, I bought some of their old photographs. My favorite is of an Italian couple (from their clothing it looks to be about the 1940s or 50s) standing in the Pantheon looking awe-struck.

View Best Vintage Stores in Florence in a larger map
Main photo: independent.ie (via debutanteclothing.com)

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