The Women’s Travel Group does not specialize in shopping tours but we know a lot about it. In some countries in Europe you will inevitably buy some treasure, despite protests of “I have too much already.” Temptation is strongest in Italy: leather, shoes, purses, clothes, pottery, food items. Another area is Scotland and Ireland for woolens.
Here is how the experts judge leather quality:
Press with your finger, the leather will indent with a wrinkle then return to its original state. (Cheap leather is rigid). Good leather is soft and flexible, and has a consistent color. Inside the item, the stitching is the same size, and there is no dark ink line at the edges. Look for a label: full grain, not just genuine leather. PS even in Italy some labels are in English; others might say Pelle or leather in Italian. Good leather smells like good leather.
In Scotland where wool is king, shop the clothing brands that are local to the area. Scotland is famous for quality knitwear and for traditional designs. In recent years, there has been an increase in locally made designer products. Look for the ‘Made in Scotland’ labels. Shop on main streets. Avoid the discounters; their designs might be local-ish but the items are made in Turkey or China. If you have good eyes, the fibers should be uniform and the thread diameter consistent. Beware: quality wool is a delicious meal for moths, so protect your woolens when home.
There is also excellent wool in Ireland. Here you might splurge for an Aran sweater. These are the natural wool patterned sweaters. These are 2 lbs. heavier than fakes. The patterns are cables, criss crossing, geometric. You might know them as Fishermen’s Sweaters. You probably did not know the designs designate clans, livelihoods etc. The cable denotes the fishermen’s ropes. The honeycomb relates to the work ethic of bees. The soft repetitive tiny stitch connotes moss which is used as a food, and fuel. the zigzag is the winding paths on the Aran Islands. If you buy one, don’t leave it hanging for long periods of time; it can stretch.
Shoes and clothes in Italy and France. European clothes run smaller than US sizes. Colors can be different for the same item sold in the US; we wear brighter colors. The shoe last can also be a different shape; so test the shoes longer than you normally might by walking around the shop. In addition, shop for shoes when your feet are tired! Sizes are different; take your time to find the right size. In my experience, you need to add an extra half size to the shoe the vendor offers you. Cool semi designer shoes are not made for long distance walking!
Finally food, the best el cheapo buys are food items from local grocery stores. Canned, or jar’d items are beautifully packaged and most are importable. Spices seeds will enhance your cooking: French dried shallots, UK or local Indian spices,flavored Sicilian salts, mixed dried mushrooms. Avoid the gourmet shops unless you need the brand for prestige purposes.
Let’s end with jewelry. Yes some fine jewelry is cheaper overseas. #1 because of refunded sales taxes and #2 because some are priced less overseas. Again, if you like an elegant minimalist look, you’ll be tempted in European jewelry stores. The good stores usually all charge the same; don’t waste time shopping for a deal. Costume jewelry is much more exciting in Europe and you will always see pieces not sold here.
Shopping travel tips from non shoppers at The Women’s Travel Group. You can always add extra days to a trip, if you plan on getting more of those lovely “I don’t need anything more”, goodies. Upcoming tours to Scotland, Ireland, Italy, UK, France, and more are on our site.
