4/7     I'm looking for a new suit. If I happen to be in Italy, would it
        be cheaper to find an Italian suit there or is it not worth my
        while?
        \_ It would, depending on where you are.  Milan can be frighteningly
           expensive.  Also, you won't save a great deal on real big
           designer brands, but there are a lot of smaller tailors in side
           streets that can be worth your while.  Also, be aware of your
           type of build--if you're tall and slim, Italian suits may not be
           for you (they're pretty boxy.)  In Italy, I'd rather look out for
           \_ American suits are boxy.  Italian suits are more tapered and
              appropriate for slimmer people.
           nice leather goods (gloves, shoes, etc.)  If you specify where
           you're going, I might be able to give you some pointers.  -John
           \_ I'm not the OP, but I'm going to be in Florence and Rome.
              Anything in particular to look out for? (Shoes, maybe?)
                -chialea
              \_ Have you considered going to smaller cities like Cinqua Terra,
                 Sienna, Padova, etc? Rome is kinda like LA... it's a huge
                 city with lots of stuff going on and lots of touristy stuff
                 as well. Except that people walk in Rome... and while walking,
                 you might pass by some 2000 year old statues.

                 Florence is pretty famous for leather (shoes, belts, etc).
                 Try to avoid going in July. It's hot and filled with stupid
                 Germans and Americans. Before June 15 or after Sept 1 would
                 be good. Going in mid-August is not so bad, but everyone seems
                 to be on vacation during that time.
              \_ Shoes, gloves, whatnot.  In Rome all the expensive designer
                 stuff is around the Spanish Steps/Via Condotti and Via Veneto
                 (but there are a lot of great stores on side streets.)
                 Loads of cool little shops around Campo dei Fiori/Via del
                 Corso.  In Florence, anything away from the big museums
                 is decent shopping, and in both cities, do all the big
                 touristy things (Coliseum, Vatican museum, Uffizi, etc.) as
                 they're worthwhile.  Drop me a mail if interested and I can
                 look up some stuff--Rome is awesome.  If you're looking for
                 anything in particular, it's a PITA, so just knock around,
                 you will find a lot of nice things.  -John
              \_ A friend took my wife to http://csua.org/u/6tj outside of
                 Rome, where she found bountiful shopping.
                 \_ Can I take your wife, too?
                    \_ you probably can't afford her.
              \_ Lingerie. France and Italy have the best lingerie and
                 much of it never makes it into this country. The only
                 place I can find real silk stockings is in France, for
                 example. (I order by e-mail now.) My gf loves the fancy
                 lingerie and it is much cheaper than going to La Perla here.