Shopping in Venice? What to Pack?

[mykel67]

I'm off to Venice for a week's holiday on Friday. Has anyone been recently? Any recommended shops for interesting clothing/accessories that won't be readily found everywhere else? Looking forward to checking out Ottica Carraro for some new eyeglass frames- otherwise, not sure.

Also, weather's going to be between 5 and 12 degrees Celsius. Forums on tripadvisor say that Venice is not as formal as Rome or Milan, and that jackets and ties are not required for dinner. I don't want to look touristy (no Tilley endurables or Goretex!) but I also don't want to be overdressed. Advice???

Thanks!

 

[Lucky Strike]

The obvious: Murano glass jewellery, like these cufflinks in a semi-millefiore technique:

There are quite a few good clothiers dotted around town, can't remember the names or addresses of any of them, but you'll stumble upon them when you least expect it. Also, there are a lot of shops selling exquisite stationery, blank books and diaries, etc.

 

[Haruspex]

The obvious: Murano glass jewellery, like these cufflinks in a semi-millefiore technique:

Gosh, that's beautiful. Hope you find similar.

 

[Zegnamtl]

I only found two shops of interest, there may be more, but what I liked was:

Black Watch San Marco 4564 Venezia
Kiton and a bunch of other stuff I could not notice because of the the most beautiful blue cashmere jacket i found, I hardly looked at anything else.

Shirts and Ties San Marco 1279 Venezia
Partenopea, Barba, Caruso, Cantarelli


It was my first time back to Venice in a very long time and I was very disappointed by the way it has been turned into a designer mall of sorts. When we went out for dinner, most men were rather well dressed. I wore a sports jacket, shirt and tie for dinner and was not over dressed.

My daughters and I were there at Christmas and it was pleasant weather, you need at least a sports jacket during the day and a proper coat once the sun sets. I found gloves helpful when the wind came off the water, but not necessary in the squares and streets during daylight hours.

I hope you have a great trip, please post when you return!

 

[mykel67]

Thanks for the information. I've always thought tripadvisor likely skews to travellers more interested in seeing sights than what to pack, so I appreciate knowing that it is indeed appropriate to bring a jacket and tie.

I've written down the names/addresses of the two stores you recommended, and I hope to stumble upon them.

I will certainly post a reply when I return.

PS And those cufflinks are great, LuckyStrike - I'll definitely look for a pair to add to my collection.

 

[mykel67]

Sorry for the delay in this post. In short, loved my trip to Venice - a magical city that truly lives up to its reputation/hype. It was very expensive, though, with the Euro being so strong, so I didn't do too much shopping (some stationery, some ties).

I did, however, find a pair of murano cufflinks in the millefiore technique, which I love. They were very hard to find, and finally I had to describe to the proprietor of one shop what I was looking for. He seemed surprised at my inquiry, went to his backroom, and came back with a pair in a dusty box. He said they were somewhat "old fashioned" and that most men today want solid or abstract designs in the glass. Maybe he'll start showcasing them again!