Unnecessary purchases on the search for suspenders by Giulietta Biraghi
The wonderful thing about a country that is on the cutting edge of fashion is that when the next season’s clothes hit the racks, the last season’s stuff hits the bancarelle at the local markets. This is why many Italians manage to look like they have just walked out of an issue of vogue……unfortunately some from an edition in 1991. This thought popped into my head after I returned home on Saturday, thrilled with my new, bargain market purchase. I love the markets. Wherever I travel, the first place I want to visit is the local market: fresh fruit and vegetables; the colours of the native flowers; and the little treasures that you find hidden in the tables of junk. This morning a crowded stall in the distance alerted the shopaholic within. When I finally managed to make out the misspelled sign I could see the attraction. Leather coats for 10 euro! I had to be part of that. When you think you are getting a bargain there is no rational purchasing process. Would I normally walk past this coat and not notice? Am I just excited by the amazing price? Don’t I already have a coat this colour/style? Could I use this 10 euro towards that bag that I love at the stall around the corner? Yes, Yes, Yes, YES!
Of course none of these thoughts popped into mind. I happily skipped off with my new coat (and hanger which they threw in…bargain!) to search for some blue suspenders for my dad in my remaining 10 mins (and with my remaining 5 euros). Needless to say, I went home guilty and suspender-less. So here I am at home, still coming down from the high of buying my new coat. Poor papa’ has his socks bunching at his ankles and I am beginning to feel a little bad that I bought the coat instead. And, to make matters worse, I just raided the cupboard and it seems I don’t have any shoes to match my new coat.
Ahhh………I guess I will just have to go back to the markets next week.
by Giulietta Biraghi
Markets around town
Mercato di San Lorenzo: Piazza San Lorenzo - clothes, souvenirs, leather goods etc.
Mercato centrale: San Lorenzo - fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and cheese. Only open in the mornings.
Mercato Del Porcellino: Via Calimaia - “Straw market”, souvenirs, scarves, leather goods.
Mercato Delle Pulci: Piazza dei Ciompi - flea market, antiques, bric-a-brac. Best on the last Sunday of the month.
Sant’Ambrogio: Piazza Ghiberti - mainly fruit ‘n vegies, some clothing. Weekday mornings.
Mercato alle Cascine - My favourite - Clothes, shoes, secondhand goods, food, plants a bit of everything. Tuesday mornings only.
