If you are lucky enough to have ties to the Ferragamo family or even to an employee at Salvatore Ferragamo in Florence, you may have been able to get into the Family Sale that's been happening at their headquarters at the employee outlet in Via Mercatali in Osmannoro. 

​Every employee has access to the sale and can invite a number of guests (max 3 per day) for a scheduled shopping time frame, from either 12:00-2:00, 2:00-4:00 or 4:00-6:00 which has to be reserved beforehand by email. 

I was lucky to be able to go yesterday, after the Spring/Summer 2017 Sales Campaign finished, and found some great things at amazing prices. Shoes at 40€, Wallets at 60€ and beautiful dresses at 80€ each. Of course with these prices there were also limits to how many pieces you could buy in any one category of merchandise. I, as many took advantage of these prices and I got home with just under the maximum quota of 6 pairs of shoes! :)

Today will be the last day of the sale, then the outlet will continue to run with regularly discounted prices. Available again to only employees or accompanied friends and family. 

​​I love The Mall. As it turns out, I only go a handful of times a year but even as I'm writing this, I'm asking myself...why? I should go more!!!!
​Even just for a look...
(Yeah right. Look.) For me, looking means buying, at least 9/10 times! Although maybe I could leave my cash and cards at home?... Forget it. I've tried and just ended up having to drive back the next day with my wallet!
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The Mall has changed so much over the years. From just 3 simple rows of luxury brand stores it's turned into a neighborhood.
Prada has it's own building, Moncler has a sweet little spot all by itself, perched up above the roundabout. Gucci has moved from the main strip to a massive 3 level building with includes a restaurant and lovely terrace.
Not to mention Saint Laurent, Coach, Moschino, Ermanno Scervino and Alberta Ferretti all grouped together in yet another 2 story complex next to Gucci. Further behind, adjacent to the biggest parking lot you can now find more commercial (and less populated) outlets such as Nike and Michael Kors. The newest series of outlets, Versace, Philipp Plein, Etro, Alexander MQueen are situated on the other side of the main strip behind Burberry. This was all new to me. Etro had some gorgeous pieces, but unfortunately still quite expensive.

I have to say my favorites remain in the main old strip. Lanvin, for it's necklaces, Stella Mcartney and Balenciaga for everyday, special pieces, and Valentino accessories.

Asian tourists have, for the most part taken over. I have nothing against Asians, myself being half Chinese, but it made the line to pay at Prada unbearable. They all need to fill out duty free forms and the lines JUST DO NOT MOVE. Happy note: I was able to politely ask the cashier if I could quickly pay cash while the current customers were filling out their forms. No problem. Definitely worth the try because I was actually 4th in line behind several other Asians! There really needs to be a fast lane for locals!

You can definitely spend a whole day here. Be sure to include time for a lovely lunch and wine on the rooftop Gucci terrace where it feels like you're on holiday even if your not!

I'm already looking forward to my next visit. :)


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