Rome Shopping

  1. Disfunzioni Musicali

    Covered in graffiti, Disfunzioni is vinyl anorak heaven. It has a good selection of alternative, indie, rare, bootlegged and underground sounds, as well as vintage records and CDs. It also has a lively message board, so if you need a bass player in a hurry, drop by.

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  2. Distanes

    A laid-back shop specializing in women's vintage clothes and accessories from the 1960s and '70s, Distanes exudes a retro charm reminiscent of the great tie-dye years.

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  3. Elio Ferraro

    Style queens raid these racks for classic one-off outfits and collectable prototypes - think Tom Ford feather dress designed for Gucci that's straight off the runway. Highlights include vintage Pucci, Missoni and Valentino, mixed in with architect-cum-designer Elio's own creations. Match it all with cult interior design pieces from the 1950s to 1980s.

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  4. Emporio Armani

    Roll up for Giorgio Armani's range of ready-to-wear suits and separates for men and women. Armani Jeans, diagonally across the road at No 70a, carries the Armani jeans and sportswear collection.

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  5. Enoteca Al Parlamento

    A delectable mingling of scents - wine, chocolate, fine meats and cheeses - greets you as you enter this stately, old-fashioned shop, an inviting empire of taste, walled with wine. Try some caviar tartines while sampling the wines, and consult the helpful staff for advice.

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  6. Ethic

    With clothes that fall just the right side of boho, this is one of Italy's most individual women's clothing chains, with retro-influenced, original, bold designs. Despite the tinge of hippy-dippy chic, clothes are eminently wearable, in interesting colours, fabrics and designs.

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  7. Etro

    The kind of clothes you'll find in Etro will never make anything less than a screaming statement. Loud and bold designs adorn fine fabrics in all sorts of daring combinations. Don't be surprised if you come across black and white Dalmatian patterns, comic strip prints and plenty of paisley as you rummage the racks.

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  8. Fabio Piccioni

    This ivy-shaded treasure-trove is the domain of artisan Fabio Piccioni. A walking exhibition of his own designs, he recycles old trinkets to create attractive Art Deco-inspired jewellery that, if he doesn't sell, he wears himself.

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  9. Fausto Santini

    High on kudos, Fausto Santini - a former lawyer who gave up the bar for the boot - is famous for his quixotic, colourful shoe designs, and no hipster's wardrobe is complete without a pair of his sleek boots or colourful mules. For bargains and previous seasons' designs, check out the outlet store at Via Cavour 106 (06 488 09 34), near the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

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  10. Feltrinelli

    Italy's most famous bookseller (and publisher) has numerous outlets across the capital. This one has a wide range of books (in Italian) on art, photography, cinema and history, as well as an extensive selection of Italian literature and travel guides in various languages, including English. There's also a small English books section and a café (where you can take books for a read before you purchase).

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  12. Feltrinelli International

    The international branch of Italy's ubiquitous book-seller has a splendid collection of books in English. You'll find everything from recent-release bestsellers to dictionaries, travel guides, DVDs and an excellent assortment of maps. There are also books in Spanish, French, German and Portuguese.

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  13. Ferrari Store

    If you can't afford a Ferrari, at least you can stretch to a key ring. At this Ferrari Store you'll find everything from flaming-red coats to scale models; there's even a real F1 car.

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  14. Focacci

    One of several smashing delis along this pretty street, this is where to buy cheese, cold cuts, smoked fish, caviar, pasta and olive oil as well as wines.

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  15. Francesco Biasia

    If you want an 'it' bag without the 'it' price tag, try slipping a Francesco Biasia over your shoulder. His designs are superb quality, in bright colours, blacks and browns, with original detailing that sets them apart.

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  16. Fratelli Fabbi

    A small but rich delicatessen, this is a good place to pick up all sorts of Italian delicacies - fine cured meats, buffalo mozzarella from Campania, parmigiano reggiano, olive oil, porchetta from Ariccia - as well as Iranian caviar.

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  17. Furla

    Furla makes all sorts of accessories, from sunglasses to shoes, but is best known for its handbags. Practical, chic, classic and affordable, they use a brilliant array of colours and finishes to add sparkle to their simple designs. If you can't afford Fendi, head here. The many other branches include Via Tomacelli 136 (06 687 82 30), Via Nazionale 54-55 (06 487 01 27), and Via Cola di Rienzo 226 (06 687 45 05).

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  18. Galleria Alberto Sordi

    Opposite Piazza Colonna, where the Galleria Colonna used to stand, is the Galleria Alberto Sordi shopping centre. Named after Rome's favourite actor, who died in 2003, the small but elegant arcade houses some interesting shops, such as Jam Store, Zara, AVC, Feltrinelli, Coccinelle, Gusella and the Bridge, as well as a café - ideal for a quick and cool coffee break.

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  19. Gente

    Yet another label-savvy wardrobe wonder, stocking superlative Italian and foreign labels such as Prada, Miu Miu, Helmut Lang and Anna Sui. Those with more style than savings should pop into Outlet Gente for remainders and last-season reductions.

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  20. Goody Music

    This is where DJs go to stock up on vinyl. Staff are knowledgeable, and there's an excellent collection of club music (on record and CD) with a strong section of 1970s and '80s disco. You can also buy turntables, sound-station equipment and T-shirts to make you look the part.

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  21. Gusto Italia

    Angelo Biagi is the enthusiastic force behind this small, well-stocked deli. He sells homemade pasta and many other delicious items - try the fantastic Sicilian pesto - and offers tastings and some ready-made food.

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  23. Herder Buchhandlung

    Herder Buchhandlung is a historic German bookshop specialising in theological and philosophical works. But even students of Kant like the occasional break, and you'll now find Harry Potter, a small selection of Penguin books in English and some children's books.

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  24. I Vetri Di Passagrilli Glassware

    Domenico Passagrilli has had his workshop for more than 25 years, specialising in fusion glassware - creating beautiful artworks through heating glass and moulds in a kiln. Each of the organic-seeming pieces - plates, lamps, tiles and window panes - is unique, and he also restores stained glass.

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  25. Ibiz - Artigianato In Cuoio

    Elisa Nepi and her father make exquisite, good-quality leather goods, including bags, belts and sandals, in simple but classy designs and myriad colours. You can sometimes see Elisa working in the shop. If you take a sketch along, they can create something to your own design.

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  26. Il Canestro

    Il Canestro is a trailblazer for all things organic in Rome, and has a large selection of organic food, including bread, fruit and veg, fresh and cured meat, pasta, cheese, cereals, olive oil and wine.

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  27. Il Negozio Benedettino Della Badia Primaziale Di Sant'anselmo

    In the grounds of the abbey of Sant'Anselmo, which flanks Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, this little holy retailer stocks a wide range of products made in abbeys across the world; from German friars' beer and Norcia honey, to Praglia cosmetics and wicked Trappisti chocolate bars.

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