Hot tip for Bottega Veneta fans traveling to Italy: making Bottega purchases in Italy is a good…read moreidea; but making them at the Fiumicino Terminal 3 boutique is even better. In Italy, you get the domestic price plus a tax refund at a variable rate--I bought a bag at the store on Via Condotti and got about 11.5% back. At the airport, you get the full 22% refund, nothing deducted for administrative fees. That's a big difference, especially at Bottega prices. I went into the T3 boutique on my way out of town, to shop for a pair of sunglasses for my mom, who'd been watching my kids for over a week while my husband and I were on vacation. I found a pair I thought would be perfect for her, and after browsing the Fendi, Valentino, and Prada shops just to see what they had, I returned and made my purchase. I was carrying my new purse, which the sales lady complimented, and I told her I'd just bought it in Rome. She mentioned that it would have been cheaper at the airport, due to the tax refund, and I was relieved to learn that they did not have it in stock. I asked if it was possible to order things to the airport boutique, and she said it was, and gave me her WhatsApp. Her name was Vittoria, and she was very nice. Should I ever want to make another Bottega purchase in Rome, I will definitely be hitting her up. She wrapped the sunglasses up nicely, and my mom was happy with her souvenir. She was even happier when I told her I got them for over 40% off the L.A. price. Money well spent, especially if it goes toward more babysitting.

One more quick review for Bottega Veneta boutique, before I take off. I've been conditioned by my…read morebetter half to pay attention to fashion labels. This store has very streamlined modern layout and high quality handbags on display, along with shoes snd accessories. Well trained staff. Coming back next time. Ciao Roma!

From the owner: I tuoi capi in pelle , le scarpe e le borse più pregiate avranno una nuova vita da Amici per la…read morepelle! Non mancheranno le creazioni su misura dai giubbotti in pelle agli accessori! Amici per la pelle è anche Tappezzeria d'arredamento, dove potrai personalizzare ogni tuo arredo con classe o rinnovare l'arredo in pelle con i nostri trattamenti specifici sul restauro della pelle.