Mercantinos are a big thing here in Italy. They sell second hand items primarily on consignment…read more The great thing about the consignment aspect is that after a certain amount of time the prices drop. Eventually the shop just owns them if they aren't purchased. This particular shop has a ton of options. Way too many for a quick walk through. Even if you know what you are looking for you really have to hunt through the store. So, give yourself plenty of time if you are on a hunting mission and check the dates. After 30 days you can usually ask for a discount.

Great souvenir place near San Marco plaza. There are tons to pick from. I highly recommend this…read moreplace because of their friendly service! The guy (owner I believe) was a gem! I don't bargain when I shop in an actual store, the owner offered a few euros off the things I was already buying. I didn't even ask! Then he continues on with offering more discounts as I looked thru the store. He was generous with giving discounts!! The more you talk to him, the more discounts he gives !! He's the guy in the black jacket in my pic.

Found this gem on a trip to Venice. My mom passed on a cashmere scarf, but luckily a friend…read moretraveled to Italy and found the same shop and was able to find the beautiful scarf for my mom. Very nice items in this store.

It was a nice and clean establishment. Prices were amazing and I was able to leave with two cute…read moreoutfits

I was excited to stumble upon this H&M in one of the many open piazzas in Venice, following a…read morestroll through a narrow corridor or street. The store was bustling on the weekend but the lines weren't too long (perhaps 4-5 customers waiting). The clothing appeared similar in quality to that of H&M stores in the US, as were the price points -- which I assume was a huge attraction since the exchange rate is so high. I didn't get the chance to peruse for too long, but noted that the items were the same as in the States (see the website). Therefore, I didn't feel the need to buy anything. This location isn't too large, as the aisles were pretty narrow. Good place to pick up some pieces though particularly if you forgot to pack something.

Beautiful selection of jewellery, head pieces, masks, purses/clutches, corsets, and even sculptural…read morepieces that can hold items. Everything is handmade, so definitely pricier, but if you find something you like, you must try it! He also made the jewellery for the set of Reign, which is pretty cool. I bought a necklace, clutch, and a ring. All so beautiful and unique.

LAGGIA in Venice is a tiny store next to Campo San Maurizio in the passageway when walking in the…read moredirection of San Marco square. It is easy to miss, but a highly recommended stop. Laggia is the store of Alfred Laggia the local Venetian designer who creates incredibly complex hand made intricate mesh jewellery pieces in his studio in Venice. He makes tiny delicate pieces as well as dramatic large pieces which were a favourite of Gianni Versace in his runway shows. Ask to see the amazing mesh head pieces. Sabrina Laggia (Alfredo's wife) works in the store and can also show you photographs of his larger scale works. Because it is such a tiny store it is easy to pass it by, assuming that it is part of all the usual tourist fare. I highly recommend that you go inside and look at the designs as they are quite incredible. I bought a neck piece and a cuff bracelet both of which are a bit grand for me, but so amazing that I'm sure I will wear them to a special event in the future. If the shop is closed go across the hall to the wine store which they also own and Sabrina will let you in.