Where is the best place to shop in italy for cheap designer clothes?

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Miss 1928

When is more important than Where.

Twice a year there are big sales (Saldi). In each big city it is at a different time. In Rome the sales are in August and January. In many cases you can find things at the major designer's shops for 50% off, or sometimes even more. (I am sorry that I can't tell you the months when the sales are for other cities, I'm just not sure.)

Although I haven't been to the outlets during the sale months, I assume that the sales are going on there too, resulting in even better bargains.

I've been to this outlet and have come home with some really high quality things.
http://www.valmontone-outlet.com/

If you are coming and it is not during those months then the outdoor markets are a great resource.

The outdoor markets have a lot available at great prices. (I just came home with a new summer wardrobe; 3 pairs of shorts, 3 shirts, 5 tank tops 2 skirts, a tunic, a knit dress and a pair of pants all for about 40 euro! I kid you not! No major labels, but all cute stuff in good fabrics nonetheless.) But high-end designer clothes generally are not available, usually they're cheap knock-offs (usually Chinese but a lot of "Made in Italy" is available too). Actually, you can find designer items, but they are usually smaller Italian labels, not the big internationlly known designers.

Unfortunately, the outdoor markets have a lot available if you are smaller. It is harder to find things in larger sizes. (In the USA I wear an S or an M, but here in Italy I'm usually in a L or XL. --Rather disheartening! But, Italians are just a lot smaller than Americans.)
Another downside to the markets is that you usually have to wade through a ton of crap before you find that one special item, but if time is not an issue for you, then it is well worth it.

The two largest outdoor markets are Porte Portese ( Near Trastevere. Sundays only) and Via Sannio (Near San Giovanni by Via Appia. Monday through Saturday). But there are outdoor markets all over Rome. (The link below has addresses) Actually there are outdoor markets all over Italy. !!!!Do watch out for Pick-pockets!!!

One of my favorite shoe shops is on Vicolo del Cinque in the Trastevere district of Rome. They sell designer seconds there for really cheap. I've found many many shoes there.

I hope this helped a little bit.
Have fun shopping!

EDIT!!!

I was browsing Y!A and saw this. It's the dates of the sales:
(Thank you englishjune1979!!!!)
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjUg9k2vH66vopflWqXxwOu27RR.?qid=20070628050854AABmCzD

Trave

There is a big outlet near Rome in Valmontone (30 km far). A lot of travel agency and hotels arranged the buses to get to this place

Brockley

Bari in the south of Italy. It is not as prosperous as the very prosperous north.

Farty Valentino

Chinese Markets

wolfpelt

Outlet stores are the best. Every top designer has an outlet store here in Italy where they sell older items for much much cheaper prices. If you search the web you can find the addresses.

Genius Cook

The out door markets in Naples, Catania, Rome, Bologna, Milan. Be careful though because what you will get is indeed cheap, as in poor quality, clothes. The true knock offs are oft times being sold as the real thing in upscale shops. Let the buyer beware!

Izzie My Blueberry Nights

It Depends. Where in Italy are you going to be? If Milan, Como, Varese..there are many outlet stores. If you'll be close to Canton Ticino in Switzerland, I would really recommend you Fox Town, which is in Mendrisio. www.foxtown.ch

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