Sure, Florence and Rome are known as the fashion capitals of the world. One can easily buy an entire condo for the price of an outfit in one of Italy's exclusive boutiques. However, if you're like me, and you don't play the high fashion game, there are some great buys to be found at independent stalls and small shops along the side streets.

In Florence, I found some beautiful paisley scarves and shawls. In tourist centers, they go for about five euros, but in the less populated areas, they cost four euros. For me, they're a tax write off. At my job as a Breckenridge tour guide, I sometimes wear a paisley shawl; the type that was worn over the coats of the upper class women of Victorian society. In Rome, I found a beautiful bracelet for five Euros. The photo above shows a store in Rome that has some great bargains.