International Shopping, Online: Luisa Via Roma

In this a new series for us, we've decided to take a survey at the interesting and exotic online shopping destinations we've found that aren't in North America. Our first stop is Luisa Via Roma.

Comprising of 3 boutiques in Italy (the largest in Florence), Luisa Via Roma is all about high-end fashion. They typically carry 3 types of goods: 1) well-known European luxury labels presented in greater variety and depth then you're going to find in The States (e.g. Lanvin, Givenchy, Missoni, Dior, Alexander McQueen) 2) lesser-known European labels that haven't quite made it over yet in any quanity (e.g. Marithe' Francois Girbaud, Pierluigi Fucci, Takada Paris) 3) American labels whose day in the US sun has long since passed and who look rather strange next to the European labels (Juicy Couture, Seven for all Mankind).

The selection is unabashedly expensive ($3000 jacket? sure, why not) but the Roma's online shop gives you access to items that you simply can't find anywhere else online (No, not even Yoox) A shopping note: all items as priced include a 17.5% VAT. This fee is removed for foreign shoppers. But with shipping and with import fee charges (you'll might get a bill from FedEx a few weeks after the fact!), think of the price you see as roughly the final price to your doorstep.

Take a look around, we think you'll like it.