Shopping Day One: Parma

Every year, there is a post or two on this blog that my sister probably anticipates reading more than others. While some of you want to read about cycling up mountains, my sister, who works in the fashion industry wants to know about cloths (I guess?) So here is it, part one:
I like eating, I like cycling, I like music, I like talking a lot, and I like shopping. Shopping in Italy, where the style is generally great and the cloths actually fit me is lots of fun. Today, I had a lazy start to the day, went to the bakery to stock up on my focaccia for the day, then walked around Parma, down back streets, in and out of shops. I checked out everything in the central area, from big chains like Coin (basically Italy's Macy's) H&M, and Zara, to little one -off stores, which are usually my favorite. I stumbled upon more records stores, some vintage and antique shops and of course a few more salumerie.
It's amazing how somehow, after having a great ride yesterday and being in a much more positive mood, my eyes were open to a whole new Parma. I saw things I hadn't seen before, felt more inquizitive, more explorative. It was nice.
The first order of business was to try on a jacket sweater type thing that I saw in the window at Zara. Luckily for my wallet, a lot of cloths look a lot better on the mannequins than they do one me. The jury is still out on the jacket. I like it, just depends on how the budget is going after tomorrow's shopping trip to Milano. Anyway, I stopped in H&M, tried to find something I liked, and ended up leaving with... a hoodie. H&M hoodies are the best and they're cheaper here than in Philly. Plus the store isn't a mess like the one in Philly so I made that purchase. I also tried on a few sweaters at Coin, including a grey high neck cotton/ cashmere blend that I loved. I loved it because it looks exactly like my favorite CK sweater that's Italian wool and wearing out a bit. The jury is out on that too. If only I had an unlimited budget, I'd just buy another suitcase and fill it up with Italian clothes.
On my walk around before lunch, I checked out a few very interesting record/cd stores. The highlight was this incredible stack of cds and records. I've never seen anything like it. There's actually a person back behind there!

I also saw this cool record store. At least I think it was a store. Nothing was categorized, it looked like the person had stepped out for a bit because no one was in there, but they had one of those amazing super isolated turntables that you see in the "I'll never be able to afford this" section of Needle Doctor's website. The sounds coming out of it were incredible. I vowed not to buy any vinyl, since it is expensive here and a bit impractical to carry back to the States, but it was cool to look in.

My final stop of the day was at a salumeria. The people there were super nice. I tried some Parmignano and had to explain to them that I wouldn't be trying the prosciutto, since I am a vegetarian, and that the real reason I stopped in was the giant urn of dried porcini in the center of the store. The man told me they just arrived today and told me they smelled beautiful, which they did. I bought an etto, which is 100 grams. Again, depending on how the budget goes with shopping in Milano tomorrow, maybe I'll go back for another etto. They were the highest quality I've seen anywhere. Big aromatic pieces. And they told me to store them in the fridge, and had lots of advice about them. I was beyond pleased with their products and service. It's places like that, family-run joints that make Italy great. It's like going into Claudio's and having the old guy wait on you. You'll get to try everything!
One store I didn't get to, but I hope to visit before I leave here is a vintage shop just on the other side of the train station. Apparently, they specialize in vintage cycling jerseys. Their website has over 800 listed. I have to see that in person.
Like I said, tomorrow I head to Milano. I will try to stop in the Duomo as well to at least get something cultural out of it, since I won't be shopping at Prada, Ferragamo, Versace, Dolce e Gabbana, etc. Shopping at Camper, Coin, Bata, Puma, etc is not quite as culturally stimulating. I might even try to make it out to Rossignoli's bike shop and some other neighborhoods that my sister and I didn't make it to last time. Look for a post tomorrow about cloths, shoes, and a better dressed but poorer me.