If you want to preserve your marriage, and you want to still be able to buy something when you come home from vacation, here’s a list of places you should avoid at all costs.
Why? Because they will literally be, at your COST.
Paris
Ahh Paris. What girl doesn’t love Paris? And Paris does love the girl - being touted as the most romantic place in the world, it can be your ticket to a saved marriage, or a debt you have to pay for life. Every fashionista wants to visit this place, after all, this is where it all began – Chanel’s little black dress, various movies to exemplify “la vie en rose”, and almost every designer you need to know has a store in the city of lights. It doesn’t end there, from epicurean delights, to flea markets (from the expensive to the not so expensive ones), you will find everything your wifey will love in Paris. Fast, erase from your honeymoon list!
Exchange Rate: 1 Euro = 1.48200 USD
Italy
La dolce Vita baby! If every fashionista wants to go to Paris, every Fashion Editor is on the plane to Milan for Fashion week. Anybody wants real Italian leather? Sure, but give me that credit card. Whether you wing it in Milan and Rome, I’m pretty sure the wifey will be able to grab a few bags even before you finish that drink from Robert De Niro’s Resto Nobu in Italy (yes there’s one in Milan). Aside from designer brands, housewares by Frank Gehry at Alessi, and an assortment of books and jewelry can be found in one of their famous wharf markets. Luxury even at the wharf.
Bonus for the men: so in case you do bring your wife, you can say you bought something for yourself – Brioni, the hands behind James Bond’s 007 wonderful tuxes can be found here – so get yourself one before your money runs out!
Exchange Rate: 1 Euro = 1.48200 USD
London
We all know how expensive it gets to be in London (they have a queen! they have a butler!), so if you’re in your right mind avoid if you haven’t saved up for a shopping spree. Now if you do insist on going, London is home to the ever-famous Harrods. Celebrities have been known to be such loyal patrons of the store (with some even closing up the store for an hour for some buy-me-time); singer-songwriter Lilly Allen opened Harrods Winter Sale for last year. Aside from Harrods, you can also avoid Camden Market, the high streets of London, and Savile Row in Mayfair for their “traditional bespoke tailors” that have been in existence since the 1700’s.
Exchange Rate: 1 Great British Pound = 1.96471 USD
Shanghai
Our list goes to the far off regions of Asia, particularly Shanghai. From being the sleepy town
it was years ago, this city has now discovered a new love for shopping. Often called the world’s most cosmopolitan city, it boasts of Plaza 66 where you’ll find your wife’s usual love for designer items on a high – Prada, Chanel, Gucci, and so much more! She will be on a shopping overdrive I tell you. If she cares to buy something more oriental, then silk slippers might pique her interest (and they don’t come cheap my friend). Porcelain, Tibetan Jewerly, Pearls, and antiques as well as Jade & Gold are available in this city. Looking to relax? Have some tea while you review your expenses and think of how you’ll pay for them.
Exchange Rate: 1 CNY (China Yuan Renminbi) = .139821 USD
Now these places may take a toll on your credit card bills, and you’ll probably have to spend more time at work now to pay off your debts, but at the end of the day, no matter how expensive shopping may be in these cities, nothing beats the lovely smile of your wife after a day of shopping – and my, how she’ll be thanking you tonight for that? Priceless.
Pictures c/o of sxc and luxurylink
See more shopping destinations here.
