Katherine Rodriguez

When you think, “I need to buy something from Italy,” you’re thinking Italian leather. It is so overwhelming trying to figure out which market or store to purchase any leather from since there’s about 20 shops per 50 feet. Who’s going to have the best deal? Best quality? Won’t hustle you?

So, I Yelped not literally, but actually did Yelp. I found amazing reviews for Massimo Leather and was on the quest to get me some Italian leather. I Google mapped the location, the Googs told me it’s just a 13 minute walk so I make a run for it since in “K-Rod in Florence” time, that’ll take about 1.5 hours trying to find the place. I stop by Il Porcellino (picture above), but decided that I didn’t need to rub him tonight. I knew I was going to get lucky.

I only had to backtrack twice when BAM!

I already loved this place without going in. It’s on a side street that’s not crowded and away from the touristy hustle and bustle. I walk into the store on the right of the main entrance, which sold wallets and bags, and picked up a leather wallet. Then, I walked into the main store and was greeted by Massimo himself and staff. They knew my size right off the bat without needing me to remove the coat I was already wearing, and showed me amazing leather jackets. I guess when I’m not in food heaven, I’m in leather heaven. PETA hates me right about now.

“I’m guessing you’re from NYC, right?” I’m asked by Marcial, one of Massimo’s lackeys. WHAT! Did I just get stereotyped as your typical New Yorker? (I secretly love it.)

Marcial: That’ll look good on the streets of NY.
Me: I know.

In the end, it was a successful shopping adventure. The jacket was €170 and the wallet was €25, but Massimo gave it to me for €190 total (I really needed to save that €5), and let me choose from a bunch of coin purses for free. Marcial pushed me into choosing the red one.