A sad woman is a serious problem for a man. It’s no good to leave her in such a sorry sight. But to try to help her is really dangerous.

What’s the reason for her sadness? A modern woman has many problems but there’s one that has always upset a lady: it is called “nothing to put on".

There’s no use trying to persuade a woman that her wardrobe is crammed with clothes. She wouldn’t listen. But a wise man knows how to deliver her from a fit of spleen. One of the most effective ways is to put her to the shopping therapy.

But don’t go with her – save your nerves! Give her the money so that she could feel free to buy what she wants and wherever she wants. For instance, in Milan or Rome…

Since the ancient times Rome has been the center of the world trade. Best masters and craftsmen brought here their artworks and goods such as gold, furs, wine and slaves to meet the demands of the rich strata of the society. The trade of the present day follows the traditions of the past. Italian designers have a good reputation due to the fine and luxurious clothes, cotton and leather items (especially bags and shoes) as well as materials for decoration, textiles, ceramic and glass ware.

The life in Rome isn’t cheap and the goods cost more than in Florence or Milan. But it is compensated by the amount of shops situated here. Department stores Grandi magazzini stand out against a background of the other shops. The most famous are four retail networks: La Standa, Upini, Coin and La Rinascenta. The latter is the most expensive and the first is the cheapest. The quality of all the goods in Italian shops is high but it is more profitable to buy things at small shops rather than in big stores where the prices are usually higher.

As a rule, the shops are open from 9 am to 13 pm and from 15.30 pm to 19.30 pm (from 16.00 pm to 20.00 pm in summer). In the city center some shops work from 10.30 am to 19.30 pm. If the shop doesn’t close for a break there’s a sign "Orario continuato" on the door. In the evening open minor shops that sell the goods of not-that-famous designers. In summer they work until 22.00 pm or even up to midnight.

Winter sales (saldi) last from 15 January to the first week of March, summer sales go on from 16 July to the middle of September. The leading designers considerably reduce the prices for their goods. Cheaper clothes, shoes and accessories are sold in the shops of less famous designers.

Here’s a list of some popular shops in Rome:

DKNY

Via Frattina, 44-45 tel. 06/6992

DOLCE & GABBANA

Via Borgognona, 7d tel. 06/6782990

GENNY

Piazza di Spagna, 27 tel. 06/6796074

GENTE

Via del Babuino, 80 tel. 06/3207671

GENTE

Via Frattina, 69 tel. 06/6789132

GIANNI VERSACE

Via Bocca di Leone, 26 tel. 06/6780521

GIORGIO ARMANI

Via Condotti, 77 tel. 06/6991461

GIORGIO ARMANI

Via del Babuino, 140 tel. 06/36002197

LAURA BIAGIOTTI

Via Borgognona, 43-44 tel. 06/6791205

MAX & CO

Via Condotti, 46 tel. 06/6787946

MAX MARA

Via Frattina, 28 tel. 06/6793638

MILA SCHON

Via Condotti, 51-52 tel. 06/6784805

PRADA

Via Condotti, 92-95 tel. 06/6790897

RENATO BAESTRA

Via Sistina, 67 tel. 06/6795537

ROBERTO CAPUCCI

Via Gregoriana, 56 tel. 06/6795180

SORELLE FONTANA

Salita S. Sebastianello, 5 tel. 06/69922156

TRUSSARDI

Via Condotti, 49-50 tel. 06/6792151

VALENTINO

Via Bocca di Leone, 15 tel. 06/6795862

BATTISTONI

Via Condotti, 61 tel. 06/786827

BRIONI

Via dei Condotti, 21/A tel 06/6783635

DAVIDE CENCI

Via Campo Marzio, 1-7 tel. 06/6791650

DEGLI EFFETTI

Piazza Capranica, 79 tel. 06/6790202

ENZO CECI

Via della Vite, 52 tel. 06/6798882

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA

Via Borgognona, 7E tel. 06/6789143

ETRO

Via del Babuino, 102 tel. 06/6788257

GIANFRANCO FERRE

Via Borgognona, 6 tel. 06/6797445

TESTA

Via Borgognona, 13 tel. 06/6796174

TESTA

Via Frattina, 104 tel. 06/6791296

TRUSSARDI

Via Condotti, 49-50 tel. 06/6792151

VALENTINO UOMO

Via Condotti, 13 tel. 06/6783656

VERSUS BY VERSACE

Via Borgognona, 34

ARIA

Via Nazionale, 239 tel. 06/484421

ARSENALE

Via del Governo Vecchio, 64 tel. 06/6861380

BOX 233

Via Nazionale, 233 tel. 06/4814518