Cosmetology expert Dr. Paolo Vranjes uses only the best essential oils and natural ingredients to develop the exclusive beauty products, perfumes and home fragrances sold at his eponymous shops. The products, including JK Firenze’s signature scent, are sold in beautiful bottles, and hard to resist. There are two additional locations (Via della Spada 9/R, 39-055-288796; Borgo La Croce 44 R, 39-055-241748).

This concept store, located a bit off the beaten path on a quiet side street near the Arno, carries vintage fashion, furniture and objet, as well as original works of art. The collection changes often, as owner Elio Ferraro spends a lot of time traveling to keep his boutiques stocked (there’s another branch in Rome). Treasures might include a gorgeous printed cotton jersey dress by Christian Dior and a cream-colored lace dress by Norma Kamali, or a set of black-and-white Fornasetti plates.

Founded in 1875, Grevi is a fourth-generation, family-run hat maker. The company’s creations have been worn by icons of style including Maurice Chevalier, and more recently, featured on the runways by many international couturiers. In the 1960s, its Tuscan lambskin hats caused a fashion sensation. Today the white-walled, atelier-like boutique showcases fabulous shearling, wool, felt and tweed toppers in winter, and delicate straw and satin ones during warm weather, but custom orders can also be fulfilled. Stop by just to browse or play dress-up; you will find it hard to leave without buying something.

Come here for beautiful leather-bound journals, notebooks and photo albums, as well as other handmade gifts, cards and Florence mementos.

American Julia Berger, who founded the linen boutique Julia B. Casa, has embraced Florence’s artisan traditions and added her own twist.

This Tuscan perfumer is based in a charming attic overlooking the cupolas, bell towers and rooftops of Florence and from here, he crafts the most exquisite scents. He works with private clients, listening to your deepest thoughts, peering into your soul and coming up with a singular perfume that is yours alone. More inexpensive are a line of scents, bath and home products, called Lorenzo Villoresi, also on sale. It's safer to call ahead for an appointment.

Florence’s most stylish homes are outfitted with the embroidered linens of Caponi, whose boutique is housed in a series of rooms in the historic Palazzo Aldobrandini. The large space, complete with dramatic archways, antique mirrors and pastel-colored ceiling frescoes is worth a visit alone. But the sumptuousness of the setting is also echoed in the exquisite selection of table linens, laces and curtains, as well as children’s clothing and nightgowns, all delicately embroidered by hand in Caponi’s adjacent atelier. Don’t miss the adorable collection of dresses and skirts for kids, which come in a multitude of hues and have a lot of Italian flair.

The setting of this world-renowned Italian brand makes a visit here a must. Founded in 1621, the famous pharmacy was created by Dominican Friars. Shopping in the gorgeous boutique for herbal remedies, perfumes, colognes and soaps made from ancient recipes is an almost religious experience.

To the left of Santa Croce as you face it is a path leading to a small courtyard containing one of Florence’s best-kept secrets: the workshop and boutique of the Scuola del Cuoio. In this guild and school, founded by Franciscan friars after World War II, you can watch leather being turned into everything from handbags to belts, in many different colors, and then buy the products in the small boutique, one of whose walls bears photographs of famous past clients including Princess Diana, Grace Kelly and Barbara Bush.

Ask the artisans to personalize your purchase with a monogram in gold leaf. Those serious about learning the craft can enroll in a six-month leather-making (and language) course; the Scuola also offers three-hour courses in cutting, assembling and finishing book covers. Free fifteen-minute visits must be scheduled in advance, with a maximum of twenty visitors during each tour. Longer, one-hour technical visits and private tours are also available.

Note: Indagare members receive 10% off at Scoula del Cuoio. Mention you are a member for the discount.