Often in my winter month writing, I refer to my friend Patricia. We met two summers ago when I wandered into a leather shop in Cortona where she works. Through Patricia, I have learned a lot about what happens in Cortona during the winter when there are few tourists to be found. She has provided me pictures and stories that I am most grateful for, as well as great descriptions of holiday traditions that I have been able to share.
Patricia came to Italy from the UK some 40 years ago as a student and never left. Just like the movies, she fell in love in Firenze and created a new life. Recently, Len and I had a most enjoyable lunch with her and her husband Massimo, a true Florentine. We shared personal stories and found that our lives parallel in several ways. This year has been particularly interesting for Len and me as we are spending more time with locals and learning more about their lives and culture.
Since the day I met Patricia, she is the one I buy leather goods from. If you plan to be in Cortona, the shop is T-Nobile on Via Nazionale, not far from Piazza Republicca. Currently, she is there Tuesday-Friday.
Stop by, ask for her by name, and tell her Judy sent you. I will only shop if she is there!
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
I’ve been to that store in Cortona, and still use the green leather wallet I got there, wonderfull quality and price, nice store!
LikeLike
Agree…I have a purse and wallet, and use both daily.
LikeLike
Aw, that is so nice that you two formed such a beautiful friendship! Now I wish I was in Italy so I could shop at her store!
LikeLike
Next time you are in Cortona, look up Patricia.
LikeLike
Nice! She is such a sweet lady! Whenever we are in Cortona I pop my head in to see if she is there! Never formally got to know each other but always nice to see her smiling face!
LikeLike
And now you know who she is!
Sent from my iPhone
LikeLike
Thank you Judy! I will be pleased to meet any friend of yours who has a chance to pop into the shop.
LikeLike
You are quite welcome and I hope many stop in to see you~ but only you!!!
LikeLike
Ciao Patricia!!! I love all the beautiful bags I bought from you–and truly enjoyed our lunch last July. Looking forward to seeing you again in Cortona! (Been trying to contact you via the email address you gave me, but it won’t deliver.) Hope you are well and happy in bel paese!
LikeLike
I have forwarded your comment to Patricia and she will send you an email. Just saw her and she is very well!
Judy
LikeLike
Thank you Judy! I’m hoping to be there this summer. Would be great to meet you!
LikeLike
Hello 🙂 I was looking for your shop as I visited you in march and bought a lovely handbag and I wonder…Do you have a webshop?
Kind Regards
Carina from Stockholm, Sweden
LikeLike
Patricia is no longer at the shop, so I don’t go there anymore. If they have a webshop, I am not aware of it. But it was a nice place to shop when Patricia was there. She was so helpful!
LikeLike
We want to purchase a bag from T Nobile that is actually in the picture above. Do you know if there is any way to purchase online or thru email?
LikeLike
Amy, sent you an email with info.
LikeLike
Love my purse from T Nobile in Montepulciano and, like others, wished I had a second one. Is it possible purchase online?
LikeLike
Sarah,
Not sure but I will pass your question on to them…they are great and I love mine too!
LikeLike
Hi Judy, my @alice.it seems to have been blocked and so I can’t read my emails or get at my contact list. I have set up a new gmail account of which the address is patricia.hughes.uk@gmail.com Please use this address from now on, and anybody else who reads this and wants to contact me can use it too!
Un abbraccio. Patricia
LikeLike
Does she mail items? I was in Cortona several weeks ago and saw a purse I liked – when I returned the shop was closed and we left the next morning. I would love it if I could order it. Does she have a website?
LikeLike
That post was written some time ago. Patricia doesn’t work there any longer, so I don’t have any other info for you. Sorry I can’t help.
LikeLike
bI would love to order a purse from her like one I purchased when in Cortona but have never been able to make contact
Patricia
LikeLike