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style spy
May 14, 2013

How to Max Out Credit Cards Shopping in Milan

By Stella Bugbee

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One of the best things about working in fashion is that you have an excuse to visit Milan, where doing business is often served up with a side of shopping and eating. Last week, I had the pleasure of “working” there for a few atypically sunny spring days. As I lunched outside at Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone and paid an obligatory visit to 10 Corso Como, I couldn’t stop appreciating the casually elegant people around me. Even at eight o’clock in the morning, the Milanese emerge from their homes looking better than most of us look on our wedding days. Whether on foot, or three-speed bicycle, they seem to wear their luxe items with an enviable disregard for price or preciousness. They might not have many things in their closets, but they wear them out like it’s NBD. One woman I spoke to reaffirmed the old cliché, “We don’t buy a lot, but we buy the best.”

Because I am hopelessly impressionable and love to get right into feeling at home, I began an immediate mental-wardrobe-makeover for myself and my husband. I didn’t buy everything I wanted on this trip, but I did find a few must-haves like great cropped pants and jacquard skirts by Alberto Biani, a new designer I’d never tried. I revisited some old faves and made some pit stops at a few used bookstores for fashion photography inspiration. And I might have eaten enough to justify buying a new wardrobe anyway. Click through the slideshow above for a few of my favorite items from the trip, and consider it an introduction to looking more “Italian.”

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Prada Rose Earrings Bright rhinestones bring the right amount of glamour to a little black dress (perfect for a summer wedding), or add a bit of ... Prada Rose Earrings Bright rhinestones bring the right amount of glamour to a little black dress (perfect for a summer wedding), or add a bit of sparkle to a plain sundress at the office.
Alberto Biani Jacquard Skirt If I could, I would have bought several pairs of Biani's forgiving silk pants that were somewhere between pajam... Alberto Biani Jacquard Skirt If I could, I would have bought several pairs of Biani's forgiving silk pants that were somewhere between pajama bottoms and finely tailored trousers. His deceptively light, pleated skirts in the same fabrics were also a fave.
Jil Sander Clutch A slim, colorful bit of good leather is the universal language of tastefulness.
Dolce & Gabbana Rafia Sandals Though I love the Sicilian influence in the D&G spring collection, I'd go for the simplest expression of th... Dolce & Gabbana Rafia Sandals Though I love the Sicilian influence in the D&G spring collection, I'd go for the simplest expression of the idea. These girlish summer sandals would look great with white jeans or a skirt.
Fendi Leather and Brass Necklace When things work, they don't have to work hard. For a no-brainer outfit fix, try a graphic choker worn with a si... Fendi Leather and Brass Necklace When things work, they don't have to work hard. For a no-brainer outfit fix, try a graphic choker worn with a simple, navy cashmere sweater.
Gucci Scarf Florals grounded in black feel sumptuous and unexpected.
Armani Heels I'd make a blue-suede-shoes joke here but that would be terribly Americano of me.
Marni Top Italians are not afraid of a playful print, and they mix them with aplomb.
Campo Marzio Notebooks Everywhere I went in Milan, there were bright, happy affirmations that the world is not entirely digital. Pleasure can be ... Campo Marzio Notebooks Everywhere I went in Milan, there were bright, happy affirmations that the world is not entirely digital. Pleasure can be found simply by writing on orange sheets of paper.
Missoni Knit Cardigan The classic zigzag in a color combo that can easily go from summer to fall.
Versace Leather Pencil Skirt Royal blue as a neutral, but of course.
Antico Frantoio Muraglia Olive Oil Liquid gold in a stunning vessel. The ultimate easy gift.
Pomellato Rings Soft, round, warm: my body after a plate of Risotto. Also these minimal rings by quintessential Italian jeweler Pomellato.
Upgrade for the Husband I've never met a man who didn't look good in Italian clothing. Period.
The Ultimate Fashion Inspiration: Out of Print First Editions Located near the University, Libreria Malavasi has shelves lined with old-school, l... The Ultimate Fashion Inspiration: Out of Print First Editions Located near the University, Libreria Malavasi has shelves lined with old-school, leather-bound books of maps, quaint children's books from pre-war Italy, and my personal favorites: old first editions of classic fashion books. The store's owner Sergio is willing to let you pore over your selections for as long as you like.
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  • goods
  • milan
  • global luxury market
  • style spy
  • the overspenders
  • prada
  • missoni
  • fendi
  • gucci
  • guiseppe zanotti
  • jil sander
  • dolce & gabana
  • versace
  • marni
  • armani
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  • tod's
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