Milan: Shopping Secrets in the Fashion Capital

Milan, Italy is known as the fashion capital of the world. When people think of this city, they think of couture designers-- Versace, Prada, and Roberto Cavalli to name a few. When they think of shopping in Milan, they think of Via Monte Napoleone and Via della Spiga, areas where all the big names of the fashion world have outposts. These streets are fun for window shopping, but most of the clothing is so conceptual I don't think anyone would actually wear the pieces in their real lives. I know I would never spend that much money for something that only lasts for "a season!"

Designer brands aside, there is still some fabulous shopping in Milan. In fact, I think the most interesting shopping to be done in this city is the kind that's off the beaten path. That being said, I wanted to share with you a list of my favorite places in Milan that I've found through the years.

Brera
This neighborhood is home to the Brera Academia delle Belle Arti and its attached musuem, Pinacoteca di Brera. Both are places in Milan worth visiting. I love walking by the studios and seeing students sculpting, modeling, and painting.

Also nestled in the heart of this area are two of my favorite shoe stores in the world, which is not an exaggeration in the slightest.

Alfonso Garlando Via Madonina was founded by a ballerina from La Scala ballet in the 70's. The styles are timeless and the shoes are exquisitely made with the best Italian leather.

Spelta is another store nearby that sells handmade shoes. They have what seems like 1000's of ballet flats in every color, finish, and style. All of them made from leather so soft it's like butter.

In a neighborhood across town, I found another one of my favorite stores. It's called My Cashmere. This store sells, surprise, cashmere! The cashmere comes in all different colors, weights, and styles. I wear the things I buy at My Cashmere all year round in the cool Pacific Northwest weather. But, what makes these pieces so special is the fact that they are designed with the female form in mind. Each piece is cut specifically to show off the curves and the line of a woman's body.

Via Manzoni
Another amazing store called Ventillo is located on this street. This store from Paris specializes in embroidery and embellished silks and fine cottons. The clothing I find there is always unusal and beautiful, drawing on the vibrant color palette the French are known for. This last trip, I found an amazing coral-colored scarf with heavy pink and chocolate embroidered accents.

Via Monte Napoleone
Etro, a fashion company out of Italy, has a location on this street. I went in looking for a pocket scarf to give my husband Mimmo for Valentine’s Day. I found a cool vintage boho/hippy scarf that looked like it was right out of the 1970’s and my youth. It looked beautiful on Mimmo, and gave just a hint of spice to his classic navy blue suit.

Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle
This area, named for King Victor Emmanuel of Italy is located right next to the city's Duomo. I have one more favorite shoe store in this area called Lolita. They sell all types of off-price, surplus shoes from winter boots to flats to slippers. I found two pairs of ballet flats for 18 euros each there (what a bargain!). They're beauful, they fit wonderfully, and they make my feet look petite and feminine.

1. Special clothing often comes from special places. Look beyond designer labels to independent boutiques to find some extraordinary pieces.

2. Incorporate a few singular items into your wardrobe to create a style unique to you.

3. Dress high-low. Pair an expensive piece with something inexpensive. The effect is surprising; the inexpensive item takes on a sophisticated look.

4. Take fashion chances. Don't follow what everyone else is doing....express yourself!





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A Night At The Opera

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I recently took in a wonderful opera at Teatro La Scala in Milan, Italy with my husband Mimmo and daughter Francesca. In that post, I wanted to discuss some larger implications of the experience for human connection across the globe. However, I didn't mention something that is one of the most integral parts of going to the opera...getting dressed up!

Especially in Milan, operas are still high couture events. Ladies and gentlemen stroll through the lobby in evening gowns and tuxedos, glittering with jewels and dapper in their cumber-buns. Dressing myself for an occasion is an experience I cherish. But, because our opera adventure was very spur of the moment, I didn't have any of the right accessories with me. So, the afternoon before we went to La Scala, I set out on Via Manzoni, a street filled with beautiful boutiques, to find a few particular items to wear for the evening.

One accessory item that I feel is often overlooked are stockings. Wolford Boutique out of Austria makes beautiful, high-end fashion legwear, bodywear, and shapewear. Fine hosiery is not something we think of often, but a beautiful pair of stockings can add a touch of unexpected elegance to an evening ensemble. I also found a pair of sparkling costume earrings at a store called Bijoux de Paris, and a black taffeta clutch studded with Swarovski crystals that transformed my simple black dress into a perfect outfit for the Opera.

Certainly, appearance is not everything, but taking care and putting extra effort into looking special is a luxury and a joy to indulge in every now and again.





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Adorn Yourself

Another thing I noticed during my month in Italy was the way Italian women, and French women too, wear accessories. Unlike what I usually see in America, these women were decked out in fabulous scarves, bangles, earrings, and necklaces, toting bags in unusual shapes and bold colors. These accents made these women stand out as individuals in a crowd. They were striking, and they were beautiful!


Accessories are fun to shop for. You can find special pieces high and low- either at a chic chic boutique or a Saturday flea market. You never know what will turn up and where.
































To get you started, here are some of my favorite accessory lines:

Pot Luck Paris
La Vie Parisienne
Urban Outfitters
Calypso Celle
Radico
Rocky Mountain Emporium


Have fun!





www.rosannainc.com

Momaboma

While I was shopping in Perugia during my vacation in Italy, an unusual handbag caught my eye. As I examined it, I discovered the name of the company that makes it, Momaboma.

Momaboma is a company that takes vintage magazines, old records, t-shirts, even old classroom notes and creates wallets, handbags, portfolios, and messenger bags. Maurizio is the man behind this creative company and is inspired by the idea of constantly recycling to create new products. Momaboma's tag lines of "RecycledEstEthic" and "Invert the World," make it clear that his art has a purpose- to help the environment and to turn another man's trash into treasure.

I especially love the detail on his different creations- whether it's real shoelaces on his T-Shirt handbags or his personal classroom notes- every bag is unique and feels so fresh.

It's eco-friendly with an edge.

Although these creations are not available in the U.S., you can still view his wonderful and earth friendly collections right here.



Ciao,





www.rosannainc.com

A Passion for Fashion

A few years ago in Paris, I fell in love.

With a skirt.

Have you ever discovered an amazing new designer and bought a gorgeous piece from them, only to never find the line again?

This is exactly what happened to me when I found Marithe Francois Girbaud (pronounced JA-BOW). This designer label is created by a wife and husband team, Marithe and Francois. After seeing their line in Paris, I also discovered stores in Italy and England that carried their collections. From then on, whenever I was in Europe, I never missed a chance to acquire a new piece for my growing collection.

Because I never saw Girbaud anywhere in America, I became a devotee of their seasonal catalog. One day, as I was browsing through it, I found the address for the Girbaud store in New York City (I should have known)!

Of course, I called them immediately. A lovely woman named Laura answered the phone. We started talking right away and became quick friends. In no time, she had helped me to pick out a gorgeous coat and skirt. And the best part was that they were on SALE!

Last week, Girbaud put their line on sale, with the prices marked down by 40%.

One of the reasons why I adore this designer team is because their vision is so intelligent, beautiful, and original. Their attention to detail is excellent, ranging from unusual buttons to intricate embroidery. I also love the historical references in their collections because it lends to a playful, almost costume-like feel to their couture. Various Girbaud pieces I own remind me of Marie Antionette's ultra-feminine, full-bodied skirts, Napoleon's formal dress uniforms, and even a circus ringleader's grand overcoat with tails.



If your travels take you to New York soon, or if you live in the city, you must stop by the showroom, especially because this is a sale not to be missed!

The Girbaud Showroom
47 Wooster St.
New York City, NY

Of if you aren't able to go to Girbaud, Girbaud can come to you. Browse their collection online at Girbaud.com.

Because their site is a little tricky to navigate, find the link to "Fashion Shows" and then click on "Women's Collection." After you've found pieces that appeal to you, call Laura in New York at (212) 625-0066.

Another reason why I love Girbaud is because when I wear it, I feel exquisitely feminine and confident; the garments are beautifully designed and tailored to highlight the best parts of a woman's body.

I hope you find Girbaud as charming as I do, and I hope you find something special for yourself as well!





www.rosannainc.com