Milan is a city you slowly enjoy

Milan isn’t a city you rush through.
It’s a city you settle into.

You walk a little. You shop a little. You stop for food. You sit longer than planned. Then you do it all again the next day, just slightly differently.

That’s what made the trip feel so good. There was no pressure to “do” Milan correctly. We just lived there for a bit.

Shopping Without a Mission

Shopping in Milan doesn’t feel urgent. You’re not racing to find something or afraid you’ll miss out if you don’t buy it immediately.

You walk into a store because the door is open. You touch things. You try something on. You decide later. Or not at all.

That freedom changes how you shop. You stop asking, Should I buy this? and start asking, Would I actually wear this?

That question clears a lot up.

The Wine Was Three Euros and Perfect

At some point, we bought a bottle of wine for three euros.

No story. No explanation. Just cold, bright, and honestly some of the best wine I had the entire trip.

That became a theme. The food was simple and good. Pizza that didn’t try too hard. Pasta that tasted like someone made it because they know what they’re doing, not because they needed applause.

Nothing was precious. Everything was enjoyed.

It reminded me how much pleasure comes from not overthinking things.

What I Bought—and What I Didn’t

I bought a Fendi jacket knowing it didn’t quite fit.

I thought about altering it. I always do. But the more time I spent with it, the clearer it became: it was beautiful exactly as it was. Just not for me.

So I let it go. Someone else could love it the way it deserved, without asking it to change.

That felt right.

Then, in a resale shop, I found a reversible single-breasted overcoat for ten euros.

Ten.

It fit well enough to start a conversation. With a nip here and a tuck there, it became completely mine. I wear it constantly. It doesn’t sit in the closet waiting for a special moment. It just comes with me.

I also picked up a Milano Adidas Originals t-shirt. Nothing fancy. I’ve worn it more times than I can count. That’s how I know it was a good buy.

Milan Knows What It Has

The consignment and resale shopping in Milan is the best I’ve seen so far.

Not because it’s cheap—it’s not—but because it’s honest. Prices are exactly where you’d expect from a city that knows the value of what’s on the rack.

No false urgency. No dramatic discounts. Just good things, priced fairly, waiting for the right person.

It makes you more patient. More selective. Better, honestly.

The Best Part Was Who I Was With

I experienced all of this with my friend Rochelle.

We’ve traveled together before—Spain, Portugal, different parts of France. We know how to move through places without rushing. How to shop without turning it into a sport. How to stop for food because it looks good and stay because it tastes even better.

Traveling with someone who understands that pace makes everything easier. You’re not performing. You’re just enjoying yourself.

Why I’ll Go Back

I already know I’ll return to Milan.

Not to redo the trip—but to continue it. To revisit shops. To look again. To buy the things I noticed the first time and wasn’t ready for yet.

Milan doesn’t make you feel behind. It makes you feel welcome to come back when you’re ready.

That’s a good feeling.
And one I try to bring back with me—into how I shop, how I dress, and how I live.