Milan : Lucky Magazine

Madina

This Milan-based company specializes in sleekly packaged, vibrantly colorful cosmetics. While there, pick up one of the nail lacquers (which come in more than 50 colors).
17 Via Meravigli and 23 Corso Venezia, 39-02-86-69-45 and 39-02-76-02-80-26
Products: Beauty
Type of Store: Boutique

naj-oleari

With a feel that's somehow more French than Italian, this casuals and beachwear shop stocks items to create the perfect weekend-on-the-Riviera wardrobe. Good picks: Syrian leather sandals in a rainbow of colors and tons of cute tees and beachwear for $75 and under.
8 Via Brera, 39-02-80-56-79-0
Products: Swimwear, Women's Clothing, Shoes, Bags
Type of Store: Boutique

penelopi 3

This superorganized shop is loaded with mod necessities for home and garden, such as hefty woven baskets and a perfect polka-dot shower curtain.
1 Via Palermo, 39-02-72-00-06-52
Products: Decorative/Lighting, Furniture, Linen, Outdoor, Tabletop
Type of Store: Boutique

banner

When you want to load up on luxury goods but don't have time to visit each designer boutique, head to this shop. It offers an edited selection of the best European designers have to offer: handbags from Hogan, shoes by John Galliano, and tops by Pucci, to name a few. Think of it as one-stop shopping when you're on a tight schedule.
8a Via S. Andrea, 39-02-76-00-46-09
Products: Women's Clothing, Shoes, Bags
Type of Store: Boutique

fiorucci

Buzzing with energy, this famous megacenter consists of individual boutiques selling everything from lace-trimmed tap pants ($20) to limited-edition Le Coq Sportif sneakers ($90). Bonus: Fiorucci stays open later than most shops in town—until 8 PM.
2 Galleria Passarella, 39-02-76-45-21
Products: Denim, Women's Clothing, Lingerie/Loungewear, Swimwear, Shoes, Bags, Jewelry
Type of Store: Boutique

sermoneta

This boutique sells super supple, high-quality leather gloves in every color of the rainbow-and at amazingly low prices. Choose a silk lining and the gloves cost around $30; a cashmere lining brings the price up a few extra dollars. We went home with a $28 pair of fingerless driving gloves.
46 Via della Spiaga, 39-02-76-31-83-03
Products: Women's Clothing
Type of Store: Boutique

limoni best

Milan is loaded with "profumerio" shops that sell brand-name cosmetics and fragrances. This chain is the best, offering such items as Lolita Lempicka eau de toilette and Perlier shower gels for far less than you'd pay in the States. Don't miss the section of inexpensive Italian mass-market grooming products, like Marvis toothpaste and Labello Rose lip balm.
4 Galleria del Corso, 39-02-78-37-85
Products: Beauty
Type of Store: Boutique

Patrizia Pepe

Italians love this Florence-based designer for her ability to produce high-quality, trend-nailing garments-at fair prices. We found great-fitting wide-leg trousers for $120, terrific band-leather-style denim jackets for about $150, and crisp blouses starting at $65.
38 Via Manzoni, 39-02-76-01-44-77
Products: Women's Clothing
Type of Store: Boutique

estate

This outlet of high-end megaboutique Corso Como offers a slew of discounted goods by designers like Costume National, Marc Jacobs, and Fendi. Saturdays only.
3 Via Tazzoli, 39-02-29-01-51-30
Products: Women's Clothing, Shoes, Bags, Jewelry
Type of Store: Outlet

fashion factory

A long trek from the center of town, this outlet shop has a constantly changing stock (including a ton of Helmut Lang, and Miu Miu shoes for $50, on our visit) that will make up for the hassle of getting there.
36 Via Zumbini, 39-02-89-15-90-68
Products: Denim, Lingerie/Loungewear, Swimwear, Women's Clothing, Shoes, Bags, Jewelry
Type of Store: Outlet