Living Costs - Buying Clothes and Accessories PART 1

Living Costs, a subject that worries someone living in a foreign city/country. When I got a reply from the Milan exchange, this was a matter that really worried me because all the information said that it was a very expensive place. And what do I think now? That it depends!

The subject that I'd like to talk about in this post is the cost of clothes and accessories. Of course, this was the last thing that I hoped to buy in bulk here, but... it can end up cheaper! Like in any place, you're going to find very expensive things, but if you walk a little and don't stick to shops where you're never going to buy anything, instead you should find places where you'll definitely find an investment!

Ah, but do you have to go far? No! Your walk in the Duomo can easily be extended to the shops on the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II (don't confuse it with the gallery)! I want to make a few suggestions to you for where to go on this road, and which shops to go to, so that you don't waste time going in "expensive" shops.

Mango:

This shop has a more conservative style, but it's also easy to find stripped down items. Not everything is extremely cheap there, but you'll find various options at great prices. The quality of the clothes is also very good which is, beyond the accessible prices, an advantage!

Tezenis:

Here you'll find intimate clothes and also more basic clothes, like: t'shirts, pyjamas, basic coats, woolen or yarn blouses. It's a good idea to check the price, because it usually corresponds to the quality.

United Colors of Benetton:

Honestly, this isn't one of my favourites because the clothes, in general, are quite basic, generally only one colour. You will definitely find very cheap clothes in the same style in this shop; but, if you consider the good quality and the fact that the prices are also accessible, it's worth having a look!

H&M:

One of the things you'll understand seeing so many shoppers with H&M bags that it's worth it! Yes, when you're think about going shopping in Milan, going into an H&M is almost obligatory. Briefly: the prices are great, the variety is good and that doesn't affect the quality (actually, considering the price, the quality of the majority of items is really good! )

Bershka:

This is one of my favourite shops! Beyond it's really cool layout and the fact that it's big, the style of clothes is very varied. The quality is very good, and the prices as well!

Alcott:

Its slogan is "the best price". Well, up until now I can only conclude that this is true (at least on this street it is). In this shop you'll find many different and lovely things... and for an excellent price! But, pay attention to the quality! In the majority of cases the clothes are good, but there's always one item that is damaged, because the shop is extremely busy and some people definitely don't take care when they're moving or trying things. It's very commun here to find basic items for 5 euros and pretty dresses between 10 and 20 euros. If your aim is to save money, here is your place!

Kiko:.

For buying make-up, creams or nail varnish this is THE shop! The prices are VERY good and there are often promotions. Kiko is an Italian brand of cosmetics, so it's obvious that this shop only sells cosmetics. What I would like to say is that if you're looking for specific brands, you won't find them here. But, for me Kiko is better than any other product I've tried.

If you're interested in finding out more:

http://www.kikocosmetics.it/

Carpisa:

As far as I can remember, this was the first shop where I bought something in Milan that wasn't for my own "survival". In Caprisa you'll find bags, purses and some accessories for a good price. The quality is also excellent and the products beautiful!

So, these are my tips for buying clothes and accessories without leaving the centre (and without becoming poor). As I said before, this tips are specifically about shops on the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, in the future I intend to talk about other locations!

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