We’re up and out in various directions. BW and Logan are taking one of those hop on/hop off bus deals. Kat and Griffin are for a couple of museums. Jason’s going to catch up along the way. That leaves Kayla, Laura, Colt and me to hit Via Monte Napoleone. I’m a big Cucinelli fan and want to experience his Milan shop. Plus, if you have even a passing interest in fashion and you’re in Milan, the chi-chi shopping district isn’t to be missed.

We walk the wrong way, backtrack, and wave off Kat and Griffin as they head out on their day’s adventure. Lauren’s leading the way now as we avoid crazy mopeds and zooming Smart Cars. They may look like toys, but you don’t want to get smacked by one!

And here we are, Versace, Gucci, Chanel, Cartier, Harry Winston. Ooh, the glitters in display windows sparkling in the hot summer sun. The art crafted from colorful stones is pretty amazing.

And here we are at Cucinelli where it’s cool inside and everyone’s smiling. It’s all friendly elegance, beautifully presented and with a complete lack of snoot. Upstairs we go, and ahh, the man and his daughters design the most beautiful, and wearable, clothes. And bags. And shoes.

The fall line’s already out. I won’t look at this. Or just look because it’s all so gorgeous. But I’m for summer. And what do I spot, almost instantly, but light and easy pants and their little vest-like top. Is it fate they’re in my size? Maybe.  Try them on, and perfect fit. And approved by my young companions.

The lovely sales associate asks if I want Tax Back, and yes, I do. But no, I don’t have my passport with me. Didn’t think of it. But we can send her a photo, and pick up the form later. We’ll do those things.

Now off again as I’m also a big fan of Armani, and I’m after a gift. More cool, more easy elegance. And here’s a suit that if I still had occasions to wear suits—really don’t—would be mine. But I’m after a scarf, and this sales associate is happy to pull a multitude out of the drawer where they’re perfectly folded.

All so beautiful, so many to choose from. I need to consult with my companions.  As the decision’s made, I spot another. Is it my fault it’s in my colors, and looks so damn good when I wrap it a couple different ways? I say it is not at all my fault, so one for a gift and one for me.

Same deal with tax back, but we catch Jason and he has access to photos of the passports. We deal with that, and Kayla sends the picture back to our girl at Cucinelli—who will be happy, she says, to drop the form with the concierge at our hotel. Mille grazie!

After all that fashion and shine, we’re hungry. With Colt shlepping the bags, we’re off to find lunch. Really not a hard chore here. We sit outside, under the breeze of a fan. Ahhh.

Colt and I are for pizza again. I mean, why not? Kayla goes for the ravioli, and Lauren’s for pasta with prawns and mussels. There’s a glass of the house red for me.

We let the others know where we are. Jason will head our way. Kat and Griffin will find lunch where they are.

Well, the food’s beautiful. The prawns fight back so out comes my Tide Stick for Lauren. Then for Colt. Those things are handy. The pizza’s good—both Colt and I agree even better than yesterday. Lauren, the very good girlfriend, is wondering if she can have half hers boxed up for Logan.

Here comes Jason. And a surprise, here’s BW and Logan. They take a table just in front of ours. I don’t finish my pizza because the day wouldn’t be complete without gelato. Colt refuses my last piece as he thinks the same.

We wander off for gelato. It does not disappoint. Logan hikes off to the castle, and the rest of us walk back to the hotel.

I do some organizing for our departure, conk on the couch for a bit. Listen to the guy singing down below again.

Note from Laura: While Nora relaxes, here are photos from BW/Logan’s adventure as well as Kat and Griffin’s.

The girls have changed for dinner and come to hang out with us awhile. When the time comes we go down the hall to Jason’s room. Griffin is duded up! Gold tie and suspenders. He’s styling and knows it.

This rooftop restaurant is a subway stop away, and the efficient Kat already has our tickets. It’s smooth and easy, with only momentary confusion when we’re back on the street. Just which way to we go now? That way, and yes that way is correct to The Dome. Inside and up the elevator seven floors.

It’s all so pretty. Not just the view of the city, The Duomo, out the big windows, but the ceiling of fairy lights and butterflies. Just so charming. We want a family panorama, and after a couple of attempts succeed. Good work, Kayla!

They have spaghetti and meatballs. Colt and I are again simpatico there. And Griffin is very happy they have chicken fingers and fries. BW and I share a bottle of Chianti. I believe everyone enjoyed every sip and bite. Then dessert! Cappuccino!

And back to the hotel where before too long, I just slide into bed.

Definitely workout time coming. Kat and some of the group are heading to a thrift store. I’ll join them if I get everything done here. They’re picking us up at 2:30 for the drive to Como, so I want all my chicks in a row.

Milan’s been good to us, but it’s time to say arrivederci.

Nora

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Today it’s not so much #randomkatness, but #katmagic, from fleece to finished skein in about a day. – Laura