Secret Sale

Today I had what I imagine to be a typical day for a Milanese fashionista.  My friend called me this morning inviting me to a secret sale of designer clothes, held at the headquarters of a famous clothing line.  Perhaps this is a common occurrence for some, but I'd never been invited to a private secret sale, and didn't hesitate to say yes!  My curiosity had to be satisfied.  It turned out the address was only a 10 minute walk from my apartment!  I threw on my boots, grabbed my umbrella, and within minutes I had found the place --an unmarked and unremarkable-looking building on a side-street of the Navigli District.  Confused and skeptical, I called my friend.  She came out to open the door for me, and I was ushered into a super-modern reception area with stark white lighting and minimal decoration.  I was asked at the front desk to hand over my jacket and purse, and given a small plastic bag in which I could keep my wallet and cell phone, in case I wanted to buy anything.  With my coat-check number and little plastic bag in hand, my friend walked me into the next room.  And there I beheld my first Italian secret sale.  Rows of designer cloths displayed on simple racks, with informal sizes taped up on the wall next to their corresponding areas.  There was a table with belts, gloves, hats, and scarves.  And there was a section devoted entirely to shoes.  Knowing I have gigantic feet, I didn't even venture near the shoes.  But I did browse the table for accessories, thinking I might find something affordable there.  I picked up a belt --oh!  It's 98 euros, down from 327.  Okay, next. Here's a leather purse for 278 euros, marked down from the original 482.  This was the general trend of my experience.  I saw a pair of TINY leather shorts for 317 euros.  There were elegant fur coats, and stylish leather jackets, and suits.  In the end I had to try on a skirt, just to take part in the experience....  and of course I ended up buying it.
Afterwards, we went to eat lunch at a little restaurant nearby and I ordered Risotto alla Milanese and a cappuccino.  I sat sipping my coffee, feeling proud that I had escaped my graduate school bubble for a few hours to experience a different side of life in Milan.