An evening in Milan is like no other. I wanted to experience the meaning of Italian elegance first hand, so my mother suggested the Teatro alla Scala to watch an opera at the world famous opera house. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I would be watching my first opera performance at the Scala in Milan. My heart skipped a beat as I planned my outfit for a night of fashion.

After much deliberation, I decided on a silky dark-green and black BCBG Max Azria dress, that I knew would turn heads. As a petite girl, I tend to wear outfits -especially dresses- that have more emphasis above the waist, which can be done either with color or a design. For example, my dress is green towards the top and gradually the color fades to a darker green around the waist, and, finally, black at the bottom. To make my short legs look longer, the dress has a design with buttons higher up on my waist, elongating my torso. I created a classy updo and wore smokey green eyeshadow to finish my look.

I felt so confident in my BCBG, I knew I caught the attention of the Italian men and women. It was like one of those runway moments, when you first hit the stage and all eyes are on you. Ah, what a graceful and cherish-able moment!

While the walk to the Opera House was half the fun, I was mostly excited to dress up and “compete” with all the authentic Italian fashion. Stepping into the Scala was like entering another world. I saw some of the most stylish evening gowns, ones I have never seen anywhere else; flow-y dresses, cocktail dresses, men in chic suit and tuxedos; some even wore tall hats and canes. There was so much sophistication, even the way Italians walk looks different! They seemed to be gliding in their dresses, as if they were floating, rather than walking.

Okay, so, I’m not ashamed to admit that I didn’t understand the story of the Opera, but the atmosphere was spectacular. And the best part, was that I completely fit in.

Love always,
Mia