My husband Brian and I take buying trips twice a year to shows in Milan, a.k.a. the heart of Italian fashion. We've been over 20 times and are continually awed by its pulse; its vigor. The culture and history of the city center are fabulous.

Chicago is my home and my soul, but Milano is my muse. Fashion here is what drives my passion for shoes and the stores.

I think the trips are a huge part of what makes the Lori's shopping experience special. We don’t play catch-up with trends, we initiate them. It’s exciting because when a shopper comes into the store she’s usually seeing fashions for the first time.

On these pages I'd like to share with you pictures from recent trips. Some are of amazing European shoes I’ve found and brought back to the stores; some are photos of our favorite spots; and some are pictures of Italian scenes I thought too inspiring to pass up!

I hope you enjoy.

Ciao!
Lori