Congestion

Tucked away in Via San Maurilio is this delightful shop owned by Carla Saibene which sells a selection of clothes by makes such as Ba&sh, American Vintage, Barena, Soeur, Bonne Maison and most importantly Carla herself.Carla is well known for her signature riding jackets made in a variety of colours and textiles, which vary according to the season and latest fashions, as well as her flat fronted straight leg trousers, both of which are a must have for any wardrobe. The wonderful thing about Carla's clothes is that she only makes a limited number of pieces in each size, so you know there is no chance of you bumping into someone wearing the same thing around town. This small boutique is like a walk-in wardrobe and Roberto is usually on hand to give you any tips or advice you may need. Also on sale is a selection of tempting jewellery by Polder, Ornella bijou and Je de Dame as well as shoes, bags, scarves and other accessories.      

Paleolab is run by Associazione Didattica Museale and situated in Parco Indro Montanelli (ex Giardini Pubblici) near to the park entrance by via Manin n.4. Housed in what was once the big cats' cage of Milan's old zoo, Paleolab organises workshops and birthday parties for children.For details regarding workshops we suggest you take a look at the  programme on http://www.assodidatticamuseale.it/ADM/SlaveCategories.aspx?MasterCategoryID=1 which lists details of all upcoming events for the month offered by Paleolab, as well as the Natural History Museum and Biolab. Prices, times and details of how to book as well as suitable ages are all provided. Booking is essential as places are limited. In addition to workshops, Paleolab also organises different types of parties for different age groups:Paleo party - (aged 7 to 10) children are sent on a dinosaur fossil hunt. With the help of their friends they must complete the map and together they must overcome a number of problems in order to complete their mission.Mago party - (aged 6 to 10) children have to free "brilla cristallo" (a fairy) from a spell which has frozen her. Together the children will have to face strange and elaborate challenges as well as frogs, toads, birds and bats in a duel to the end. Archeoparty -  (aged 6 to 10) this theme is perfect for all Indiana Jones wannabes in search of lost civilisations and treasures! Dino Party - (aged 3 to 6) this is perfect for little ones. Children discover a mysterious footprint and get to journey through time to an ancient world to help a small dinosaur.Paleolab requires parties to have a minimum of 15 children and a maximum of 25 (including the birthday boy or girl) and ask that some of the parents remain at the party. The price per child is €11 during the week and €12 at weekends and festivities. If you wish to provide refreshments for guests you may do so, but you must bring your own and add €20 to the total to cover the costs of clearing up. Bookings must be made at least 10 days in advance by calling the Information desk at Museo Civico di Storia Naturale on tel.: 02 88463337 (every day from 9.00-13.00 and 13.30-17). Should you wish to have the party in English, just ask and Paleolab will see if they have availability. On booking you will need to pay €60 in advance and the balance on the day of the party. Once you have booked by phone simply download the payment form and rules (see http://www.assodidatticamuseale.it/ADM/Uploads/regolamento_party_feb2014.pdf), fill in the form and send it to info@assodidatticamuseale.it.Associazione Didattica Museale also organises exhibitions and nights in the museum for children as well as special events for adults still interested in the world of science. Details can be found on the website.  

We love Tiger, and we're not just talking about the furry four-legged kind. Tiger is the Danish retail concept store that has taken Europe by storm. Tiger sells a large selection of inexpensive yet good quality items for the home, garden, office, bicycle and personal care as well as toys, party decorations and DIY goods. Prices range from €1 to €20, and the items on sale change regularly so that you are repeatedly tempted to go back and see what's new.The store is open seven days a week 10.00am to 8.00pm. Tiger also has stores in Via Nerino 12 and Corso XXII Marzo 28. For more details regarding items in stock take a look at Tiger's website - www.tiger-stores.it.

Pèpè, an Italian children's luxury shoe brand, has it's flagship store on the corner of Via Ansperto and Via Nirone. (Pèpè's other mono brand store is in Paris!). Pèpè's design is easily recognisable - functional yet playful shoes made from soft leather in an array of colours which have a vintage feel, but are contemporary at the same time. Pèpè is renowned for its wide selection of shoes for both boys and girls, such as: baby shoes and slippers; "first steps" shoes for toddlers with reinforced heels; ballerinas; sandals; loafers; lace-ups and buckled shoes. There is a huge choice for even the most discerning child and some styles come in sizes up to size 40. Also on sale are hats, clothes, hairbands, swimming costumes and objects, such as vintage cars, necklaces, puppets and soft toys.Prices are not cheap but the quality is excelllent and the boutique is definitely worth a visit. If you have time afterwards, why not wander around the surrounding streets behind Chiesa di Sant'Ambrogio and Università Cattolica which is steeped in history and boasts some magnificant palazzi and historic stores.