Travelogue: Inside the Spanish Shopping Scene

In retrospect, I realize that writing about a 10-day trip chronologically more than a month after the trip occurred can get a bit strained.  One, because I never had very good memory to begin with.  Two, because it's almost October so what really is the point to talk about summer clothing when the leaves are changing colors and the days become shorter?  As such, why not change how to approach the situation and jump around by what's most interesting.  As a mentor in the paper biz once told me (yes, college newspaper now officially counts as "the biz"), "write about what you know and what you love... the rest will flow from there."  As evidenced by about 70% of this blog, you know what I'm talking about.

Zagora in the Alfalfa neighborhood of Sevilla.

About seven days into the trip, we finally had some time to do some real-honest-to-blog shopping in Sevilla, which is this gorgeous, romantic city in the south of Spain.  Known primarily for its winding roads and beautiful Islamic-influenced architecture, Sevilla also had quite the shopping district, almost unmarred by the pickpocketers and riff-raff commonly found in other major European cities.  While wandering through the streets of Sevilla, you can encounter any standard international brand like Zara, H&M, and MANGO, but I think my favorite part was finding little gems like the ones in the Alfalfa neighborhood of Sevilla.

Inside of Zagora

Zagora had to be one of my favorite picks as far as small independent shops go in Sevilla.  Filled with enough vibrant fascinators to make Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice a little jealous.  Not to mention, the dresses had a fun Anthropologie style to them, and were rather nicely priced at about 40-60 euros a piece.  My favorite had to be the tote bags on the right, straight from Japan.

I've got more where that came from.  Looking for the Spanish version of Zara or Mango?  Wait... Zara and Mango are already Spanish?  Darn, well, I've got some more.  Just click the next page.

Travelogue: The Portable Madrileña Part I

Remember when I said that I would be posting often on this trip?  Clearly, I was very much incorrect, as evidenced by the fact that I am clearly at home right now.  After arriving, we spent two days in Madrid before departing for Toledo for a day en route to Barcelona.  Surprisingly enough, Madrid proved to be the very definition of calm and quiet, with a large amount of its population being on holiday.

Lunch at Dolores Promesas at Sant Pere in Madrid

As tired and hungry tourists, our introduction to the city was through food.  As with a majority of Spanish cities (especially those frequented by tourists), tapas dominate the culinary scene.  With the aid of some guidebooks (namely "Rick Steves"... or as my friend Ashley lovingly calls him "Rick"), we found an amazing little canape (toast with meat, cheeese or sauce on top) bar a couple blocks down from our hotel called "Dolores Promesas."

Above:  Book stands on the side of the Cuesta de Moyano; Below:  Parque del Retiro

With the streets being mostly empty -- aside from tourists and the few locals we did spot -- we had plenty of room to wander around before the art museums became free of charge.  The Old Quarters of Madrid seemed to be a treasure trove for the intellectual, with used books peddlers with goods from as early as the late 1800's in great abundance.  Wandering through a mostly empty park with unobstructed views didn't hurt too much either.

Somehow through all of the wandering and our tired stupor, we managed to hit both the Prado and the Reina Sofia art museums.  Unfortunately, I got a stern talking to when I attempted to take a picture at the Prado, but fortunately, the Reina Sofia museum was a little bit more relaxed about me pulling out my camera phone.

In any case, it's my first weekend back in Atlanta before I fly off to Dallas for training.  More Spain recapping to be done later!  Holler at your girl!

Lookbook: In the Air and On the Ground

What a whirlwind.  Four o'clock yesterday afternoon, I gathered my things from JZ's place in East Village and headed to the airport.  About 8 hours later and with little time to waste, here I am in Madrid soaking up the light breeze and sun, with my two best friends Ashley and Anita.  It's a bit of a friendship anniversary, as this year marks the 15-year anniversary of when I met Anita and the 10-year anniversary of when we both met Ashley.  In any case, it made for a good excuse for all of us to meet up in another country, since we all   live up and down the East Coast.  I'll probably write more on the sights and sounds of Day 1 a little later tonight/tomorrow morning.

With little time to spare, we all dressed for the plane ride as close as we could to what we'd be wearing for the day in Spain.  I put on an incredibly comfortable Banana Republic pleated skirt with a Club Monaco t-shirt on top, which made for easy sleeping and comfortable day-trip wearing (or as JZ called it, a nicer version of sweats).  Almost twelve hours later, I have no discomfort or complaints.

Banana Republic Accordion Pleated Skirt; Club Monaco Sunny Tee; Madewell Contrast Mini Mailbag (similar, similar)

Left:  In the garden of the Museo Reina Sofia; Right:  Swell Caroline Bracelet, Coach Watch (old), Madewell Indego Africa Bracelet

Click next to read more and a little sneak peek at the actual travelogue version of Day 1.  Slash, you totally should because we look absolutely adorable.  Read more!