Shopping in Buenos Aires
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Perugia Bottier
In business for 50 years, this is one of Buenos Aires’ finest women’s shoe stores. The European-inspired designs are made from both Argentine and Italian leathers, and change seasonally. Shoes are handmade and take 10 days to finish; it costs about AR$650 a pair. An annex with different designs is two doors away.
reviewed
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Papelera Palermo
This fashionable paper store is a dream come true for aesthetically minded writers. Stock up on handmade stationery, journals, stamped wrapping paper, stylish address books and beautiful postcards. Cowhide notebooks and tongue-in-cheek Evita photo albums also make unorthodox vacation mementos.
reviewed
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Autoría
This cool designers’ showcase, stocked with make-a-statement silver jewelry, edgy art books and whimsical leather desk sculptures, brings a welcome taste of the avant-garde to this suit-and-tie neighborhood.
reviewed
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Lo de Joaquin Alberdi
Excellent wine shop in Palermo Soho that carries only Argentine brands. Wine tastings with food pairings happen on Thursday.
reviewed
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Feria de Mataderos
Located way out in the western suburbs, the lighthearted folk festival Feria de Mataderos will take almost an hour to reach by bus 155 or 126 – but the journey’s worth it. Brilliantly costumed teenagers perform folkloric dances on stage while gauchos on horseback compete in traditional contests and local ladies dish out hearty country-style food and sweet patero wine. Over 100 craft stalls sell affordable handmade treasures from horse-hoof ashtrays to leather and metalwork; indulge yourself along the strip of gourmet food stalls where vendors offer free samples of dulce de leche liqueur, cheeses, and homemade liquors. For details on upcoming festivals, check their web…
reviewed
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Tealosophy
Following in the grand tradition of Londoners and society ladies, porteñas have taken to the ritual of afternoon tea. Which isn’t to say that mate is on its way out, mind you – taking a break for chamomile and crumpets is just another excuse for these highly social souls to get together and discuss whether or not the president has had plastic surgery. If you’re short on time, pick up the trendiest tea leaves in town at the charming Tealosophy.
reviewed
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Feria de Anticuarios
This cute antiques market, in the northern suburb of Acassuso, has goods cheaper than the Feria de San Telmo and it’s also smaller and less crowded. Dig through old silverwork, records, books, small collectibles, lighting fixtures and antique hardware. The best way here is on the Tren de la Costa, which begins in Olivos at Estación Maipú; get to this train station from downtown via buses 59, 60 and 152 (or take the regular Mitre train line to Tren de la Costa).
reviewed
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María Vázquez
One of the better-known Argentine designers, María Vázquez creates lingerielike cocktail dresses in thin silks, lacy cotton and smooth satin. Details such as beads, sequins and glitter add a catchy sheen to her sexy productions, which also include signature jeans. Celebrities such as Shakira, Xuxa and Naomi Campbell have claimed her threads. There are other branches in shopping malls around town.
reviewed
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Sabater Hermanos
Step into this little storefront and let both your eyes and nose be entertained by rows and rows of deliciously scented soaps. Bars of various shapes and sizes come in flavors like chocolate, green tea, rose, lavender, strawberry and lime (our favorite). A special and unique gift for mom would be the soap ‘leaves’ – small slivers of soap for one-time use. Cute kids’ soaps too.
reviewed
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Six Feet
Urban skater fashion has hit BA hard at this sporty hipster’s boutique heaven. Slip into a pair of reversible shorts, trendy stenciled T-shirt or Vans-type shoes. Quality is high and the designs are well thought out. It’s all men’s clothing, though tough chicks wouldn’t look bad in some of these fashions, either. Check out the outlet down the street at Gurruchaga 1653.
reviewed
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Winery
One of several slick chain stores that offer a large selection of Argentine wines. Some branches have attractive wine bars where you can taste certain selections; at this location sample up to 20 different wines by the glass (five for AR$30). The café and wine shop are upstairs, the modern lounge-restaurant downstairs. There’s another branch with just a café in the Microcentro.
reviewed
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Puntos en el Espacio
Racks of original edgy unisex collections by rising stars in the local fashion world line the walls of this concrete-floored space. Consider making a playful fashion statement with a pair of purple boots from the Hacer Pie line or a leather wallet lined with polka dot fabric. Also see the accessories-focused location on the corner of Defensa and Independencia.
reviewed
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Airedelsur
The rustic chic airedelsur label was beloved by porteños long before it was featured in Vogue. Designer Marcelo Lucini collaborates with Argentine craftsmen to create stunningly original home decor made with alpaca silver, wood, onyx and other all-natural materials. Queen Rania of Jordan reportedly picked up more than 200 pieces for her palaces.
reviewed
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El Coleccionista
This small place has an eclectic selection of jazz, blues, salsa, Celtic and symphonic rock CDs. It will buy used musical instruments, so trade in that guitar, drum or bandoneón (a kind of accordion) you’re tired of lugging around. Staff are knowledgeable and you can pick up the business cards of teachers offering guitar classes.
reviewed
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925 Galería
For showy, ‘look-at-me’ jewelry, there’s this small but shiny storefront. Inside, thick silver bracelets with glittery faux diamonds and semiprecious stones will tempt the princess in you, as will the dinner plate–sized rings. All pieces, from earrings to necklaces, are unique. Classes in jewelry-making available as well.
reviewed
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Gil Antigüedades
A window display of Great Gatsby–style flapper dresses and vintage nightgowns pulls passersby into San Telmo’s finest antiques emporium. Decorative objects like china teapots and leather hatboxes are overshadowed by the stunning array of silk slips and lacy Victorian gowns – John Galliano stopped by for inspiration on a recent visit to Buenos Aires.
reviewed
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Gandhi Galerna
If you wear black and keep your mouth shut you might pass for one of the local intellectuals, academics, artists and writers who make this bookshop their second home. Among the philosophy and literature volumes, you’ll find tango books and a diverse selection of Latin American music, from rock nacional (Argentine rock) to Brazilian samba.
reviewed
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Moebius
This funky little shop feels like the walk-in closet of the fashionable artist sister you never had: the racks are crowded with owner-designer Lilliana Zauberman’s kaleidoscopic 1970s-style jersey dresses, whimsical ruffled bikinis, skirts printed with koi fish and frog patterns, cherry-red trench coats and handbags made from recycled materials.
reviewed
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Materia Urbana
This innovative design shop shows the work of over 100 local artists; one-of-a-kind finds include offbeat line drawings, abstract photography and jewelry made from silver, wood and coral. To accommodate the constant foot traffic, Materia Urbana recently expanded its store to include the corner space across the street on the Chile intersection.
reviewed
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Capital
There’s nothing you really need at this super fun knickknacks store – unless it’s that very creative recycled purse (made from soda can pop tops) or that stringy but hip wet-dog-looking rug. Sexy female anarchists should stock up on the Che Guevara bikini. Needless to say, this spot is a great wander through with friends.
reviewed
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Mission
Tucked into a side street near Plaza Serrano is this small shop with Argentine-made crafts and souvenirs. It’s a good place to pick up some gaucho knives, a leather belt, a mate (Argentinian tea) set or some flattened wine bottles for dad. Or you might go for the cowhide pillow covers or a full cowhide rug. Quality is high.
reviewed
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Galería 5ta Avenida
Those looking for secondhand clothing (heavy with vintage overtones) need to make an obligatory stop at this old shopping mall. Used funky wearables are sold here at several shops, and prices are relatively fair for even the grungiest backpacker. Find the bargain racks for the best deals, though some selections are for the desperate only.
reviewed
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Un Lugar en el Mundo
Lots of fun, young and creative designs (all from Argentine artists) line the racks at this clothing boutique. They’re mostly women’s cutting-edge styles, utilizing thin fabrics and colorful patterns in clingy tops that draw attention. Accessories such as patent-leather zipper shoes and vinyl retro bags are also available.
reviewed
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Guido Mocasines
Men have been coming to Guido’s for over 50 years, buying some of the highest-quality hand-made shoes in the country. Styles are a bit conservative, but they’ll make your feet the best-dressed at the office. There are a few women’s shoes, as well as some bags and belts. Another branch lies nearby.
reviewed
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Qara
Moneyed porteñas hit up Qara for chic and thoroughly contemporary leather bags and accessories. Splurge on an oversized, buttery-soft shoulder bag or pick up something small but smart, like a clutch purse that you can attach to your restaurant table (designed to deter the city’s small-time thieves from snatching your keys and wallet).
reviewed
