Clothing shopping in South America
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Draco Store
This menswear store specializes in stylish beachwear, including well-made swim-shorts. You’ll also find jeans, button-downs and T-shirts (in the R$50 to R$70 range) – the best of which bear the names of Rio neighborhoods (Copacabana, Ipanema, Arpoador).
reviewed
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Casa Lopez
For boots and briefcases that’ll last a lifetime, head to Casa Lopez, a shop that’s been selling high-quality leather jackets, luggage, bags and accessories since 1943. Go elsewhere for youthful fashion – the style here is conservative and classic.
reviewed
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Sociedade Anônimo
The ‘Anonymous Society’ is a playful store full of young women’s fashions (good for both the beach and a night out) as well as colorful jewelry, kids clothes, silly postcards, bags of plastic dinosaurs, Buddhas in little cases and other assorted toys and accessories that may be just the thing for an inventive night on the town.
reviewed
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Esapaço Fashion
This long, narrow boutique has a decor and aesthetic aimed to attract a young, hip, somewhat fashion-forward group of shoppers in its form-fitting skirts, dresses and tops, flashy sneakers and one-of-a-kind jewelry. Electronic music plays overhead, and there’s a tiny lounge area at the back with some art books – for the gents while the gals shop.
reviewed
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Rincón Gaucho
Aspiring gauchos and gauchitas can outfit themselves with the luxuriant leathers and embossed designs that are the signature of this upscale leather shop. You can also find nice gifts ranging from knives with molded handles and chaps to mate paraphernalia. The owner enthusiastically explains the purpose and customs of every stylish hat.
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
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Contemporâneo
A glowing boutique reminiscent of something you’d find in the center of Soho – better yet Nolita (the fashionistas’ neighborhood of choice in New York). See the work of Brazil’s best up-and-coming designers here. There’s an excellent restaurant (serving contemporary fare of course) inside the store.
reviewed
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Grisino
This is one of BA's best kids clothing lines and it's one fun store - children who like to shop will love it here. There's a great selection of colorful and cool kids clothing, from ages two to 10. We especially love the rather whimsical T-shirts - if only they had them in adult's sizes…
reviewed
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Brechó Arte 70
Brechó Arte 70 features several racks of secondhand clothes as well as the occasional antique from time to time. Depending on your luck, you can come across some good finds here. Brechós, incidentally, are secondhand stores, which come and go in this neighborhood.
reviewed
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Desculpa, Eu Sou Chique
On bohemian Rua Alice, ‘Sorry I’m Chic’ is a delightful store selling a rambling assortment of vintage fashion, modish relics from the ’60s and plenty of great finds from decades past. The upstairs area with a bar is also a theater space with periodic performances throughout the year.
reviewed
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Uma
Ladies, hold off on blowing your budget until you check out Uma, where leather jackets, shoes and hand bags are all knock-out good looking, versatile and wonderfully wearable to boot! There are also branches in Patio Bullrich and Galerías Pacífico.
reviewed
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Redley
In the heart of Ipanema, this new multilevel fashion store is a fine place to browse for couture beach duds and streetwear. Unlike most other Ipanema boutiques, this one’s aimed at the men, with an excellent assortment of T-shirts, shorts and swim suits.
reviewed
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Werner & Ana
This sleek Dutch-Peruvian designer showroom sells innovative high-end alpaca-wool clothing for both sexes, including uniquely gorgeous sweaters, scarves and hats. You may pay more here than at any of Cuzco's markets, but the quality is exceptional.
reviewed
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Nakua
This low-key boutique - so laidback there's a lounge, coffee table and magazines - stocks cool, casual urban wear for guys and girls. The standouts are fab, locally-made T-shirts, such as Belle Mondo's retro printed muscle tees in gelato colors.
reviewed
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El Remanso
The city’s suavest gentlemen – polo players, obviously – roll up to outfitters like this one for dapper leather boots and stylish riding gear fit for their chiseled physiques. See the thoroughbreds in action at the polo grounds in Las Cañitas.
reviewed
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Oz
Complete with ruby-red heels and a yellow-brick road of sorts, Oz is a playful send-up of the old Dorothy story. T-shirts are the specialty here and, not surprisingly, come in whimsical designs that work for both the club and the beach.
reviewed
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Arbol
For the latest in Patagonian fashion, drop by this Bariloche original, which produces beautifully designed fleeces, woolens, hats and jackets, as well as ceramics and decorative pieces. It has some beautiful clothing for women.
reviewed
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Humawaca
Award-winning designer Ingrid Gutman brings both form and functionality to Argentine leather, producing handbags, backpacks and wallets with clean modernist lines. You’ll also see her distinctive collection for sale at MALBA.
reviewed
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Antigua Tienda Sama
Pick up a pair of bombachas (commonly worn gaucho-influenced pants with button-cuff bottoms) for about AR$60 at friendly Antigua Tienda Sama; they’re subtle enough to wear anywhere.
reviewed
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Rossi & Caruso
Should you be in the market for a fine leather saddle or a serious gaucho knife, you’ve come to the right place. The leather goods here, from knee-high riding boots to belts and bags, are beautifully made.
reviewed
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CIAP
Puno is a good town to get quality, woolen and alpaca sweaters at a fair price. Stop by CIAP, a local nonprofit cooperative inside the Casa del Corregidor, just off the Plaza de Armas.
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Forum
Much vaunted Brazilian designer Tufi Duek has set up his flagship store on a peaceful, tree-lined street. You’ll find elegant, well-made pieces from his men’s and women’s collections.
reviewed
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Osklen
One of Brazil’s hottest labels, Osklen has an excellent selection of men’s and women’s beachwear, outerwear, shirts, skirts and shoes.
reviewed
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Isabela Capeto
Brazilian designer Isabela Capeto sells her beautiful (and expensive) handmade pieces for women from this stylish boutique.
reviewed
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Mercado Americano
A trip to the Mercado Americano, around the junction of Mujía and Reyes, will keep clothes-junkies busy for hours.
reviewed
