Argentina (Buenos Aires, specifically)!

[mr. magoo]

Originally Posted by mack11211

Magoo: Please relate any shopping/consuming experiences.

First, the food and drink are fantastic. Food in BsAs is outstanding, from the casual cafes and bars to the tourist traps (e.g., Cabana Las Lilas) to the bright and hip (mostly in Palermo). They really know their grub down there. Steak is famous, but the Italian is superior to what you'd find in the US, NYC included. Also, plenty of creativity, especially in Palermo Viejo. You really can't go wrong.

Second, wonderful handicrafts there. They have a solid indigenous tradition of handicrafts in the western and northern parts of the country, with a very sharp eye for design in BsAs. It means you can get great handmade items that you're unlikely to see anywhere else. Leatherwear, paper, weavings, etc. I picked up some very nice gifts for people -- e.g., unique leather gifts that would cost $250 in the US, were $50 in Argentina.

Third, is the clothing. As stated before, the t-shirts and jeans are first rate and their upper end clothing tends to be relatively conservative. I'm not a big t-shirt and jeans buyer, but it'd be a great place to pick up some unique designs at Felix or Bolivia or other spots, especially in Palermo. I found some good things at Balthazar (the Paul Smith of BsAs) in Palermo, James Smart in Recoleta (one of their upper end spots), and a small "polo"-ish store in the Jockey Club building in Recoleta who's name alludes me. Very, very good prices, but few things so unique you wouldn't see versions of them in the US or Europe.

I did not partake in bespoke, which can be a challenge when you speak the same language -- my Spanish is woeful. But I saw some nice spots -- a shirtmaker at Santa Fe and Callou, a tailor with beautiful things in the window in Arenales. If you have the language skills, it would be a great souvenir. Given that their economy has picked up, I doubt the artisans' schedules are as free as they were a few years ago, so I bet you need a good chunk of time. Any particular questions, feel free to ask.

 

[mack11211]

Just found a BA clothing report from, I believe, earlier this year.

Doesn't cover bespoke stuff and is mainly oriented toward women's but does cover many men's lines and has nice pix of store interiors and some clothes.

Very comprehensive on indigenous casual and jeans/streetwear stuff. Bolivia and Felix, again sound interesting.

http://www.jcreport.com/mailer/issue82/index.html

 

[chorse123]

This looks like it would be worth a visit:

http://cardon.com.ar/

 

[AlexP415]

I am planning an October trip, as well. Does anyone know of a reputable bespoke shoemaker? Is it even worthwhile to try to have bespoke shoes made in BA??

Alex

 

[misterbowles]

BA is an amazing place; enjoy it!

 

[want.2B.bones]

I've been to Bs As several times and every time I go I can't wait to go to Felix. Here is the website www.felixba.com.ar

 

[mack11211]

I depart tomorrow from BA. Have been here nearly two weeks. Wonderful trip. Learned a few things, clothes wise. Will post more later.

 

[chorse123]

Looking forward to your report. I booked my tickets for November last week!

 

[heyde]

We had a good experience travelling Argentina Buenos Aires,we new most beautiful places and cool people and we new a interesting wear shop in Palermo Soho call Raftok in Thames1633, it's really cool and have real exclusive designs for mens wear.
We are now looking the way to come back in a couple of month and I know the first place for shop it's gone be www.raftok.com.ar have a look in the web page and then tell me what you think about

 

[chapunso]

Best shoemaker in town: lopez taibo: you will find it across the street from hotel alvear, and also in calle florida. different lines of shoes: i recommend the english style (700 pesos). also buy tuxedo slippers. they are great.

 

[jaypee]

Hi,

Sorry to bring such an old thread back from the dead, but I thought it was better than making an identical thread as this.

Im heading over to BA in a few days and was wondering if Image, Chorse or anyone else for that matter could update their experiences on shopping, food and culture for me?

Im looking mainly at belts, shoes, bags and leather goods in general, shirts (maybe not even worth considering after reading a few threads) and watches?

Regards

 

[em36]

http://www.thelondonlounge.net/forum...hp?f=33&t=4842

Sastreria Cheverny, recommended.

 

[globetrotter]

los lillas for dinner. one of the best resteraunts in town

 

[Trompe le Monde]

Originally Posted by jaypee

Hi,

Sorry to bring such an old thread back from the dead, but I thought it was better than making an identical thread as this.

Im heading over to BA in a few days and was wondering if Image, Chorse or anyone else for that matter could update their experiences on shopping, food and culture for me?

Im looking mainly at belts, shoes, bags and leather goods in general, shirts (maybe not even worth considering after reading a few threads) and watches?

Regards
http://www.parrillalacabrera.com.ar/ in palermo

heaven on earth

 

[em36]

Las Lilas is excellent. Also try Piegari and Sotto Voce for good Italian.

Don't forget Persicco ice cream. Better than Volta. Hopefully there are not too many BsAs natives here, as what I just wrote are fighting words.