I love shopping around the world: Istanbul

This month for the section I love shopping around the world, I'll talk to you about one of the most beautiful cities in the world and to which I am tied in a very special way. I've been there just after my graduation, four years ago and it really was a special experience. I'm talking about Istanbul, heart of Turkey: fascinating, full of mysteries and so beautiful to take your breath away. Located halfway between Europe and Asia, is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the entire world and true paradise for all the shopping lovers: from carpets to amazing jewerly, from boutique designers to shopping malls, the range and the prices will turn your head!

As all the other shopping capitals even Istanbul has its shopping streets. One of them is Istiklal Street is the artery of the city characterized by many locals and elegant cool stores. There you will find the flagship stores of the biggest fashion brands like Gucci, Dior, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton. Other great fashion street are Baodat, Nisantasi and  Beyoglu, amazing epicenters for the shopping in the city.

Istiklal street

I suggest to start your tour with Cocoon (Kucuk Ayasofya), one of the nicest store of the city. Four floors of fedora hats, costumes and vintage fabrics from regions of Central Asia exposed next to persian carpets from Central Asia, Caucasus and Anatolia; Gonul Paksoy (Atiye Sokak Genç Apartmani, 1/3-4), a destination you can not miss. The designer is one of the most talented of the country. Her clothes are so particular that border on the art world. The rage of the boutique contains silk and cotton t-shirts, jewels inspired by ottoman tradition and silk dresses with elaborate decorations. Foulards and scarves are very original and irresistible; Mor Taki (Tesvikiye Mahallesi Valikonagi Caddesi, 106 2B), in this amazing store you will find amazing jewels. Great creations signed by Nurettin Ayan and Zeynep Guven who use materials like bronze and stone; Vakko (Buyukdere Caddesi, 138-140),  wheter it's underwear or shoes, this shop is a true institution when it comes to fashion. First global brand made in Turkey, it  often relies to xenophilous collaboration, like the one with Zac Posen. In this shop you can choose whatever you like, enjoying your shopping and, if you want to, drinking a coffee at the wood counter; Art.i.choke (Faikpasa Sok çukurcuma), here you'll find the studio of another talented turkish fashion designer. Her creations are made with elegant and light lines, the felt outwear is refined but not banal; Ottoman Empire, here you'll find limited edition t-shirts of every colors and with absoultely original prints.

Cocoon store

Vakko store

Another destination I suggest you to visit is Gran Bazar Kapali Carsi, the biggest covered market full of stores and workshops, characterized by its old and magical atmospheres. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find there. Impossible not get tempted to buy some ottoman jewes or other leather objects. Last but not least the shopping malls. There are so many in the city that you have plenty of choice. Olivium shopping mall (Bes Telsiz Mh., 34020), is one of the biggest shopping malls of the city. Here you'll find more than 105 outlet stores, a true deal for the lover of low cost shopping. Is great, isn't it? Another great mall is Capital shopping mall (Altunizade Mh., 34662), in this  big mall you will find whatever you'e looking for; Kanyon (Buyukdere Avenue, 185), do you want to taste the sweet voluptuousness of Harvey Nichols or Harrods without go to London? Well try the Kenyon shopping therapy! Open spaces and sinous lines, apartments and pendulous gardens, restaurants and exclusive stores: this mall, opened in 2006, is the futuristc version of the Grand Bazar. The only wander around the shops will make you fell like in heaven!

Gran Bazar Kapali Carsi

Kanyon shopping mall

If you're looking for some place to spend your vacations, Istanbul is a great opstion. 

I hope, with this my little "guide", to be helpful. I see you next time!

With love, 

Ladyfairy