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!

Odi et Amo: Shopping

Hi, guys! This month for Odi et Amo section, I chose one of my favorite hobby ever, something that I really, really love. It's a mixed blessing of every woman, cause and solution of every problem: it's shopping! I love shopping, I would do shopping all day, every day. It's awesome, it enriches your wardrobe and, just admit it, it makes to feel so damn good! When you shop around the stores you feel like some kind of superstar, like you are the protagonist of movie who buys up all the best things at her disposal... it misses only a background soundtrack and it's done! Clothes, shoes and accessories at close range, kind and helpful clerks who treat you like you're the most important client, flattering you with many compliments... an injection of self-esteem that should not be understeemed. In conclusion, how to resist?

I love shopping around the world: Cadaques

Hola chicos! Now that spring is already here and summer is coming (GOT reference!), it's time to think to some holydays destinations (yes, I know is a bit too soon, but let me dream). And when I think to summer, to sun, to sea I can't help myself to think about my beloved Spain. On the border with France, in the most continental part of Spain, in the heart of the province of Girona, there is one of the most beautiful and picturesque city that I've ever seen: Cadaques, landing place for writers and artists remained famous in history, like Bunel, Picasso, Mirò and the enigmatic and eccentric Salvador Dalì, who there built his own home (I suggest you to pay a visit, it totally worths it).

I love shopping around the world: Barcelona

Hy guys! One of my favourite moment of the month is finally came! This time our globe brings us into the heart of Spain, in the colorful, charming and sparkling Barcelona, to the overwhelming rythm of flamenco. Chief town of Catalonia, Barcelona is for sure one of the most beautiful european capitals, full of a timless charm, old tradition and a cosmopolitan spirit that make it one of the most unique cities in the world, with an extravagant architecture, a delicious cusine and an exciting nightlife. And if it's not enough, it's a true paradise for shopping with stores, vintage markets and shopping malls. But let's proceed with order.

I love shopping around the world: Buenos Aires

Hi guys! For I love shopping around the world, this the globe signs on of the most beautiful and culturally rich of the world, capital of Argentina, birthplace of tango: Buenos Aires. It's almost impossibile to describe with words the atmosphere you can breath in this little corner of paradise... a real explosion of colors, flavors and fragrances mixed with an energy and a joy of life that only portenos have. A unique place where tragedy and euphoria are perfectly mixed. An exuberant and cosmopolitan city renowed for the elegance and haughty attitude mainteined even in times of adveristy. 

I love shopping around the world: Los Angeles

Hi guys! Recently a dear friend of mine, who is about to leave for a romantic getaway, asked me some advice to combine the romanticism of the situation with a bit of healtly shopping, which never hurts. So I though to share these special advices with all you guys. So, are you ready to pack your things? This time we'll fly to Los Angeles, one of the biggest and coolest cities of California and of the United States, in general. 

 

I love shopping around the world: Rome

Hi guys! After being away for a couple of months (they looked many more to me) is arrived the moment to get off the moon and bring my feet again on earth.After two months of relax and fun is still a little difficult to get used to the daily routine, but with my memories of this last summer still pressed in my mind, here another stop to add to our shopping trip around the world. This time I play at home, in my beuatiful Italy: the destination of this month is, in fact, Rome.

After a long time I finally had the chance to come back in Rome... what can I say? The atmosphere you can breath there is something magical, almost indescribable. Full of story and with a timeless charm, Rome is -  and I say without any exageration - maybe the most beautiful city in the whole world that everyone, at least once in life, has to see. Among a visit to the Colosseum, the launch of a coin in the Trevi Fountain (the one of La Dolce Vita by Federico Fellini) and a cup of coffee at the Caffé Greco - my favourite café of Rome - a bit like Audrey Hepburn I enjoyed my personal roman holidays! And whereas, in my opinion a vacation is not a real vacation without shopping, we see together what, in my opinion, are the best stores in Rome.

I love shopping around the world: Milan

Hi guys! Welcome back to I love shopping around the world. This month the destination I chose is the Mecca of fashion and style made in Italy. Obviously I'm talking about Milan, one of the coolest metropolist in the world, th perfect synthesis among past and modernity, culture, art and progress and a popular destination for the most addicted fashionistas and shopping lovers!

Shopping in Milan is almost a poetry, strolling through shops, cafes, restaurants and art sites with timeless appeal, is possible to taste pleasant atmospheres and take a break from the hectic pace of urban life. Our trip is mainly focused in the so-called "golden quadriteral", heart of milan shopping, mixed blessing of all shopping lovers (the perfect place to Rebecca Bloomwood!).

I love shopping around the world: Munich

For the section I love shopping around the world of this month I will talk to you about Munich, one of the most fascinating, dinamic and culturally rich of Germany. Famous for the Oktoberfest, the festival that every year, to the sound of music and beer, draws millions of tourists from all around the world, it also is a true paradise for all shopping lovers!

Our trip starts from MaximilianstraBe, the bavarian upscale neighborhood where you will find the best of the international fashion: Chanel, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Valentino, just to quote some. Among the main stores near there don't miss Kaufhof (KaufingerstraBe, 1-5) where you will find jewels, clothes, accessories, fragrances... in a nutshell if you're looking for something particular, Kaufhof is the palece for you!

I love shopping around the world: Dublin

Hi guys! Finally spring's here... goodbye cold and rainy days and welcome back sun! So take a break and be prepared... it's time for shopping! This month, for I love shopping around the world, I chose Dublin, the amazing capital of Irland. Oh, I love Dublin... it's really classic but also younf and full of fun. Wherever you look you can see the perfect combination of technology, innovation and tradition.  I've been there few years ago my bff and I have great memories of the time spent there. But, now you know me well, a journey it's not a journey without a sane shopping session! And when it comes to shoppin, Dublin is the perfect place!

I love shopping around the world: Rio de Janeiro

Hi guys! Welcome back to another appointment with one of the column that I love the most. We traveled until Brazil to reach the destination of this month. This is the time of Rio de Janeiro, a true tropical paradise, known for the beautiful beaches of Copagabana and Ipanema, perfect for escape from reality and spend few days in haeven. Impossibly steep, age-worn granite peakes rise from the ocean between glorious stretches of golden sand. Brash skyscrapers vie for space with impeccably restored colonial buildings, and lush forests tumble down hillsides into densley populated residential areas.

There's no place in the whole world like Rio de Janeiro. Everything there is like a party, an harmony of colors, perfumes and energy. An infinite carousel of emotions. Among sun, sea and natural beauties you can enjoy the real taste of life. That they are beaches, landscapes or streets, whatever part ou look at from, Rio is always one and only.

I love shopping around the world: Stockholm

Continues our journey into the coolest destinations of shopping all around the world. This month the city I chose is located in the deep north of Europe... Placed in the heart of Scandinavia, capital of Sweden, Stockholm is, with no doubt, one of most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities in the whole world. Famous for its natural beauties, its architecture and its commitment in the technology and innovation, for some time it's also the newest cutting edge of fashion system and amazing destination for all shopping lovers. 

The best thing about shopping in Stockholm is that you can go almost everywhere just walking. Always new stores appear in every corner and every district has its own identity. In the city there are three main districts dedicated to shopping: the young City, the exclusive and elegant Ostermalm and the bohemiam Sodermalm to which are added other cool destinations.

We start our journey from Ostermalm, the most exclusive district in Stockholm. Here you will find the most prestigious international brands and the most luxurious proposes of scandinavian design, fashion and interior decoration. Shopping in Ostermalm begins with its most glamorous boutiques like Armani and Filippa K. The flagship store of Urban Outfitters is located inside the old cinema Roda Kvarn. Going inside Birger Jarlsgatan, one of the biggest streets of shopping, you will find the flagship stores of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Orrefors/Kosta Boda, Georg Jensen and Hugo Boss. If you are there you can't not to check Nathalie Schuterman (Birger Jarlsgatan, 5), a flagship store with the latest proposes of Prada, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu and Lanvin, among the others; and Maruschka de Margot (Birger Jarlsgatan, 7), a boutique that sell haute couture of biggest brands like John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Sonia Rykiel. 

Nathalie Schuterman

Maruschka de Margot

In Sodermalm you will find many stores in which you can buy modern and original clothes, objects of design and vintage accessories. Usually the proposes of Sodermalm are coolest, younger and bohemian than the City's ones. Here I suggest you to visit stores like Tjallamalla (Bondegatan, 46), here you will find amazing vintage clothes, shoes, accessories and jewels. It also offers many trendy swedish brands, the choice ranges from the most famous to the most extreme designers; Sivletto (Malmgardsvagen, 16-18), an eccentric and inimitable store where you can buy clothes, fornitures, music magazines and objects, everything in 50's style! Grandpa (Sodermannagatan, 21), an amazing and personal mix of clothes, shoes, accessories, jewels, vintage pieces sometimes entertained by Djs and live music.

Grandpa

Tjallamalla

In Sodermalm a great destination also is SoFo where there are some interesting, trendy and creative stores that offers cool fashion, design, jewels and other curiosities, vintage and second-hand pieces, modern art, books, magazines, music and more. This district also hosts several contemporary designers, restaurants, bars and galleries. I like it because you can breath a cool retro atmosphere interpreted in a modern way...

SoFo

City is the younger district in Stockholm. Here you can devote to shopping with the most convenient, young and trendy proposes. Go through Drottninggatan and the areas of Sergels Torg and Kungstradgarden, the biggest clothing lines they compete the space with the big malls, like the gallery Feet Firts and the department stores in the center of Stockholm. 

Here I suggest you to not miss Ahlens City, this is the biggest department store in the city. Near here you can find stores like H&M and Awesome Rags and +46 with the 13 coolest swedish brands; Weekday (Gotgatan, 21), concept shop of the famous brand Cheap Monday, where you will also find the most important swedish fashion brands; NK - Nordiska Kompanient (Hamngatan, 18-20), the most elegant and famous malls in Stockholm opened in 1902. Swedish and international fashion, jewels, accessories, food and more.

Weeday

Awesome Rags

Do you love vintage and second-hand pieces? Well, if you do Stockholm is definitely your destination! It offers so many stores that you can check. Among them I suggest you Lisa Larsson (Bondegatan, 48), one of the most famous second-hand store in the city that sells clothes for men and women of 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's; Beyond Retro (Asogatan, 144), here you can find colored vintage clothes, perfect to show off in the most fashionable parties, in a great mix  of deluxe and economic pieces; Katizti (Odengatan, 24), a perfect mix of amazing vintage clothes and accessories with new pieces created by famous designers and not very known brands; Judith Secondhands (Vasagatan, 14), this store is composed by two parts: the first offers second-hand clothes and shoes, the other proposes new clothes, bags and accessories. Vintage pieces are well selected and they rage from 50's to 70's ; Old Touch (Upplandsgatan, 43), here you will find a great choice of clothes, jewels, hats and other cool pieces from the first years of twentieth century to 60's. Specialized in 20's, this store also offers great clothes and accessories for masquerades; Modern retro (Wollmar Yxkullsgata, 9), 200 square meters of first and second-hand clothes, shoes, furnitures, potters and objects; 59 vintage store (Hantverkargatan, 59), feminine atmosphere and 60's and 70's glamour. The careful selection of evening dresses, shoes and clothes for the special occasions made of this store a true must for those who "more is better"...

Lisa Larsson

Judith Secondhands

Other places that I suggest you to see are: Skindeep (Humlegardsgatan, 5), a cute store that sells brands like Acne, Cacharel, See by Chloé, Miu Miu, Matthew Williamson and others; Sneakersnstuff (Asogatan, 124), the paradise of sneakers. You will find them in every colors and material.

Skindeep

Sneakersnstuff

As always I hope you enjoyed this little journey with me and that this my little "guide" has been helpful. I see you next time with I love shopping around the world! 

With love, Ladyfairy

I love shopping around the world: Shanghai

Hi ladies! Welcome back to the little space dedicated to shopping around the world! We start again with an exotic touch... This moth we are in Shanghai, one the most beautiful and big cities in China, perfect uinion between east ans west, and true paradise for all shopping lovers!

In spite of the economic difficulties that concern the whole world, in Shanghai there's no crisis that can put a stop to shopping. Despite every forecast, in fact, in last years are born several shopping malls and stores, for the happiness of all sophaolics! No matter what you're looking for or what is your budget, in Shanghai you will find it. 

Like any other metropolis of the world, Shanghai also has its streets dedicated to shopping; it's divided into "four streets and four cities". The first is Nanjing Road that is considerated the most important shopping street in Shanghai: born during the 20's, despite the years, it's still alive and full of interesting opportunities; here is possible to find a great variety of prestigious stores, from the oldest ones to the biggest flagship stores of brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Burberry (just to quote few), to shopping centers. A little less sparkingl than Nanjing Road, but not less important, is Huaihai Road, economic chinese capital that still is one of the most fascinating streets of the city, celebrated for its elegance, with more than 400 stores of every type. Here, you can also find the flagship stores of some of the biggest designers of the world. Continuing this little trip, we are now in North Sichuan Road, apprecciated by youth and full of stores of the biggest low cost brands. Last but not least there's Middle Tibet Road, main destination of tourism and great food, chinese style!

Nanjing Road

If you have the chance to visit this amazing city, suspended in a timeless space between tradition and modernity, here some little tips about shops to not miss. I suggest you to take a look to Shanghai Tang, a famous chinese clothing brand: here you'll find super cute korean collars and amazing dresses with dizzyng gaps. Prices are expensive but the quality is granted: pure silk, precious cotton and jade buttons; Parkson Shopping Center: in this mall you'll find reasonable prices and many special offers in the form of discounts and other promotions. Even the brand-name clothing is reasonably priced here; Maison Mode: in this store , considerated the heart of Huaihai Road, you can breath a western breeze thanks to the pieces of brands like Salvatore Ferragamo, Hugo Boss and Bally (prices are naturally expensive, but you know what they say: what wouldn't you do for love...); Yuyuan Tourist Mart, Xujiahui Shopping City and Jali Sleepless City: here you will find the best of chinese handicraft, several outlets and goods suitables to every pockets, especially amazing jade and silver jewels that totally deserve the visit.

Parkson Shopping Center

Maison Mode

If what you want is some cute clothes that don't cost you a fortune I suggest you to see Honk Kong Famous Shop Street and Xiangyang Road. I also suggest you to take a look to Dimei Shopping Center: here you'll find lovely and stylish clothes with very small prices. And to those who, like me, have an insane passion for shoes, I say to not miss North Shaanxi Road, specialized in selling shoes, blessing of every woman.

Xiangyang Road

If you have the chance to spend more time in Shanghai, don't miss the fabric market in Lujiabang Road: watch the colored and bright silk, the cotton and other precious fabrics, it's really great... without count the fact that near there you can make realize tailored clothes. A great example is in Katano Maoming Road, where in a small store, an old eighty tailor will create your own tailored dress. 

Katano Maomi Road

Beautiful, interesting and rich of a mysterious charm, Shanghai is a city to discover and live! I'm totally in love with this it and I hope to be able to intrigue you too. The appointment with I love shopping around the world is next month. I see you around the world!

With love

Ladyfairy

S.O.S. - Shopping On Sale! Part 1

Hello Ladies, welcome back! HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you! I hope you spent nice holydays... I missed to take care of my blog, but I really needed a little rest to face 2013 with determination and enthusiasm. 

What better way to start the new year with a bit of shopping? Maybe taking advantage of winter sales just started and hoping in some bargain that make happy both closet and wallet? Surely, it's what I need... shopping has a therapeutic effect on me... it relaxes me. Go inside and outside the dressing room, waiting for the judge of friends on clothes and walking back and forth the mirror, with music in background, is so fun! It make me feel like I'm in a movie... except for the fact that, at the end, is damn real!

Well, yesterday in the early morning, armed with lots of patience and a little hopeful I have given a first tour of shopping on sale. I love morning shopping: the stores are empty seeds and neat and the staff, not yet exacerbated by people, is more available and gentle. But I don't want to ramble... I was talking about my first session of shopping on sale: it didn't start in the better way. Honestly, I have to admit that I'm not completely satisfied. Not having much time because of my work, I didn't go beyond few stores in the city center. I'm little disappointed 'cause many thing I saw before leave for holydays were gone shortly before the beginning of sales... a real injustice! Anyway, I have to say that the results are pretty good: two pants, so shirts, sweaters and... a lot of shoes! Here the pics... what do you think?

I love shopping around the world: Dubai

Hello my dear readers! 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, the smallest and the richest of the  seven United Arab Emirates. Adjectives likes expensive, magnificient, cool, modern may not be sufficient to describe Dubai. 

Modern buildings, tall more than 300 metres, and artificial islands are just few of the most characteristic elements. In he midst of such great modernity, among cool boutiques, golf courses, teppanyaki restaurants, some glimpses of history are still visible in the traditional souks (markets),  in the kilometers of desert traveled by camels that live in freedom. In the whole cityyou can feel a cosmopolitan atmosphere: hordes of turists, who come from all over the world, are aproached to indian women wrapped in the classic saris and residents who wear the traditional dishdashas. Just outside the city the life is marked by slower and relaxed peace. Surrounded by a suggestive view, made by beautiful mountains and gold beaches, you will conquered by the timless and overwhelming charm of the United Arab Emirates.

Known as the "Mecca of shopping" of the Middle East, made more famous by the adventures of Carrie Bradshaw and her friends in the movie "Sex and the city 2", Dubai is for sure a great place to dedicade yourselves to shopping! With all its shopping malls and its souks, there's no better place to find the best products at competitive prices. If you're lovers of duty free, Dubai is the place for you. Whatever you're looking for, from clothes to electronics, from sports equipment to jewerly, you'll find there! Unfortunately, I've been in Dubai just for few days (believe me, I wanted to stay there forever) so I had no time to inspect the several shops. I focused myself on the big shopping malls and the amazing souks, but I have to say that I didn't mind at all. Rather, they offer so much variety of products that you have plenty of choice!

Sex and The City 2

I suggest you to start with Al-Ghurair City: this mall is perfect for those who's looking for traditional clothes of the Emirates. The several shops sell abayas and shalyas, arabic jewels and amazing carpets, including some outlet stores by Paris Galllery and Nine West. Another great place is Burjamen Center: if you can afford an expensive shopping, this is the place for you. Here , in fact, you'll find the flagship stores of Dolce & Gabbana, Cartier, Clavin Klein and Tiffany. In the Dubai Festival City, you will find, in addiction to the several hotels, restaurants and cafes,  more than 600 stores. You can't not to pay a visit to the flagship stores of Marc Jacobs and Mark & Spencer. For the biggest shopaolics, a must to see is the Emirates Tower Boulevard  next to the office of the sheikh Mohammed, you will enjoy to do shopping among the stores of Armani, Gucci and Jimmy Choo. Other great places are: Mall of Emirates, a mall that contains more than 200 stores, flagship stores and elegant boutiques of brands like Charles&Keith and little shops like Al-Jaber Gallery; Ibn Battuta Mall, the most exclusive and suggestive mall in the city. This huge mall is divided by country. There are 6 section that include countries like China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and Andalusia. A store to not miss is Mumbai Se that sells an entire collection of indian accessories: from tunics to jewels, from shoes to handmade bags; Wafi Shopping Center: this mall is specialized in luxury brands, jewels and the coolest boutiques by Chanel and Givenchy. The architecture of the place is a true must to see. Those who will want to enjoy a little relaxation can take advantage of the luxurious spa present in the mall.

Al-Ghurair City

Wafi Shopping Center

Emirates Tower Boulevard

If your budget is contained, I suggest you to take a look to Deira City Center: here you will find the outlet stores of Debenhams, Zara, Virgin Megastore and other international brands. Plus, you will take a break, eat some typical food and watch a movie in the theaters present in there; Karama Shopping Center: this mall is an atypical souk that includes several stores that sell souvenirs, accessories and local crafts. In there you will also find great handmade clothes and bags with very affordable prices; Market Mall: in there you can find the biggest low cost brands and some trendy shops like Mango, Next, Virgin Megastore and Topshop; Souk Madinat Jumeirah: locate next to Jumeirah Road, this mall looks like a traditional souk and will conquer you, I promise!



Karama Shopping Center



Market Mall

Last but not least, another great place to visit is, for sure, the traditional souks. One of them is the Gold Souk, famous for its several shops that sell any type of jewels. There are many items to choose from: strings of pearls, diamond rings and gold bracelts. Is the biggest market of gold of the city, a true must for turists.

The Gold Souk

If you're considering the idea to take a nice vacation to Dubai, here some tips that may be helpful for you:

• Be prepared to long and exhausting negotiations on the prices of items that you'll buy on the souks. In all the arabian world is a normal practice!
• If you want to visit Dubai in winter season remeber that the temperatures can become extremely cold at night, so don't forget to leave equipped.
• Although Dubai is a rather tolerant city, is advisable to wear discrete clothes when you walk through the city. Long skirts and short sleeves are required when you go away from the city, in particular during the Ramadan.
• You also have to rember to behave appropriately: drunkenness and explicit  amorous effusions are disrespectful of Mulism culture and therefore considered illegal. There's the real danger that you may be arrested!

As always, I hope that you liked this little "guide", to be helpful. I see you next time, always with I love shopping around the world, always on Ladyfairy's closet.

Clothingloves.net

Hi everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a great e-shop that I've discovered few time ago and I fell in love with. I'm talking about clothingloves.net an amazing resource if you're looking for awsome clothing and accessories at bargain prices! The site is very well structured, easy to navigate. There you'll find some categories:  jewelry, women and men's clothes and a special section dedicated to wedding clothes (wholesale apparel) and occasion dresses (wholesale dress). Another thing I like is the part dedicated to daily news, where you can find the offers of the day.

www.clothingloves.net

I suggest you to take a look. I'm sure you will find something you like! Here some stuff I liked and I will add to my own wishlist, but I'm really undecided. What do you suggest me? Option 1, 2 or 3?

Left me a comment and let me know which you would choose.

 Love,

Ladyfairy

P.S. If you are interested in the right side of my home page you'll find the banner to clothingloves.net