Buenos Aires Shopping

Sights Nightlife Performing Arts

21. Bensimon

Erstwhile purveyors of exuberant floral shirts and other metrosexual menswear, Bensimon has prepped up its act. Its new-look garments—think checked shirts, well-cut chinos, and corduroy jackets—are selling as fast as ever. Thinned-down Scandinavian-look sweaters are tempting in winter, while the hipster jeans beg to be taken home year round.

22. Bokura

Wooden shelving and layers of Persian rugs make Bokura look part general store and part 1,001 nights. Levi's-style jeans are reasonably priced; match them with slick leather jackets, shirts, and screen-printed, aged tees.

23. Bolivia

Porteño dandies know that Bolivia is the place for metrosexual fashion. Expect floral prints on shirts and leather belts. Aged denim, top-quality silk-screen T-shirts, vintage military jackets, and hand-knit slippers are among the items that fill this converted Palermo town house to bursting. A bright, breezy store nearby at Costa Rica 4670 stocks women's wear and accessories, too.

24. Bolivia

25. Calma Chicha

The fun household items in this warehouselike shop are proudly Argentine: quirky cowhide chairs, patchwork placemats, funky leather rugs, and geometric cushions nestle alongside mini-parrillas (barbecues), maté gear, and retro pingüino wine jugs.

26. Cardon

Pine floors, pine walls, pine cabinets: it's all very country at Cardon, where you can get the estancia look at reasonable high-street prices. The horsey set comes here for no-nonsense sheepskin jackets and riding boots. Cowboy hats and other traditional gaucho-style leather items from the talabartería line make great gifts.

27. Cardon

28. Caro Cuore

Argentina's favorite underwear brand does cute cotton panty and bra sets in bright colors as well as plenty of sexier fare. Although the stuff sold here is fun for flopping on the couch or spending the day in bed, don't come looking for support, whether it's structural or from the sales staff. Assistants look on, unsympathetic to the fact that bras have no cup size.

29. Carpincho

As its name suggests, this spot specializes in supersoft, stippled carpincho leather from the capybara—the world's largest rodent, native to Argentina. Gloves (which also come in more conventional kidskin) are the main attraction, and there’s a wide variety of lengths and colors to choose from.

30. Casa Chic

A hotel-boutique hybrid, this charming housewares haven specializes in rustic chic. There's an emphasis on lace, velvet, and crocheted textiles; snap up a woolen rug or wonderfully potent handmade lavender soap.

31. Casa López

Don't let the drab storefront put you off: you're as likely to find a trouser suit in floral-print suede as a staid handbag for grandma at this two-part shopping spot. The right-hand store (No. 658) has totes in chestnut- and chocolate-color leather, as well as classic jackets. More unusual fare—including fur sacks with wool fringe, black cowhide baguettes, and tangerine purses—are sold next door at No. 640.

32. Comme Il Faut

For foxier-than-thou footwear that's kicking up storms on milonga floors worldwide, head to Comme Il Faut; dedicated dancers love its combination of top-notch quality and gorgeous, show-stopping colors like teal or plum, usually with metallic trims. Animal-print suede, fake snakeskin, and glittering ruby take-me-home-to-Kansas numbers are some of the wilder options.

33. Compañia de Sombreros

Whether it's a Panama hat for the blazing sun or a flat cap complete with ear flaps for a rough winter, this store has your headwear needs covered. For an authentic Argentine touch, get the urban gaucho look with a tartan boina.

34. Complot

Complot. "Ready to Rock!" screams Complot's labels, and the clothes live up to the claim. Teenage rebels and older festivalgoers flock here for the signature T-shirts with lyrics or photos of Bowie, Sid Vicious, Blondie, or Radiohead. There are skinny jeans, animal-print leggings, and denim microminis to (mis)match them with. The anoraks are a porteño fashion must come winter.

35. Cousiño

Veined pinky-red rhodochrosite (Argentina's national stone) comes both in classic settings and as diminutive sculptures at this second-generation goldsmith's shop. Cousiño's sculptures of birds in flight are also exhibited in the National Museum of Decorative Arts.

36. Cristóbal Colón

A heady mix of coconut and board wax fills the air in this surfwear store: they don't care that the beach is hundreds of miles away, so why should you? Look for Brazilian-made gear from Billabong and Quiksilver, plus local surf brands like Y Tú Quique? Skaters and snow boarders will find their spiritual home here, too.

37. Cualquier Verdura

Set up like the 19th-century home it once was, Cualquier Verdura gives the otherwise antiques-dominated neighborhood a much-needed kitsch injection. Check out furniture designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell, fun animal-shaped placemats, vinyl records, glow-in-the-dark toys, old-yet-functioning kitchen implements, and books by local photographers and artists calling out for a coffee table.

38. Dain Usina Cultural

Known to regulars as the DUC, this artsy spot combines a terrace café and a tiny music venue with a terrific bookstore. Browse the ground floor for artistic tomes and local literature while tapping your toes to some live jazz.

39. DAM

Quirky prints are the standout feature at DAM, a small boutique led by designer Carola Bessasso. Stylewise, you can expect feminine cuts and 1950s flair (the halter dresses are especially flattering); best of all, since Bessasso mixes unconventional materials with vintage finds, every piece is truly one of a kind.

40. Desiderata

Check out this popular women's wear brand for light and airy shirts, dresses, and tees. The well-cut jeans are merciful on the wallet—and on the hips (they're available up to a size 12, that's an Argentine 5).