SHOPPING
 

What can I buy? Are there sizes for American women about 50? I hear that the shoes are very small, is that true? I am also looking to buy sweaters and maybe spluge on a fur coat. Any hints? Leather, any hints? Thanks for your time. Linda

Hi Linda,

Where?

Where? Age 50 or size 50? :-)

Linda: where do you want to shop?
if it is in Buenos Aires. There are small sizes as big ones. There is a size for everyone.

I just got back from Bs. As. and I can tell you that you will go crazy shopping. This is a "shop till you drop" mecca. The sizing is similar to Europe. For example, if you wear a size 7 shoe in U.S., you would buy a size 37. I did not see any half sizes. Don't miss ARANDU in Recoleta for fabulous leather goods, mates, briefcases, incredible carpinccio boots. Ask for Liliana - she's great. Also, for a real crazy shopping experience, go to Calle Florida which can be fun but also irritating because they have salesmen out on the street trying to lure you in. Galerias Pacifico (a mall) is a must see but not half as fun as the boutiques. If you pay cash, you will get a dicount. If you pay by credit card, the price is higher. Pay attention to the "tax free" shops around town - not many of them but you can certainly accumulate a lot of cash on your flight home at the airport. Again, if you like leather, don't miss Arandu.

marries is right certainly shopping in BuenosAires is a great experience.

As a local i recommend Galerias Pacifico where you can see all top shelf brands. Prices are excellent for tourists who have limited time. Interesting for them the fact that it is open all Sunday. Many shops offer return tax at the airport.
www.galeriaspacifico.com.ar

Another mall which is to consider is
Alto Palermo. Again prices are excellent for tourists. It is located in what we call Barrio Norte, a pleasant traditional and good neighbourhood. On the same avenue there are hundred of shops which have better prices than the ones on Florida St.

I can add Unicenter to the list. Also Tax free with excellent shops and very good prices. Free transfers are offered from downtown. My recommendation is to get one as this place is rather far from downtown and maybe difficult for a newcomer to go. It is said to be the biggest mall in South America.
www.unicenter.com.ar

good luck

The San Miguel Cocktail Combat Boots are the most popular womens' shoe in MX. and many women have more than several pair.
Z. Martha has 4 retail outlets in San Miguel de Allende, Gto., MX.
2 on Reloj and 2 on Mesones.
Most pairs are $275. MXP ($190. if you buy 12 or more).
They are amazingly stylish and great for extensive walking on the cobblestones while saving many ankle injuries.
Most sizes are readily available.
M

another option for the ones who want to buy leather stuff besides the shopping malls or florida shops or murillo street outlets. This place is called Gonzalez leather factory and it is 30 from downtown. they have a transfer free to go to their place. prices are good and quality is very good. leather jackets shoes bags.
A piece of advice: before phoning for the transfer, ask the receptionist at the hotel if everything is quiet in the area. If so, go. worth it.