There exists today a land where take out food and to-go cups are rare, stores are actually closed on Sundays, and virtually no one wears tennis shoes or T-shirts outside of exercise.
While it takes some getting used to, it’s really kind of nice!
The land to which I am referring is the southern region of Spain known as Andalusia – Sevilla, to be specific. And these simple things change the whole perspective of your day.
First, you need to sit down (or stand or lean) to enjoy your cafe con leche. And they aren’t big, so it really doesn’t take that long to drink; but it forces you to stop the whirl of your day for a few moments. If you want a big coffee you need to order a cafe Americano or visit one of the few Starbucks that have made there way there.
Next, almost all of the stores are closed….not only on Sundays…but also for about five hours every afternoon (12:30-5:30). Why? For siesta, of course! Not only does it earn you relief from the oppressive heat in summer, it forces you to spend your time not shopping, but hopefully spending time with your family. There’s a concept! The large national department store El Corte Inglés stays open, so if you’re really in shopping withdrawal you can seek your refuge there.
Finally, and most important to this blog, is the fact that people actually dress to go out! Even if they are wearing jeans, they are wearing boots or leather shoes of some description and accessories like scarves or blazers. And the children are by far the best dressed of any I have ever seen (and we’ve traveled a lot of places!).
This was my fourth trip to Spain, and the clothing for children still amazes me.
There are exquisite children’s shops around every corner…no literally…around every corner. And no two shops are the same.
Even the department store El Corte Inglés that I mentioned has an entire floor (that’s a big city block size) dedicated to only children’s clothes and shoes. The clothes are grouped by designer not by gender – so you can find clothes for siblings that coordinate. They are big on that here. European designers included Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Catmini, Desigual, Kenzo and Petite Bateau. They also had rather large sections devoted to Ralph Lauren Kids and Tommy Hilfiger; as well as very cute shoes by Camper, Unisa and Geox.
But the really fabulous and unique clothes come from the boutiques along Calle Sierpes, Calle Alvarez Quintero, Plaza de Jesús Pasión, Blanca de los Rios, Calle de Francos, and many of the alley-ways in between. My son and I took a walk during siesta time, so that’s why I had to take the photos through the closed shops’ windows.
Nonetheless…enjoy the stroll with us and get some ideas for your own sewing and design projects!
This dress is fabulous! You can see it on a real girl on the company’s website Paqui Barroso. Below is a photo of the shop I got off of their web page just to show you how beautiful it is!
Another wow was this shop called Nanos…
I so wish this picture had come out better! The dress is darling and is precious with the coordinating boy’s outfit. You MUST check out the Nanos website. The photography is amazing and the models are exquisite!
And here is my little one listening to her audio guide at the Alcázar, the palace for Spanish royalty since the 14th century. She is modeling a cotton dress from Trasluz on Calle Cerrajerla. The shop was more charming than their website, but worth a look.
Gorgeous dress by the Spanish designer Pili Carrera. Not to worry, they have a website and will ship anywhere! Visit Pili Carrera to download their catalogs and order online.
The following photos were just some random pretty things. Of course, Spanish shoes are amazing for both adults and children…all leather and hand sewn. YUM!
And finally…his reward for window shopping with me! A visit to Wonkandy on Puenta y Pelón! Grab a red paper bag and a disposable glove and dig in!
Don’t miss my post next week on Spanish fashions for First Communion! Not just a sacrament…it’s an industry unto itself in this part of the world!