Shopping route for girls in Madrid

Some time ago, I wrote a short shopping guide for guys and many of my friends thanked me. Afterwards, some female friends asked me if I could do the same for girls. The truth is, it's more complicated because the selection is too broad, but now that it's sale season, I thought we could at least explore an interesting neighborhood together, hand-in-hand, or rather, hoof-in-hoof with these beautiful cows that have been gracing the streets of Madrid for a few days now. (I'm indignant because apparently they are suffering so much vandalism that they've opened a "cow hospital" to rehabilitate them. You wouldn't believe how much it infuriates me that there are such blockheads; if I caught them in the act, they'd get a good "beating").


Anyway, let's start. The neighborhood in question is Calle Almirante and its surroundings, which started as a street with interesting little shops and now even Marc Jacobs has a presence there.
I'm sorry for those of you who don't live in Madrid, but perhaps this guide will come in handy someday.

• Zadig et Voltaire (Almirante, 27): cashmere and French design. Beautiful knit dresses and perfect leather jackets. Crazy prices. You hug a sweater and they ask for €300 for it. Well, that's what cashmere is like. But right now they're more than 50% off, and there are some good deals to be had. The t-shirts feel like a second skin.

• Sita Murt (Almirante, 20): I like this woman. Basic designs that look good, beautiful colors, decent prices. It's worth a look because you don't feel ripped off when you check the price tag. During the sales, everything was pretty picked over, but there might be something left.

• Maje (Conde Xiquena, 7): a hyper-popular French brand with prices unfortunately not as popular as they used to be. At 50% off, everything looks better. Shirt dresses, studded vests, etc. You can always find something nice. I don't know why the window display never reflects what you can find inside; someone should send these girls a window dresser, please.

• Benny Room (Conde Xiquena, 17): sometimes they have the prettiest things in Madrid, sometimes you don't understand what's going on. They have wonderful brands mixed with more affordable ones. The best: Olga de Polga. I think Cacharel and Pringle would be better somewhere else, far away, just my humble opinion, huh? If you're looking for a little dress, I'd go here. Plus, it's owned by a fellow blogger.

• Marc by Marc Jacobs (Marqués de la Ensenada,2) : let's not kid ourselves, they don't have sales like in the US. So the clothing prices are high, but they have a lot of little trinkets (headbands, t-shirts, brooches, etc.) that help satisfy the craving.

• Yube (Fernando VI, 23): Benny Room's older sister. You should always go in because they have the See by Chloe collection, which is always worth seeing. They also usually have French t-shirts, bags, or ballet flats that make you want to buy something. The window display with all the dresses is fantastic.

• Eleonora Amadei (Argensola, 5): it's owned by an Italian friend of mine, Ricardo, who is a sweetheart. The brand is Italian and was founded by his father. It has a style that allows you to find things for both daughters and their accompanying mothers. The prices match the prevailing good atmosphere.

• Valmai (Fernando VI, 8): French, Norwegian brands, etc. A variety of good quality leather vests. Everything has a price that makes your day, so it's worth a visit.

• Pez (Regueros, 15): very good window displays, wonderful brands (my beloved Anna Sui among them), prices...prices...I'd say more like a cold, sharp dagger. It's best to go in last, or everything else will seem ugly to you.

• Mott (Barquillo, 31): before the French brands arrived in the neighborhood, they were the first to bring Parisian chic. It has more rooms than it appears at first glance. The lingerie section is spectacular.

• Oliphant (Santa Teresa, 7): perhaps my favorite. I love everything they have in this store. The brands (long live Stella Forest!), the display of the clothes, the jewelry, the porcelain... I love it.

This is my selection. I hope it serves as a guide for this final stretch of sales. I know I've left out some stores, but the idea was not to overwhelm you, and I'd like you to tell me if there are any others you consider essential.


For the non-Spanish speakers, sorry I've been lazy translating lately, but this time I'm just giving a list of my favourites shops located in a certain neighborhood of Madrid. I hope if you ever drop by it will be of any help. Oh, the cows are simply a nice companion if you are going to shop around this area since we are enjoying the Cow Parade these days.