shopping in buenos aires
Fleamarket, Photo By Max Kim-Bee, April 2006
- buenos aires shops
- South America's most European city—B.A. to locals—is the hottest ticket among design-obsessed tourists, and we say book yours! The vibrant local design scene, quality antiques, new wave of restaurants and the legendary nightlife are all the more enjoyable thanks to a minimal time difference (only one hour ahead of Eastern Daylight Time). domino stylist Ashley Sargent whisks us off to her favorite shops and hang outs. destination
- Arte Étnico Argentino
- El Salvador 4600
54-11-4833-6661 Owner Ricardo Paz packs his small space with a mix of antique and contemporary artisan-made rugs, textiles and wood furniture. The rugs, geometrically patterned in oranges, reds, yellows and pinks, are very affordable (I found a 6' x 9' rug for $300). And Paz is willing to bargain.
- Calma Chicha
- Honduras 4925
54-11-4831-1818 Filled with retro and current Argentine design, this is my favorite place for souvenirs. A traditional silver or modern bright-red plastic thermos (perfect for brewing the powerful yerba mate tea locals love), a book of reproduction 1960s Argentine postcards, or a cowhide pillow or bag all say "South America" in a very unexpected way.
- Gropius
- Honduras 5851 and 6027
54-11-4774-1535 and 54-11-4774-2094 This store's vintage outpost is crowded with mid-century furnishings (including many well-priced, packable objets) and fabulous architectural salvage. The bigger, warehouse-like space offers reproductions of pieces by bigwigs like Mies van der Rohe and Wegner.
- Lupe
- El Salvador 4657
54-11-4833-0730 The tailored clothing collection at this standout shop mixes ladylike details—high necks, ruffled collars—and modern materials. The dresses, sweaters and tops, expertly crafted by the owner in a studio across the courtyard, are adorable and affordable. And the blinds made from strips of newspaper may be the coolest window treatments ever.
- Mishka
- 4673 El Salvador
54-11-4833-6566 The best shoes in the city, including colorful round-toed flats and signature sparkly handmade heels that bring Marc Jacobs to mind, cost only around $70—meaning you can buy several pairs without feeling guilty. It's every girl's fantasy come true.
- Papelera Palermo
- Honduras 4945
54-11-4833-3081 Rolls of bright, playful handmade wrapping paper cascade down the walls of this loftlike boutique stacked with handcrafted journals and stationery. The company's papers are made in a nearby studio, and every purchase is packaged in a cute red-plastic net bag.
