Monday, July 24, 2017

SHOPPING IN BUENOS AIRES

Just because we were away, doesn't mean I didn't check out some of the shopping while away. While I'm not always shopping, or a huge shopper, I'm one to shop in stages, but the Palermo section in Buenos Aires is renown for its artsy ambiance and independent designer boutiques. A trendy neighborhood in the northeastern part of the city, the district has, over the course of the past few years, become the heart of Buenos Aires style for the trendy and fashionista's our front desk concierge told us. One of the best places we went in was El Ateneo Grand.

Loved the columns up top! They looked like men holding up the balcony. But what was so special about this place? It was just a bookshop.....
El Ateneo Grand Splendid is one of the best known bookshops in Buenos Aires. In 2008, The Guardian placed it as the second most beautiful bookshop in the world. The building was designed by the architects Peró and Torres Armengol for the empresario Max Glücksmann , and opened as a theatre called Teatro Gran Splendid in May 1919. Years later the ornate former theatre was leased by Grupo Ilhsa in February 2000, who owns El Ateneo and Yenny booksellers, as well as the El Ateneo publishing house. The building was subsequently renovated and converted into a book and music shop. The cinema seating was removed and in its place book shelves were installed. Following refurbishment works, El Ateneo Grand Splendid became the group's flagship store, and over a million people walk through its doors annually. Why can we not here in America take a note from their book? I love when buildings can be given new life like this. Chairs are provided throughout the building, including the still-intact theatre boxes, where customers can dip into books before purchase, and there is now a café on  what was once the stage. The ceiling, the ornate carvings, the crimson stage curtains, the auditorium lighting and many architectural details remain. Despite the changes, the building still retains the feeling of the grand theatre it once was. It was very cool to see.

Another thing I noticed was the good looking men of Buenos Aires and South America....and are great dressers and quite handsome. Like reader Adrino who was kind of enough to show us around for a few days who hails from Brazil and flew in to meet us. We had been emailing for months before. ME OHHH MY.
What was I saying????

  Oh yes...handsome men. Sweats and sneakers won't cut it here. I learned that leather is top notch in Buenos Aires.In a city famous for its steaks, you’ll come across many leather shops and, in particular, family-run businesses and tailors who will measure you up and create bespoke leather goods tailored to your precise specs and style. The top five pieces currently for many men must haves were leather jacket, leather shoes, statement shirts, weekend leather bag, and hats of all kinds. I actually took several hats with me though, but I was in the mood for a short sleeve floral shirt, to no avail finding one before leaving on vacation. I did find a shop that had several, and had two fitted for me in a trim fit.I was so happy to find some patterns I liked and they were ready in two days.
Another weakness of mine is home décor shops. I'm a huge whore when it come to home shops. Even though I knew I wouldn't be bringing any large items home, I wanted to check out some. One in particular I loved... the unmissable boutique Wathemala. Located slightly further out the district, the shop is a destination for all things interior-décor, stocking a line of modern household objects with antique twists. Come here and dig through vases, candleholders, and teapots galore.
Whether you’re coming to Buenos Aires for the very first time or are making a return trip to bolster your wardrobe and redecorate your home, plan on devoting at least a day to wander around Palerm. Not to mention all the open air markets. Another difference I noticed between the States and Buenos Aires was there seemed to be not many chains, but mostly locally and family owned business. Very nice.  

38 comments:

  1. I was saying to myself about the bookshop "this looks like a theater". DAMN! and the outside architecture looks like something you would see on fifth avenue.

    no leather jock or monokini for you? ;-)

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    1. I do have a few, but the cup usually runeths over.

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    2. go big or go home, correct? ;-)

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    3. you know me so well dear.

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  2. Loves the bookshop! Like local businesses.

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  3. The bookshop killed me! I'd set up a cot and live there if I could.
    And do NOT get me started on Adrin-O-M-G!

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  4. I could spend all day in the bookshop....easily. I agree with you too Mistress, we need to repurpose old buildings here more instead of taking up more land and letting these strip malls and the such sit near empty or forgotten. This trip is just spectacular.

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  5. I love men in leather!

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    1. That makes two of us....but often, I don't like anything between me and my men.

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  6. Coolest bookstore ever!!!!I could spend days in there...only if Adrino could stay with me.

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  7. Now that is a bookshop, and ay yay yay! Adrino looks a little bit like Joe Manganiello.

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  8. A bookstore in a theatre!! That would be worth seeing. But we want to know while shopping, how many times you had your inseam taken? AND BRING THE HUNKY FRIEND WITH YOU TO PTOWN!

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  9. Very cool! But how many times did you sleep with Adrino we want to know!

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    1. We will never say my friend. We were all good boys.

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    2. " There is a very thin line between having a good time, and being a obvious wanton slut. I know, my toes been on that line."

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  10. There is a grocery store in a former bank building in downtown Cleveland that is a good reuse - not as grand of a building as the bookstore above, but they did a nice job with it. I will post someday in the next couple of weeks. You didn't have leather pants made?

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    1. I look forward to that post. Sounds so cool!

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  11. Just a book shop? No such thing. Not even with our boxy-looking chain store. ;-)

    You had shirts made, but I'll bet you got measured for pants, didn't you? That inseam is important; leaving room for the goods is important. lol.

    Hugs!

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    1. I did ask why he was taking a inseam measment, when I was being fitted for a shirt?

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  12. If you are one of those "old school" book worm or if you are just curious of what those "books" are you have to make a stop at El Ateneo in Recoleta

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  13. One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world! It looks better than some libraries I've been in. I hope more post are coming I'm am thoroughly enjoying these post. You two had a blast.

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  14. El Atteneo grand a great place to find, hard to find titles, they have it all. Next time you come, maybe Brazil and I will have you here. I'm sure you would like San Paulo and Brasilia.

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  15. I'd love to go to a bookstore like that. Actually, at this point, I'd probably be satisfied going to a B. Daltons or Waldenbooks, as bookstores, at least here in Ohio, seem to be going the way of washboard. Cheaper, to get books online I guess.

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    1. I do believe Kirk those two shops are long, long gone from our area. New Hope and Doylestown here have small quaint shops, as does Philly....otherwise Barnes and Noble is it.

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  16. An old and beautiful theatre converted into a bookstore? Genius! Awesome architecture and a very chi interior. Looks like a must see. A friend of mine was in the city years ago, and his favorite shirts I like he wears were all from Buenos Aires.

    And one request? Can Adrino come to the woods with you?

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  17. And how nice is that you met a reader of your blog!?!?! That is very cool how did that come about. Have you met many reader and bloggers? This trip is has been nice to see Mistress.

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    1. It was great fun, and who would have thought! When I mentioned in a post about a year ago about trip planning, he started emailing me then. It was very cool indeed. I have met several readers and fellow bloggers since I started. For all intense and purposes count them as friends. Everyone has been so nice and cool to meet. I find it exciting.

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  18. Very stylish manly attire, Mistress! I suppose it would have been disrespectful to dance the tango in drag. :)

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    1. What makes you think I didn't? ha ha ha

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  19. Men and shopping? What am I waiting for?

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  20. What great and interesting shops. I would enter that bookshop and get lost. If you ever come back to Amsterdam we MUST meet.

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  21. You got some amazing pictures...your getting good!

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Go ahead darling, tell me something fabulous!