The story of Spanish shopping is more or less the list of Inditex brands. Aside from a few stores like Mango and Springfield, pretty much everything affordable in Spanish fashion comes from the houses of Inditex. Zara, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Oysho and Uterque are all their brands. Mind, like Zara, they're all decent quality, on trend, and - for the most part, Uterque and Massimo Dutti aside - all very affordable on a budget. I'm not going to waste space discussing either Zara or Mango, since we have both these brands everywhere in India. I'll just point out that like all brands, they're cheapest in their own country. So if there's something you really wanted, but found was priced out of your reach, stop by their stores in Spain. You're likely to find it at a cheaper price there.
Stradivarius is a slightly more Spanish, slightly more grown up version of Zara. If you like Zara, you'll like this brand as well. I'm a big fan of this black dress. I think that in India, one would get a lot of use out of something like this. You could layer it over or under a formal blouse to make it quirkier or more work appropriate.
I also love these earrings that the model is wearing in the previous pic. They're a fantastic way to hop on the raffia trend without going overboard. I wish that Zara would do something like this. I'd be the first in line!
I've seen something kind of similar to this camisole top in Forever 21. Let's be honest though, this one looks so much more adult and expensive. The button detail is very in at the moment. And how can you go wrong with a white cami top in summer?
My pick for shoes are these brown sandals that everyone is doing at present. I think that they're extremely versatile. I can see these with dresses, shorts, jeans, trousers, at the office and while chilling with friends. I'm currently on the lookout for brown summer sandals - and I wish these were available here.
Pull & Bear is kind of like being stuck in the TRF section of Zara - only a lot more teenageish. If you have teens, or need to buy presents for a teen, make a beeline for this brand. They're on trend in a youthful, colourful, childlike way. Their accessories however, are useable by all ages and very cheap. This bag is exactly what you'd want for summer, very much like the one Zara's selling for something over Rs 3000, just much cheaper. (According to my calculations, it's approximately Rs 1600.)
I also really like these trainers. They're a lovely pastel bluish grey without being too twee or too ugly. I feel you'd definitely get your money's worth of usage from them.
The only item of clothing I liked was this yellow denim skirt. Yellow denim isn't very common, making it a standout piece. But because it's pastel and not in your face yellow, it's easily wearable and will match with most things you already own. It's a nice colourful change for summer, without going too far in the 'loud brights' direction.
We do have Massimo Dutti in some cities in India, so I'm not going to dwell on them very much. They are a slightly higher price point than Zara - and most of Inditex's brands - but if you're looking for quality workwear that won't cost you designer prices, this (along with Uterque) is one store you must visit. The bermuda denim shorts that began this post are from there. (I need to get my hands on those!) And I just love this skirt and tee combo too. It is best to purchase while in Spain, because eighty percent of their stuff is usually not available in their Indian stores.
Uterque is another one of Inditex's pricier brands. I honestly prefer their shoes to their clothes though. I somehow feel that Uterque is aimed at those who want to look utterly unique or wear clothes that are talking points. Neither option describes me. I want to wear my clothes, not the other way around. I do like this skirt and blouse combo. But would I wear it beyond a couple of summer parties? Not very likely.
These shoes are an entirely different matter. If I was still working, I'd want these in daily rotation in my wardrobe. They are perfect for formal offices in the summer. The block heels means they'll be comfortable to walk in, while the ankle strap provides support. They would also work beautifully while dancing the night away.
And as for these!! I ask you, what could be more summery than a gorgeous, lace up, wedge heel?? These are amazing. They would work with jeans and floaty, floral dresses. Trousers and little playsuits. Clubbing and on a chill shopping day. Can you tell that I desperately want them?? They're well worth the investment price. You'll use them daily.
While we're discussing more expensive stuff, I decided to throw in some Bimba Y Lola. Yes, they're practically designer. No, I wouldn't wear their clothes, they're too colourful for me. But their accessories are relatively more affordable, and actually quite nice. This bag, for example, would be lovely with a simple jeans and tee. It could add a pop of colour to an all black outfit, or an all white one. It would look really cute with a playsuit too.
These sandals look so summery and are just what you need for the beach. They would also go really well with a shorts and tee combo for a brunch or a chill day with friends. And if you don't like wearing heels out with your guy (or girl), they would look lovely with a gauzy, white summer dress.
These earrings remind me of a set someone - ironically Spanish - had given me when I was younger. I like them for nostalgic reasons - and also cos I think that they're a great mix of textures (leather, shells and metal) and materials. This season is all about mixing and matching in an off-beat way. These earrings pick up on that very nicely.
Springfield is one of the few affordable Spanish brands that aren't owned by Inditex. Not that you'd really be able to tell. Doesn't this shorts and top set look exactly like something Zara would sell? The fact that it's a set of separates is what sold me on this. I'd probably wear the shorts with a plain tee - black or white most likely. And I'd opt to wear the top with boyfriend style jeans. (Presuming I ever find a pair to my liking!)
This white dress is very pretty. I picture myself wearing it on a summer evening date. Or to a coffee shop with friends. If I had those brown heeled sandals from Stradivarius, I'd wear it with those. It's a great outfit.
Lastly, of course, you can't go to Spain and not buy a pair of espadrilles. I love these colourful ones by Springfield. Red is such a great colour for shoes. Especially, if like me, you tend towards to neutral colour palette in clothing. The studs along the top are reminiscent of Valentino, but not in a completely copycat way. They're comfortable, everyday shoes that will go with numerous outfits. In short, they're a good buy.
On Thursday we'll tackle that behemoth - the UK. I love so many of their brands, it's going to be very hard to whittle down.
Till next time,
MumbaiGirl
IG: @maryannecp
Photo Credits: All pictures come from the brands' Spanish websites. All are from their current collections.
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