Handbag Addicts Unite September 16, 2008

          

 

MISAKO is a spanish chain of handbag boutiques whose stock is always high on style, yet low on cost. All bags are invariably priced the same at around 30euros. They look great, mirroring latest styles and stock is always new and exciting as this brand often run new styles on a weekly basis.

Ok, so they’re not high quality merchandise but they allow you to keep your accessories on-trend without breaking the banco.

This Barcelona-based company are fast expanding their network of shops so I am happy to report that we have stores in both Granada and Malaga.  I challenge you to come out empty-handed!

Ceramics Hunting in Andalucia September 7, 2008

       

 

You will see a variety of pots scattered throughout the suburban Surrey homes of my family – they can’t help themselves. Every visit is punctuated at some stage by ‘can we go to a pot shop!’ so we are forever hunting out new and exciting suppliers.

To date, we have two favourite spots. La Rambla is a whole town dedicated to ceramics in the south of the Cordoba province as is Purrullena, east of Granada.  Admittedly, there are a lot of bright, colouful offerings which would look out of place in an urban, contemporary setting but every visitor always goes home happily clutching a personal find. I’m a big fan of the earthware oven dishes, olive oil and vinegar sets and garlic pots, oh and the ridiculously low prices of course.

Happy Shopping

The Place to Shop August 27, 2008

 

for your silk espadrilles. Established back in 1902, this shop looks like it has probably never had a refit! but it’s atmospheric shopping at its best. Little, old, bespeckled men, a small space always bustling with noisy senoritas and row upon row of coloured foot-candy all stuck to the walls above the counter. It’s amusing bedlam that’s well-worth braving.

 

The variety of espadrilles are immense and mostly hand-made. Costs vary from 10-35 euros a pair, and come sale time(now), they’re dramatically reduced so buying up for next summer is always a good plan.

 

This place is not easy to find but if you have it written on a piece of paper, any local will be able to point you in the right direction.  It’s less than 5mins walk from the main shopping promenade in Malaga, Calle Larios.

 

Happy Shopping

All Things Artisan May 9, 2008

          

Casa de Artesania, Salinas, Malaga

In the North of the Malaga Province, on the road which runs between the villages of Salinas and Villanueva de Tapia, lies an artisan shop/work shop which is open to the public.  All stock is made locally or in-house. You will find glazed ceramics, terracotta pots, hand woven baskets and rugs, olive wood bowls, wall hangings, local produce, hand-made cosmetics and many other things I’ve forgotten.  It’s an andalucian Aladdins cave filled with reasonably priced treasures.

 

Address: Carretera Salinas-Vva de Tapia
Directions: Take A92, turn-off for Salinas, follow signs for Vva de Tapia, about 1mile outside Salinas you will see the solitary building on right hand side with two huge clay pots outside. Casa de Artesania is painted in big letters on outside