UK-born Sophie Lloyd first moved to Buenos Aires at the beginning of 2010 out of a desire to learn Spanish and live the Latino lifestyle, having spent the previous five years working as a fashion editor, writer and stylist in Shanghai, China. She quickly adapted to the late nights and copious amounts of Malbec. She works as a freelance writer and copywriter and currently contributes to the Buenos Aires edition of Global Blue's Shop magazine as well as running her own personal shopping and private shopping tour business Shop Hop BA delivering a stress-free, customised shopping experience to visitors to the city.
When it comes to finding suitable lodgings in Buenos Aires, you’re spoilt for choice, from ritzy five-star hotel chains to innumerable boutique establishments. However it’s sometimes hard to distinguish one trendy establishment from the next. For those looking for something a little more out of the ordinary, we’ve picked out some of the most unique boutique hotels in the city, all with a different vibe, story or experience to offer.
If you want to take home a piece of Argentina’s design scene that goes beyond the standard gaucho knives, mate sets and cowhide rugs to something more cutting edge and current, then pay a visit to Buenos Aires’ Feria Puro Diseño that kicks off next week. The annual design fair that returns to the city’s favourite expo centre La Rural from May 21 to May 26 is the most important event on the country’s design calendar and unites the biggest movers and shakers in a showcase of cutting-edge made-in-Argentina design products.
Unlike other fashion weeks, Buenos Aires Fashion Week is open for one and all to attend with ticketed fashion shows (bar a select few invitation-only affairs in Paseo Alcorta). While this is a great opportunity for your inner fashionista to go forth and shine, it does mean that you have to contend with big crowds and long queues for the chance to see the handiwork of your favourite Argentine designers. To help you, The Real Argentina has put together a mini survival guide of top tips.
We all know that Buenos Aires is famous for its quality leather, but with so many leather shops vying for visitors’ attention, it can be hard to decide where to buy that beautiful, buttery cow leather for which Argentina is renowned. And let’s not even get started on the issue of inflation. However, for savvy shoppers, there are still some unique leather goods to be had offering good value for money. Here is The Real Argentina’s guide on where to unearth the city’s finest leather gems.