One thing about me, I’m gonna shop. I’m a shopper, there, I said it. It runs intertwined with the blood flowing through my veins as if it were my own DNA. Pair that fun fact with a credit card and European clothes and you’ve just assembled one of my dream days.
This past summer while on my first Euro Road Trip, I found myself living the dream in Seville, Spain. I was exploring this alluring city for two nights and had heard whisperings through the grapevine of the iconic shopping she offered. So, as any sane woman would do, I wandered through the winding, uneven brick roads of the city aimlessly. Following only my attention as she was drawn to window after window.
It’s not hard to catch my attention, it’s hard to keep it. As I set out on my first full day in Seville, it was mere minutes before my attention was seduced to the point of entry. An unassuming, simple boutique on her own. However, given that she was attached to a hotel that exudes class, I couldn’t, in my right mind, pass by without taking a peek inside!?
The boutique was attached to the Gran Meliá Colón hotel. A building with presence. Standing multiple stories high, carved with rows and columns of rectangular windows, decorated with rich, red awnings and experpertly placed flood lights. The entrance is defined by another, longer awning of the same white as the rest of the building. Detailed with a row of flags above the awning, and a sophisticated, but welcoming, doorman stationed at the glass doors tending to those coming and going.
My shopping instincts tingled, whispering to me that the items in this store might cause my credit card to wish it had called in sick…I told my credit card to be brave, and sauntered into the boutique. I was greeted by a sweet, welcoming voice that belonged to a cute brunette girl of similar age to myself who stood behind the checkout. We quickly established that I unfortunately did not speak Spanish fluently, and started chatting in English instead as I browsed the selection.
My eyes roved over the clothing and their price tags, quickly surmising two things. First, my instinct was correct. Second, this establishment had to be a designer offshoot of some kind. The prices did indeed suggest that my card would have preferred calling in sick. Instead, it might get a bit of a workout depending on my findings.
Through my chit chat with the sales associate during my hunt, I learned that, good news, my lucky girl syndrome was fully intact! The tan walls I had found myself exploring within belonged to a Max Mara outlet. Leftover pieces that didn’t sell in their main storefront were brought here to be sold at a lower price. Now don’t get me wrong, by no means were they Zara or H&M prices, but they were much more justifiable than what they would’ve been at the main store. Score!!!
After browsing the quaint and airy boutique, the fashion show of the findings began. A ritual every girl knows and worships, yet sometimes dreads. Each piece that I slipped into went through a trial of its own. As I played model, swirling and twirling in the mirror, catching the items from every angle, I asked myself the basic questions. First and foremost, did I love it on myself? Did the piece evoke feelings of femininity, confidence or even ethereality? Did the color compliment my skin tone? Fortunately, luggage space was not a factor I was concerned about. I had already clocked a luggage store nearby.
Once I had approved a piece, the universal experience of girlhood stepped in and the secondary fashion show commenced. In the world of girlhood, second opinions are almost always encouraged. They are especially encouraged when shopping alone!!
Stepping out between the heavy, black velvet curtains that enclosed the dressing room, and into the flood of natural light that poured in through the large windows, I began my parade around the boutique, encouraging a second opinion from the sales associate I had now befriended. We debated the pieces. Where would I wear this? Did it accentuate my being from an outsider’s perspective? Was it practical even? Did I neeeeed it?
Post fashion show, debates and cuts, followed by a quick workout for my credit card, I left with another positive experience, a new connection with a woman across the world, and a few pieces I felt to be worthy, even great, additions to my collection:
An airy pair of wide leg lavender pants with side slits rising above my knee, perfect for spring. A square neck tank top designed with horizontal black, white, and brown stripes ranging in girth. A chocolate brown jumpsuit featuring a deep V in the front, the ends of which create a timeless halter tie around the back of the neck, allowing for an open back. And lastly…cue the angelic music and spotlight!! My favorite foreign find of this adventure. A gown crafted of a luxuriously radiant, silk like, electric sky blue material that glows in the light. The gown features a mostly open back, aside from the X crossed adjustable straps, and thigh high slit on the left side.
When I set out on my summer adventure, I had a goal of finding a dress for my cousin’s wedding that would be taking place in the beautiful, coastal Kent Island, Maryland later that year.
I accomplished that goal in a random boutique in Seville, Spain.
