Best Fashion Gifts for Christmas with a hint of Spanish flavour
XMAS CHALLENGEChristmas Guide - Day 10: Fashionable Gifts from Spain
If you’re anything like us, Ralph Lauren’s Latin-inspired Spring 2013 runway collection caused major cravings for some Spanish flare. With that in mind, add a little zest to gift giving this year, and hook yourself up – eh hem -- your fashionable friends up with a few of Iberia’s most quintessential and givable accessories.
Spanish headgear
Walking the Spanish streets, you’ll see grandpas sporting all sorts of hats. In Basque Country it’s the boina (essentially a beret), in Andalucia it’s the sombrero cordobés (a wide-brimmed hat), and in pueblos across the country you’ll find ivy caps galore. All of this might have you thinking: Why are the abuelos having all the fashionable hat fun? If you’re in Madrid, score yourself, a friend or your man one of these extra-androgynous headpieces at the ultra-traditional La Favorita in Plaza Mayor.
Shoe fetish
We’ve told you about alpargatas before: they’re those rope-soled Spanish espadrilles that date all the way back to the 13th century. While the style may be old school, and the weather is probably chilly, we think alparagatas are a pretty hot Christmas gift regardless. And this is especially because they’re typically a ridiculous bargain, costing between 5 and 10 euros at traditional alpargaterías, like Antigua Casa Crespo. Looking for something a little more fancy (translate: more pricey)? Castañer is the crème de la crème when it comes to alpargata-inspired high-fashion kicks.
Flirty fans
Spain keeps the summer dreaming alive with flirty fans available in every color of the rainbow, and at all price-points, making for an irresistible gift any time of year. When in Madrid, hit up Casa de Diego in Puerta del Sol for an extravagantly painted version, or wait until Sunday and go to El Rastro – the La Latina neighborhood’s weekly outdoor market – to haggle your way to whatever colored fan your heart might desire.
Bullfighter fashion
Polish off the Latin look – and the gift giving – with a bolero. The bullfighter-inspired jacket-meets-cardigan can range from knit-y and romantic, to structured and bold. Stop by one of the country’s biggest clothing chains, Mango, online or in person to add a little playful Spanish flavor to any outfit. Olé!
—by Erin Ridley
UPCOMING: Christmas Gifts