The Best of BA 2012

As 2012 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our year in fashion. Whether you loved this year’s top trends or you could’ve lived without them, one thing is for sure-we had fun, didn’t we? Although options were plentiful, I’ve narrowed down my BA fashion faves to a select few. Stylish, chic, creative, and cool, here are BAShopGirl’s Best of the Best 2012.

Best New Label: Blackmamba
Based on my glowing review of this up and coming brand, it’s not hard to guess why I chose Blackmamba as the best new label of the year. The combination of an effortlessly chic aesthetic with high quality fabrics makes this the label to watch in 2013.


Best Avant-Garde: Visentini
After including Visentini in a column on the best avant-garde design a few years ago, I haven’t been able to forget designer Agustina’s unique perspective on fashion. Visentini embodies everything that is wonderful about fashion in Buenos Aires. It’s young, it’s creative, and just a little bit eccentric.


Best National Brand: Ayres
Among all the outstanding national mega-brands, Ayres truly stood out this year with a beautifully styled summer campaign. Simple, wearable, colorful, and classic.


Best Jeans: Paula Cahen D’Anvers
Whether you’re in search of straight leg, cropped, boyfriend, or flare, the jeans at Paula will leave you wanting more. As an avid jean lover, I have tried on nearly every pair in the city, yet I always return to Paula. The fits accomodate many body types, and they never wear down. A true BA classic.


Best Bags: Maria Mor
I have been a loyal customer of Maria Mor for years. Designer Natalia always manages to keep her designs current without being overly trendy. No matter what color or style, Maria Mor has something new to offer.


Best Accessories: Cuatro Musas
If you love rock n’ roll, the funky yet sophisticated accessories at Cuatromusas will steal your heart. This seasons’ bracelets are standout pieces that will last for years to come, and don’t even get me started on the fabulous earrings.


Best Boutique: Tony Soiree
New on the Palermo SoHo scene, Tony Soiree hit the town with a bang. At this intimate boutique you can find casual wear by Chinita, shoes by Di Mannuk, knitwear from Las Osas, and my personal fave, leather jackets by Javier Ced. Tony Soiree offers a little something for everyone, earning it my nod for best boutique of the year.


Best Shoes: Centrico
All it took was one look at the winter boot collection and I was hooked. In addition to Centrico’s timeless style, the quality is unbeatable.


Best Mall: Paseo Alcorta
Although this was a tough decision, Paseo Alcorta is undeniably the best shopping mall in the city. Stocked with top brands from Rapsodia to Jazmin Chebar, but dotted with smaller boutiques like Huija and Lupe, Paseo Alcorta beats the competition in every category.


Best Collaboration: Prune by Concepcion
Pair Argentina’s most well-known bag store with it’s most stylish socialite and you have a winning combination. Concepcion Cochrane Blaquier’s consistently strong limited edition collections are at the top of my wish list every season.

To my BAShopGals, thank you for supporting the blog this year! May next year bring us more style, more fun, and more to shop for.
To a fabulous 2013!

xoxo
Your BAShopGirl

2012 llega a su fin, y ahora es el momento perfecto para reflexionar sobre nuestro año en la moda. No importa si te encantaron las tendencias de este año o si podrías haber vivido sin ellas, una cosa es segura-la pasamos bien, no? Aunque las opciones eran abundantes, reducí mis favoritos de la moda de Buenos Aires a unos pocos elegidos. Con estilo, elegancia, y creatividad, aquí están los BAShopGirl Mejores de los Mejores 2012:

Mejor Marca Nueva: Blackmamba
En base a mi crítica radiante de esta marca emergente, no es difícil adivinar por qué elegí a Blackmamba como la mejor marca nueva del año. La combinación de una estética re chic con telas de alta calidad nos dice que ésta es la marca del 2013.


Mejor Diseño de Vanguardia: Visentini
Después de incluir a Visentini en una columna sobre el mejor diseño de vanguardia hace unos años, no podía olvidarme de la perspectiva única que tiene la diseñadora Agustina Visentini. Su marca representa todo lo que es maravilloso de la moda en Buenos Aires. Es joven, es creativa y solo un poco excéntrica.


Mejor Marca Nacional: Ayres
Entre todas las marcas nacionales excepcionales, Ayres realmente se destacó este año con una campaña de verano con mucho estilo. Simple, versátil, colorida y clásica.


Mejores Jeans: Paula Cahen D'Anvers
No importa si estás buscando un jean de tiro alto, capri, boyfriend, o oxford, los de Paula te dejarán con ganas de comprar más. Yo, que soy una amante de los jeans, he probado casi todos los pares en la ciudad, pero siempre vuelvo a Paula. Los cortes acomodan a muchos cuerpos diferentes, y nunca se desgastan. Un verdadero clásico de Buenos Aires.


Mejores Carteras: Maria Mor
Soy una clienta leal de Maria Mor hace muchos años. La diseñadora Natalia siempre hace diseños aptos para la temporada y el momento, pero sin estar demasiado “a la moda.” No importa el color o el estilo, Maria Mor tiene algo nuevo para ofrecerte.


Mejores Accesorios: Cuatro Musas
Si te gusta el rock n 'roll, los accesorios cancheros pero sofisticados de Cuatromusas te robarán el corazón. Las pulseras de esta temporada son piezas únicas que te van a durar por muchos años, y ni hablar de los aros, que son fabulosos.


Mejor Boutique: Tony Soiree
Nuevo en el barrio de Palermo SoHo, Tony Soiree llegó con una explosión. En esta boutique se puede encontrar ropa casual de Chinita, zapatos de Di Mannuk, tejidos de Las Osas, y mi elegido, las camperas de cuero de Javier Ced. Tony Soiree tiene algo para todas nosotras, por eso la eligo mejor boutique del año.


Mejores Zapatos: Centrico
Sólo hacía falta un vistazo a la colección de botas de invierno y me re enganché con esta marca de zapatos. Además del estilo atemporal de Centrico, la calidad es impresionante.


Mejor Shopping: Paseo Alcorta
Aunque esta fue una decisión difícil, Paseo Alcorta es sin duda el mejor shopping de la ciudad. Lleno de las mejores marcas como Rapsodia y Jazmin Chebar, pero también de boutiques exclusivas como Huija y Lupe, Paseo Alcorta supera a la competencia en todas las categorías. 

Mejor Colaboración: Prune by Concepcion
Combiná la marca de carteras más famosa de la Argentina con la socialité más elegante, y tenes una combinación ganadora. Las colecciones de edición limitada de Concepción Cochrane Blaquier son imperdibles cada temporada, y sus carteras siempre están en mi lista de compras deseadas.

A mis BAShopGals, gracias por apoyar el blog este año! Que el próximo año nos traiga más estilo, más alegría, y más para comprar.
Por un fabuloso 2013!

Xoxo
Tu BAShopGirl

Photos: Ayres, Cuatro Musas, Maria Mor, Paula Cahen D'Anvers

The Best of BA Bags

Photo: Anne Bonny Facebook

Sometimes it seems as though there are an unlimited amount of stylish items for sale in Buenos Aires. Strappy sandals, shiny rings, leather jackets, and elegant dresses are just a few of my favorites. However, there is one accessory that inspires my inner fashion diva, one that I simply cannot live without. A classic purse. Luckily, BA is one of the best cities in the world for bag shopping. The combination of rich Argentine leather and creative design makes this city the capital of the handbag.

Although it’s almost impossible to choose amongst the array of fabulous designers, when it comes to a bag that’s trendy but durable, I adore Anne Bonny. Imagine accessories like goat hair, tassels, ropes, and quilted leather, available in a variety of colors including red and blue. Anne Bonny is the ultimate in high fashion and impeccable quality. The new spring/summer collection is particularly eye-catching, with designs inspired by the movies of illustrious Spanish film director Pedro Almodóvar. Look for touches of tiger print in these limited edition purses, and get there fast if you’re lusting for a bag. There are only ten available of each piece in the new collection.

Just a quick walk up Malabia from Anne Bonny and you can find the showroom of Maria Mor. I fell in love with this line when I first laid eyes on a smooth brown leather tote. Needless to say, I was hooked. However, it’s not just her tote that is unforgettable. Designer Natalia has created a diverse collection of colorful bags in all sizes and finishes. In her showroom, you’ll see traditionally shiny leather, as well as a delicate matte that’s a perfect match for jeans and a tee. Furthermore, her line certainly does not lack color.  One of her standouts is a hot pink petite bag with a chain strap a la Chanel. Love at first sight.

If you like color as much as I do, head to the Belgrano showroom of designer Maria Caldas. Each bag is lined on the inside with a variety of prints, from floral to tiger. Thus, even if you’re sporting a traditional black bag, it unzips to reveal a bright interior. The hallmark of Maria’s line is her young, hip design aesthetic, evidenced by her extensive use of tassels, zippers, bows, and buckles. Additionally, expect to find bags in every color from yellow to bright red. The service at Maria Caldas is also impeccable, and I couldn’t resist the charm of her heart shaped coin purse as a free gift with your new purchase. With her fun and versatile style, it’s hard to leave Maria Caldas empty handed.

New on the fashion scene, yet already incredibly successful, the designers behind Faustina bags and more have brought their New York style sense to Buenos Aires. The details at Faustina include gold studs and clutches featuring ruffled leather accents in colors like light pink and whimsical green. According to the two designers behind this line, their purses are directed towards the modern woman, who is independent, elegant, spontaneous, creative, and above all, chic. If this sounds like you, stop by their Recoleta showroom and find the perfect purse for your adventurous lifestyle.
The availability of beautiful bags in Buenos Aires is almost overwhelming, and it’s nearly impossible to choose just one. Nevertheless, you’re guaranteed to find exactly what you want at any of these amazing showrooms. Next time you walk out the door to take on your busy day, don’t leave home without a classic BA bag.

Xoxo
Your BAShopGirl

Anne Bonny: El Salvador 4719
info@annebonny.com.ar
Maria Mor: Malabia 587 6F
info@maria-mor.com
Maria Caldas: info@mariacaldas.com.ar
Faustina bags and more: www.faustinabags.com.ar