Well, I'm off to start interviewing in the one decent outfit I have. I went shopping today in central Madrid and was shocked by the prices and the rather unattractive options for shoes here.
I know I can't change a country's fashion taste (cuz if I could I'd advise them on the whole mullet look the ladies are sporting - eek) but I am hoping to at least get some advice on stocking my closet.
I am looking for both business casual and more formal business suits for women. I hear there is some giant store west of Madrid that is similar to Target, Wal-mart, etc. but don't know where or even what it is called.
Any advice will be appreciated as I will probably start my first classes this Monday or Tuesday.
Thanks, Jarbacky
Posts: 75 | Location: Madrid | Registered: 28 August 2005
It does depend upon your personal style, etc., but two suggestions:
Zara: they are everywhere (try Calle Orense for example); they have more fashion forward stuff, but also some suits. Quality is not excellent, but reasonable.
Cortefiel Women: more business stuff, a little more expensive.
H&M: very, very cheap. They are also on Orense. Carry also more so-called fashion, but also some classic stuff. I find, however, that not good for small adults. The sizes are "cut for swedes and germans", its a Swedish company, but is number one retailer in Germany. Thus, great if you are tall and/or a larger size.
My favourite was M&S, but closed down in Spain.
Corté Ingles has lots and lots of decent suits, but only possible to get bargains during sales, which just ended at end of August. Sometimes, they have decent special offers during non-sales periods.
There's a used clothing store on Calle Rios Rosas. I only went in once, but might be worth a try. Its near the metro stop, sorry can't remember the name.
Good luck,
Val
Posts: 144 | Location: Chicago, USA (living in Madrid, yeah!) | Registered: 05 September 2002
FYI - directions to Xanadu which I hope to check out Sunday - if they're open THANKS FOR ALL THE USEFUL ADVICE!!
Madrid Xanadú está situado en Arroyomolinos, a 23km del centro de Madrid y tiene fácil acceso desde cualquier punto de la Comunidad de Madrid.
Madrid Xanadú Autovía A-5, Km 23.5, Margen Izquierdo, Arroyomolinos, 28939 Madrid
Tel: +34 902 26 30 26 Fax: +34 91 103 60 30
DESDE EL CENTRO DE MADRID Por A-5: Autovía A-5 dirección Extremadura, salidas 22 y 25, Parque de Nieve/Centro Comercial.
Por R-5: tomar la R-5 en sentido Badajoz, salida 20 (Moraleja de Enmedio y Arroyomolinos), continuar por la M-413 hasta Madrid Xanadú.
DESDE ZONA NORTE DE MADRID Por M-40: tomar M-40 sentido Badajoz, salida 32, continuar por la A-5 sentido Badajoz hasta salidas 22 y 25, Parque de Nieve/Centro Comercial.
Por M-50: tomar M-50 sentido Burgos, salida 65, continuar por la A-5 sentido Badajoz hasta salidas 22 y 25, Parque de Nieve/Centro Comercial.
Por R-5: tomar la R-5 en sentido Badajoz, salida 20 (Moraleja de Enmedio y Arroyomolinos), continuar por la M-413 hasta Madrid Xanadú.
DESDE ZONA SUR DE MADRID Por M-40: tomar sentido Burgos, salida 31, continuar por la A-5 sentido Badajoz hasta las salidas 22 y 25, Parque de Nieve/Centro Comercial.
Por M-50: tomar M-50 sentido Burgos, salida 62, continuar por la A-5 sentido Badajoz hasta las salidas 22 y 25, Parque de Nieve/Centro Comercial.
Por R-5: tomar la R-5 en sentido Badajoz, salida 20 (Moraleja de Enmedio y Arroyomolinos), continuar por la M-413 hasta Madrid Xanadú.
DESDE EXTREMADURA Por A-5: Autovía A-5 sentido Madrid salida 25, Parque de Nieve/Centro Comercial.
DESDE EL AEROPUERTO Por M-40: Tomar la M-40 dirección Zaragoza aproximadamente 30 kilometros hasta la salida a la A-5. Continuar hasta las salidas 22 y 25, Parque de Nieve/Centro Comercial.
If you are looking for a shopping center, I'd also recommend checking out La Vaguada which is located in Madrid city...Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 36 (metro Barrio del Pilar / bus 49, among others.). It is the largest shopping mall inside the city limits. There you will find H&M, Zara, Pull & Bear, Cortefiel among many other stores.
