The Insider's Guide to Shopping in Palermo

It's hard to walk down one of Buenos Aires' bustling streets without being lured by eye-catching window displays showcasing bright clothing, unusual accessories, high-quality leather shoes and purses, sexy lingerie, and a myriad of home decorating products. For shopaholics, the window displays are like consumer porn. It's hard to resist the favorable exchange rate and far too easy to indiscriminately throw money away at the stores lining the touristy Florida Street. But if you restrict your shopping to the well-known areas, you'll miss out on bargains, handmade clothing, shoes, and accessories, and the experience of shopping like a true porteño (Buenos Aires native).

Some of the city's prime shopping can be found in the neighborhood (barrio) of Palermo. Previously home to the red light district, Palermo-which includes Palermo Viejo, Palermo Hollywood, Palermo Chico, and Palermo Hollywood-is now one of the trendiest locations to live, dine, and, of course, shop. New high-rise condominium complexes for the young, wealthy, and beautiful are springing up everywhere, and restaurants are packed every night of the week.
Since moving to Buenos Aires in October 2006, I have made Palermo Hollywood my home. In the process of exploring and getting lost in my new barrio, I have discovered some of the best shopping in Buenos Aires.