District Design - Barcelona & Madrid

New York, LA, Paris – Sure, everyone knows these cities are the “it” destinations for design and fashion. But there are fabulous finds in any city if you’re a chic and savvy girl (or guy) who knows how and where to look. “DISTRICT DESIGN” is a recurring feature from Luxe & Lucid that highlights great shopping in the US and beyond sourced by my most stylish friends and colleagues in-the-know.

District Design vol. 2

BARCELONA & MADRID

On the heels of its World Cup win over The Netherlands this past weekend, who better to feature in District Design than Spain? You couldn't help falling in love with this country upon viewing the spirit and excitement of its players and fans throughout the finals. Sarah, my oldest friend from childhood - we started our education together in preschool - has had a lifelong love affair with Europa Latina. She has lived there since college and married a Spaniard. She is probably more Spanish than American at this point, but as someone who was raised in the U.S., she never loses her enthusiasm for her adopted home. In Luxe & Lucid's second installment of District Design, Sarah will share her favorite sources for fashion and home as a stylish ex-pat in the know. Viva España!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FURNISHINGS RESOURCE?

Two great, high-end resources for the home are ArteEspaña and Becara. Both have retail locations in Madrid and Barcelona.

Table from ArteEspana and accessories from Becara.

WHAT WAS YOUR LAST STELLAR FIND?

Gold leaf mirrors for our dining room and a gold-flecked frame that instantly jazzed up a lackluster print.

Artwork at Hotel Pulitzer in Barcelona c/o La Dolce Vita.

IS THERE A PREFERRED LINEN SHOP IN MADRID?

Yes! The best buy for your money is at Sandra Marquez. It’s a Portuguese chain and Portuguese textiles are lovely. You can find quality linens – for bath, bed, tabletop – at great prices. Her sheets have lovely detailing like scalloped edges and hand-embroidery. They’re soft, don’t need much ironing and last. What more can you ask for?!

HOW DO YOU WORK YOUR FASHION LOOK INTO YOUR HOME?

I like gold accessories and my living room has quite a few little gold accents.

Interior byEstefanía Carrero featured in Spanish AD Nov ’09.Check out this mag. Every issue blows my mind!

WHAT FASHION DESTINATION CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?

That would have to be Zara. They are completely in touch with the pulse of current fashion and churn out new looks every two weeks, so their store is new every time you walk in. Zara is known for taking hot looks off the street/runway and getting them into stores in record time. They mix up their styles and feature limited edition dresses and outfits that are really gorgeous. You can find your standard work uniform or weekend outfits in a snap. Everything is well-priced, and while it’s only good for a season or two, it’s great to get up-to-date pieces without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s one-stop shopping for women (including shoes), men and kids. A great resource for moms on-the-go.

Styles from the Zara Lookbook.

WHAT’S THE BEST KEPT SHOPPING SECRET IN SPAIN?

Boutiques like Hazel for shoes and Bimba & Lola for ready-to-wear clothes and accessories. Perhaps best of all? Zara’s new upscale shop called Uterque. Check it out - it’s gorgeous!

Shoes from Hazel.

Spirited and coloful clothes and accessories from Bimba & Lola.

Handbags from Uterqüe.

* LUXE & LUCID PICKS FOR BARCELONA & MADRID *

Sarah and I are part of a group of longtime girlfriends in Minnesota known as “the nine”. Our friendships span 30+ years and we get together annually so that we stay on top of the many changes we all go through and to keep our relationships au courant. We pick a new spot each year, and with our fortieth birthdays looming on the horizon (yikes!), we’ve decided to do it up with a trip to Spain. Sarah will, of course, provide us with many to-do’s and must-sees for our little adventure. But in true Tricia-style, I’ve started compiling alist of Luxe & Lucid worthy pit-stops. See some of my recent finds below. And feel free to send me your own recommendations. I would love to hear from you!

HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

- The Hotel Pulitzer in Barcelona -

- La Balsa Restaurante -

Patrons have included Joan Miró, Salman Rushdie and François Mitterand … must be good!

- Bar Marsella -

Some of my artistic heroes – Dalí, Hemingway, Gaudí and Picasso – used to frequent this Barcelona bar. And they serve absinthe. A sexy, mysterious spirit I’ve been enjoying lately.