by Isaure Cointreau

It’s getting hot in here and laziness is part of the daily routine as the siesta becomes a must. After a light lunch, eyes come closing as the hot air of the southern weather imposes its heavy weight on our energy. After the necessary nap, the afternoon stands open armed to fulfill one’s urge to move from the living-room sofa.

Next step would be showering and changing into something lighter than jeans and shirt. However when the closet imposes itself with jumpers and winter clothing what can one do? Summer is here for sure but for those who are still not armed to face the heat, where clothing would be ideally an accessory; a dresser’s reorganization is unavoidable.

Luckily sales are on Spain-wide in little over a week. However if the idea of fighting over a shirt in a crowded shop where people don’t mind stepping on your foot to get what they want, you might want to rethink that. So what’s next? What is the other option that would include cool stuff for an attractive price? If you have heard about vintage shopping then you know what I mean as Madrid is full of these second hand shops.

Heading towards Malasana, a few euros in the pocket, the lookout for new-old stuff is on the go. Down the Corredera Alta de San Pablo, Retro City appears as a cave of wonders. Of course one should be prepared to get their hands dirty as the amount of boots, vests, dresses and various accessories are outnumbered. Expect to spend at least a half hour to find something, but to be sure, you’ll leave the shop with Doc Martins and an exotic jump-suit or a leopard printed scarf, jean shorts and an Austrian mountain hat. Prices are deliciously reasonable and therefore style is not much of a luxury. Although accessorizing can make anything look like a million dollars, one still has to count on their basic tees, though that’ll be the job of any Gap or H&M.

A little further down El Barco, the Corachan y Delgado shop offers a wide range of 20’s to 80’s clothing. Walking in the shop feels a little like entering an exhibit on XIXth Century trends. However, though it’s not on the cheap side, “haute couture” stands before your eyes and in good condition, so have a look around to see if you can find something that’ll suit your taste. The owners on the other hand will gladly help you as they have the eye to understand what could appeal to you.

However for those who prefer something a little more retro-like, linked to a very cool and soothing ambiance, C/Velarde’s Magpie-Vintage might suit them best. In a charming little shop with very little furniture, shoes, hats and bags from all age and condition are at hand. Although most of the clothes exposed are way too much of a high maintenance look, you could be surprised by a few finds. However don’t forget to check out the 5 to 10 Euro basket as vests and amusing t-shirts may be just waiting for you.

To continue on the vintage stroll, C/Pez is a keeper. Holala opens its doors to all eccentric style lovers. Although some dresses seem to have been designed for an Almodovar movie, some jewelry, shoes and sun-glasses can be a catch. Though pricy for the most part, such as the bags and costumes, it is always great fun to have a look around. But who knows what can come of it? Maybe it is just what you have been looking for.

Therefore on a hot afternoon when shopping is an option to avoid the crowd of the busy center and eventually replenish your wardrobe of nice summery kinky stuff, Malasana is the place to go.