4 Affordable Spanish Brands I'm Unapologetically Obsessed With
- Maria DiCicco
- 3 hours ago
- 6 min read
As an American living part-time in Zaragoza, Spain, I've got to admit something - I'm a different person in Spain. I dress like I'm going to a big event every time I leave the house. I care about what I look like.
Unlike in America, I barely make it to my kid's school drop off looking like I've been awake for more than 25 minutes. I'm talking the typical lazy t-shirt and some flip flops kind of look. I live in Florida, and it's casual all day every day around here, but in Spain - this is when I get to STEP IT UP.
From Spanish clothing brands to fashion accessories, I've gathered up some of my favorite stores to shop in - the ones that you might literally catch me running to when I spot them. I want everything in these stores. EVERYTHING. I am unabashedly obsessed.
Below, learn the brands I'm obsessed with in Spain, and why I never leave these stores empty handed.
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Cool Girl Spanish Brands
Maybe you are an ex-pat just moving to Spain and want to know where to shop to look like a local. Or perhaps you just really are into shopping and want to take home some uniquely Spanish souvenirs that aren't toros and polka dots.
Below, I help readers know where to shop in Spain that are both approachable and affordable. Shopping in Spain ranges from tacky souvenirs to luxury Spanish brands, and it's hard to cut through the noise if you don't know what you are looking for.
Let's get down to it - these four Spanish brands are the ticket to class, style and affordablility when shopping in Spain.
Bimba y Lola
Known For: Clothing, Footwear, Handbags, Jewelry and Fashion Accessories
What is the Bimba y Lola Story?
Bimba y Lola and Desigual (below) both fall into this category of "accessible luxury", in other words, just skimming the line of affordable and 'maybe I should wait for a sale'. It's the type of fight or flight response I generally make as I browse their shelves, ooh and aah, and look at price tags.
Why I'm Obsessed
This store is the type of store that has me texting my family and friends, taking selfies with my purchases immediately after leaving the store. I'm so excited when I step out of there with a new bag of joy.
What to Look For
Everything is amazing, but the winner, I think, is the jewelry. Understated and often colorful, they create fun looks that can be purchased as sets or individually (earrings, necklace, bracelet) for as little as about $35 USD.
I am particular to picking up a pair or two every time I stop in, reserving them for later gifting (I tell my husband to put one away for Mother's day and the other I get now!).
Their packaging is so well done, it's a gift to myself even when I'm not waiting for an occasion.
Desigual
Known For: Clothing, Handbags, Fashion Accessories
What is the Desigual Story?
Desigual is one of the most iconic Spanish clothing brands.
Their reach Spanish the globe, especially here in Florida and in parts of the Latin world due to its infamy in Spain. They even have a store on Amazon. They've officially "made it".
Why I'm Obsessed
Desigual is the epitome of cool to me, with fashion-forward yet still approachable designs. I got my first Desigual item in South America about 12 years ago - it was a dark brown leather jacket with some tribal patterns on it. The stiching and embroidery were second-to-none and I spent at least a cool sixty dollars on it, on sale, no doubt.
That jacket, the brand on my back, was one of the coolest, most unique things I owned. I wore it like a badge of badassery, and I felt amazing in it.
THAT is what a good brand should feel like in your possession. Not just another jacket, another bag. It's almost like a lifestyle shift. A confidence boost.
After that, Desigual was on my radar and I became obsessed.
What to Look For
Their signature swirly patterns are an obvious spot at local markets, when I'm trying to snag hand-me-downs at the Rastro for a buck or two. What a steal.
But really, the store is reserved for the best and newest products. I like to pop into the Desigual outlet at La Torre in Zaragoza to see the downright inexpensive discounts on bags - down to $30 in many cases. So affordable!
They even make clothing for children, which is unbeatably cute.
Soruka
Known for: Handbags, Wallets, Backpacks and Shoes
What is the Soruka Story?
Unique to you, every bag is different. Not like Zara or Mango, which are also Spanish clothing brands that should be on this list, but they never attracted me to enter their store. Zara and Mango may be Spanish, but there's no exclusivity in their designs. Everyone could have the same outfit as me, and I'd no longer stand out from the noise.
Soruka is different. Handmade by women in India, the leather is upcycled, eco-friendly, and the purchases are even given with creatively upcycled Sari's from the Indian women. Mine even smelled like smoke and insense, like it had just come from India. Sensational.
Why I'm Obsessed
I first spotted Soruka in my home base of Florida, then again on a trip to Santillana del Mar, in Northern Spain. The uniquely made bags had me really itching to get one, but I couldn't make up my mind which bag was going to be 'the one'.
It wasn't until I saw a whole standalone store in Tossa de Mar, that I got to celebrate a new purchase. There are only half a dozen stores in all of Spain, namely in Barcelona and the one in Tossa de Mar, so this was a rare find. What luck!
I ran in, shielding myself from the random rain shower that had just started, the purses dazzling on shelves all around me. Then, like Indiana Jones pulling that one iconic holy grail from the plethora of cups (or bags, in this case), one of the bags sang her siren song to me.
The rest, is history, and I got my first Soruka bag that day.
All this to say, I'm such a fan girl.
What to Look For
My Soruka bag is not only stylish, but it's innovatively creative. I want everything they sell! If ever there were a Spanish brands to seek out in Spain, it has to be Soruka. It's kind of like a hidden gem among Spanish brands - you never know where you might spot one in the wild, and if you do - snag it up!
Or, shop on Soruka's website and get inspired!
Exclusively in Barcelona and Tossa de Mar, find them at small town retailers across Spain (if you are lucky!).
Sfera
Known For: Clothing and Accessories
What is the Sfera Story?
This Spanish Clothing Brand is owned by El Corte Ingles, the massive department store you'll find at just about every good centro commercial (shopping mall) in Spain. Pop into an El Corte Ingles, and you'll find the layout a bit perplexing. Each floor as a subculture - shoes, electronics, fashion brands...and you often have to ask or go seek out the Sfera, if it's not a standalone in the mall adjacent to the megastore.
Why I'm Obsessed
Inside, find budget basics and fashionable finds for the seasons. It's truly rare for me to leave empty-handed in Sfera. Everything is so cute, fits well, and the fabrics are not fussy. The best part for me, obviously, is the price.
What to Look For
Find adorable standards from tees to tanks for $8-10, and be sure to get the occasional floor length dress from them - I have several!
Takeaways
These Spanish brands are the approachable answer to fashion luxury in Spain. Seek out these stores for unique souvenirs from Spain!
