I found them. I know where the fashionistas are hiding.

Actually it's more like, I now know where they shop. Argentinian women, I'm learning, aren't big on flaunting their wardrobes. Unlike our culture which is a fashion show/competition every day, Argentinians have more than their fair share of shops, but they don't seem motivated to show it off. Most opt for casual, comfortable clothing. This is likely due to the fact that it isn't safe to be flashy here. Smaller stores are locked all day and you have to be buzzed in by the store clerks. Cab drivers share horror stories of being mugged at gun point for the day's cab fares. It doesn't feel unsafe, but enough has happened that people have learned to exercise additional caution.

Today we spent the entire day exploring Palermo Soho, which is not unlike Soho in New York City. It's where the cool kids hang out to shop, dine enjoy weekend drinks on the patio with friends. It's a large neighborhood with endless rows of shops and cafes, which means it is now my new favourite part of Buenos Aires.

I did my part to support the local economy by ensuring we visited each and every store... I wouldn't want to let you down.

I started with these earrings from Sanskirt (about $8 CAD), which are kind of 80s fabulous, don't you agree?
At the same store I bought this cuff bracelet ($15ish CAD). Prices are really reasonable here and they include taxes. At first you may be alarmed because all prices are in pesos with the $ in front of it, so you may think that is the price in American dollars. Take a deep breath when you see that the shoes you want the most are priced at $600 because that's pesos and once you divide that by 3 (approximate current exchange for Canadian dollars) you are looking at roughly $200 CAD.

Some stores participate in a tax free program where you can get a refund of the taxes paid at the airport on your way out. At 16%, it's worth the hassle. You have to look for the signs on the door to see if they participate because not all of them do.

Speaking of shoes, I found myself a pair from Peplos that are comfortable enough to walk a good chunk pain free, with a soft buttery leather. They were about $60 CAD.

But the shoes I wanted the most were the ones that got away. The hand made, high quality one of a kind designs from Divia. The ones I'm still thinking about - and seriously considering paying a hefty shipping price tag to ship across the world.

I happened into the bubblegum pink shop with chandelier, candy coloured window display and a small collection of original and highly covetable shoes.

All shoes are extremely limited (only a few available per size) and made by hand by designer Virginia Spagnuolo with top quality leather, careful stitching and stunning design. Before I show you my shoes, here is the lovely and charming Virginia herself!

And here are the shoes I want.

You have to see them on. They are comfortable, original and conversation pieces. What more could you want from a pair of shoes? Though they didn't have my size, Virginia offered to make me a new pair and ship them to me in Canada in a month or two. These puppies are $540 pesos, which is roughly $180 CAD. Like them? See more of her shoes here.

I um, also bought a hat.

What's really fun about the stores in this neighborhood is the design and the scent. Every store smells wonderful from incense or perfume and pain staking care has been taken with the design. It's nice walking into a store and getting the essence of it from the first whiff. Key Biscayne is a really nice menswear shop where we almost bought a jacket for Alex, but they didn't have quite his size.

A break from shopping included a Cappuccino Freddo from Freddo.

I'm sure this was at least a 1000 calorie drink since it included blended ice cream, espresso, chocolate syrup, whipping cream and who knows what else but it was pure heaven in a cup.

Calma Chicha is where you want to go for all things made of cow... and other four legged animals. Want a bag made of pony hair, a cow hide area rug or a chair that used to moo? This is a must visit stop. There are lots of great gift ideas here even if you aren't a fan of animal skins.

Lunch was at Mama Racha on the lower patio. It was the highlight of my day sitting in the sun, eating way too much food.

I ventured to try the espresso. It was pretty good. But still... I think I've officially given up on the coffee thing here. The food has been superb so far though and that has been enough to make up for it.

One thing you see a lot here is a sign that says "solo effectivo", which means 'cash only'. You'd be wise to always carry a small stash of pesos with you.

Tomorrow we visit famous Recoleta with a huge graveyard that everyone raves about. I'm hoping there is more there than that.