Madrid, Revisited.

We started off our day bright and early to make our trek to Madrid. Our bus left the station at 8am and we were safely on it. The almost 3 hour ride was perfect for some quick napping in preparation for the day ahead of us. First stop? The infamous Rastro Flea Market of Madrid.

It was packed! However, we did not let that faze us. We marched on, set on reaching the streets where we might find some vintage, some knickknacks, some treasure!

It would've been too easy to find a vendor that dealt with strictly vintage. We had to dig! There were several booths like the one above, with vendors yelling out "Prendas, un Euro!" I didn't mind the dig. I enjoy the dig. I encountered one catty girl, she looked to be on the same hunt for vintage. Whatever, I was there to have a good time! (Besides, I need to figure out my luggage situation before I even consider buying anymore stuff!)

This vendor had knick-knacks galore! I bought a couple for myself, in hopes of refashioning them into jewelry or hairpieces! My actual spoils from El Rastro will be featured in a separate post, so keep your eyes peeled for that! (It's nothing too amazing, but fun nonetheless).

All in all, I'm satisfied now that I've had a thrifting fix.

Whilst rummaging through the hordes of clothes, a lady with a camera approached us. She asked if she could take our picture. I immediately knew where this was headed. I agreed without a second to spare, Venetia didn't even get enough time to figure out what the lady said! We posed and she snapped outfit photos. She then proceeded to hand us her card - welikeyourstyle.net My wildest dreams hath come true! I mean, it's no facehunter or satorialist, but hey...it's actually legit! A legit Spanish Street-Style site! 

So what's all the hype about? Let's see!

For Your Viewing Pleasure: What We Wore-Madrid, Revisited

My partner in crime, Venetia Digby! We took a quick break for lunch in a park near El Prado (our next destination) and decided it was the perfect place for outfit photos! I remember casually asking if she'd be interested and Venetia just lit up. It's fun to take outfit photos with a friend that cares! Despite the onlookers, we had a blast...there's so much to photograph. This picture's kind of a fail; you can see the granite shelf!

I took this one of Venetia on the Metro, which, I am quite proud to say, we managed to navigate without any difficulties. I felt like such a pro!

I love Venetia for her quirky, slightly kitschy jewelry. You couldn't imagine all the people that gawked and stared. So fun! (Huevos fritos? Siiiii!) 

I'm pretty sure this decrepit looking building is a toilet; at least it made for a nice backdrop.

Haha, I look a little dumb. Oh well!

->Cotton Floral Grunge Dress, Thrifted

->Children's Denim Jacket, Thrifted

->Black Gladiators, TJ Maxx

->Leopard Scarf worn as Headwrap, Thrifted

->New Artisan Leather Backpack, El Rastro

I'm riding a dinosaur! This one's probably my favorite.

We couldn't resist attempting a picture together on the swingset! Too bad the bench nearby was too stinkin' far away. Eh, you get the point.

Okay, I lied. This one's my favorite. Backpack, backpack! ♥

After outfit-phototaking-shenanigans, we finally made our way to El Prado. She wanted to see Goya's Saturn Devouring His Son and I was intent on seeing Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights that I had foolishly missed during my last visit. We managed to see those and a whole lot more, several that I didn't get to see on the previous trip. After so much walking, we were spent. We made it back to the bus station via metro without any difficulties (!!!). Too kill time, I bought a Spanish fashion magazine. 

I had a solid 2.5 hours to reflect on what a fan-f**cking-tastic day it was. Thrifting in Spain, check. Approached by Spanish streetstyle persona, check. Outfit photos with the awesome Venetia Digby, check. The Garden of Earthly Delights, check. Not getting confused by the metro and finding our destinations without difficulties, check!(Getting homework done (BUZZKILL) and updating my blog about my incredibly amazing day, check!) Ah, incredible. What an excellent way to spend my last Sunday in Spain!

Until next time. ♥.

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Madrid Street Style: Musings and Observations

Nothing spectacular is going on today, so I decided to finally put up my creeper-esque Madrid street style pictures. The majority of these were taken when my professor was away from us asking for directions. I had a very limited amount of time because he really kept us on our toes, without much time to sit back and take it all in. Now, I came across plenty of people with impeccable taste but you must remember that Madrid is a major city, so you will run across an assortment of Europeans aside from just the Spaniards. 

It seems like these people ooze with style, even with the heatwave that is currently transforming Spain into an unbearable oven. 

Haha, you would think she was posing for me, but no...it comes naturally. A skirt plus tank and accesories equal an ensemble suitable for this heat, without having to resort to Soffee shorts and t-shirts.

Same combination, with different pieces...still amount to the same practical outfit of choice.

Now, before leaving for Spain, I did a bit of research into Spanish street style. I read somewhere that Harem pants were really big (literally and figuratively) but I must admit...I was skeptical. I was under the impression that Harem pants were no longer "in Vogue." I was proven so wrong. I see them EVERYWHERE in all kinds of prints, colors, fabrics, etc. This picture shows the harem pants nicely, but I don't like how they've been executed in this particular outfit. I'm just not a fan of the flip-flop. 

Also, I want a pair of my own. 

This guy is cute and I like his outfit. I'd try the same with my chambray button up and black skinnies. I just wouldn't bother with that now, just because it is really too stinking' hot outside. Heatstroke is definitely not on my list of things to get while I'm in Spain. 

Sensible. I'm such a sucker for stripes. But once again, just not feeling the flip-flops.

Many of the guys here dress very nicely, even on their bikes. I can appreciate it. They look spiffy and environmentally-conscious on their bikes. This guy though, he's lookin' good and playing on his PSP.

Something about this makes me want to purchase a white dress, but the fact that I am not as tan tells me otherwise. It just looks so crisp! Dresses are the way to go here in Spain.

So, this is a street performer, but the costume's great. Besides this was taken out in the plaza, and, I mean, outfits are a bit like daily costumes, no? Well, I'm going to ponder that as I try to take a quick siesta. 

Stay tuned!

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Entrance Exams and Earrings of the Sitting Variety

Sitting in the park nearby my house during siesta time.

I took my entrance exam today. I must admit, as I was walking towards the room, I was sweating bullets like no other. My host-mother had assured me that it was nothing to worry about, but I was skeptical. Turns out, it was actually extremely easy. It was freaking multiple choice! Then, the oral component was supposed to take 2-3 minutes, but she concluded our mini-conversacion around the 30 second mark. I wouldn't get the resultados until they were posted at 7pm. All I will say is, I'm proud of myself. Good thing I didn't go out the night before; I definitely spotted a few kids donning sunglasses in hopes of hiding their hangovers. Not that I would do that, you know, get wasted and stuff.

Back to the siesta aspect of the day. I can get used to it. It's nice. I like naps. Everything basically shuts down for 2-3 hours and I spent two of those sleeping. 

For Your Viewing Pleasure: What One Might Wear to an Exam/It's Hot & I'm Lazy

UALR, represent!

I promise I'm not a grouch, I took this early and too quickly. Time is of the essence!

->Heather-Gray Slouchy Tee, Mango

->High-Waisted Navy Shorts, Thrifted

-> Bandanna worn as Headscarf, Thrifted 

->Black Gladiators, TJ Maxx

->Toffee Messenger Bag, Thrifted

I've had the chance to scour and figure out the pricing on goods here. I know I will (or at least will want) to leave Spain with: a.)Toffee Leather Backpack b.) Boyfriend Shorts c.) Sunnies d.) Universidad de Salamanca Tee or Hoodie e.) Strappy Leather Sandals/Espadrille f.) Probably other stuff (artisan crafts, souvenirs, blah blah blah). I may have to check an extra luggage before I can return! BOO!!!

I'm hoping to hit up the Rastro Flea Market here on Sunday. 

The best part? I've found fellow lovers of craft & vintage! Life is goooood.

Introducing: Earrings of the Sitting Variety

I saw these pretties from afar whilst waiting for the results to be posted. I couldn't help but walk over for a chat and a quick snap from Cammy Jr. Hopefully I can work up more of this courage. There are plenty of students here with impeccable style, even during this heatwave! (Oh, and that reminds me...I still need to post my creeper shots from Madrid) 

(She's even cute to boot!)

Here is my new Canadian friend, Venetia, who also goes by Digby. She made these herself. Ever so simple to do, but it takes a certain personality to pull this babies off with ease and grace, for these are definitely statement earrings. For example, as we were talking, I spotted a couple of tourists/natives snapping their own photos. Note: I asked for mine fair and square.

She's inspired me. Let's hope thrifting together at the Rastro works out nicely! I would like to knock off a couple of things on my wishlist, without breaking the bank. Stay tuned!

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First Day In Madrid Without A Wink Of Sleep

If you read my last post, you know that I went to sleep real late the night before my flight. Well, turns out I didn't sleep at all during the 8-hour flight from Atlanta to Madrid. Fortunately, the back of each seat came equipped with a touch-screen made of magical intrigue and wonder. It's an insomniac's dream come true...wait! that can't be. Anyways, I stayed wide-awake watching dubbed Spanish films and funny sitcoms, playing games, and listening to tons of good music (Broken Bells, She & Him, 

Vampire Weekend, etc). I had plenty to keep me occupied. 

The Culprit!

After seemingly time-traveling through a 7-hour time difference, we arrived. 

This is where I'll be sleeping while I'm in Madrid.

I freshened up, swapped into more appropriate clothes, and prepped to hit the town. However, I was not prepared for what all my professor had in mind. My legs are so sore. I'm also pretty sure that I have severe jet-lag. Oh well, I'm about to hit the sack here in a second, but first! More photos!!!

Advertisements for a photo exhibit that I saw frequently along my travels today.

 Makes me want to see it really stinkin' bad. The pictures are all pretty bad-ass.

The whole thing reads Mercado de la Reina or Market of the Queen. 

It's chopped off image makes for an interesting photo.

For Your Viewing Pleasure: What a Zombie Wears in Madrid

I was so dead, zombie-like. Here I am at the Plaza Mayor. I asked a friend to take the shot. I felt too embarrassed to ask for several so that I could choose a decent one...so here you go!

->Straw Fedora, Marshalls

->90s Cotton Floral Dress, Thrifted

->Tan Cardi, Charlotte Russe

->Black Gladiators, TJ Maxx

->Toffee Messenger Bag, Thrifted

I took several more photos today. 

Like, loads: stuff that inspires, stuff that repels, stuff that makes you think.

Like, sneaky creeper-esque streetstyle shots...architecture...legitimately creepy costumed street performers... the European store fronts that I've always dreamed about...public demonstrations...but! those will be saved for a later date because I have a feeling that each will require its own post 

and that related photos will be taken in the next couple of days.

Stay posted! With a teaser like that, who wouldn't?! 

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Less Than A Week To Go!

I have less than a week until departure to España! I packed last night, it wasn't nearly as difficult as I expected it to be. I doubt I've over packed, besides, I need room for all I the new goodies I know I'll be buying!

I'm not at all worried about what I'll wear. What with globalization, the internet, and street style sites, many around the world are looking similar with trends bleeding across global borders. I still remember how during orientation they told us not to look like "fashion-plates." Of course, I'm not going to be wearing typical t-shirts and ratty jeans, but I will be putting a bit of care into what I choose to wear. It's not complicated to throw on a dress and flats. So, I've got things narrowed down to the basics, with several pieces that can be mixed and matched to create whole new outfits. I'm so excited!

I've been watching these kinds of videos to listen to the street slang and of course, grab some inspiration. But really...they don't dress that much different from Americans, but I'm sure they put a bit more care into what they wear on a daily basis. I doubt I'll see many sneaker/sweat suit combinations. Thank goodness!

I'm also packing my iPod up with new tunes to keep me occupied. I need to create a playlist featuring all of the music I'll be seeing at Lolla! So much to do, I feel like my summer is just now beginning and! It's going to be AWESOME! 

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