REC.01: 3 day outlet sale in Igualada

Igualada is one of the industrial cities situated in the proximity of Barcelona. In the XIXth century it was one of the main textile producing centers and some well known fashion brands have their headquarters there. For three days -3, 4 and 5th of June- a special sale of factory outlets will take place. Well known brands will sell their designs of the past season, as well as catwalk models at discounted prices in temporary shops located in old industrial buildings in the Rec neigbourhood.

http://www.recstores.com
Get there with the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat a sort of light train with stop in Plaça Catalunya. Find out at the website.

Funky fans for summertime by Kukuxumusu

Although fans are rather associated with Southern Spain, they used to be very popular all over Spain for many years until the advent of the air-conditioning. In the summertime, our grandmothers used to carry them in their bags and those fans were decorated with handpainted flowers and designs.

Fans are a great way to get some fresh air in the hotest months while we sip a drink sitting in a terrace. That is why many of us still use them, although we look for more contemporary designs. The basque firm Kukuxumusu produces fans which are fun, very casual and not expensive.  

C/Argenteria 69 by Santa Maria del Mar (El Born)
Metro Jaume I (Yellow line)

La Galeria de Santa Maria Novella: skin care products from one of the world´s oldest pharmacies

Dominican monks began concocting herbal remedies in Santa Maria Novella (Florence) in the 13th century, in the time of Giotto and Dante. Later they prepared formulas for Catalina de Medici and it appears that the Eau de Cologne originated there, before it was made famous in Germany.

Being one of the world's oldest pharmacies, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella still sells traditional elixirs, along with more contemporary skin-care products, oils and perfumes. In Barcelona you can buy them in the charming concession shop located in the old town.  

Find out more at http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/heaven-scent.html

C/ Espaseria, 4-8, El Born neighbourhood, not far from the church Santa Maria del Mar

Metro: Jaume I (yellow line)

http://www.lagaleriadesantamarianovella.com

La Roca Village: outlet shopping

An open air shopping center with 100 outlet boutiques of well known brands in a pleasant village setting, looking like a typical main street of the villages in the area. Better than shopping centers under a roof. Check available brands at their website: Lotusse, Piquadro, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Desigual, Custo, Boss, La Perla, Pepe Jeans and many more.

La Roca Village is a short 30-40 minute drive from Barcelona. Exit the autopista AP7 (A7) at junction 12, signposted "Cardedeu". Then follow signs for the "centre comercial".

For your GPS:
Latitud 41.60933
Longitud 2.34331

Direct Bus service: La  Roca Village Shopping Express
From Barcelona:
Plaça Catalunya, 10 (in front of Banco Español de Crédito) -10:00h, 16:00h and 18:00h

From La Roca Village:
Reception - Tourism Office - 15:00h, 17:00h and 21:00h***
**Except 24 JUNE & 11 September.
***FROM MONDAY TO THURSDAY WIL BE AT 20:30H (UNTIL 23 june). TIMETABLE SUBJECT TO CHANGES.

Tickets sold on board and on-line at:
https://www.larocavillage.com/en_GB/plan-your-visit/getting-here/shopping-express

Watchcelona: watches made in Barcelona

Founded in 1991, Watchcelona produces a variety of well designed watches.Some are inspired in classical models, with big numbers and leather straps, rather minimalist. There is also a line of digital watches quite original and models decorated with works by artists such as Joan Miró and Chillida. Well known designers have collaborated with Watchcelona (Miquel Milà, Quim Larrea, Mariscal, América Sánchez...) which has also produced watches for Spanish fashion designers (Amaya Arzuaga, Roberto Verino, Lydia Delgado...).
They are working on a new website but the catalog displaying all models is available online. 

http://www.watchcelona.com/

On sale at Items d´Ho at the Diagonal, by one of the entrances to the shopping center L´Illa. Metro Maria Cristina (Green Line)
La Capel, the shop of the cooperative of the Association of Architects of Catalonia at the C/ Capellans, by the Cathedral. Metro Jaume I, Yellow Line or Liceu, Green Line.   

Antiques shops along Carrer de la Palla and Banys Nous

In the old town, along the streets Palla and Banys Nous, not far from the cathedral, there are several antiques shops selling decorative objects, paintings, ceramics and furniture. There is also a bookshop selling old books and engravings.

Nearest metro: Jaume I (Yellow line) or Liceu (Green Line)

Now there is a Havaianas Store in Barcelona: let´s flip flop...

A few years ago I used to travel to Brazil for work and I discovered Havaianas, a leading brand in rubber flip flops made in Brazil known for their quality and colorful designs. In 2008 they landed in Europe and after being sold in multibrand stores, the first European Havaianas Store opened in Barcelona in March.

Centro Comecial Triangle at the Plaza Catalunya
Entrace Calle Pelayo
Metro Catalunya (Green Line)