The Marbella Club Restaurant Grill re-opened recently with a new Menu and a winter’s tale fashion parade by designer Patricia Namad. marbellas.com reports…

An absolute classic among the great and the good, the Marbella Club Grill has played host to countless dinners and celebrations over the years, and continues to be an integral part of the hotel’s fine gastronomic reputation, along with the sublime beach club buffet and the more recent success, of the trendy tastes on offer at the ultra urbane MC Café.

Around 200 people came out to enjoy the cocktail party which marked the news of the revamped Grill Restaurant.  The hotel’s celebrated “host with the most” Count Rudi Von Shönburg and Princess Marie Louise of Prussia were there to meet and greet, along with the hotel’s management and PR team.

Along with  a selection of canapés and drinks, the guests who included Jimmy and Vicki Rhodes, Bennon Nicholas and Mary Dunne, Alex Clover, Kristina Szekely and Andrew Forbes were treated to a fashion show of finest furs in the latest autumn winter collection of Marbella- based, Argentinian fashion queen, Patricia Nahmad.

In a matter of hours, the historic Casco Antiguo, or Old Town Marbella seduced America’s first lady, Michelle Obama, during her recent stay. Not surprising really, what’s not to love?, says marbellas.com…

Optimism is flowing through the veins of the business community in the Casco Antiguo, or Old Town, Marbella following the surprise visit to her quaint cobbled streets by none other than America’s First Lady, Michelle Obama last summer. Bringing back a touch of “chic” to polish up Marbella’s image, the Obama factor seems to have done the trick, and many Old Town empresarios reported that this was their best summer in years with visitors flooding in from all corners of the globe – including Americans, naturally.

It would be rare not to succumb to the Old Town’s charms. A heady blend of history, romantic meandering cobbled streets, churches, markets, an endless stream of irresistible shops, quirky bars and a vast choice of restaurants, along with the alluring scent of orange blossom… the Old Town is Marbella at its best, a picture postcard setting in which to experience a feast for the senses. (How Marbella Seduced Mrs. Obama).  And far from being a tourist trap, the Old Town is the one place to feel the true beating heart of the fishing village turned cosmopolitan international resort.

Ten Quirky Facts about Marbella’s Old Town

1. Orange Square dates back to the Spanish Reconquest and was built in 1485.

2. The Old Town is home to more than 200 shops…

3. Mrs. Obama’s party of 14 asked for 10 separate bills after dining at Restaurante Buenaventura.

4. Popular tapas bar, El Estrecho dates back to 1954. Take a tapas tour and enjoy a real taste of the Old Town.

5. Head to Calle Huerta Chica and discover smart cookery shop Cuisine Paraiso – a recently opened gem.

6. You can enjoy a rooftop breakfast at delightful boutique hotel The Townhouse.

7. The Old Town is a haven for shoe addicts, with around 15 shoe shops… who’s counting?

8. You can see works of great artists including Picasso, Miró and Chillida in the Old Town, at the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo (the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings).

9. For an insight into the local culture hit the Mercado Municipal – and find a cornucopia of deliciously fresh produce…

10. Bored with Banús?, then hit the Calle Peral and discover the true Spanish nightlife vibe…

The Shops

Let’s start with a little retail therapy… The Old Town is one of Andalusia´s most beautiful  “open commercial centres” with more than 40 restaurants and 200 shops to offer. Here, you will find small, family-run businesses and shops, purveying originality, with many hand-made and bespoke goods on offer. Here are just a few of the gems sparkling on the sidewalks…

• The vintage Hermés bag or that Gucci belt you always wanted in the divine retro boutique Dejá Vu.
• The most beautiful collection of exclusive pashminas in every imaginable colour in Story 1961.
• An exceptional collection of top olive oils from various regions in Spain, cosmetics and gourmet-items  – all beautifully packaged – in D.Oliva.
• International fashion brands including Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Liu, Jo Jeans and Julie Sohn in the exclusive boutique K2
• Beautiful “old fashioned” toys such as puppets, doll houses, music boxes, authentic model airplanes, motors, rocking horses, in The Toy Shop
• Irresistible items for the discerning cook in a new shop Cuisine Paraiso.

There is no shortage of quaint little boutiques specializing in silver jewellery, or soaps, bags and accessories, hand-made shirts and so on… along with souvenir shops, satisfying the demands of the endless stream of tourists with cameras meandering through the streets of the Casco Antiguo..

Let’s Eat

The shop owners in the Old Town agree that the excellent choice of restaurants contributes enormously to the success of the Casco Antiguo.  The tried and tested favourites of the local foreign residents is a good place to start… Among them, people unanimously rate highly the Belgian run restaurant Zozoi, French bistro CasaNis and cosy Italian classic La Famiglia.

Known for fantastic tapas is El Estrecho …a classic since 1954. Also popular is La Niña del Pisto a new restaurant run by a family from Cordoba, offering “tapas del autor”. Also coming highly recommended is Stuzzikini a new reasonable restaurant offering Italian “slow food”…

Restaurante Cervantes in Plaza de los Naranjos is also a promising newcomer. Offering a modern twist on Spanish and International dishes, the monkfish on a bed of garlic is particularly memorable. Located across from the Town Hall, the restaurant offers views to the iconic Orange Square. A wood-burning stove makes for a cosy atmosphere for the winter.

A Brief History

The Old Town was once an Arab “medina”, which explains the maze of narrow, winding streets, allowing the visitor to stroll and be protected from the sun. Remainders of the old city walls and many more interesting historic sites can still be admired today. Orange Square was built in 1485, shortly after the Reconquista,.  For more insight into the historical heritage of Marbella , for 3 euros, you can pick up a booklet prepared by the Association of Trade and Commerce of the Casco Antiguo at  Calle Bermeja, 20.

What to Do…?

Apart from the churches, vestiges of Arab remains, galleries and museums, etcetera, there are many free events held in the Old Town throughout the year – (although sadly, the annual Feria in June has been relocated, and will never be quite so appealing). Regularly check out our calendar of events , and you will discover such delights as open air jazz, blues and soul concerts, festivals of dance and magic, British and Italian Festivals and exhibitions of paintings and photography, even outdoor fashion shows. For Spanish speakers there is children’s story-telling and Father Christmas greeting children in the Church Square over La Navidad.

It’s good news for Marbella’s fashionistas as retailers in the area begin to wrap up the summer ‘rebajas’ by letting their prices plummet in a bid to boost sales.

If you’re looking for a bargain bikini or a sexy summer dress, now’s the time to bag it. With shops offering as much as 70% off goods and 3 more weeks to go ‘til the end of the sales, the local stores are going all out to entice Marbella’s fashionistas.

Good figures

President of the Malaga Retail Businesses Association, Enrique Gil, is confident its members will see a dramatic improvement in figures in their year-on-year sales for the period up to the end of August.
With tourism now at its peak, Gil expects a 5 per cent increase in retail sales during August.

When the sales had finished and sales dropped during the previous winter, shops in the region took another permitted opportunity to get the cash coming in by offering more discounts. It’s hoped that the current reductions will overtake Málaga’s earlier campaigns, which brought a total revenue of 88 million euros to its commercial sector.
The price is right

Walk down Ricardo Soriano in Marbella, through La Cañada shopping centre or around the trendy town of Puerto Banus and you’ll see an array of shop windows advertising the summer’s rock-bottom offers.

And it’s not just the fashion conscious that are taking to the local shops in their droves – according to Gil, cut-price household goods are also selling like hot-cakes. So if you’ve been meaning to get your hands on a new sound system, sofa or sandwich maker, take advantage of those pleasing price tags – now!

Not sure where to shop? Check out our favourite places to snap up summer fashion.

The typical Marbella girl will have a wardrobe bursting with colour. From sultry maxi dresses for those long balmy evenings and gorgeous gold sandals for nights of pure glitz at Nikki Beach to laid-back khaki shorts and shirts and drawers brimming with beautiful bikinis. But as every fashionista knows, a girl can never have too many of these things so let us give you the lowdown on where to get Marbella’s hottest looks.

Shop ‘til you drop!

Marbella is renowned worldwide for its super-sexy, ultra-wealthy residents as well as attracting trendy jet-set tourists from far and wide – so it’s no wonder the place is filled with some of the most up-market boutiques, sleekest shopping centres and glamorous department stores. From Prada shoes and Porsches to bikinis and Bentleys, Marbella has it all.

Whether you’re after a sexy little number for the evening, a casual look for the beach or a raunchy lingerie set, Marbella’s excellent of offering of shops and boutiques will have you looking every inch the glamour-puss in no time!

La Cañada

Featuring an impressive number of high street shops, restaurants and cafés, La Cañada is by far one of the best shopping centres on the Costa del Sol.

Big brands such as Mango, H&M, Massimo Dutti, Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Benneton can all be found here. Old British favourites, C&A and the recently opened Marks & Spencer are popular with expats and offer the same high quality clothing as they’ve done for decades.

If you’re looking for a cute, low-budget summer outfit (think denim shorts, a simple vest and sexy wedges), then you’ll be spoilt for choice at La Cañada.

Accessorize has a branch here too – perfect for adding a finishing touch to your outfit (think twinkling bracelets and brooches, dramatic necklaces, rings and purses). Or, if you’re in the mood splashing your cash on something a bit more bling, pop into the Swarovski store and bag yourself something shiny.

Best for: Quick fashion fixes.

Puerto Banús

If you’re a label junkie, then Puerto Banus will be your idea of heaven. With exclusive boutiques such as Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Loewe, Chloé, Luis Vuitton, Hermes, Emporio Armani, Versace and more.

But before you invest in that to-die-for Dior clutch, get your underwear sorted first with a visit to Agent Provocateur – awash with the sexiest, laciest and most luxurious lingerie you’re every likely to come across. From beautiful basques and bustiers to heart-stopping hoisery and killer kimonos, there’s something that’s bound to please you (and him).

Next stop: Chloé for a flirty, feminine fragrance that’ll compliment your new lingerie.
Then, browse the likes of LV and D&G for an extravagant but elegant cocktail dress. Then seal the deal with a pair of killer heels from the shoe heaven that is of course, Jimmy Choo.

If you’re after something glam but don’t want to traipse from boutique to boutique, head for El Corte Ingles, where you can find everything under one roof. As well as designer clothing, shoes and accessories and jewellery, this divine department store offers everything from literature and music to sports equipment, children’s toys, furniture and cosmetics. Brands include Ralph Lauren, French Connection, Escada, Jesus del Pozo and hundreds more.

Best for: Glamorous, wealthy label-loving ladies.

Marbella Centro

As well as Spanish high street favourites, Mango, Pull & Bear and Zara, downtown Marbella is full of one-off shops and boutiques that’ll ensure your style is as hot as the temperatures!

If you’re heading to the beach, check out Calzedonia – with hundreds of statement bikinis and all-in-one costumes and a window display which changes daily, you’re certain to find something gorgeous.

Recently opened Jota will give you inspiration for accessorising, with its unique yet affordable costume jewellery, bags and scarves. Bijou Brigitte in Marbella’s Old Town is also worth a visit, particularly if you’re looking for inexpensive but dramatic accessories. The Old Town offers dozens of independent shops, such as Deja Vú – a treasure trove of vintage clothing, antiques and accessories for those who really want to stand out from the crowd.

Best for: Kooky, individual girls.

Elsewhere on the coast…

Estepona

Elle Morgan is one of the coast’s most talked about names when it comes to fashion. Her boutique, situated in the lavish Laguna Village shopping centre in Estepona, offers all the latest trends from designer brands such as Elizabeth Hurley Beach, Gas, Gaultier and UGG Australia. Elle’s clothing, footwear, jewellery, kids clothes and accessories make it onto the catwalks at all the coast’s most exclusive events plus she’s even styled Lyndsay Parfitt (wife of rock legend Rick Parfitt) for Hello! Magazine!

Best for: Sexy bikinis and beach accessories.

Nueva Andalucía

If you’re in the Nueva Andalucía area, head to Nina B. She offers brands such as Odd Molly, Hunky Dory, English Rose, Stella Forest, Good Charma and Branting and describes her collections as ‘bohemian chic with a Scandinavian touch’.

Best for: Girlie glamour.

Elviria

Mother and Daughter venture, Fashion Villa, is a must-visit for anyone who considers themself a fashionista. Set in a live-in villa in the heart of Elviria, this über-chic establishment houses designer brands such as Airfield, Cambio and Cappopera in styles and sizes to suite every shape. The ladies are on-hand to offer guidance and tips – without being pushy!

Best for: Something a bit different.

Rio Real

Argentinean fashion designer, Patricia Nahmad is a well-known name on the coast. As well as supporting dozens of local charities, she provides Marbella’s most glam girls with sophisticated evening wear at her boutique, situated in the Incosol Hotel, close to Rio Real. Daughter, Florencia, has followed in her mother’s fashion footsteps by launching an urban line for hip young females.

Best for: Long, luxurious evening gowns.

Addresses

La Cañada Shopping Centre: Carretera Ojen (off the A7 Motorway), Centro Comercial La Cañada 29600, Marbella. Tel: 952 860 142.

Dior: Calle Ribera, Casa F, Local 15B, Puerto Banus, Marbella 29660. Tel. +34 952 90 65 25.

Dolce & Gabbana: Pueblo Marinero De Ribera, Local 17, Casa F, Puerto Banus, 29660 Marbella. Phone: 952 818 520.

Loewe: Muelle Ribera, Local 15C, Casa F Puerto Banus, 29660 Marbella. Tel: 952 81 62 65.

Chloé: Muelle De Ribera, Local 16 Casa F, 29660 Marbella. Tel: 952 90 70 38.

Louis Vuitton: Muelle Ribera, Casa N, Puerto Banus, 29660 Marbella. Tel: 95 290 8190.

Hermes: Calle Ribera 11, Bajo, Casa E, Puerto Banus, 29660 Marbella. Tel: 952 81 71 25.

Emporio Armani: Muelle Ribera, s/n. Puerto Banús, 29660 Marbella. Tel: 952 810 932.

Versace: Benabola 8, Puerto Banus, 29660, Marbella. Tel: 952 810 296.

Agent Provocateur: Muelle Ribera, Casa N, Local 12, Puerto Banus, 29660 Marbella.

El Corte Ingles Puerto Banus: Centro Comercial Costa Marbella, Ramón Areces, S/N, Puerto Banús, 29660 Marbella Tel.: 952 909 990.

Mango (Marbella town centre): Avenida de Ricardo Soriano, 17, 29601 Marbella. Tel: 952 771 488.

Pull & Bear (Marbella town centre): Avenida de Ricardo Soriano, 26, 29601 Marbella. Tel: 952 862 838?.

Zara (Marbella town centre): Avenida de Ricardo Soriano, 43, 29601 Marbella. Tel: 952 820 852?.

Calzedonia: Avenida de Ricardo Soriano 26 29600 Marbella. Tel: 952 824 458.

Jota (Marbella town centre): Avenida de Ricardo Soriano nº 12, Edificio Marqués de Salamanca, Marbella. Tel. 952 905 068.

Bijou Brigitte (Marbella Old Town): Calle Gloria, 2,  Casco Antiguo, 29601 Marbella.  Tel: 952 859 868.

Déjà vu (Marbella Old Town): Calle Pedraza, 8, Casco Antiguo, 29601 Marbella. Tel: 952 812 881.

Elle Morgan (Laguna Village): Unit 29 and 31, Laguna Village, A-7, km.159, 29680 Estepona. Tel: 647 869 831.

Nina B: Calle de las Malvas, 62 Nueva Andalucia, 29660 Marbella. Tel: 952 907 020.

Patricia Nahmad: Hotel Incosol, Urbanizacion Golf Rio Real S/N, 29600 Marbella. Tel: 952 860 909.

Fashion Villa: Paseo de Suiza 394, Elviria, Marbella 29604.

With more designer stores per square metre than Bond Street, Marbella is increasingly a mecca for fashion. But when the heat is on, there is no need to pound the pavements in search of style. The coolest way to shop for chic is online, as marbellas.com reveals.

If you’re in need of some retail therapy, then Marbella has plenty to offer. Whether it’s shopping for Jimmy Choos in Puerto Banus, searching for a bargain at La Cañada or looking for something elegant in El Corte Ingles, there’s no shortage of boutiques and shopping centres in the area.

But window shopping has never been easier with an ever increasing choice of online fashion stores to browse…. Now you can shop ‘til you drop without leaving the sofa, and get all those must-have goodies delivered direct to your door in Spain.

1. www.asos.com
With over 35,000 branded and own-label items of clothing, footwear and accessories plus a staggering 1,500 new lines added each week, it’s no wonder asos.com is now the UK’s largest independent online fashion and beauty retailer.

From cute prom-style dresses and sexy lingerie to eye-popping t-shirt prints and beautiful bikinis, asos.com is THE place to go for bang-up-to-the minute trends. Products are primarily aimed at 16 to 34 years olds and cater for UK sizes 4 to 26.

Since 2000, British newspapers and glossy magazines have been raving about the website. Here’s what they’ve been saying:
“The online wonder store is ablaze with hot designers.” Marie Claire.
“The word on the street is ASOS.” Evening Standard.
“In just nine years ASOS.com has gone from niche get the look website to massive internet phenomenon.” Grazia.
Standard shipping to Spain costs 6€ and takes 6-9 days for delivery.
Express shipping costs 12€ and takes 3-7 days for delivery.
Best for: Young fashionistas.

2. www.divinetrash.co.uk
Since this trendy online store opened its doors in 2006 (apparently the founder came up with the idea after a night out with You’re Beautiful singer, James Blunt), divinetrash.co.uk has provided a wide range of men’s and women’s contemporary clothing as well as exclusive designer labels for an increasingly fashion conscious Britain.
Women’s clothing sizes range from UK 8 to 16 and whether you’re shopping for a handmade Bedcrumb bag and Betsey Loves bracelet or a Motel micro-skirt and floral French Connection top, divinetrash.co.uk has it all.
Delivery to Spain costs £5.95 and takes 3-5 working days of your order being placed.
Best for: Rare, vintage and branded items.

3. www.missguided.co.uk
If you’re on a budget but determined to stay on top of the latest trends then look no further than missguided.co.uk. The store prides itself on delivering key looks at affordable prices, supporting their belief that ‘fashion is a right, not a luxury’. Here, here!

With their fingers firmly on the fashion pulse, the missguided.co.uk team takes inspiration from the catwalks and celebrity style to provide shoppers with up-to-the-minute looks as soon as they hit, with sizes starting from UK 6 up to 16.

The site is awash with purse-friendly party dresses, playsuits, heels and harem trousers plus a whole lot more. And unlike many other online fashion retailers, missguided.co.uk offers helpful, handy tips and advice via a regularly updated blog, such as how to recreate the hottest celebrity trends as well as informing shoppers of the most popular items in store.

Missguided.co.uk believes that ‘everyday is a fashion show and the world is your runway’. So what are you waiting for? Bargain fashion is just a click away!
Standard Delivery to Spain costs £7.50 and takes 7-10 days.
Next-Day Delivery to Spain costs £13.99 (orders must be placed before 15.00 hours GMT).
Best for: Bargain buys.

4. www.boohoo.co.uk
Staying ahead of the fashion game no longer means having to part with an extortionate amount of cash each season. As more and more fashionistas are discovering, at boohoo.com you can snap up the latest catwalk inspired pieces from UK sizes 8 to 16 and for no more than £45.

Although boohoo.co.uk doesn’t stock designer labels, its own creations are on-trend, eye-catching and have proven to be just as sought-after, since the website was launched in 2006.

From sassy signature dresses and heavenly heels to statement bags and bargain belts, it’s no surprise that boohoo.co.uk is now one of Britain’s leading online fashion stores. As well as affordable style, the website offers daily updates to keep shoppers in the know about the hottest current styles.

Delivery to Spain (excluding Canary Islands and Gibraltar) costs £8.99 and delivery times can vary, depending on the Spanish postal service.
Best for: Affordable fashion fixes.

5. www.nextdirect.com
Finding clothes to fit your shape in Spanish stores can be a nightmare, especially when it comes to buying jeans and trousers. So if you’re curvy and/or shorter than the average señorita, then an online visit to Next is sure to solve the problem.

Offering a Plus Size range (sizes 24, 26 and 28), Maternity range, Sports range and a Small and Petite collection, nextdirect.com is the perfect place to shop for simple British style.

Women’s clothing caters for sizes UK 8/10 to 20/22 and includes everything from cool casuals to smart workwear as well as lingerie, designer brands (like Firetrap and Quicksilver), swimwear and shoes.

And with clothing sections for men, kids and babies, www.nextdirect.com caters for the whole family.

Shipping from the UK to Spain costs 5€. And takes 7 – 10 working days.
Best for: Tall, short, curvy, maternity and petite styles.

Pregnancy is all about growing and glowing, so why shouldn’t
this be a time to shine? Gone are the days when women hid their bumps beneath
baggy jumpers and tent dresses. Today maternity fashion is about being  proud
of your bump and womanly curves and showing them off. Yet the pregnancy wardrobe
is a minefield. When and how do you start shopping to accommodate your bump?
Surely you don’t need a whole new wardrobe for just nine months?

Maternity clothing v  bigger sizes 
Bigger sizes may do in the short term, but you won’t get the longevity
of maternity clothing which is designed to flatter and accommodate a growing
bump all the way through pregnancy. A pair of trousers two sizes too big
might fit for a few months, but they won’t be comfy on your bump and
won’t take into account your growing bottom, thighs and hips as well.
Maternity trousers not only cater for expansion in all areas but are designed
to disguise and flatter the additional weight gain while showing off the
beauty of your gorgeous growing bump. The end result is that you feel  confident
while pregnant instead of awkward and uncomfortable.
The materials in maternity clothing are softer and more flexible than those
used in normal clothes. They will not only grow with you and be comfortable
right up until the day you give birth, but they will then shrink back again
in the post pregnancy months. The truth is it takes nine months to put the
weight on and it generally takes nine months to take it off again. So unless
your name is Nicole Richie or Victoria Beckham you certainly won’t
be strutting your post pregnancy bod in your pre pregnancy jeans two weeks
after giving birth. The beauty of good quality maternity clothing is that
it shrinks back down with you post birth and most maternity tops are also
designed to accommodate breast feeding.

Maternity Fashion Essentials

The Bump Band
You don’t need to invest in an entirely new wardrobe a few maternity
staples go a long way. The Bumpband is an ingenious invention that has revolutionised
maternity wardrobes. The Bumpband is a piece of stretchy material that fits
over your bump and the top of your trousers or skirt allowing you to wear
your non maternity items for longer. So for example, if you can still get
your beloved jeans over your hips but can’t do up the zip, you can
use a Bumpband to  cover the gap, giving the appearance of a layered
top effect.  Likewise you can wear your favourite tops for longer and
not worry as they start to ride up your midriff!

Leggings
Another essential is a great pair of comfy maternity leggings. These can
be worn around the house, dressed up with boots or heels, worn with dresses
or a denim skirt over the top or just with a long comfy jumper.

Jeans
Don’t underestimate the importance of a good pair of maternity jeans.
Again a well designed maternity jean will see you through your pregnancy
and beyond and can be dressed up or down in a number of ways.

Little Dress
Finally no maternity wardrobe is complete without one flexible little dress.
A nice dress can be worn for work and then dressed up for an evening out.
Or dress it down with boots or over leggings.

Optical Illusions
There are also a number of clever ways to complement (or disguise!)  your
bump depending on the look you are going for:
– a well placed scarf either draped over the bump or tied under it
– an eye catching piece of costume jewellery
– a cute pair of boots 
– big hair or a hat that will all balance out your curves 

For the recent Indybel Maternity Fashion in Estepona show we
deliberately choose real pregnant women to model our maternity ranges. When
they first tried the outfits on they were amazed by how  sensual and
sexy they made them feel. That’s the real secret of looking great during
pregnancy. Maternity clothing is not just something you need to see you through
9 months of weight gain, it is actually designed to show off the natural
beauty of your changing body shape, highlight the pregnancy glow and make
you look as wonderful on the outside as you feel on the inside.

Indybel are the exclusive stockists for Seraphine Maternity
clothing in Spain. As worn by Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba and Halle Berry
during their pregnancies. Indybel also stock the JoJo Maman Bebe maternity
range, Emma-Jane maternity lingerie and the Bumpband. For more information
visit www.indybel.com

Indybel are offering all marbellas.com readers a free pair of
pregnancy lounge pants with any purchase they make from our site. To take
advantage
of this
offer simply type the word marbellas.com in the customer notes box at the
check out stating whether you’d prefer black or white and we’ll
add the pants to your package!

Now that we have Marks & Spencer in Marbella, is there any reason to go back to the UK…? Louise Cook Edwards checks out the goodies at the official opening. Photography: Gary Edwards

Just in time for the Christmas rush, Marks & Spencer have opened a 14,000 sq ft store in La Cañada shopping mall in Marbella.  The bright and attractively arranged store is  managed by York Marbella SL, the franchise partner of the brand in Gibraltar – where they have been trading successfully for 41 years.

Angeles Muñoz, the glamorous Mayor of Marbella carried out the official snipping of the red ribbon. In a flash of cameras, and a flurry of interest from a predominantly British and female public, the attractive new. one-level department store was declared officially opened by Jon Knight, the brand’s international Area Manager, stating that it was “an excellent opportunity to offer our high quality, good value products to the population of Marbella.”

Mouthwatering M&S Quality

The company that has successfully traded with M&S in Gibraltar for four decades, have realized a dream of trading in Spain for the first time with an attractive, second floor store in La Cañada.  Making excellent use of the space, the 1300 square metre shop squeezes in a good selection of clothing, the ever popular lingerie, home wear, gifts and children’s wear.

Attracting more than its fair share of interest was the food store, which although small, is packed full of delicious British goodies including much of the ambient food range, including teas, biscuits, crumpets, chocolate, competitively priced wines, and a superb selection of frozen goodies, among them many mouthwatering Indian, Chinese and Italian dishes.

Chris Walker, the General Manager of the firm assures that the store will adapt its products to fit the shopping habits of the Costa del Sol consumers, as patterns start to emerge.   Opening the store from signing to completion has taken some ten months, including the recruiting
and training of 70 staff, which comes as good news to Marbella’s depleted labour market.

Christmas is Coming

British residents on the Costa del Sol will have less reason to fly back to the UK now that they can purchase a fine range of Christmas fare right on their doorstep.  Marks & Spencer christmas puddings, mince pies and yuletide logs are just some of the fancy festive foods available, along with Christmas decorations, gift wrap and 2010 calendars.  And with prices more or less on level par with the UK stores, you have every reason to enjoy a traditional British Christmas with all the trimmings and trinkets without actually leaving Spanish soil.

Living up to its reputation as one of the key venues in the world for luxurious beach parties and entertainment, this week Nikki Beach Marbella is showcasing its talent for putting on superb events to suit all tastes and occasions.

From full-on champagne showers to smart dinners with diamonds, Nikki Beach Marbella knows how to throw a party in spectacular style.

Agent Provocateur – A Catwalk First

A particularly hi-octane trio of upscale events hit Nikki Beach as Marbella as July gives way to August. On Thursday 30 July, trendy underwear brand Agent Provocateur staged its first ever fashion show in Spain. With ten sensationally styled models strutting their stuff on the catwalk, guests were suitably entertained by this hot and edgy lingerie label.

With a particularly evocative selection of underwear and swimwear from the brand’s only store in Spain in Puerto Banús, Agent Provocateur showed Marbella exactly why it is a worldwide fashion A-lister.

Upscale Weekend at Nikki Beach

Today, Friday 31 July marks the first ever Diamond Party at Nikki Beach, with world-class jeweller Bvlgari. View some of the finest jewellery pieces by the leading Italian brand at this top-notch VIP party complete with black and gold dress code and operatic performance.

A three-course gala dinner option is available for 75€ per person, and the event promises to become a classic in Marbella’s summer agenda.

For reservations please contact: www.nikkibeach.com

Playa Hotel Don Carlos, Marbella. Tel: 952 836 239.

Stellata is the recently launched brand of hand-painted T-shirts by cool contemporary
artist Paula Vincenti.

The funky line of t-shirts feature inspiring, uplifting motifs – stars,
crosses, and hearts are painted with love by the Marbella-based internatioanlly
acclaimed artist. Some of the cotton tees and tanks come with a light sprinkling
of irridescent paint, giving a glittery girly sheen. The shirts are heat-sealed
for wearability and can be hand-washed without comprimising the design.

Paula is excited about Stellata – a new outlet of expression for the
successful artist whose contemporary paintings adorn the trendiest galleries
and chicest interiors. Paula paints each T-shirt by hand, creating a piece
of unique, wearable art, infused with her own cool and urbane personal style.

With groovy models for men, women and children – with anti-crisis price tags
and total individuality, it comes as no surprise that the first collection
of Stellata Is being snapped up fast.

Paula Vincenti Estudio, Guadalmina Comercial Centre, local 15, bajo, Guadalmina
Alta, Marbella. Tel: 95288 3945 607 959 222.

Kids fashion has exploded in the past few years, and with
it, the demands
children make on their parents as to acceptable clothing and footwear to
fit in with the whims and trends of their peers. Trainers, shoes with wheels,
princess-style mules, flip-flops and the like – are they really doing our kids’
feet any good….?

Every conceivable designer brand is now scaled down for our tiny trend-setting
tots, and the choices are endless, and even toddlers have strong ideas about
what they will and won’t be seen wearing….

This obsession with looks extends to shoes and footwear too, and luckily,
many good quality brands of children’s shoes have become more style conscious
to help parents to guide their little darlings to buy shoes that are well
made and expressly designed to help maturing feet grow unrestricted, while
maintaining that all important “cool quotient” in the playground….

If The Shoe Fits Wear It

It comes as a shock to British parents living in Spain to find that there
are no fitting and measuring systems to be seen in Spanish shoe shops. Plenty
of top quality leather shoes and a range of cool styles to choose from – but
how do you know they are the right fit for your boy or girl’s delicate little
toes.

If you have grown up with those Clark’s and Start-rite measuring, somehow
buying a child shoes without bearing in mind half sizes and width fittings
simply seems wrong, but Elle Morgan’s Crocs and footwear store in Marina Banús
is the only shop on the Costa del Sol offering a professional children’s shoe
fitting service. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can set your child up with a host
of long and short-term problems including blisters and corns, and potentially
deformed and painful feet in later life.

Foot Facts
Our have an incredible 26 tiny bones in each foot. Baby’s bones start life
as cartilage, which gradually converts to bone by the time we reach 18-21
years old. This means throughout school and adolescence, our children’s feet
are growing and maturing, so footwear is a matter of health not just looks.
Even tight fitting Asocks can distort little feet, so check your child’s feet
and footwear regularly to ensure the best of foot health.

Start- rite offer a selection of pre-walkers – shoes especially designed
to protect delicate little feet when babies start to crawl.

Pre-walker shoe from Start-rite

Kids’ Shoes -  Buying Tips
– Always try shoes on – buying them without the child present is nonsensical.
– You need to bear in mind the length, depth, width, shape and fastening of
a child’s shoes for perfect fit.
– Length - make sure there is room for the toes to wiggle, and that the heel
fits snugly into the heel counter of the shoe.
– Depth – avoid any pressure on the top of the foot, as this can cause corns
and calluses.
– Width – correctly fitting shoes take into account the width measurement so
that the shoes are neither tight or slipping.
– Materials – Leather for the shoe uppers is best, as it is durable, but breathes.
– The soles should be flexible, and non-slip, i.e. crepe or rubber.
– Fastenings – Velcro helps secure the foot in the shoe, and are easy for children
to manage.

Elle Morgan and her trained shoe-fitting team have started
a shoe-fitting service for schools in the area, and have a wide selection of
Start-rite and Buckle-My-Shoe children’s shoes available at their Elle Morgan
Crocs and footwear store on the lower floor of Marina Banus Shopping Centre,
Puerto Banus.

In chic mall Marina Banus, the Elle
Morgan footwear store has incredible discounts on this year’s must have Ugg
Boots, as well as cool boots by Love from Australia, Crocs and a fabulous selection
of trendy kids shoes – and proper size fitting for kids school shoes from Start-rite
and Buckle-my-Shoe.

For further
information, please call Tel: 637 870 457.

www.ellemorgan.com