This Brazilian designer has fun, unique, gorgeous tropical prints inspired by sixties designs. The…read morefabrics, colors, and designs are beautiful. The boutique with an outside patio for coffee is inspiring and fun! Valet parking is available. The shop is secure and you will be let into the store by an associate. www.adrianabarra.com.br

I came into the shop specifically to buy Tun Design jewelry. They are one of the few places that…read moreyou can buy these pieces in São Paulo. When I entered the shop, I was pleased to see a very cute, two story shop. There were beautiful dresses with great color palettes, as well as other jewelry, purses, etc. Despite that I only came for one thing, I still took my time and enjoyed browsing the store. One of these days I need to learn what my Brasilian size is. As for the Tun Design collection, they had necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. I was happy with my selection, and bought 4 things! Oops. I look forward to coming here in the future!

A stylish Stockholmer turned me onto Farm and I was excited to find its multi-story São Paulo shop…read morewhilst wandering Vila Madalena. The sustainable concept of the space is a sight to behold: breathing walls of living plants hydrated by rainwater, massive concrete staircases and showrooms that somehow don't feel cold. Shayla, one of Farm's sales associates, is fantastic and I think I'd come back to Farm just to hang out with her. She greeted the four of us warmly when we arrived and upon discovering two of us didn't speak Portuguese immediately switched to speak with us in English. Normally I'd hate having a salesgirl accompany me on a shopping trip but I think Shayla's assistance made me like Farm even more. The bohemian clothes at Farm are mostly too over the top for my closet but I did spy a few statement pieces I'd have liked to take home (sadly, neither fit). If you're looking for skimpy swimwear inspired by Ipanema's beaches, dresses with lush floral prints or pants with produce on them, look no further than Farm!

Love this place. It's officially my favorite clothing store of all time! From the floral prints to…read morethe feminine fitting clothes and shoes, this store has everything you need for a tropical paradise. The only downside is they are quite limited on stock in the sizes that you want.

Arguably Sao Paulo's highest-end mall, Shopping Iguatemi offers all the usual international brands…read moreplus several Brazilian originals. Spread across several levels, and in many ways a labyrinth, this is also the home of Manioca and Davvero Gelato

I have a love hate relationship with this mall. It is a São Paulo classic and great place to people…read morewatch encapsulating everyone from Botox filled elite to everyday workers grabbing a bite at the food court. I've bought some nice gifts here for others, shipped packages to the U.S. (The FedEx kiosk doesn't charge a ridiculous markup.), and eaten magnificent meals. There are tasty free samples to try and beautiful designer handbags to ogle. The installations in the center courtyard are nice, and the embroidery and wrapping kiosks hidden in a random alley have saved my but. They have ample bike parking and decent froyo. I can't say this place doesn't have its pros. The issue is that the place is just plain over-priced and poorly organized. I don't love any of the higher end Brazilian women's brands that they have there. I prefer many of the shops on/near Oscar Freire for the same price range. Of the very few lower price point stores, they always run out of sizes or try to sell me clothes with defaults or stains. The service isn't ever that attentive to me, probably because I don't get all dressed up to go to the mall like most Brazilians do. Much of the mall feels like it is in an underground tunnel, and none of the escalators flow easily from the top floor to the bottom floor of the mall. While the uncovered parking area out back is lovely with gorgeous old trees, the other options you are forced to use when it's full are dark and hard to maneuver. Like every other mall in town, I find this place to be a necessary evil at times. In my opinion this particular one is best for eating and a few specialty stops only.

Shopping in Vila Madalena, you'd expect to find a myriad of stores that offer wares with the same…read moreindie and artistic tilt that the neighborhood represents. I've unfortunately come up empty in my quest to find amazing and affordable handmade items... that is until I came upon Sou Sou. This small jewelry boutique has a number of awesome (and awesomely priced) necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, and other accessories. In the back, they even have a small selection of women's clothing. The jewelry, particularly the necklaces, caught my attention. The handmade items have beautiful crystals incorporated. The kind of stuff you'd likely find Zoe Deschanel or Kate Hudson wearing. Gorgeous crystals, some big and bold and others delicately incorporated, on silver or gold chains. The neckware is an accent piece that goes great with a daytime white v-neck or beautiful evening gown. What's even cooler is that every crystal has an energy associated with it so it serves to enhance your fashion collection and personal aura! I walked out with 4 new necklaces, 2 for me and 2 as gifts!