Brazilian flagship store of German high-end suitcase manufacturer. Located in one of the fanciest…read morearea of São Paulo, close to famous hotel/restaurant Fasano. My experience there was with a foreigner who had his Rimowa suitcase opened by TSA while in transit to Brazil. The security code was changed and he could not open it. Firstly we rang the store and the instruction was to bring the suitcase to the closest shop to analyze the problem with the locker. Once we reached there, the lady was really kind and watchful and in 5 minutes the problem was solved! You have to pay a high price for what you get, but you get back for what you have paid!

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.

I have a hard time with Brechos (thirft stores) here in Sao Paulo. It seems that the ones I've…read morefound have cool vintage things, but a lot of this stuff won't sell, only rent it to you. What? That sounds crazy. I know, right? Glad I'm not the only one to think so. But since this particular shop is like the other shops I've gone in, I'll give it a 3 star. But if I was just rating it as a store, I'd give it a 1. Why would I want to buy some bracelet that's falling apart for 50r? No thanks. I'll just pick up some costume jewelry at 21 de Marco for 2r.

On Saturday afternoons, you can find young and cool Paulistas hanging around Benedito Calixto…read moreplaza. People pour into the streets while sidewalk vendors set up all their antique and kitchy wares for sale. Honestly, I found things overpriced and I didn't happen upon any truly unique and must-have items. Everything seemed a little standard to what I'd find in most street fairs without the artisan touch. What is lovely though is the bustling neighborhood with praça bars opening their doors and selling everything from feijoada to caipirinhas and beer. Later in the afternoon, the crowd almost completely shifts to the gay segment. Around 6pm, you can find men who like men and women who like women dominating the praça and sharing beers with friends and strangers. If you're looking for the gay scene, here you have it!

I would give this flea market 3 stars for the merchandise, 5 for the people watching. It's a whole…read morelot of fun, but I didn't find much I really felt like I had to have. Most of the merchandise is over-priced and kind of junky, but there are some fun things to be found if you want to pick through. Really the reason to go here is for the experience. Pinheiros is a very cool part of Sao Paulo that always seems to have something interesting going on. The atmosphere on Saturdays, when this feira is held, is electric. Street musicians, people walking their dogs, and hipsters abound. There is also some great restaurants to check out if you get hungry while browsing through old records, 50s furniture, and all kinds of memorabilia. Funky boutiques line the sidewalk across from the fair, so if you don't find anything to your liking at the feira, you may end up taking home some graphic tees or cute vintage dresses from one of the nearby stores.

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!