Part 6: Shopping

I’ve noticed something about flamenco dancers,

They tend to enjoy shopping.

Especially in Spain with all of the flamenco stuff that is hard to find in the U.S.  

I seem to be unique in that I don't care much for shopping.

But, oh how I love taking people shopping in Spain

I like sitting back and watching people ooo and ah over beautiful skirts and dresses and shoes and tops and fans and pins and colors and patterns and materials…

When I was a little girl my mom would take my sister and me shopping. She would sit outside the dressing room while we tried on clothes, offering us an opinion here and there.  

I feel like my mom when I take people shopping in Spain.

I sit back and observe people as they become excited about the possibilities and abundance of pretty things.

I like watching everyone play dress up.

I like offering my opinion.  

And I especially like taking everyone to places like Fátima's where we laugh and goof-off so much that I can't even tell we're shopping.  

I met Fátima through Mercedes. 

She makes dresses for her. In fact, on one Flamenco Tour we got to see Mercedes perform at the Villamarta Theatre wearing one of Fátima’s creations.  

I like shopping when I go to Fátima’s.

Because going to see her is about more than shopping. 

It’s about possibilities and conversations and fun.

It feels kind of like going over to a friend's house for tea. Only there’s no tea. 

Or perhaps it’s like visiting on a special occasion where presents are involved.

Going to Fátima's is an experience. 

In color, texture, and ideas.  

People tend to try lots of stuff on.

Skirts and shoes and dresses and tops.

We laugh and joke and have fun with her.  

We often return for multiple visits. 

Because sometimes you need to think about it. 

And if she makes something for you you have to go back to try it on. 

Plus it’s just fun to be there.

There is another seamstress just down the street from us, Milagros. I also like to take people by her shop

Her place is smaller. 

And her clothes are different.

Different colors.  

Different styles.

 Different ideas.

We also visit Noriko at the Senovilla store.

What a collection of shoes!

Whoa.

And then there are other little places I like to take people to or tell them about. 

Like places to get accessories.  

Fleco, fans, hair combs, scarves...  

Most people do additional fashion exploration (flamenco and otherwise) on their own.  

The shops are close-by and walkable.  

In the end whether it's window shopping or real shopping, we like to do a lot of it in Jerez.

See you in the next post where you’ll find out what happens at night.

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