Clothes Shopping in Bogotá

As Colombians are super fashionable and varied in their styles (Everything from hipster to punk to formal), clothes shopping here is great fun as you can find everything from designer labels to one-off vintage designs. In the shopping centres clothes are expensive, the same prices if not more than you would expect to pay in England, however  in the markets and streets bargains can always be found, and its always more fun to have to haggle a price. Here is what I've discovered so far:

Vintage/Second-hand

My favourite place to find vintage dresses (and really cheap) is the city centre Sunday market on Carrera Séptima. Here you can find everything from Seventies sunglasses to retro handbags for a good price (I paid 10000cop for this dress). There are also a few boutique stands in the market where clothes/accessories cost slightly more but are unique and often handmade. 

In Chapinero there is one stretch of road bursting with little second-hand clothes and shoe shops. Here you can find some real gems it just involves a few hours of rummaging and hard bargaining. My problem with these shops is that they were quite expensive for used clothes, but its still worth going to have a browse if you have the time. 

Shops

If your staying in La Candelaria and need clothes there are a few good shops on nearby carrera Séptima. My favourite shop so far in Bogotá is 'Tennis', which is not too expensive (about 30000cop for a top/blouse) and really similar to All Saints and Urban Outfitters. There is a store on Séptima calle 17-83 just be prepared to want to buy the entire shop. About 10m over the road on calle 18 there is a little shop called Kenzo Jeans which isn't amazing but a decent place to pick up standard blouses and shorts. A few girl's I've met have raved about Bogota's 'Forever 21' store which is apparently a lot cheaper than other shops here, and full of really cool stuff. Forever 21 is in Titan Plaza so to get there either jump in a taxi or get the Transmilenio to station Boyaca (con calle 80).

Artsy shops/stalls

Dotted around La Candelaria are a few one off shops selling clothes and accessories and the prices aren't too bad. However if your looking for unique clothes and gifts I would recommend going for a wander around the artistic neighborhood La Macarena where there are a few little shops selling unique knick-knacks and clothes. It's also a great place to people/outfit spot as the streets are lined with cafes and restaurants, and its only about a 15min walk from La Candelaria.

On Sunday Usaquén Flea Market takes places which is a really pleasant market to wander around full of Artisan handicrafts, food, and home-made made clothes and jewellery. The market is located in the Usaquén neighbourhood in the North of Bogotá against a quaint backdrop or bustling restaurant lined side-walks and mountains. Though they do sell some clothes here, its more accessories and handicrafts, but still definitely worth a visit as wandering the stalls is a great way to spend a lazy sunday afternoon. 

Items that are hard to find/expensive

So far I've found some really cool places to shop in Bogotá  however there are a few items which are proving difficult to find. Firstly tights, they are very expensive here compared to England. Also socks, I paid 6000cop for one pair of ugly socks today which seems ridiculous. Finally normal Kerby grips, they are seemingly impossible to find in anything other than fluorescent pink. If your planning an extended trip to Bogotá these items can all be picked up at the supermarket chain Exito (clothes can also be found here but they are not very nice) but its still not cheap so I would recommend stocking up before you come.