Shopping for tango clothing and shoes couldn't be easier for tourists now that vendors carry their merchandise to the milongas. Ladies can select and try on dresses, pants, skirts, etc. in the washrooms of many milongas. For example, you will find Amanda afternoons in El Arranque and Thursday night in Nino Bien. I recently met Marta in Celia's tango club where I assisted a tourist with her purchases since she couldn't speak Spanish. Prices are extremely reasonable. This woman from Europe bought a skirt and top for 70 pesos--less than $25. Marta also accepts appointments in her Caballito apartment near Parque Rivadavia.
Susan Villarroel has been making tango shoes for years, and early this year she opened a store across the street from El Abasto shopping mall, practically next door to Esquina de Carlos Gardel. I visited the shop for the first time recently, and I was overwhelmed at the huge quantity of styles she has in stock for men and women. Prices range from 85-130 pesos for women's shoes. They will custom make any style in your choice of heel and leather. Where else in the world can you design your own shoe for US$50? www.shoes-susanaartesanal.com Thursday nights in Centro Region Leonesa (Nino Bien) there are vendors selling everything from CDs and books to clothes and shoes, since this large milonga draws so many tourists. Shoes by Cadela (traditional styles) [email protected] and Comme il Faut (contemporary styles) [email protected] are on display. I have worn a pair of black leather shoes by Fatomano for more than three years, but they are no longer doing business. There are stores in the downtown business district and in San Telmo. See the Guia Trimestral of B.A. Tango for a complete listing of more locations for shoes. I recently found a location for elegant shoes in the style of Manolo Blahnik but without the outrageous price tag. Theirs are US$100 as opposed to US$500-$700 for Blahniks. Pichi de Buenos Aires
