The local retail scene boasts of almost everything a style savant could ask for. The best shopping areas are fairly spread out but interlinked. Check any map and it’s an inverted L area they call the Barcelona shopping line. Start from uptown Diagonal which has some of the city’s designer shops and classy, elegant apartments. Take your pick from the variety of expensive brands: Loewe, Versace, Hugo Boss, Armani and Gucci. There are also multi-label boutiques like Jean Pierre Bua, which stocks Marc Jacobs, Gaultier, Miu Miu, Martin Margiela and D&G.

After wishing you had enough cash to buy even just one piece from any brand, work your way down to the Eixample district with its central avenue: Passeig de Gracia. Best done when you have the entire day devoted to the art of shopping, this long avenue is not only filled with boutiques to fulfill every fashion addict’s dream but it’s also interspersed with landmarks such as Gaudi’s houses (not only one but two!) and modernist buildings. And the array here of designer brands is even more diverse: YSL, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Bulgari, Burberry, Hermes, Ferragamo, and on and on. For the denim aficionados, Passeig de Garcia also has the best jeanswear selection from Diesel, Replay, G-star, Energie, and Miss Sixty. I spent an eternity in G-star alone debating whether I should or shouldn’t but ended up deciding on the former. G-star jack pants, which have the newest denim silhouette for ladies, the dhoti relaxed skinny. I looovvvee!!!!

Another eternity in Diesel for they carry an entire line of Diesel Style Lab shoes, drool drool. There was one shoe that I had to let go, and which still haunts my dreams, gorgeous four-inch gladiator couture stilettos. Even the price didn’t matter at 180 euros, (on sale from 250!) but they didn’t have my size. Boohoo. But the charm, of course, are the fast-fashion brands from Swedish store H&M (it’s H&M!!!) to local Spanish fast-fashion brands Zara and Mango having two outlets each on this street alone.

Passeig de Gracia ends in the large square Placa Catalunya. Le Corte Ingles, Spain’s oldest department store, has its flagship branch here with nine floors plus three lower levels. Spanish youth fashion brand Sfera also has its flagship store here offering Zara-style clothing, accessories and beauty products. Other fashionable stores here include Topshop, with the whole Topshop shoes line. Eeek!! (And yet another eternity spent!) TopMan, Miss Selfridge and Desigual.(Which, according to some, may be the new Custo Barcelona)

In the small road beside Le Corte Ingles, leave the wide avenues and explore the side streets of Barri Gotic and it’s possible to feel the true spirit of Barcelona Shopping. The thing I like most about this area of narrow and intertwining paths is that you never know what’s in store next. All shops are housed in old, classic buildings. It’s like a mall with shops that are side by side but it’s outdoors and authentically European. Mingling with the old buildings are contemporary-design touches and a vibrant atmosphere of creativity. It’s jampacked with tourists, though, but there is great shopping to be done here. From homegrown design talents, the best tucked-away shops, youth brands and jeans wear. Brands like Quicksilver, Pepe Jeans, Jack Jones, another H&M, And yet two more Zaras and Mangos. Must check are local fast-fashion brands Bershka and Stradivarius. If you think H&M is cheap, these two are bargain jackpots. And it’s not just any wannabe fashion store, they actually sell some really directional pieces. Check out the selection of trend-led shoes in Bershka as well as the men’s selection of way affordable graphic tees.

And resting in one of the many outdoor cafes is a must. It’s one of my best ways of spotting trends. Skinny jeans are still hot but I saw a lot veering towards the newer denim silhoutte, as I’ve said, the dhoti relaxed skinny. Baggier on the thighs, with a longer crotch, and tapering to the ankles. It’s worn ala boyfriend jeans, low on the waist. A strong influence from Japanese denim street fashion, but the Spanish carry it off with a whole different flair.

On the other end of the spectrum are high-waisted jeans and skirts that have an extended waistband that hugs the waist like a corset. Pepe jeans holiday collection has a high-waisted denim bermuda. I SO want. The dhoti shorts for ladies, or, in their local speak "piratas," are hot, with fabrics ranging from classic denim to more playful jerseys with full-print tiny skulls. I’m liking the whole plaid shorts and deep V-neck tops combo for men paired with scruffy espadrilles. So fresh! Men in bermudas seems to be the trend with guys sporting denim frayed cut offs or rolled up ones. For ladies, tights or leggings still is the styling choice for cinched dresses and mini skirts. The rounded toe shoe is evolving to have a semi-round, semi-pointed shape. With chunky stacked heel, new ‘it’ colors are red and violet. Patent ‘40s pumps are hot also in black and shiny red.

Best time to go would be June for all stores are on "Rebaixes," or SALE, the ultimate magic phrase and which I have to admit was the only Spanish word I learned. But, trust me on this one, you not only go for the flamenco dancers, the bullfights and the paellas but also because Barcelona is the burgeoning scene of fashion, art and style. With successful fast-fashion brands and an even hotter local designer scene, it wouldn’t be any wonder that Barcelona might soon become the next fashion capital.