Amarcord ... Madrid's Shopping's Little Secret

Celebrities and fashion are inseparable. Whether you are a singer, or actress, or maybe a model, fans are always trying to emulate your sense of fashion.

Realizing this as a money-generating opportunity, many celebrities jumped into fashion-designing bandwagon to come out with a set of wardrobe inspired by their personality and personal fashion opinions.

There are also celebrities who instead of venturing into the designing business, opts for the retailing instead and one of them is the petite Spanish actress Penelope Cruz.

Known for her strong fondness in fashion and having graced a number of ad campaigns as well as the former front lady for American label Ralph Lauren ads, Cruz shares her great passion in the art of dolling up with the fashionable women of Madrid and Spain through her own multi-brand boutique Amarcord.

Christened after one of her all-time favorite movies, the boutique is located at the swanky area of Salamanca in Madrid and offers you a variety of ready-to-wear and accessories carefully selected by Cruz herself.

With a spacious retail space of 1000 sq ft., Amarcord offers you a good number of party dresses, day dresses, casual fashion, bikinis and accessories that reflects her taste in fashion from brands such as Anna Sui, Theory and Maje. There's even some stuff from Juicy Couture as well.

Apart from that, Penelope's handbag and jewelry line which she exclusively designed with her sister Monica for the Japanese handbag retailer Samantha Thavasa, is also retailed exclusively at Amarcord. Amarcord is the only retail spot in Spain or maybe in Europe that carries the Japanese label renowned for its collaboration with the stars, ranging from the Hilton sisters to the latest collaboration, Victoria Beckham.

Recently, Penelope and Monica unveiled their limited edition line of ready-to-wear and accessories designed exclusively for Spanish label Mango or MNG at the clubbers' paradise Ibiza. The 25-piece collection was previewed to the international and local fashion journalists, buyers from MNG stores around the world as well as socialites and celebrities who were all invited to the event. Penelope Cruz for Mango (MNG) will be available at selected MNG stores worldwide this Fall.

So, if you're planning for a getaway to Madrid, the beautiful yet historical capital of Spain, then don't forget to drop by Penelope's Amarcord and walk out with great togs and accessories, Cruz's sister. Do say hi to her for me if you see her in store!

*Photos by mujer.terra.es

Amarcord - 113, Claudio Coello, Madrid, Spain.