Earlier in March, I spent eleven days in Spain. While I was there on vacation, I couldn’t help but notice the excellent outfits that abounded. I’m no Bill Cunningham, clearly, so you’ll have to take my word for a lot of it.
The trip started in Barcelona, then San Sebastián, a day in Bilbao, and wrapped in Madrid. I’ll note where I noticed each trend, for historical accuracy. And when possible, I’ll include Spanish brands for your browsing pleasure, though the majority of items will be secondhand.
From my Notes app to your Substack inbox, here are ten tiny outfit details I noticed in Spain.
Paracord phone straps
Unlike the decorative phone straps of yore, these straps were working hard. I saw them on people of all ages, and the detail that tickled me most was that so many of them were paracord material. It feels less serious than leather. And provides a cool contrast to a neutral outfit. If it was fifteen years ago, I’d be all over this DIY. But save yourself the cracked iPhone and go the store bought route.
Ironically, Casetify sent me this exact cord before my trip and I was on the fence about it. A week in Spain later and the first thing I did when I got home was add it to my phone. It’s also $32.
A little heavier duty, but it gives camp counselor vibes in the best way.
This just makes me so happy. Etsy is a perfect place! These are $22.
And a little something more the more serious among us. It comes in a ton of colors.
Sling bags
There’s something about travel forcing you to carry the same purse for a bunch of days in a row that incites a sort of handbag jealousy. I noticed this sling-style bag in Barcelona, but it followed me all the way to the airport in Madrid. I get it—deeply practical, a zipper in most cases, and usually paired with a simple outfit. It felt like a no brainer, even though it’s bag shape I’ve never owned.
It’s a pretty modern silhouette, at least in the crossbody shape, so there’s not a ton on the secondhand market, but here are a few bags that approximate the style.
Vintage Coach and under $100—a feat these days.
This vintage Espirit bag comes with a matching wallet for $25.
Malababa is a Spanish brand that makes really fun leather bags. This converts from a shoulder bag to a crossbody—making it a travel all star.
I’m impressed by this Madewell sling bag that’s $120 and leather. Looks very old Coach to me!
Trousers with tennis shoes
I’m not talking about white leather sneakers and a trim grey trouser. I’m talking about a massive, wide leg tweed slack with a bright pair of Solomons. It’s an unapologetic marriage of hyper casual and dressy. And it WORKS. You can make this happen with items in your closet, to be clear. Overwhelmed? Opt for white crew socks and keep the top simple with a white button down.
Vintage high waisted pale blue silk trousers. What’s not to love?
Discovered an excellent new-to-me brand HOFF in Madrid. Aren’t these great?
The best wool trousers are army surplus from the 40s/50s. You’ll have to get exact measurements from the seller, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $30-$100 for a pair.
Bimba y Lola! You guys! SO GOOD. These trousers are exceptional.
I wore my Salomons all trip and you should too.
Wide-ish leg jeans
The beauty is in the in between. It’s true for a lot of things, denim included. The kind of jeans I was spotting in Barcelona we’re kick flares. They certainly weren’t skinny jeans. And they weren’t even barrel jeans. The best way to describe them is wide-ish. Nothing too dramatic, a little cropped but nothing crazy. You probably have a pair in your closet. Try swapping your usual Levis for them with an outfit you’ve worn a million times before.
I have these from Madewell! They’re as comfortable as sweats.
You know I love Silver Tab Levi’s. These are $40.
Personally, I love Frame jeans. I’d just never buy them used. There is a massive amount of them on Poshmark.
One last pair of $40 Silver Tabs for good measure.
Black Ray Bans
This was uncanny. I spotted more black Ray Ban sunglasses than in any other stretch of my adult life. And I have to say, as a long-time fan, they look great. The all-black is kind of refreshing in a sea of novelty lenses. Even if a classic Wayfarer doesn’t fit your face well, you have a ton of options.
I wear the Mega Wayfarers because I have a massive face.
A little vintage option for the Dimes Square readership.
These are a GREAT shape from new from Ray Ban…ok I see you.
One last cool shape. And these are $45!
Nike Dunks + Shox
The Dunks were less…shocking…than the abundance of Nike Shox I spotted. Pick your poison. But either way, your middle school self is freaking out. You can buy these secondhand, but if you want to get a ton of life out of them, maybe opt for new.
I have no idea what to caption this. I guess if you get it, you get it. (I don’t)
This colorway! $90! What’s not to love?
If you’re going for Nike Dunks—you might as well go all out.
Cream-colored pants
The key here was that the pants in question were notably NOT white. Turns out, cream is way less aggressive, unexpected, and very chic when paired with a long coat. It’s a good idea to stick with black shoes and socks for this look, based on what I spotted, but don’t let me hold you back.
ese O ese is very popular in Spain, but new to me. These subtle pinstripe pants are dreamy.
I always look for Nili Lotan trousers on secondhand sites.
I have a tall girlfriend who SWEARS by the Favorite Daughter trousers.
Cropped, textured fleece vests
I spent a lot of time getting weird looks in surf shops in San Sebastián to bring you this very important find. Cropped fleece vests are SO happening. I saw a bunch of surfers throw them on over sweatshirts after getting out of the water. I think pedestrians are cleared to wear them, too.
Most of the vests I saw in store were reversible, too.
American Vintage—carried in almost every store.
Paging
!!! A pony vest.Prime example of what I’m talking about.
Chunky black boots
This was a real shock to the system. Big, large and in charge, black boots. Usually in leather. Always worn with an ease that made me wonder why the hell I was wearing anything else.
This option from Loeffler Randall feels a lot like The Row for a price that makes sense.
I’ve never broken in a pair of Dr. Martens but I get the sense it could be easier if they were preloved.
This preloved Vagabond pair rocks.
Shiny rain gear
Rain was on the forecast, but much to my delight, I found the Spanish embraced the less-than-ideal weather with great panache. Particularly, anything colorful or patent-y. I miss Spain already.
There are $300 versions of this hat, but here’s one for $25 for you to test the style first.
For $30? I think this rain jacket is a steal.
I’ve always thought a proper rain jacket from Rains is a perfect gift.
Why not make your own sunshine in this vintage rain hat?
Honorable Mentions
Two very different nonfiction book recs. The first is The Tell and comes with a massive SA trigger warning but is INCREDIBLE. The second is We Tell Ourselves Stories: Joan Didion and the American Dream Machine. Very excellent read for any Didion fans.
Speaking of books…YOU CAN OFFICIALLY PREORDER MINE.
I’m already planning my summer vibe and this dress with a basket is it.
Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can shop my favs here, follow along on Instagram + Tiktok, and shop my Notion template. Get matched at EV Salon. And if you want to partner on a future Long Live, email evan@communite.co x
I love all of this! Came here to say you’re 100% correct on the Docs — I tell people to buy them second hand, already broken in, and always vintage because there’s a higher chance they were made in the UK vs. China with the older pairs!
This was such a delightful dispatch—like a voice note from your most fashionable friend while she walks through Madrid. 🧃
Immediately adding “wide-ish jeans + Salomons” to my spring mood board. Also feeling deeply seen by the sling bag envy. And the cropped fleece vests? Plot twist of the season. Thank you for scouting, styling, and sourcing so we don’t have to guess.
P.S. Still chuckling at “camp counselor in the best way.” Iconic.