Shhh… Everyone likes a secret, right? I suppose it’s fun to think it’s only yours to know and to keep, or to share. El Vestuario de Sophie, or Sophie’s Closet, is a secret meant to be shared. In fact the shop’s owners are counting on it, relying on special exhibitions, social media and word of mouth to spread the word about their carefully curated fashion items and small, but lovely shop in Barcelona’s Eixample Dret.

The custom boutique approach to shopping is refreshing and alluring in today’s world of big brands, massive department stores and endless retail chains. Shopping at El Vestuario de Sophie is a reminder that shopping and fashion don’t have to be simply about wearing a certain brand or finding the best deals, but also about the people involved. And that shopping can still be a personal, meaningful and memorable experience.

I found out about El Vestuario de Sophie at one of Barcelona’s exclusive Red Deluxe  networking events earlier this fall. The store put on a fashion show for us all, adding some serious glamour to the event. I was definitely sold and a few weeks later, I made an appointment to go see their showroom. Along with a friend one late afternoon, I went to the shop for one of their private shopping experiences.

After finding the store, which is not your typical first level retail, but on the second floor instead, we were greeted by the two lovely shop owners. The friendly duo first offered us cava (which we gladly accepted) and then showed us around the studio, displaying their colorful fall inventory–  including new seasonal items, some sale stuff, and a recently added male apparel section.

I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of pricing, and was pleasantly surprised by how affordable it all was. My friend bought a scarf for under 15 Euros and I walked away with 3 items (a skirt, a dress and a blouse) for about 70 Euros. Not bad at all, and certainly more fun than going to just another huge department store.

For more information, and to arrange a personal shopping appointment, visit their Facebook Page. Hope you enjoy the experience as much as I did.