Mention the Balearic Island of Majorca to most people and the first thing that comes to mind is family package holidays, coach tours and holiday reps. While this type of holiday is a major part of the island’s tourism, it’s far from the only draw. The capital of Palma is a vibrant, fully functioning capital city that easily rivals it’s better known siblings on the spanish mainland and offers more than most as a city break destination. I spent just over a week there last September and I have to say it offered the perfect mix of city break with it’s bustling medieval streets with beach side activities just a stones throw away. Here are some of my highlights:

EAT:

La Bóveda

Cafe: If you’ve got children with you then make your way to Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo, a wonderfully authentic café in Palma. It’s hidden down a back street near Sant Francesc. The coffee’s good but it’s the typical Majorcan desserts including cakes, pastries and homemade ice cream that are fantastic.
Calle Rey Sanç 10, T+34 971 71 07 59

Tapas Bar/Restaurant: A favourite with locals La Bóveda combines a tapas bar with a slightly more formal dining area to the rear. The spicy albondigas are divine and if you’re into cheeses and hams make sure to try the plates of local produce being served. The restaurant, which you’d need to book, serves up some delicious meats and freshly caught fish.
3 Paseo Sagrera, La Lonja, T +34 971 72 00 26

SHOP:

One of the main shopping streets is the pedestrianised Carrer Sant Miquel with most of the big highstreet players including H&M, Zara and Pull & Bear. Avinguda Jaume III is one of Palma’s most elegant shopping avenues and home to a many high end stores such as Cartier, Loewe, Massimo Dutti and department store El Cortes Ingles.

DRINK:

Around the areas of La Lonja (the older part of Palma) and ‘San Miguel’ you’ll find the best selection of bars and clubs with plenty of live music and jazz venues. El Garito was one of the venues I particularly enjoyed but really it depends on what you’re after. Just remember like most Spanish cities, the nightlife doesn’t really kick off in Palma until after midnight when the locals final hit the town.
El Garito, Dàrsena de Can Barbarà, 07015. T +34 971 736912

SLEEP:

We rented an apartment a couple of minutes away from the Cathedral right in the centre of town. It was a really spacious, modernly decorated place with all mod cons (including air con). I have to say it was super comfortable and was very affordable. What’s more it could easily have accommodated four people. It also has a shared roof top terrace and is a stones throw from the main shopping district. Playa de Palma (the city beach) is a short 15 minute walk away. Personally I preferred the beach at Arenal which had been recommended to me. It’s small, shelter bay that’s perfectly formed with turquoise waters against a back drop of a small hill with pine trees. It’s very picturesque. To get there it’s takes about 20 minutes on a city bus from the centre to Arenal (S’Arenal). The buses are very frequent and depart from the Plaza de Espana.
Apartamentos BORN, Passeig d’es Born. Email: bornapartments@gmail.com

DAY TRIP:

The town of Soller: Take the original 19th century wooden train, el Tren de Soller, up the mountains to the sleepty town of Soller. The train is adorable and the journey takes about an hour with spectacular views over the surrounding mountains and countryside. The town itself is easily navigated on foot with lots of cute little cafes, bars and restaurants as well as original buildings some of which date back to the 14th century. There’s a tram system in place but I didn’t find it necessary to use it. Also worth a visit is the Cultural Museum of Soller, the exhibitions are interesting but just to wander around the old building is fascinating. There’s a cute garden to the rear to enjoy. A couple of hours in Soller was plenty for me so unless you want to there’s no need to overnight. Valldemossa is another spot that’s supposed to be amazing but unfortunately we didnt have time to visit.

Tren de Soller Railway

Paris may be considered the city of love but, romance aside, it can be paradise for shoppers too. I was lucky enough to live and work in the city. When friends flew over to visit, they inevitably wanted to gather up some Parisian chic and bring it back to show off at home. I developed a little treasure-trail of fashion fancies and cute bijoux boutiques which never failed to please. Here’s my tried-and-tested guide to shopping (to keep Irish visitors happy!) in Paris.

If you’ve any suggestions for shopping, food or whatever please let us know and we’ll add it.

The Marais
The vibrantly-gay Marais area of Paris naturally features numerous upscale boutiques but avoid the neon stores and go for old-world charm instead and you’re in for a treat. Maverick retailers stock quality vintage-wear and bespoke jewellery galore. Get lost and find a bargain! Scoff some falafel if you get peckish – it’s also the Jewish quarter.

DOM Christian Koban (21 Rue Sainte Croix la Bretonnerie)
What is probably best described as a more edgy Urban Outfitters, DOM sell everything from rubber raincoats to uber-funky furniture. They stock a range of clothes and jewellery and tend to have a small but adorable selection of both men’s and women’s-wear with really great price tags. Last time I was there, I left with 2 pairs of jeans, a scarf and a jumper with change from €100.

Vintage Desire (32 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris)
If it’s vintage you’re after you won’t be left wanting in Paris for Friperie or 2nd hand clothes shops. Vintage Desire is a very popular shop stuffed to the brim with good-quality, reasonably-priced vintage clothing including a surprisingly good selection of bags and shoes. You may have to squeeze your way through this pocket-sized shop but it’s worth it. I picked up the most amazing box leather jacket for half-nothing in this place a few years back and never miss the chance to pop my head in. It’s open seven days until 9pm so the best time to visit is during the week or in the evening.

BHV (52 -54, Rue de Rivoli opposite Hôtel de Ville)
Le Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville or BHV as it is abbreviated to is an innovative, all-encompassing and completely unpretentious department store, by far my favourite in Paris. If you’re a dog lover, make sure to check out ‘La Niche’ at BHV (42 rue de la Verrerie). This pet boutique recently opened to cater for our furry friends and includes designer clothes and accessories plus a dog spa and even a psychologist (for your dog!). The café on the 6th floor with access to the roof has an incredible Parisian vista.

Boyz Bazaar (5 Rue Sainte Croix la Bretonnerie)
Just down the street from DOM lies Boyz Bazaar which, as the name suggests, offers a large selection of all that’s on trend in casual menswear. Everything from Diesel to D&G and Energie, at quite reasonable prices, with very friendly shop staff.

French Trotters (30 Rue de Charonne, near Bastille)
French Trotters is one of the Bastille’s most charming shops and a beautiful one to visit. It’s a concept store with an interesting mix of art and fashion (reflecting the two passions of the couple that own it). The bottom half is devoted to all things fashion with stylish clothes from young and hip designers including Acne, Anna Sui and Comme des Garçons, while the upper-half hosts exhibitions of art work.

Les Archives de la Presse (51 Rue des Archives)
Situated close to the National Archives and the Picasso Museum is this gem of a bookstore. A wonder to behold it has a massive back catalogue of fashion magazines from the early 1900’s to present day including collector editions of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. If fashion’s not your bag, don’t worry all topics are catered for including from sport, food and science.

Châtelet Les Halles
The Forum des Halles is underground shopping at its best, quite literally. Les Halles is a massive subterranean shopping centre boasting over 200 shops including everything from Habitat, music shop FNAC to a four-floor H&M. If shopping centres aren’t for you, at street level is the Châtelet area brimming over with shops selling everything from vintage to bric-à-brac. Make sure to check out rue Etienne-Marcel for Diesel, Kabuki and Barbara Bui. The best thing about shopping in this neighborhood is that many shops are open on Sundays, uncommon in Paris.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Left Bank 6th Arrondissement)
If it’s designer luxury you’re after then head to Saint-Germain-des Pres and the area around Rue St-Sulpice. Shoe lovers should make their way to Free Lance (30 Rue Four) to fall in love with some of the most exquisite shoes you’re likely to lay eyes on. Even if you can’t afford them, it’s definitely worth having a look and a feel.

Puces de St-Ouen (18th, Metro Porte de Clignoncourt)
The Flea market at St-Ouen is the Daddy of all flea-markets. It originally started in the Middle Ages and you’d swear it hasn’t stopped expanding since, it’s that vast. An incredible number of stalls selling a smorgasbord of stuff, it can be quite overwhelming at first. While a lot of the merchandise is cheap and flimsy, there are good deals to be found in the mix for anyone with the patience. If anything, it’s worth checking out for its sheer scale.

London calling …your insider shopping guide!
By Avril Collins

With sterling offering such tempting bang for our euro right now, a trip to London is well timed to snap up those key Spring looks hitting the high street and beyond. Catering for all walk of stylista, London is vast so if you want to make the most of a two day trip, equip yourself with our guide to the hot spots. Taking London area-by-area, we’ve focused on our favourites spots from a recent visit. Drop us a line at HelpMyStyle.ie if you would like more info on any of the below!

Central London:

Oxford Street – we’re all fitted with a homing device for this high street mecca but why spend your whole day there when you could just as likely be on Henry Street. For a quick fix, hit Topshop and New Look and Selfridges for pricier, fashion forward pieces.
Carnaby Way – is located at the top of Oxford Street and is a true hidden gem. It boasts a Steve Madden shoe boutique (the US king of footwear that has yet to hit Irish stores), and an arcade full of vintage shops that house much cheaper vintage handbags, jewellery and clothing than the basement vintage hive in Topshop.
South Molton Street (off mid-Oxford Street towards Old Bond Street) – if you’re an accessories addict and covet the crystal drop earrings and chunky bangles worn by every self respecting celeb, take a deep breath before you tackle this side street. It boasts Kurt Geiger, Moda en Pelle and bling emporium Butler & Wilson! The costume jewellery at Butler & Wilson is amazing and they also stock designer vintage dresses that are to die for (but be warned, they are pricey).

East:

Spitalfields Market – Spitalfields has an excellent vibe and the shops don’t get any funkier. The vintage stalls take place every Thursday but don’t fret if you’re visiting on Saturday, there are still a handful of shops worth visiting including Dolly Dare for edgy designs starting from £65.
Absolute Vintage – is among my all time favourite vintage stores, offering one of the best ranges of designer vintage I have ever seen – 60’s and 70’s Gucci and Dior clutches, Manolo and Gina shoes from times past, pre-loved Hermes and Louis Vuitton scarves.
Beyond Retro – think Wild Child but 10 times bigger, this vast warehouse of vintage goodies is a favourite with fashion magazines galore in the UK due to it housing items from practically every decade. The prices are unbelievably reasonable and while it’s a bit rough and tumble, it’s definitely a destination shop!

West (Kensington and Chelsea):

Harrods, Knightsbrige – a visit to Harrods is about pure spectacle and if you have time to spare, the shoe boudoir is a must. Harrods do luxury goods like no other and whether you’ve the spends or not, it’ll have you salivating!
Sloane Square – is home Harvey Nics and many boutiques and is similar to our Westbury Mall / Clarendon Street area. If you’re looking for something a little different at mid to high range prices this area is definitely worth a stroll.
Portobello Road Market – much further West on the tube is Portobello Market where young designers and vintage stalls are a-plenty. The market goes on for miles so discipline is definitely needed or you could end up unintentionally whiling away a few hours here.

North:

Camden Market - is the main attraction in this area of London. The market can be a bit of a mish-mash tourist trap but it does feature some good stalls from up and coming designers. Also, head to the Stables Market for a number of good vintage shops like Thea Vintage, Lost and Found and What Goes Around Comes Around.