A Portuguese Affair x Petite Moda Collab

Every woman has two or three pieces in her wardrobe she just can’t live without. Petite Moda fashion blogger, Melanie, and A Portuguese Affair blogger, Catarina, got together to share their respective can’t-live-without staples, with a unique twist: those wardrobe favorites are made in Portugal. And by the time you see the things they love, you’ll want to shop in Portugal too.

Melanie: My Portuguese filigree earrings and necklace became some of my favorite staple pieces when I visited Portugal in 2014. The filigree is so delicate and its intricate design instantly drew me in. At first I wasn’t sure of the significance of these delicate pieces, I just knew I had to have one. I was curious to find out more about them, so I did some quick research. The Portuguese filigree that I was drawn to, and that’s pictured here, stands for love. There are different filigree pendants and necklaces you can shop, each with it’s own delicate and intricate design. I already have some others on my wish list. Now, I pair my filigree with anything. While paired together the earrings and necklace can be a bit much, they are stunning pieces alone. Use them to dress up your basic tees or wear them to an event or party. You can never go wrong with a beautiful, intricate statement piece.

Catarina: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m obsessed with Portuguese shoes! In fact, I rarely buy footwear outside of Portugal. It really comes down to two things: quality and price. Portuguese shoes are now considered the best quality in the world, second only to Italian – and they’re significantly more affordable. My favorite store is Sapataria S. Marcos (there are a few branches in Lisbon and Cascais). They stock a large collection of shoes that are made in Portugal at budget-friendly prices. It’s my go-to store for ballerina slippers and boots… and everything in between. Aside from being super comfortable, I get so many compliments when I wear them. Here are three of my favorites, all from S. Marcos: some coral ballerina slippers, some brown high heels, and some blue boots. I can’t recommend Portuguese shoes enough: every person, male or female, needs Portuguese shoes in their life.