Firmly established as a European capital of style, Madrid can boast flagship stores of some of the most desirable international and Spanish brands

Like many women, I do like to buy pretty new things. However, the pleasure of shopping for me has been somewhat marred in recent years by the time constraints of working motherhood. I need time to browse the shops, try things on, dither, change my mind a lot and then go back to buy the first thing I liked - and there’s always an office to get back to or a toddler getting bored.

My advice to women in a similar position is to get away, far away, to a place where you can indulge in retail therapy at a relaxing pace. I have always enjoyed the Spanish shopping scene – laid back, long days and a creative industry producing an abundance of choice – yet I had never been to legendary shopper’s heaven Madrid.

So it was with a determination to take a little longed for ‘me time’ that I set off for the Spanish capital, dubbed ‘Southern Europe’s great urban shopping centre’, and discovered a city that offers a fantastic mix of high fashion, independent boutiques, affordable Spanish chains and plentiful markets.

Madrid’s stunning architecture, tree-lined boulevards and sunny climate also make for a dreamy environment in which to meander the streets and their stores at leisure. Luxe lovers should start at the city’s famous Salamanca district. Exquisite jewellery stores, the boutiques of Spain’s leading designers and top international brands are all concentrated in beautifully kept streets that exude glamour.

Spain has always made its own distinctive mark on the international fashion industry, and international success stories such as Adolfo Dominguez, Pedro Garcia and Carolina Herrera all have their flagship stores in this exclusive area of Madrid.

Read our full guide to shopping in Madrid in our June 2008 issue.