Bargain hunting on the Spanish high street

If there's one word I see more than any other when walking down the high street at the moment its rebajas, the Spanish word for "sales". After the present buying frenzy leading up to the 6th January, the Día de los Reyes, and the day when the Spanish traditionally give presents to their loved ones, the shops are now trying to sell off their last bits from 2010, ready for 2011's new must-haves.

Considering the financial crisis that Spain is currently suffering, it seems that many people are making the most of the opportunity to look good for less. The streets and shops are bustling until 8pm, especially as the discounts are now reaching up to seventy percent.

It does seem though that the sales have sent some bargain hungry Spaniards a little bit crazy! There were reports of people queuing outside in the early hours of the morning, and a few shops in Madrid were even offering bigger discounts to both men and women who were willing to go out shopping wearing only their underwear. The half naked customers were allowed to dress themselves for free, with one item for the top and one for the bottom, taken from the store's sale section. But considering the sub-zero temperatures here in Salamanca at the moment, this is definitely not advisable, no matter how desperate you are to bag a bargain!

Results have shown that in this sales period, as every year, there are many popular items that people look for in the sales, such as laptop computers, cameras, phones and furniture, but clothes are always the real money maker.

So, what will the Spanish be wearing in the year to come? Madrid's fashion week starts on the 3rd Febuary and is sure to confirm the hot looks for 2011. However, fashion experts are already spreading the word that white coats and high boots will be popular for the end of the winter, then, as spring and summer begin, there'll be much more French-style striped shirts and pretty much everything in "camel" colour. As for the men, the designer world is sure to be influenced by Spanish tennis player and national treasure Rafael Nadal's appearance in the new Armani advertising campaign.

So whatever it is you've got your eye on on the Spanish high street, be quick - the rebajas will be ending soon!