What a terrible discovery I made via an outlet website. A brand I didn't know came up, I browsed around, got really excited, and went to find out whether the markdown was really worth it. Was the top really 370 euros at one point? Well, apparently so. After a lot of deliberating, I ordered three items from Charo Ruiz Ibiza and waited in suspense. I ordered two tops in size xs and a pair of bermuda shorts in size xs. I wanted to order a whole lot more, but it was still a considerable expense.
In the meantime I've received a second order with two tops and a pair of shorts. This time the shorts in white and the Flamingo top in black. I ordered the shorts in size xs again, but the tops in size s. This order introduced a new model, Aquila.
Charo Ruiz Ibiza
A bit of research on the brand. A Spanish fashion designer who actually lives and works on Ibiza. Charo Ruiz Ibiza is very much a high end brand, which apparently is available on the bigger designer resale sites. It also has its own site, where you can order fairly easily within Europe. Just like a lot of other brands, it's worth waiting for the sale.
Charo Ruiz herself started as a model in Barcelona, but then followed in her family's footsteps after all and started her own atelier on Ibiza. What does the brand stand for; reclaim tradition, the admiration of the feminine and the freedom of the island where they grew up.
Charo Ruiz's Flamingo top
Cheering, I was genuinely cheering when these tops came along. I'd been looking for a while for a 'replacement' for two of my favourite tops from Stradivarius. Something with ruffles and/or a playful element, at any rate. I found all of that and more, in the Flamingo top from Charo Ruiz. It really has to be your style and suit you. The people who know me will know, yes, this is a Roos top. Nice and voluminous, one shoulder and a lovely length for a crop top. After a lot of deliberating I ordered the top in the colour white and multicolour (white base with green/purple finishing) in size xs.
When the tops arrived, it was truly a celebration. They were even scented, and the quality was clearly substantial. Lots of fabric and gorgeous broderie anglaise finishing. The bodice is smocked, so it fits nicely. I do have to admit that the size isn't quite right for me and a small would be better. I feel it mostly at the armhole. There's just a bit too much tension there, so the smocked section sits fairly high.
Lyo shorts
Because the multicolour Flamingo top is fairly specific in colour, I wanted a matching bottom to go with it. After a lot of deliberating, I landed on a somewhat longer pair of shorts. Why? I feel less free in a skirt than in shorts. To also not feel too enclosed, I chose a bermuda-style model with a somewhat looser fit. Unfortunately the Lyo model is no longer regularly available. If you look hard enough, you can still find it online.
The shorts have the same print as the multicolour Flamingo top. So a white base with green and purple details. The waistband is elastic, wonderfully comfortable, and I can wear it high, so I don't have too much bare belly showing. The fabric is also fully cotton again.
Aquila top from Charo Ruiz Ibiza
Even on sale, the Flamingo tops are still an investment. So after letting quite a few options pass me by, I wanted to give the Aquila top a try. A nice price and still with ruffles. Aquila is an off the shoulder top, with short sleeves. Along the entire length of the neckline there's one extra ruffle layer. It's made from a lovely crisp cotton and also has a perforated design. It does run a bit shorter than the Flamingo top, so more bare waist shows a bit sooner. Because of the smocked bodice, the top fits nicely and can optionally also be worn without a bra. Rather nice when it's really hot 😉
