Look who popped up at Cala Bonita!

Which is why, when we decided to open our very own little White Ibiza Pop-Up Boutique in 2016, we made sure we could run it for the duration of an entire month to avoid any serious cases of pop-up FOMO. I LOVE our little pop-up. It’s like my dream walk-in wardrobe – that is, if I was lucky enough to live on such a beautiful beachfront location as Cala Bonita! The gorgeous little beach restaurant has been a hit in its debut season on the iconic little beach of S’Estanyol, after giving the tired old restaurant a rustic-yet-sophisticated makeover. The attention to detail is amazing, with most of the furniture and finishes hand-made for the venue and the most high-end kitchen equipment flown in from around the world. Talk about raising the bar…

I have to admit, at first I was scared Cala Bonita might over-commercialise my favourite little ‘secret’ Ibiza beach – with Aussie celeb chef Karen Martini at the helm of the kitchen, it was only a matter of time until its gastronomic reputation grew – but the group of new owners truly appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of their location and are not about to spoil a thing. It’s not about numbers – it’s about quality. The intimate space is never overcrowded, the tiny beach always has enough space for everyone and locals still love to sunbathe on the rooftops of the fishermen’s huts around the bay. It’s perhaps now even more special than it ever was before – and let me tell you, the musical selection has certainly improved tenfold!

Anyway, I digress. I was talking about our pop-up. Our lovely little pop-up shop. It’s not flashy or overwhelming. Just like Cala Bonita itself, it’s intimate and chic, understated but high quality. There’s no pressure to make fast decisions as you’re surrounded by hordes of people. It’s laidback retail therapy in true Ibiza style. Have lunch, pick up a copy of WHITE Ibiza Magazine to peruse as you laze on the beach then come back pick up your favourite pieces from our SS16 collection on the way out (well, at least before 6pm as that’s when we pack up for the day!). We’re not going anywhere – we’re here all month! What I really love about the pop-up – location aside – is that finally, the beautiful White Ibiza Balearic Basics and Resort SS16 collections (plus our beautiful debut magazine) have a physical home. A place to try before you buy.

Because I’m going to admit – despite spending a huge part of my life working/socialising/obsessing in the online arena – I am not a very confident online shopper. I like to touch things. Feel the fabric. See myself wearing it in front of the mirror. Compare and contrast colours. Open my wallet, pay with cash and receive a lovely bag with tissue wrapped clothing to strut home with. Call me old fashioned… So at Cala Bonita, I’ve been able to try on each and every piece from the collection – much to the amusement of our lovely staff – and admire or criticise myself in the mirror. In case you’re wondering why I’d never tried them on before (they have been available online all summer, after all), it’s because I work from home and the collections are stocked at White Ibiza HQ. It’s summer, I’m busy and I hadn’t had the chance to faff around in a styling session… ‘til now!

My personal favourites include the Cavallet Maxi – I love, love LOVE this dress! It’s so Ibiza, but can also be worn in the city or to a festival. With wedges or with ankle boots. I envisioned myself floating through Dalt Vila in the white version (see my previous blog about Ibiza fashion fantasies here) however once I tried it on, it was obvious my complexion was much more suited to the black one. Black dress plus fluffy white cat does not equate to a logical purchase, but whoever said fashion was logical? It’s now hanging in my wardrobe, safely away from aforementioned kitty. I was also a sucker for the Caleta Kaftan. To be honest on the rails it looks kind of shapeless and I’d have thought twice about trying it on, but since I had a little time on my hands and it was in the name of research, I gave it a go. And once you throw it on… wow! It accentuates curves, shows off just the right amount of leg and sparkles beautifully in the sunlight. It also works well as a party dress – I know, because I instantly bought it and wore it to DJ Harvey at Pikes at Ibiza Rocks House!

The Xuclar Sundress – which I was convinced would not flatter my figure – turned out to be a great little dress I now wear for work and also out for lunches! I am yet to buy, desperately want, the Xarraca Maxi – the only thing stopping me is the combination of my pallor and its white shade. But I figure I still have all of September to work on my tan, so I’ll wait a few more weeks and try it on again before we shut up shop at the end of the season. Other pieces that surprised me were the Galera Gowns. I thought they looked a little too glam for me, but surprisingly, with some nice flat sandals, both colours look great for daywear as much as for night. The sassy little Pada Playsuits – which I thought for sure would make me look enormous – were actually easily adjusted to suit how much thigh you want to show (though I must admit personally, I need more of a tan for those) and really comfy to wear. And finally, the Carbo Kaftan… another winner, and another piece that works equally as well by night as it does by day. I still can’t decide between blue and black… maybe I’ll get both!

Whether like me, you’ve spent a couple of months ogling the collections online but were never brave enough to buy, or if you’ve never seen them before but feel inspired to update your wardrobe, the White Ibiza Pop-Up Boutique is now at your service! Combine it with a luxe lunch at Cala Bonita, a lazy sunbathing session on the rocks, or just pop in for a fast fashion fix. S’Estanyol is just a ten-minute drive from Ibiza town, there’s plenty of easy parking just outside making it much easier than trying to battle the traffic and parking of Ibiza town at this time of year. In fact, I think I might just pop in now to see if my tan has improved and my Xarraca Maxi wishful purchase can come true, and if not, there’s a Tarida Tunic calling my name…