KOKTAILS WITH KOKET AT CHAMP’S DA BAIXA

Elegance and comfort, divine architectural designs courtesy of Central Architectos’ talented Pedro Lima, and a nature-inspired tapestry call for a unique and tantalizing bistro experience at Champ’s da Baixa. A hidden in plain sight gem located in Porto, Portugal, Champ’s da Baixa allows for the discretion of secrecy, but the boldness of confessed love. Created for goddesses the atmosphere at Champ’s da Baixa offers a perfect setting for four girlfriends with expensive taste out for their evening buzz.

Erika, CiCi, and Melanie converse over exquisite hor d’oeuvres and top-shelf champagne. Tiny bubbles tickle the bottom of CiCi’s nose as she quickly downs the rest of her first glass of “bubbly”. “Aaah-chuu” CiCi sneezes. Erika looks in CiCi’s direction and shakes her head. “Please sip sweetie, this is champagne not shots of tequila.” Melanie chuckles and then composes herself quickly. “Where is Brandy?” inquires Melanie. “I have no idea, I told her to meet us at 6:30. You know she’s always late.” Erika states as if she was reprimanding Melanie.

And then as if almost on cue there appeared sounds of tiny metal bracelets clinking and shaking together in a simultaneous rhythm. Next emerged shiny black and white stilettos, skin tan hosiery, a knee-length waist hugging white dress and large black rim YSL shades. “Heeeeeeey lovely ladies, did you miss me!?” exclaims Brandy before taking her seat. The women exchange glances with each other forcing a smile. “Hey Brandy,” the women mumble in annoyed unison. Brandy removes her glasses and cases the room. “Excellent taste Erika, this place is incredible, yay for Champ’s da Baixa!

“Thank you, but Brandy please tell me why you are never on time?” inquires Erika. “I apologize sweetie, it’s just that I passed this fabulous purse and ensemble on the way here and I had to stop.”

“Well, I apologize too,” adds CiCi. “For what CiCi?” inquires Brandy. “For finishing your glass of champagne.” 

Melanie and Erika burst into laughter. “Well, it was starting to get warm, I was doing you a favor,” CiCi continues.

Brandy playfully nudges CiCi on the arm. “Starting to get warm, really CiCi?” Melanie covers her mouth to contain her laughter.

“Ok ladies, now that we are all here, I have something to share. I had an epiphany last month after a co-worker introduced me to a revolutionary way of shopping. This will change our lives and the environment, and that goes for you too Brandy,” declares Erika. Brandy perks up in her seat. “Ooo do tell, I’m listening honey.” “Well, it’s luxurious shopping on the next level, lower costs, and eco-friendly. I’ve done it twice already. It’s a vintage and pre-owned luxury site called Vestiaire Collective.”

Brandy folds her arms and sits back in her chair. “So, what’s the catch?” “No catch. This is the opportunity for you to find fabulous vintage collectible items that are available second-hand and….” Brandy interrupts speaking in first person. “Brandy doesn’t do second-hand sweetie.” “Brandy, you really should…..”Melanie begins. CiCi interrupts by gracefully tapping Melanie on the arm. “Brandy, you remember that maroon and beige handbag that you saw a couple of weeks ago that you loved sooo much.” Brandy gathered her thoughts. “Yes, I remember.” “It was second-hand,” CiCi notes.

Brandy looking confused and amazed at the same time mumbles to herself, “Have I lost my touch.” Erika shakes her head in affirmation. “See Brandy, this really is a great thing. A win-win. Your purchase is environmentally friendly, helping to reduce waste while sporting the most fabulous vintage items ever.” Brandy hesitates. “Well….I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try.”

Erika raises her glass. “Let’s toast to the green life.” The women raise their glasses in unison and lightly tap each other’s glass.

“Hmmm…vintage shopping huh…well, I guess I’m just going to have to check out this Vestiaire Collective”, Brandy mumbles to herself while checking her phone.

And then it happened. Time stood still. Brandy started hearing beautiful island music; it was the beating of bongos with sultry jazz tones that seemed to mimic the rhythm of her heart. A soft breeze blew through her hair and a light sprinkle mist graced her face from the not too distant waves of the ocean.

“Am I in paradise?” whispers Brandy. Confused but intrigued, she takes a step forward realizing her feet are partially submerged in warm grains of sand. After fiddling her toes, she proceeds towards the pristine body of water but not before falling face-first into the warm sand. Coughing and spitting out the sand that had made its way into her mouth, Brandy shouts “Ugh, how the hell did I end up on the ground?” She then began to hear the faint sound of a light beeping noise. “What is that?” “Oh my God, don’t let this be how I die…please don’t tell me I triggered some sort of land mine!” Brandy panics. In a calm but shaky voice, she tries to reassure herself that she’s ok. “Brandy, that may not be the most reasonable explanation for this.” Then she realizes some sort of a strap is looped around her right ankle. She sits all the way up and brings her knees towards her face. She notices that the beeping has become louder. She pulls the strap off her ankle and vigorously dusts the sand that has accumulated all around this foreign object.

(...) Continue to read the full article of Love Happens Mag here!