Wednesday's Wardrobe: World Traveler

Over the past few years I have traveled A LOT for pleasure, upwards of 20 weekends a year.  While some collect spoons, key chains and magnets from the places they visit, I am drawn to unique jewelry, belts, handbags and boutique clothing finds.  For me, wearing something memorable is a far more useful and fun way of remembering a great trip than dusting that tabletop of National Park shot glasses that my husband has accumulated...not that I'm complaining.  So this week I'm featuring a few looks featuring souvenirs from trips over the past few years.

Back in 2004 when I met the Mr. on my whirlwind trip through Europe we spent a quick afternoon in Venice, Italy exploring the many beautiful alleys and shops. We happened upon a gorgeous shop full of Murano glass.  I was a poor college graduate at the time so the price tag of most of the shop's contents was out of my reach, but this glass/gold leaf necklace was just right for me and my budget.  Seven years later, I still love this necklace, and the Mr. even though he tried to shrink these pants in the dryer a few weeks back.

Sweater - Marshalls, Shirt/Pants - Ann Taylor Loft, Shoes - LeSportsac via Mom, Gold Bracelet - Gift from parents, Turquoise Bracelet - Gift from SIL via Banana Republic, Necklace - Venice, Italy, Sea Glass Earrings - Rehoboth Beach, DE

I picked up this billowy top in San Francisco on a lazy day of shopping while waiting for Hurricane Irene to pass through D.C. so we could get home back in August.  It pairs well with this flowy skirt and these fun shoes I picked up on my first invite only shopping trip with Royela back in October.  While that trip was local, it was a memorable experience with one my favorite ladies.

Top - Marmalade in San Francisco, Skirt - Lulus.com, Shoes - Plenty by Tracy Reese via Nordstrom Rack, Necklace - Target, Silver Bracelet - Gift from MIL, Colored bracelet - DIY

As broke as I was in 2004, I got a bonus back in February which was perfectly timed with my winter trip to the Caribbean. While in St. Thomas I enlisted my parents and their fantastic taste in gems to buy this tanzanite and diamond ring as my first "big girl piece of jewelry." I've oogled my mother tanzanite ring for years, so I figured why not buy my own. Today I paired it with one of my favorite Marshalls finds and these great tri-color shoes.  

Sweater - Marshalls, Skirt/braided bracelet- Ann Taylor Loft, Shoes - Newport News catalog, Plain silver bangle - Gift from Brother, Ring - St. Thomas, Necklace - gift from parents (also from the Caribbean) 

So when you travel, do you buy souvenirs for yourself?  Do you aire on the side of postcards and snow globes or items like art, fashion, food/wine or do you avoid souvenirs all together?