11.16.2011

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?



25 comments:

Johanna said...

Look at those fab red shoes! You're such a fashionista. I love them!!

Fash Boulevard said...

amazing post love. the skirts are perfection. so cute. stop by sometime. xo

www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com

A Very Sweet Blog said...

Cara, this is a fabulous post my friend. I haven't traveled much, but you surely have changed my way of thinking. I'm going to do the same. I'm a t-shirt girl, but what you do goes a longgg way. Love that first necklace! It's a wonderful reminder. I love all of your outfits. They're always fun and playful...so are your shoes (they're the best). Have a wonderful evening and this is definitely in my memory rolodex. :D
http://sassyuptownchic.blogspot.com/

Drew {Coral Cafe} said...

Those red shoes are adorable! I seem to collect jewels and accessories when I travel too ;)

Style Journey said...

Unfortunately we don't travel very often, but when we do we usually buy things unique to the place we are visiting. Girl, you have some fabulous shoes!

skippysays said...

OMG Cara there is so much here that I love. Your venice necklace and that ring are both gorgeous. And I love all 3 of your outfits- especially the fabulous shoes you have on in all of them!
www.saysskippy.blogspot.com

Annie said...

Wow you found some really great items in all your travel...love it! I went to Positano/Italy for my honeymoon this summer and bought some pink leather loafers...have to bust them out on the blog soon :)

Annie
The Other Side of Gray

Erin @ Currently Coveting said...

You are adorable and have impeccable shoe taste! I love the red and blue shaded ones. Great to hear you are from DC! Where about? Thank you SO much for stopping by and leading me here it made my day!

XO,
Erin

http://erinscurrentlycoveting.blogspot.com/

TaraMixandMatch said...

You have some amazing shoes girl! I'm in love with that last pair!
Mix and Match Fashion

welldressedmaker said...

I really love clothing with stories :) The stories make them more interesting and more personal! You also have really amazing shoezies! I think i say this every time I comment on your posts! Those tri-colored ones are just gorgeous!

♥ laura
the blog of worldly delights

Sarah Hartley said...

Your blog is so much fun. I like that you post lots of different things. I'm a new follower! Stop by my blog some time and say hi (and follow back if you're interested).
Sarah
http://comingunstitched.blogspot.com

little luxury list said...

I love your story behind each outfit and accessory! I live murano pieces and vow to get a few in Italy some day. I am not much of a souvenir collector but do love great local pieces for the home if they are available where I travel!

xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living

k said...

that red skirt is seriously fabulous!

Kassi said...

Ok, so I love each one of these looks. I do the same thing. I pick up clothing or jewelry in places I visit - best kind of souvenir! :) I love your shoes in all three pictures. You are a siren in that red skirt :)

I'm a new follower - would love for you to check out my blog and follow back if you're interested!

http://theclosetintervention.blogspot.com/

Carrie said...

i am totally loving your red heels. they look very nice. i also like that necklace. super pretty!

:)
Carrie
http://readmylifeascarrie.blogspot.com

Bravoe Runway said...

These outfits are all fantastic Cara! You look great in every colour, seriously! Very nicely done!

Haus of Style said...

Gorgeous outfits! I love the red skirt the most, looks fab on you. Have a great weekend.

dina vanessa mercado said...

you are very pretty..your outfits are really great, love them all... enjoyed your blog, following you now, hope you could visit my blog too..kissess!!!

Audrey Leighton said...

love the close up on the ring in the last shot. so pretty!

FRASSY

www.befrassy.com

From Suns To Moons said...

I really enjoyed the stories that go with your apparel - I use the same approach to catalog my memories. One pattern I notice here is that you like feminine tops with unique details and well, fabulous shoes. Nothing wrong with that!

AllThingsYummy said...

Oh my gosh, I love the red skirt and shoes. So So cute.

RochellekeCloset said...

you look great,love your style :-)

following you now hope you visit mine and follow back

xoxo

www.rochellekecloset@blogspot.com

SewPetiteGal said...

Love your striped flats and pumps! You must have a great eye for shopping :)

Samantha said...

I do the same thing! I'd rather wear a piece to remind myself of the wonderful memories than have to dust off something! (Although, we do buy some things for the house occasionally!) Gosh, these three outfits are amazing. I really love the billowy top and flowing skirt! (And of course, I love ALL your shoes!) You've got great taste! And I love your "big girl" ring too! My hubby bought me a tanzanite necklace/earrings for our anniversary and I felt so grown up! Most of my stuff is costume jewelry!

xo~sam

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

I also travel all the time and love collecting clothes and jewellery from my travels! Although Globalization makes it all a little problematic these days!

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