A Piece of Joy from Abroad

Jaffa Flea Market in Israel. Picture from www.wherejesuswalked.org

Asian Kimono dress
Picture from www.styleandwisdom.com

A stylish woman wants to own a wardrobe that wows a crowd. One of the most delightful and meaningful ways to accomplish this is by traveling. When one travels, the senses awake and new sceneries, aromas, flavors and sounds inspire our minds in many different ways. Some people experience reflections that evoke new promises and goals, while others enjoy a peace and tranquility that bring passion back to their lives. For true fashion devotees a new world suddenly opens in front of their eyes and fresh ideas blossom by the second. The mix of new elements such as exotic stones and metals, beautiful fabrics of vibrant colors and patterns, and never seen designs bring an exceptional twist to the closet back home.

Traditional Venezuelan shoes "Alpargatas"
Picture from www.taringa.net

The perfect places to find wonderful new pieces are the local flea markets. The native artisans give a taste of their history through everything they sell. It isn’t about buying a souvenir to put on the door of your refrigerator or to keep something in a box of memories for when you are old. It is about buying that spectacular, bold and unique piece that no one else will have and that you can sport all your life.

Arab scarf. Picture from
www.villainouslyvintage.wordpress.com

Traditional handmade accessories and clothing items can be considered classic. They do not go out of style. When you buy a beautiful silk scarf with a gorgeous Arab design in the Middle East that is an asset to your wardrobe. That piece becomes that special little thing that creates a whole new and improved outfit that makes you shine. That is why you have to be very careful when choosing what to buy when you are away.

Brazilian jewelry
Picture from www.greenupgrader.com

Some questions you should ask yourself are: what is typical of the place or culture I’m visiting? What can update my wardrobe or any old outfit I have at home? What accessory looks interesting and versatile without being too costumy? And this later question is key. Remember that when building an outfit it’s important to have a certain piece that pulls it all together and makes you sparkle. You don’t need 3, 4 or more items to make it interesting. If you put more than 1 thing and sometimes even more than 2 in one look the outfit becomes a spectacle instead of the highlight of the night.

American Cowboy boots
Picture from www.zigoti.com

It is true that many cool items can be found at home when visiting other flea markets, garage sells, and vintage stores, but the plus of buying something abroad is that a little piece of the trip comes back with you. The art, the music, the folklore, the foods, everything is packed in that certain item or items you pick. So go ahead, enjoy your journey and bring a little of the joy back home and relive it every time you wear in your own special way.