Mark and I just got back from Barcelona and northern Italy. We toured museums, oggled magnificent architecture, met friends, and hiked around Lake Como. And of course, we shopped! Here are 5 tips I gathered for a summer trip to awesome shopping destinations like these. And I’ll be sharing a few gorgeous images, such as my future home 😉 on Lake Como (see above).
Here are the 5 shopping vacation packing tips:
If I wanted something for the trip, I figured that I could find a much more stylish option in Spain and Italy. That way I could really get have fun shopping (with a little extra to spend!) And just as planned, I found an Italian-made bright yellow dress for 13 euro our second day in Barcelona! I wore it everywhere.
Shoes are normally our heaviest, bulkiest items. I recommend packing two pairs and wearing a third on the plane. If you’ll be hiking, you’ll need sneakers. After that, one pair of low-heeled, super comfy sandals – nude works fabulously! – and a high-heeled pair are plenty sufficient. Chunky heels – whether high or low – make navigating on cobblestones much easier.
Next to Ohla Barcelona, decorated with EYES. I actually packed two pairs of low-heeled sandals, but unfortunately, these black ones – although cute – have zero arch support!
Pack a skirt or shorts that you can wear with lots of tops. Once I got to Spain I noticed that one of my dresses was ripped and another – dry clean only! – got an olive oil stain. I ended up wearing the same blue skirt with multiple tops. And it worked beautifully! Come to think of it, why not take two of these skirts/pairs of shorts?
While you may want to cut down on clothes and shoes, go ahead and go crazy with accessories. I brought all of my large, dangly earrings and some scarves. They added a touch of style to even the most basic outfit.
And slip in a couple of fabric totes. Mark and I ended up using these as carry-ons when we ran out of space in our luggage. We put our regular carry-ons in them and stuffed in more clothes. oohoo!
What a treat it was to see Julia in Piacenza. And she helped me to do fabulous damage with summer sales!
A hat is a great skin protector – and look stylish. However, be sure the hat fits before buying! I soon realized that mine couldn’t withstand even the smallest gust of wind. I was constantly flinging my hands up to my head – and often hitting it, owch! – or chasing after it down the street.
I learned this great trick from a saleswoman in Barcelona. If you can turn your head upside down and the hat doesn’t fall off, you’re good to go. Or, you can just get an adjustable hat with a drawstring inside.
It’s all about WHITE! White is simply what Italians wear in summer. And I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to stand out too much while traveling abroad. As I mentioned, I stopped spending money on clothes a while before our trip. As a result, I had lots of black and navy, reflecting a strong (former) shopping tendency.
Fortunately, I did discover I had packed a white tee and an ivory-colored dress. Then I found a beautiful Audrey Hepburn-ish all-white dress in Bellagio – 30% off!
Now if your vacation includes a shopping destination in Europe, my last suggestion is that you do so in mid-July. It’s sale season – Rebajas! SALDI! – and people haven’t yet abandoned the city to go on their vacation.
I hope you benefit from my recent mistakes, I mean shopping vacation packing tips. And I hope you are enjoying a fantastic summer!
This is the best advice ever! Leave some room for new purchases! I ended by buying an extra bag on my way back from Greece!
https://daisylinden.com
That works too! 😀 Have a great weekend, Daisy! xo
Looks like you had an amazing holiday! I always leave some space in my luggage for shopping given that I’m a shopaholic! Haha xx
http://www.thatnewdress.com
It was amazing, Dominique! Have a great weekend! xo
Such a great holiday! Beautiful pics!
Thanks for your tips babe!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
Thanks, Paola. Kisses to you! xx
Hello my dearest, thank you for always sharing inspiring posts!!!!
xx
Hadasah Love || http://www.styletolove.com
So glad you find them inspiring, Hadasah! xx
Great tips, sounds like you had such an amazing time. I love to see your photos.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
It was really amazing, Gemma! So glad you enjoyed the post! xo
These are amazing! 🙂
xx Alyssa // STYLE VANITY
So glad you like the post, Alyssa! xo
Great tips! I love white!
Have an awesome day,
xx Kris
https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com
Thanks, Kris! You have an awesome day, too! xx
Your trip looks amazing- I want to see Italy + Spain, too! And killer packing tips, doll! So helpful!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
It was amazing. So glad you like the tips, Ahsley! xo
What beautiful photos. I love this post. Great tips. I just recently started packing less shoes & other bulky items (large handbags, etc) to allow more room for souvenirs. Also one of the smartest purchases I’ve ever made were lightweight suitcases. I never stress about going over the weight limit now.
Kara Aragon
http://www.thekaragon.com
Thanks, Kara! Isn’t it wonderful to not have to worry about weight limits?! I also find it so much more pleasant dragging a super light bag. xo
Awesome! thank you for sharing tips!
http://sepatuholig.blogspot.com
IG @grace_njio
You’re welcome. And thanks for stopping by! xo
Barcelona AND Northern Italy? Gosh, what a dreamy vacation to have spent together! I’m definitely all for leaving space in your suitcase for new purchases (shoes!)
aglassofice.com
x
Yes, Gabrielle! Room for shoes is essential! 🙂 Have a great day! xo