Wonderful advice! Our first real trip was to Italy. I had decided not to buy any souvenirs (trying to Swedish death Clean), but saw a man selling scarves at the Trevi Fountain. One was my favorite shades of blues and aquas. I didn't buy it and though about it all night. The next day we were on an official tour of Rome and I saw the scarf seller! I snuck away from the group and chased him down to buy the scarf. I haven't ever worn it (I'm not a scarf-wearing type), but I love it and it is a favorite memory of a wonderful trip.

I bought a linen top in Greece in 1976 and I am still wearing it. Now that's what I call slow fashion! Great Video Alyssa. I'm busy packing to go to Spain for 3 weeks and I am shopping my closet and working out all my outfits - it makes packing so much easier. Clara 💕

Thanks to you I learned that I can satisfy my “need to buy” something new on vacation by looking for vintage shops abroad. They can be truly amazing 🤩

I try to pack carry on only so I don't have as much room to bring home stuff! Before I travel I think of something that would make a great souvenir from each country (an Irish hand knit sweater, a well made umbrella in England, a piece from a well know store associated with a specific place, etc). and then I treasure hunt for it while I'm there. That keeps me from aimlessly shopping and every time I use/wear it when I get home it's a memory.

When I travel, I buy earrings and a music CD. I take many photos and return home to make a slide show to remind me of the beautiful destination. I recall the adventure when I wear the earrings. Both are minimal and bring back sweet thoughts of my journey.

Interesting take on whether someone wants to blend in or stand out. My idea is go big or go home. My blue hair itself is a stand out.

I just returned from Poland and Ukraine! I gave my Kate Spade purse to my friend in Ukraine as she is not able to buy a designer purse easily. Then I needed to buy one! I found by chance a beautiful purse store in Krakow called Pepita which is a brand from a Polish designer who has the purses crafted in Italy. WOW this purse is beautiful at a fraction of the cost of other designers. I am back in the USA now and keep getting compliments on it! You are right bags are really noticed and important!:)

Great video! One vital thing is to try on EVERY single thing before you pack it. I'm a minimalist traveler and take just the essentials. Once before a trip I bought a replacement of an old favorite, stuck it in my bag, and found (at my destination) the size was mismarked. I donated it there, but was missing an important essential. Worst case: you need to buy a sweater, scarf, jacket, or top while on the trip. Take less, have more fun!

These are just good SHOPPING tips! When I have gone to Hawaii, I have really wanted to buy a floral dress to fit in, however I would never wear it back here in Washington state so I have chosen to bring something with a little bit of a pattern to fit in and add some fun accessories

When visiting another country, especially if I will stay there a little longer (3-6 weeks), I research local designers. I love to support locals in their work. And, instead buying souvenirs, I will treat myself with something like that. Handmade? Even better! Edit: but it is important to find something that fits into my everyday style. I do have a carnival outfit from Rio that I regret 😂 and now buy something wearable to home too

Since I love folkloric jewelry I found my most loved pieces on vacation: a silver Breton ring, a Tibetan necklace in the Indian Himalayans and another necklace in Madeira.

Years ago while traveling in London, I came across a black lace cardigan in a little boutique. . In one sense it is casual as the length and the sleeves are short and asymmetrical but very float however it is all lace and very feminine (definitely one of my 3 words) with a touch of bohemian. The perfect “third piece” to wear and dress up a pair of jeans with a simple black tank. One of my favorite vacation finds ever!!!

Not Robert- A regret I recently had on a Cunard cruise, was “ not” to conform to the dress of the ship’s evening events. It was the perfect opportunity to enjoy fashion. Why did I not participate? Luggage space! My lesson; pay extra for luggage fees, enjoy dressing up, time is too short not to feel and look special.

I just got back from Mexico and for the first time I didn’t buy ‘souvenir’ clothes that I won’t wear back home - I needed a dressy piece for one event so I found a black lace tie front long duster that made my white jeans & black tee dressy, and I’ll wear it with a hundred things back home. In the tropical setting all the colorful embroidered clothes would feel great but I’d just NEVER wear them after vacay! Great tips in this video. ☺️

The tension between wanting to belong and wanting to stand out is so true! I think this is such a good conversation to have, especially because I see so many videos online about "how not to look like a tourist." Which--I understand, especially from the perspective of not wanting to be targeted for scams or violence. BUT! I think we really do people a disservice when we normalize buying tons of new things outside our own style in order to "fit in" in a particular locale. I mean, what happens to the clothes after that 2 weeks? They don't get worn, because they're not you! Better to rent things, wear your current pieces in a slightly different way (as you explained so well), or just take your lumps and look like the odd one out, IMO. Also, as a piece of advice for travelers, you're probably going to look like a tourist in many places anyway, so try not to worry about it. When I lived in Spain, it didn't matter if I wore head-to-toe Spanish brands: I have blue eyes, dark blonde hair, a pale complexion, etc. Everybody always wanted to greet me in English. When I traveled to Norway on vacation, though, I fit right in, and everybody started the conversation in Norwegian (a slight problem, since I don't know much of that language, ha!)

Just wanted to drop a thank you note for you, Alyssa! Your slow fashion hacks are transformative. I'm far from being a minimalist but your channel/ knowledge is definitely impacting me in a very optimistic way. Look forward to learning more!

I look for interesting jewelry from that particular place. Every time I wear that piece, I am reminded of my experiences ❤

Lol the “cowgirl” blazer I bought in Colorado when I was there for a wedding…

I truly look forward to each and every one of your videos. And I always see them twice. Thank you for fantastic content.

Good tips as always! I prefer to fall on the side of blending in, or at least avoid big neon “tourist” signals when I pack. My key pieces are shoes that are comfortable for walking on pavement, grass, or cobblestone, and work in a variety of situations from a museum to coffee.

I recall 10 years ago (jeez) when I spent a month in southern France visiting family, my style at the time did not fit. Lots of light coloured, airy clothes, whereas I was all about black and bold colours, short skirts and just tight clothes in general (hey, I was 21 and went out a lot lol). The few days in Paris before I left however I felt right at home - so many people wearing black and leather 😁

I just returned from a 3-month visit to Europe and spent most of my time in France. You’re advice is spot on! I already loved what I brought and although I hit every vintage shop I could find, I was almost as picky as I am at home. That said, the pull to buy and wear the local style is strong! Unexpectedly, I also experienced some of their heat waves and even my ‘summer’ clothes were too hot. I bought 3 dresses to stay cool and yep, only brought one home. The other two were clothing only for ‘there’. It’s really hard not to be lured, at least, for me! Ha. Thanks, Alyssa! As always, you nailed it.

Totally true! I was in Sicily this year, I saw there a lot of "sicilian dresses", flowy and very on vacation's vibe, but neither material (synthetic blend) nor colors were not mine, so fortunately I did not buy that dress🙂

In my experience it seems that people think that when they travel their style will be different. I always remind infrequent travelers that when they get to another country they will still be themselves. Bring clothes that you feel good in, don’t buy a new uncomfortable wardrobe that you’ll be fussing over. When in doubt keep it simple, you’re still you, just in another place.

Love this so many truths that I’ve found myself breaking those rules in the past. You mention having a list I always do this now when I shop (reformed shopaholic) it’s really key to me only buying what I need and keeps me focused when there is so much choice and distracting fashion.

This was so on point :-) I have loved shopping on holidays for years - I always shop items, that I know, I will not wear on the holiday, that I am currently on. That way I have collected so many wonderfull items, that I have and use for years. And I love getting inspired by the vibes in other countries :-)

Love the idea of thinking how you want to move through your destination before you pack.

Right on time. I just started singing for church weekly and we are given outfit guidance to look cohesive. I am determined to buy nothing new and use this as a chance to get better at expressing my style, am going to turn it into a fun “Wardrobe Simon Says”

Thanks for this video Alyssa! I try on outfits before they go in my suitcase. If they feel uncomfortable or if I can't envision myself wearing it on vacation then they don't come with. BUT I do find that vacations are a great time to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. Maybe a dress that I can't wear in my cold climate back home now I can experiment and try a new style.

I’ve purchased so many hats while on vacation and never wear them at home! I need to stop doing that!! Thanks for the great video! I watch every week for style ideas!

I have accepted the fact that I always end up buying something on holidays, because go into local shops is part of it, therefore now I bring less with me like the essentials and leave room for my new items plus when back home I wear this new things that are not common where I live people ask where did you get it and it's great to say in Italy or France etc and the good memories come to me and I smile

I enjoy it when your sense of humor shines through. Well done.

I totally agree with take what you need on vacation!

Don’t hesitate to look in the little touristy shops for missing pieces. Sometimes when they put things on sale to make way for the next season’s items, you can find a good deal. I picked up a very cute, comfy pair of gold sandals for no more than I would pay at a shoe warehouse store in a little boutique outside San Francisco. My own gold sandals had recently bit the dust and although I didn’t really need them for that particular trip, they took up almost no room in my suitcase on the way home. Score!

Thank you! I'd saved this video and happened to run across it to watch while I packed. Thank you so much.

Super interesting as always, thank you! I am definitely guilty of having holiday wardrobes that are vastly different from what I would wear at home. I’m trying to get out of the habit of buying ‘holiday clothes’.

You highlighted a lot of truths (for me) that I haven’t heard anyone else talk about before - you really get it!

Super helpful tips! I have a tendency to do the exact things you were talking about… waiting until my destination to buy things I “need” and/or buying something that is style specific to an area and not exactly what I’d wear at home. Thank you so much for sharing your insight! Love your channel ❤️

Thank you Alyssa! You always make me smile with your honest tips on fashion & life!

The only time I ever really felt like my personal style totally clashed with the local style was when I moved to the UK. I brought all my normal PNW clothes; baggy and bootcut jeans, flannel shirts, a lot of printed t shirts, hiking boots, birkenstocks, etc. It was honestly terrible. I felt like a literal sasquatch compared to everyone else. I watched plenty of other foreign students I was living near go out and buy whole new wardrobes (which most threw out at the end of thier terms), but I didn't have the money for that 😖. I just stuck with what I had and told myself what mattered was what I was DOING, not what I was wearing. And that worked. Although I did get a pair of Wellingtons which I still own and love dearly, but I used (and still use) the heck out of them 10 years later! Now, I have truly settled into my personal style and am totally happy wearing my "sasquatch uniform" 🤣 no matter where I am. Although I LOVE getting a traditional dress from whichever country I travel to!

Your videos are always so precious! Thank you very much!

After watching your capsule wardrobe videos, I went on vacation to Montreal, bringing interchangeable items. Mostly comfy basics & a couple of statement pieces - worked well! Visited a number of thrift stores Alyssa had recommended & found some lovely pieces! Thank-you Ms Beltempo 😊 Love the vibe of your videos, like having coffee with a cousin👍

I love slow fashion and love that you're advocating for it ❤️ I have many item in my closet that are between 10 and 20 years old and I pretty much only buy clothing in second hand stores. Most of my favorite pieces are thrifted items!

Love this! I do allow myself some shopping head space when I travel (which is a lot!) I agreed with the misses! Nantucket and preppy is not me BUT I do plan and save for big purchases when I go to certain locations ie Italy! I finally realized the leather is SO much better and so are the choices! Bags, gloves and most of all jackets! So I do a bit of “planning” so I can pick up an item or two that are special and I have a fabulous memory about!

Appreciating your 'words of wisdom'.

Great video! Sometimes when I am on vacation I have to go shopping for something I forgot to pack or for unexpected weather conditions. I was in Budapest when it was unseasonably cold and I did not pack enough warm clothes. I went to a department store and found an inexpensive ribbed black turtleneck that would work under all the tops I brought. It became one of my favorite staples at home because it was so versatile. So - if you have to go shopping, look for that good quality basic that will work on your trip and at home. Hope you are having a great time in Croatia!

For years, we used to holiday in the same part of France. The shops had lots of beachy/ vacation clothing that was tempting in the sunshine! What I did buy, and still have and wear, were a selection of sarongs! I wear them constantly when on holiday and also at home in the summer as an alternative to a dressing gown! I style them as dresses and skirts in very hot weather and I know that they will always fit me😄. There was also a fantastic leather shop, which sold handmade bags that were quite unique. I used to save up each year and treat myself. I still have every one of them and they just get better with age. They are so well made that even after 15 - 20 years of wear they look amazing. I did succumb to the temptation of a maxi length leopard print beach cover up on my last pre- pandemic holiday in Gran Canaria, and did wonder if it was a mistake🤦🏻‍♀️. However, I wear it constantly at home as a glamorous piece of loungewear - it’s certainly had at least 30 wears already 😄 Jewellery is a good souvenir option too. I have some black bangles from the south of France that I bought in the early 80’s! Last September, I had a short city break in Athens and bought some lovely silver earrings that take me back there every time I wear them. Accessories can be a great way to buy into a holiday mood without losing your own style and can be incorporated into your everyday life quite seamlessly. 😊

Alyssa...great tips for packing and shopping while on vacation! I look for unique items and generally focus on accessories. They often have the ability to flow seamlessly into many different style genres. I have beautiful jewelry from Italy that I still wear and it's always a wonderful reminder of my travels. Thanks again!

Great video. I love most of the pieces I got on vacation because of the memories. Stay away from cheap fabrics and fast fashion from tourist shops. Also, nice things you can use for the home is great too. I have a wine bottle topper in the shape of a pig from Edinburgh 14 years ago that still gives me joy every time I use it.

Great tips. I’ve bought stuff to fit into the culture I’m in. Got home and gave the stuff away. Doesn’t always work at home. 👍❤️

The first point you mentioned about standing out or blending, I usually stand out, even in my home city, people keep asking me where I am from and offering me tours 😅 I guess I always look like a tourist

Thanks, Alyssa! Your videos always provide some new styling tip or trick to try, or a reminder to repeat something when planning travel and day-to-day outfits. 😁❤️ Your beauty always stands out with style and confidence! I have travelled domestically...so far (well, into southern Canada, too.😊). Buying a piece or more of jewelry or a scarf or both are great souvenirs and bring memories with each wearing!

Another fantastic video! I have fallen into some of these impulse buy traps, but no more. You are looking even more amazing and can't wait for the next video.

This video got me thinking about my vacation purchases, at least those I remember buying - Marmot fleece pants I got because we were snowed in and I didn’t want to bother with the hotel laundry, the hoodies, the hiking pants. Every single thing was about keeping warm or staying dry in the great outdoors probably because that’s mostly where I go on vacation. It’s hard to pack a carry-on when you’re going someplace rainy or cold or when you’re between seasons and aren’t sure what the weather will be like.

I just love how on point everything you say is. ❤️

I think certain things like linen are classic and some countries do those clothes really well. Bought a lovely dress on a provencal market that lasted years. But you are right, it's all about enjoying the place you are going. Love your vlogs😘

Great tips Alyssa,I always pack to much, but always fall back to my go to favorites! 🇮🇹

Great tips... prob needed this reminder before I went on vacation. But also accept that maybe a semi-impractical purchase might work out in the long run if it will be worn occasionally over many years. When just in Italy I bought a very summery patterned dress. The pattern is very me but it doesn't get very hot in summer where I live so will be something I can only wear occasionally. I have light patterned pants I got in Australia to "fit in" 8 years ago and I still wear them during the right weather conditions here. And luckily still love them cos definitely wasn't thinking long term when I bought them.

What a GREAT message Alyssa!!!! I usually overpack so am going to twin myself to being only basics that will fit into a carry on, and they must be “must have” items that feed my soul when I wear them and put a spring in my step. I don’t follow trends and my style ranges from boho to street chic with a bit of an edge sometimes. Sharing your advice!!!!

I hope you're enjoying your travels! You look radiant! Great tips,thanks! My personal experience was that I used to have a big divide in my wardrobe between things that were stylish and things that were comfy. And usually mainly took the latter abroad, because there is just no sense in taking your heels abroad if you're walking at least 10km every day, etc. But that always left me feeling like an unstylish 45 y.o. baseball dad, and really triggered me to (questionable) impulse buys at my destination, because I didn't feel like myself. Nowadays I've learned to pack things that are a bit in between both extremes:(trousers and blazers that have a little stretch in them as a substitute for yoga pants/hoodies, linen button-ups, flats of a knitted fabric to accommodate long walks) It has really helped me to be comfortable abroad, without feeling like you've got the word 'tourist' written on your forehead 😉

Fantastic tips Alyssa! I also like to find Thrift and vintage shops where I go and flea markets. With applying the same things you talked about, I can find something to fit into my wardrobe. Whatever I find there is a good price, unique and a wonderful souvineer attached to a special memory. When I was in Florence Italy, I found a little market and I bought some beautiful silk fringe in the colors of my home, so I knew I could use it to trim a pillow! I also found a couple of vintage necklaces that I love.

I loved the video. When traveling I always try to buy a piece of jewelry. Doesn’t have to be real deal. It can be costume. I found a really nice necklace at a thrift shop. Pearl design. I get compliments and I always this of where and when I found this little gem. I can’t wait to start traveling again. We took a long break because of Covid. Keep the great videos coming I love your channel ❤️

Oh my! What are those amazing sling backs!??? ❤

Hello Alyssa! This was a great little visit. You have helped me learn to "know myself." And it is a great lesson! Thank you!!!

Very thoughtful tips. Thank you.

This is the BeST! Thank you so much.

Ha it’s funny….when I’m on holiday I try to have a “base” and go on mini trips from there ( air b&b!)- I like to LIVE in a place for a moment. I also like to pack Extremely light….so that I can buy when I’m there. Shoes are my chosen “souvenir “ from a place: I buy a pair in every new country I visit: sneakers in Seoul, red velvet peep toe heels in Paris, Beautiful leather platforms in Bardolino…etc. I really enjoy my process even though I know it may be stressful for some. I completely agree with you on the waiting and thinking about a piece before you buy. Good info! 🤙🏝❤️Aloha!

Your way of analyzing things about our wardrobes goes so far above any other channel here👍👍such as 1) what vibe do you want in dressing where yr traveling to, and 2) what not to buy, really helped me a ton Alyssa, thx I’m guilty of over shopping 🙃 but learning so much from you!! Have an upcoming trip to Scandinavia and living in a warm beachy climate I can’t come home with woolens. Hey plz share how you clean the collar and cuffs of your button downs. When traveling I research what is great to bring home from that country? Such as leather or gold from Italy, etc

I tend to buy a lot of scarves on vacation-they always fit and are a beautiful,easy reminder of the lovely places I have visited. I have made mistakes by feeling I have to buy something from a brand in it’s country of origin,if that makes sense,like H&M in Sweden for example,and regretted a forced purchase. Going to France soon,where previously I made fragrance purchasing mistakes. Sometimes there is a lot of trial and error. Another thing I love to buy is jewelry! Always feel special wearing unique pieces. Loving your European content!

Love this, such good advice x

Great, realistic tips - as always! I still struggle with a bit of a vintage shopping addiction so I always, ALWAYS, fall into the vintage shopping trap whenever I visit a new place. I do put the “blinders” on and I think I am getting quite the hang of it. I don’t buy colours that don’t go with anything in my wardrobe (anything bright / neon) and styles that are too fussy or delicate that can only be worn on special occasions.

Jamaica - I bought so many pareo-type cover ups in wild patterns. Thought I would use them at home by my pool - I don't. Those fruity banana-pineapple-rum drinks made me think I needed those tie dyed items in every color. LOL.

Hi Alyssa. Absolutely love that soft lilac blouse. Cheers Bev. Xx

Just returned from Southern Europe and thanks to your content I felt so good about my clothing choices. And how beautiful is Croatia?! I loved it.

Looking forward to your outfits for different cities!!

Love the kitten heels Alyssa! What designer are they please? I have bought some amazing pieces in Spain, Turkey and France-had my husband with me who actually liked helping me find the local specialties. Hermes scarf from France, leather shoes from Spain and a leather coat from Istanbul. No hubby to travel with now so I do cherish those items we bought together and they were classic enough that 22 years later I still wear.

♥️ going to the Passion Play in Germany 🇩🇪. Then the Viking Jarl river cruise in the Danube river ♥️

I think the lilac blouse looks beautiful on you whether you wear it with jeans or skirts.

Awesome video thank you Alyssa ciao🥰

really love yor thoughts about being loud vs blending in a bit more 🥰 + the great views😁 :)

I found these advice apply to working on-site as well 😃

I love this advice! Super helpful. ☺️

I did not expect to love this video ❤️

Hi You should add the outfit of the day so we can link to what you are wearing cause you always look so nice!

The three style word concept is interesting. I feel mine are similar to yours. Throughout the years maybe one or two have shifted around, especially since I am older now. It is interesting to rediscover that most of my style preferences are similar to what they were 30+ years ago. Classic and minimal are much more who I am. Also, packing simple items or classic as you referenced is the best way to go. Great info, thanks

I am on vacation this week and thanks to you i am able to focus on the elements of my 3 words. This video also is timely and rich as always Alyssa :))))

My #1 issue when packing for a vacation are shoes. I usually walk a lot so I need really comfortable shoes, and I end up going for my Skechers. But they surely bring any outfit down LOL

Guilty of most of these!🤣 And trying to realign myself on vacation. I discovered most of the brightly colored or wildly patterned clothing items purchased on tropical vacations were the first to get donated after several months in my northern climate. So pathetic. A great video to help those of us who struggle!

Great advices! Thank you :)

If I buy anything on vacation, it’s accessories. Scarves and jewelry are easy to pack back and age well. I have a favorite scarf that I got in Australia on vacation in 1988, and I still get compliments every time I wear it!

Such helpful videos you post for us…thank you! BTW - just placed my order for a BRAVE Leather belt… I used your code and it saved me 21 bucks.. thank you! Excited to get my Fia vachetta black w gold 😎

Great advice (as usual), Alyssa. Looking forward to your follow-up video - am hoping you may comment on what you’d wear in Barcelona or comment on whether Italian / Spanish women have similar style aesthetic, or not. So appreciate you and your channel.

I used to make all the mistakes you mentioned here. Nowadays I buy accessories on trips: like hats, scarfs or jewellery-they are nice souvenirs and also much higher chance I will wear them later especially if I choose pieces that fit my style.

Well. This is good advice for at home as much as for travel!

This is Brilliant.

I hate wasting time shopping when on holiday. So I usually make lists of the things that I need, research some information about local shops and then figure out what things I potentially can buy in the city I am going to. As a result, I usually know where I need to go and what I need to be looking for there. It doesn't mean that I never buy things that are not on my list but when I do I always try to think about how that thing (clothes, bag, shoes, hat) will fit into my wardrobe and where I will wear it.

Always sooo enjoyable! When I travel, I take only black and white items. Everything goes with everything and there isn’t an “orphan” item that somehow has made its way into your luggage that really doesn’t work. And, Audrey would approve! When are you coming back to Canada? Also, love the insights into Croatia with which you have provided us. Seemingly this is a destination that is growing in popularity.

Great vidéo!

I think you would look great in anything you have the figure I had in my younger days. I love those knots you do in t shirts shirts it looks great providing a svelte figure

Love your content 😎 Hi from South Africa 🇿🇦