https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:36:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad/page/2#post-2104428 Sat, 07 Mar 2020 12:23:42 +0000 Bijou 2104428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When travelling I always buy a souvenir of the trip - so no required purchases just wants. I usually don't travel with an umbrella and buy one when away. I live in a very windy city that tends to kill umbrellas, so having a constant supply of new umbrellas is useful, as most don't last beyond 2 years.</p> <p>Most recent trip souvenirs:<br />Singapore 2019 - Bag<br />China 2019 - silk dresses<br />Japan 2019 - Hello Kitty jacket</p> <p>Wearing and using these items always brings back happy memories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad/page/2#post-2104416 Sat, 07 Mar 2020 11:58:11 +0000 ChrisM 2104416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like some of you, I travel carry on only, so I buy scarves or jewelry that fits in my bag - if I find something unusual and lovely.</p> <p>I have a lot of trouble finding clothes to fit in the US, and the last thing I want to do on holiday is to choose to feel frustrated by clothes shopping.</p> <p>That said, if unplanned weather or situations arose, I’d spend the time to shop, but most probably it would be utilitarian purchases. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad/page/2#post-2104400 Sat, 07 Mar 2020 06:38:19 +0000 Anonymous 2104400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have only bought size-less stuff like scarves because I had no idea of my size. Do your homework and study size charts. It. does not meat that you need to buy anything but will have a clue as to your size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad/page/2#post-2104393 Sat, 07 Mar 2020 04:55:08 +0000 Janet 2104393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carla, that was a truly remarkable and memorable experience! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad/page/2#post-2104390 Sat, 07 Mar 2020 04:27:50 +0000 Kate 2104390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love shopping when I’m abroad, and have bought many beautiful things over the years that I enjoy wearing. I don’t think I’ve ever had to make an emergency clothing purchase while traveling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad/page/2#post-2104376 Sat, 07 Mar 2020 03:23:21 +0000 Carla 2104376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Janet - your sister’s experience in London after her luggage went missing is, I think, one of the best shopping stories I’ve ever heard. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad/page/2#post-2104308 Fri, 06 Mar 2020 22:49:01 +0000 The Cat 2104308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On my way to a restaurant in Prague on a summer night in 2009, a passing woman in the street unfortunately bumped into me, and her soft drink was splashed over my white top. It actually dried quickly, as temperatures were high. But the spots didn't look good, and there was no time to go back to the hotel and change. So I went into a shop and bought a large torquoise shawl which I draped around my body as elegantly as possible. The rest of that night was wonderful, and I still have and wear the shawl. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad/page/2#post-2104142 Fri, 06 Mar 2020 07:10:16 +0000 Jane 2104142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love shopping wherever and will always find time if I can. I’ve had some great finds. Benetton in Milan last year with my dear mum was especially memorable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad/page/2#post-2104023 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 18:43:12 +0000 Janet 2104023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love to shop while I’m traveling, but yes, I’ve had some shopping experiences that were necessities because activities or weather took unexpected turns, or in one case a pair of shoes actually fell apart. I’ve bought jackets, long sleeve tees, short sleeve tees, sandals, sneakers, hats and scarves out of necessity, which was not a result of poor planning, just a change of plans. </p> <p>Some of those items I still own and enjoy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2104021 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 18:22:53 +0000 AnnieF 2104021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I always like to shop when traveling, but don't buy much when I'm overseas just because I too travel carry-on only. So if I buy, it's usually going to be something small like scarves or jewelry.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did end up buying some Ecco sneakers in Vienna last fall because I wasn't happy with the shoes I had brought. Comfortable, but not enough support for so much walking. I now wear them all the time. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and an extraordinary embroidered antique table topper in Budapest, because yes, I really needed it! I left behind underwear and leggings to make room for it. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>&nbsp;<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2104017 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 18:09:37 +0000 LaPed 2104017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sometimes shop a bit on trips to Canada, mainly because I really like MEC. Not really fashion purchases. I've also found some great things at consignment stores in Montreal, but now that I have a child in tow, I rarely have time to browse.</p> <p>Also, trips to eastern Canada are usually by car so space is not an issue. I don't shop much at all on overseas trips because I travel carry-on only. The next time I go to Europe I might plan to try on and maybe purchase some shoes; there are some small brands I'm interested in and the overseas shipping/returns process is intimidating and prohibitive. I'm the kind of person who can try three different shoe sizes and still strike out.</p> <p>On long-distance backpacking trips, I generally anticipate having to replace things like shoes and socks as they do wear out, but I've learned to plan direct replacements rather than risk trying something new and having it not work out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103945 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 14:22:40 +0000 bella 2103945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;I mostly don't shop overseas for pleasure. I don't want to spend my time on that, I make bad purchasing decisions on the go, and our currency is very weak against foreign currency, so things are always more expensive than they are at home.&nbsp;<br />That said, there are some occasions where I definitely had to buy something out of necessity. Embarrasingly, the more I think about it the more occasions I come up with. Mostly, because I am light packer, I err on the side of leave, rather than pack unless I am traveling by car and I misjudge the weather. Fortunately, all these things have earned their keep in my closet.<br />Once, I was about to embark on a cruise, and I broke my sunglasses - I think I sat on them. Needless to say, they needed to be replaced.<br />Another time, we traveled to Bordeaux and Paris. What worked in Bordeaux, didn't work at all in Paris, the latter was much much colder. I had to buy a blazer. I wore it a lot afterwards, will keep wearing it again this spring. My hubby forgot to bring a tie, and we had to look for a department store to buy him a decent tie, and a windbreaker, too.<br />One time, we went to Amsterdam. Again, underestimated how cold it would be. I had to buy a winter scarf and a matching hat from H&amp;M in Amsterdam. Still wear them. I also got a lovely tote bag from the street market, but that was for pleasure.&nbsp;<br />Hah, I just remembered one more thing. In Vegas, I had to buy a pair of flip flops, because I was incredibly uncomfortable in my dressy pointy-toe flats, even though they were normally ok. I guess I just couldn't anticipate how much walking we would do in Vegas. The cashier at CVS(?) joked that she sees that multiple times every night.&nbsp;<br />Last summer, we had to buy a towel for the kiddo at an amusement park.&nbsp;<br />Hahaha, this list is getting too long :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103937 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 13:46:37 +0000 lyn67 2103937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love to shop. Anywhere, anytime-deliberately on holidays-as&nbsp; love these will bring up good memories later and&nbsp; usually look for local specialities, different from what can buy at home. 15 years ago I bought me a gorgeous neckholder maxi dress in a boutique on the beach while on holiday and used it later for 2 glorious events&nbsp; a wedding and my 20 yrs high school reunion. Then there was&nbsp; the biggest and thickest beach towell and a strawbag in Rome.&nbsp; The beach towel is&nbsp; still my DD's favorite despite it's so heavy -the straw bag got lost unfortunately. Some statement handmade&nbsp; jewelry in other places. A great beach cover up&nbsp; when at the sea...and so on...you made my day just reminding me of these, thank you Carla!:-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103739 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 18:22:28 +0000 Angie 2103739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always shop when I travel: for the home, kitchen, and my wardrobe.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103679 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 14:46:05 +0000 Zaeobi 2103679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm just about to post a picture of a failed something I bought on my Malaysia trip in January, lol! I prefer to dress fully covered &amp; so Malaysia was a haven for modest clothing - I was in desperate need of some simple solid coloured maxi skirts that would fit petite but curvy me (surprisingly difficult to find!) The ones I bought have already found a place in my wardrobe, so hooray for that! </p> <p>The one thing I still struggle with, however, is finding lightweight long sleeved tops that aren't too tight - preferably with some length on them, so I don't have to wear them tucked in when it's hot. Hence I bought a long sleeved yellow shirt dress in Malaysia because I loved the colourful paisley print &amp; I didn't pack enough tops (due to the aforementioned shortage). I wore it on the trip &amp; it was great as a holiday look, but back home it feels a bit 'too much' for my everyday looks. </p> <p>So I guess you could say that shopping abroad has been both a hit &amp; a miss for me, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103672 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 13:50:26 +0000 anchie 2103672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I was in Rome at week long conference some years ago, my luggage got lost and appeared only on the last day. I had to buy quite a lot, but fortunately it happened during the summer sales, so it was not such a disaster. I went into a big Gap store and bought everything that I needed there, underwear included. Items were more on the casual side, but it was fine for the conference, and I did wear some of it for years later, but not everything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103665 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 12:42:11 +0000 nemosmom 2103665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had to buy a rain jacket out of necessity when traveling.&nbsp; I made sure to get one that I would want to wear again, and that was easily packable.&nbsp; I still have it, 12-ish years later.&nbsp; It stuffs into it's own pocket - making it quite small - so it is really easy to throw in any bag. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103661 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 11:23:43 +0000 Style Fan 2103661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I usually shop when I travel.&nbsp; If I see something I love I buy it.&nbsp; It is part of my plan.&nbsp; I always wear the clothes after.&nbsp; I have done some emergency shopping trips.&nbsp; One year in England it was freezing in July.&nbsp; I bought a fleece hoody and a Gortex jacket.&nbsp; I wore them for years after.&nbsp; I still have the Gortex jacket. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103642 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 03:43:03 +0000 Roberta 2103642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A trip last year had one really cold day where my anorak and scarf just weren't enough, so I bought a wonderful leather jacket with a hood that kept me warm and "cool" all day . It also served me well on the endless flight home, with zip pockets that kept my ID and cash and keys handy yet secure. This was in May, and I was so looking forward to wearing it this winter - and I just . . . haven't. It is a tad too snug to wear over a work outfit of cardigan/jacket, and I'm not reaching for it on the weekends since it is a bit heavy too. i have great affection for it and pet it even when I reach for other coats. And it was under 100 Euros, so I don't feel TOO wasteful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103638 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 03:31:14 +0000 Jaime 2103638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sneakers at H&amp;M in Manhattan because although my shoes were tried and true, walking up and down the city was too much for them. I think I gave them to a DD afterward (this was several years ago - I have improved my footwear planning skills). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103634 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 03:26:39 +0000 Ledonna N. 2103634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A few scarfs beautiful and useful but they hang as furniture pieces </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103633 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 03:22:50 +0000 Grey Rainbow 2103633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A few years ago, on a long trip and in the midst of a heat wave, I popped into Zara in Aix en Provence to get a pair of loose linen pants and maxi skirt. Then I found linen tops and bottoms I liked even better in the street marker on the Cours Mirabeau. Still wear them, and the Zara skirt. Different trip, Left my Barbour quilted coat in the boarding area when flying to Turkey one early April. Landed and realized yes, I will need outerwear. Bought a duplicate for less than it cost it California. Another year, in a heat wave in Florence, bought a pair of Mephisto Helena because sneakers were just too hot and I needed really comfy sandals to walk around in. Otherwise, groceries, toiletries, staples, all fun to shop for. A slice of local life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103623 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 00:59:04 +0000 Anonymous 2103623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;Days in an unusually drafty English county record office sent me to Marks and Spencer where I found a gear-ish undershirt and some excellent part wool tights. I am still wearing &nbsp;the latter twice a week (November to March) 18 months later &nbsp;..a real testament to their quality.<br />&nbsp; A visit to prosaic stores like supermarkets, drugstores and M&amp;S type retailers is also a good window on life in a different region. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103621 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 00:24:54 +0000 Lucy 2103621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I went to the UK in April/May, I had to buy a warmer jacket. I had a wool coat, which was fine for an Australian in London. But I was heading north to Edinburgh for 10 days, and it was looking like it was going to be much colder there, so I bought a knee length puffer. It was the best investment, because I was warm and dry in the cold and rainy weather in Scotland and Ireland. It took a few hours to buy - but worth it to be right for the rest of the trip. A good investment in comfort!&nbsp;</p> <p>When I went to NYC last year, I shopped but only for pleasure!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103619 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 00:06:04 +0000 SarahD8 2103619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not shopped for "needs" when traveling abroad. I would find that a huge drag actually -- too stressful.</p> <p>Our trips abroad tend not to be very shopping oriented. I will hit museum gift shops (I try to buy a postcard every day and write a mini diary of what we did that day) but other than that it's pretty catch as catch can. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103614 Tue, 03 Mar 2020 22:12:04 +0000 Carla 2103614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay! &nbsp;Sort of ‘have to’! &nbsp;;-) &nbsp;Category can be stretched!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103613 Tue, 03 Mar 2020 21:18:26 +0000 notsaf 2103613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, always... though "have to" is relative </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103605 Tue, 03 Mar 2020 20:30:24 +0000 Gaylene 2103605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, if realizing I was walking around in Paris without a scarf constitutes a fashion emergency, buying my “Paris scarf” &nbsp;might just slip into the “had to” category. &nbsp;;)</p> <p>But, normally, NO to shopping while traveling abroad (although, like JAileen, I use the thought to keep my packing light) because I end up buying items which are rarely worn once I’m back home. &nbsp;That “Paris scarf” was a lovely exception. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103601 Tue, 03 Mar 2020 20:18:06 +0000 Liesbeth 2103601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think only a bikini. Which was a bummer, the selection was poor in a remote village yet pricey enough that I felt I had to wear them out afterwards even though I was ho-hum about the color and the bottom was a bit too high cut for my liking... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-abroad#post-2103599 Tue, 03 Mar 2020 20:02:37 +0000 Synne 2103599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, last time I was in USA, the airline lost my luggage. I had to go out and buy clothes to wear. One of the items where cheap flat brown ballerinas. I still have them, and wear them quite regularly. As recent as today! They are now four years old. </p>