Travel Diaries: What I learned about Fashion After two Weeks Abroad

Original Sam I Am Journal Images

I’m finally back in the U.S. after two weeks abroad, and saying that it’s “just nice” to be back on home soil would be the biggest understatement of my life. My trip was hectic, to put it mildly. No supervision from parents, an impromptu detour to Paris, and a missing passport made it a trip that I’ll never forget—like I’ll never forget to get off a plane without triple-checking for my passport!

I learned A LOT about myself on this trip, and today I want to discuss what I learned about fashion, specifically during my time in one of the world’s most fashionable destinations: Ibiza. 

You Don’t Have to Buy a New Wardrobe Online For a Trip

Before I left for my trip, I ripped through my entire closet trying to find something to wear for my five days in Ibiza. Although a pile of clothes the size of Mt. Everest stood at the corner of my room, I felt that I had nothing to wear at my destination. None of my clothes were like the sparkly Pinterest outfits or #ibizastyle TikToks that cluttered my feed, and I felt hopeless. Ultimately, I ordered a few pieces online using some of my graduation money and packed the clothes for my travels. 

Once I arrived in Ibiza, though, I realized that my last-minute order frenzy wasn’t necessary. On special trips like these, I always save up to buy unique pieces and leave some room in my suitcase to bring back souvenirs or clothing. The local shops in Ibiza had plenty to offer, and many of the outfits that I ended up wearing included a unique top or skirt that I paired with a basic that I brought from home. 

This trip taught me that I don’t necessarily need to curate 100% of my wardrobe for every trip. Especially on trips to iconic fashion destinations, it’s fun to leave a little room for imagination and embrace spontaneity!

Ibiza Shopping Vlog!

Confidence (especially the lack of it) Kills

One of the nights that my friends and I went out in Ibiza, I decided to wear a pink set that I had purchased the day before. The whole day leading up to the point where I would get to wear my new set, I bubbled with excitement. But once I put on my set, I felt that my outfit was “too much” compared to the outfits of my friends. 

I immediately felt self-conscious and wondered what my outfit needed to be a little bit more dressed down. A pair of sneakers? Or maybe, my hair up in a ponytail instead of keeping it down?

What my outfit actually needed was an attitude shift and a sense of self-confidence. My outfit wasn’t too much, and even if it was, there is no such thing as too much in Ibiza! When I realized that I was stuck in my head, I was able to see my outfit for what it was: the pink set I had been dying to wear all day. 

The Fabulous Pink Set!

Before I sign off, I want to express my gratitude for having gone on such a fantastic trip. Traveling has allowed me to learn a great deal about a new part of the world and myself. I’m so thankful for everything that I learned while in Spain and France. I can’t wait to visit more places where I can learn about fashion and discover more about myself as a fashion addict. 

Thanks for reading!

With love,

Sam :)