This shirt has, by far, been my most worn item in my spring capsule. Which is funny because it was a $10 Zara find. I just love the way it fits with it’s slight crop and longer sleeve length. I find that it’s just very flattering no matter what type of bottom I wear it with. Despite it’s great fit and versatility, there’s another reason that it’s been my favorite: because of what is written on it. When I was in college I spent three and a half months traveling around South America and this shirt has both Spanish AND Portuguese on it (also French… which makes it even better because Paris is one of my all time favorite places I have visited). South America is one of those places that definitely doesn’t get enough love. It was an amazing place to visit and it is so diverse in culture. Naive little college girl that I was, I thought that each country would be exactly like the next, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. We spent time in Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Trinidad, and then hopped over to Puerto Rico to end things up. Each place had such rich history and a unique culture all of it’s own. Every time I put on this shirt, I’m reminded of my time there and it brings back such fond memories.
The view of Quito, Ecudaor from our climb up Rucu Pichincha
Poor picture quality, but how could I not post this? They let me ride their donkey!! This was also in the village where we ate Cuy (a.k.a Guinea Pig). Yikes!
A beautiful little girl in a Quechua village in the mountains of Ecuador
Both of these pictures are from the Favelas in Sao Paulo, Brazil. I have never seen anything like this place. A great resource for understanding more about the poverty in Sao Paulo is the journals of Carolina Maria de Jesus.
This was the quaint little beach town Trujillo, Peru
Learning to salsa dance (and failing miserably) in Trinidad
Gorgeous Puerto Rico. It was the perfect place to end our trip.
Yes. I know I look sexy. Also can you believe the color of that water??
That trip was the first time that I really utilized the principles of a capsule wardrobe, even though at the time I had no idea what a capsule wardrobe was. Traveling really will force you to minimize in general, but I could only bring one small suitcase and a backpack for the three and a half months that we were there. It honestly was my first lesson in minimalism and I remember feeling so refreshed to not have to focus on my style while we were there. I brought only basic things and I did end up picking up a few things here and there, but it was a very simple wardrobe that allowed me to put my focus on what we were doing while we were there. And that’s kind of the point of a capsule wardrobe right? It should be a tool to help you live to your fullest with wherever life brings you. Whether you are a minimalist or a maximalist when it comes to your wardrobe, your wardrobe should never hinder you from getting out and LIVING your life. I once read an interview with Zooey Deschanel where she said that she never wears shoes that she can’t run in if she has to at a moments notice. I absolutely love that and I think it is a good rule to live by.
Side note, I am thinking about doing some posts here and there about the different trips that I have taken (South America, Europe, Central America, road trips here in the U.S.) and what I packed for those trips… especially some of my month long+ trips like South America and Europe. Is that something that you would be interested in hearing about? It’s a little deviation from my normal type of post, but it might be kind of fun yes? Let me know if you’d like to see something like that in the comments below.
As always, thank you for stopping by and reading. I really am so thankful that you take time out of your busy schedule to read my ramblings about my wardrobe. You all are what make this so much fun!
Until next time,
Outfit Posts:
Graphic Tees: Old Zara. Similar.
Skinny Jeans: Old AE. Similar.
Flats: Old Chinese Laundry. Similar.
Earrings: Old Bauble Bar. Similar.
Clutch: Thrifted. Similar.
I would love to hear about your trips! I love to travel light so I always can use tips. It sounds like you had a lot of fun traveling around. Other than Mexico I have not been outside the US for trips, although I have traveled a lot within US. Since I started my family at such a young age I haven’t had the time or money for overseas travels, but I hope to change that in the next few years. We have friends who live in Ecuador and in New Deli, India, so those would be probably one of the first places we would visit. My daughters and I have always wanted to go to Europe as well. 🙂
Traveling light really is great! I completely understand about not being able to travel when you have a family. Most of my traveling was before Kit was born. We were able to get some traveling in because we waited to start a family. If you do have the opportunity to go to Ecuador I would highly recommend it! If you do end up going, let me know and I can give you some advice about things to see. I have always wanted to go to India as well! Sounds like you have some fun trips planned!
I love that you’ve been applying minimalism to your life for so long! Traveling really does help with learning to live with less. And I love that cute top!
Thank you Katie! To be honest, I’ve had ebbs and flows of living minimally, but I definitely feel that I am much more balanced when I do live that way!
I guess I never thought of traveling light as creating a capsule wardrobe, but it totally is the same concept. I just got back from a two week trip and I am realizing I definitely carefully crafted everything I put in one small suitcase.
Absolutely Ashley! That’s what made me realize I could pull it off when I’m not traveling as well!