n my first few trips through Asia and Europe, I zeroed in on souvenirs and things to bring back to my family in the Philippines. Yup, all my family has a pile of Hong Kong, Thailand, Paris t-shirts, magnets, keychains, and compact mirrors.
The more I traveled around the world the more I discovered different international clothing brands like Jaspal, Bershka, Stradivarius, Calzedonia, Primark, Urban Outfitters, United Colors of Benetton, and Banned Retro. Also, the overseas stores offer different styles and fashions that aren’t available here in the Philippines for shops we do have: Forever 21, Zara, Mango, H&M, and Daiso.
Before long, when planning the next trip – my Google Maps started to look like it got chickenpoxs with all the pins denoting locations of Bershkas, Forever 21 and Primarks scattered around the must-see landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Roman Coliseum, and Windsor Palace.
I didn’t start out a travel shopaholic, I became one.
A shopping vacation?
Okay, It might seem silly to fly across the world and end up ‘wasting time’ picking out leggings in Calzedonia, but OMG – the AMAZING sales that European stores offer, along with new styles are a combination that is simply addictive. Plus, main shopping streets with big brand stores make a safe and secure day out for solo shopping, not to mention being able to check out fashions the local girls are wearing.
Wear the same thing again? huhu
As I started traveling on longer three-month adventures and posting more photos on my blog, I quickly saw the downside of a limited travel wardrobe – wearing the same seven outfits over and over. It took away (just a bit) from the beautiful locations and often made my photos lack visual harmony. I soon started lightly planning outfits to go along with places we’re visiting. Not so weird – if you’re going to prom you’re gonna wear a dress right? If going to Paris why not wear something a little quirky and exciting each day? Mix and match prints, lots of red, and.. Shine a little 😉
The downside of a travel wardrobe is luggage space. I only carry a small carry-on Rimowa, this doesn’t leave a lot of room for tons of clothes. Brands like Jaspal and UCB while well made can be pretty thick. Even when you roll up your clothes for a tighter fit, it’s difficult not to pack your suitcase so full that you don’t have the room you’ll want for impulsive and amazing buys on the road.
The last third of a trip always came down deciding which item to leave behind in the hotel room in favor of bringing along each new purchase. No girl likes to leave fave clothes behind on the battlefield!
Black and white skirt with white daisys – so cute | shein.com
Hello Shein
I recently discovered Shein… A brand that’s been around since 2008 and focuses on clothes that follow the philosophy of letting “everyone enjoy the beauty of fashion.” That’s something I can get behind because their clothes are perfect for traveling:
Top 10 reasons I love Shein:
1. Trendy fashion
Shein has SO many styles, prints, and designs on offer. A guilty pleasure during this 2020 quarantine is to endlessly scroll their site on my iPad while Netflix plays in the background. Because they have so many choices there’s something for everyone… Bikinis, little black dresses, cartoon skirts, must-have shirts, and everything in-between.
Cartoon print skirt and cherub shirt / feeling silly boho | shein.com
2. Lightweight
Many of the clothes I’ve purchased from Shein are synthetic. While this might not be at plus for some people, I love the fact they’re super lightweight, have a small footprint in my luggage, and can take a beating while on the road. They even come in cute flat packs that are great for just dropping in your suitcase, ready to roll.
Red polka dot dress with pearl necklace and earrings on a rainy quarantine day | shein.com
3. Inexpensive is not the same thing as cheap
As a Filipina, I’ve always understood the value of money and budgeting. Another thing I love about Shein is the clothes are inexpensive, but not cheap. I can build a wardrobe for an upcoming two month trip without breaking a sweat or making my pocket cry. Buying bikinis for $4 – $7usd allows you to carry a half dozen with you so you’re looking good at Ibiza pool parties. Skirts for $5 – $14 means you’re free to try different styles, patterns, and trends without fear of wasting your cash.
Flower print skirts are a favorite cause they’re bright and fun | shein.com
4. Made for social media
I was in Petra, Jordan when I realized I was wearing almost the same thing daily (well, it was freezing in the desert and a coat always covers your clothes) – when going through my past photographs the same-same-wardrobe makes a 5-day trip appear to be just one or two. Shein allows me to carry an amazing amount of items so I can mix and match and have a new look each day.
Skirt from Shein, trying to blend in my with newly planted corn | shein.com
5. Shein Flash sales
Okay, now this part is straight-up addictive, each day they have what they call ‘Flash Sales’ – good for 24hr – you can shop for (often highly) discounted items. A great way to try out something new, or impulse buy. Often I’ll try something just based on price, and end up loving it.
Watering my watermelon seedlings in my cartoon print shirt and skirt | shein.com
6. True to size
I’ve ordered nearly 100 pieces in the last few months, nearly all of them are true to size. I’m a rather small 5’1″, this means a lot of skirts and dresses tend to hang as long as curtains on me, but that’s easy to hem locally.
Neon orange workout shorts and some comfy yellow ones for lounging around after | shein.com
7. Customers involvement
Thankfully on Shein’s website people post photos of themselves in the clothes and contribute sizing information. This makes for a much better fit and fewer surprises when the clothes arrive. Far better than just looking at how they hang on a 5’11” model!
8. A good website makes me happy
Shopping (and planning to shop) on Shein is easy, they have a Wishlist feature (which I max out with hundreds of items!), a clean and easy to use shopping cart, and a Pinterest-style layout that means you can scroll and virtual window-shop without a lot of pagination. It’s simple but works great on my phone and iPad so I can get lost in the shopping experience.
Looking at Aurora in my blue gingham dress with daisies | shein.com
9. Good fashion retailer
I have Shein sent to the Philippines, so the shipping process is always a concern. Shein sends out email notices promptly when your order is placed when your clothes ship and they have been great the few times I’ve needed to make a return. All inquiries to them have been answered in under a day.
Ready to ride! | shein.com
10. Last but not least…
Compliments. Every time I wear Shein, I nearly always get compliments and looks, Their bright clothes and mix-and-match styles grab attention. If travel wasn’t fun enough on its own, it’s even better to travel with a good wardrobe that makes you look and feel your best for yourself and your partner.
Playing dress-up during the pandemic, quarantined at home. Shein makes me happy | shein.com
2 Shein negatives:
1. Consumerism
I’ve read some articles that frown on Shein clothing because they’re called ‘single-use’, and are potentially wasteful. I haven’t found this to be true. In a Filipina household, I save (and regularly) wear most all my clothes, and what I don’t gets gifted to one of my two sisters or even my mom. We don’t waste anything – especially clothes!
2. Shipping fees
I wish Shein would offer free (or discounted) shipping. If I get lured into purchasing a new dress from their flash sale for $7, I don’t want to spend $3.99 to ship it. That’s more than half the cost of the item. If they had discounted or free shipping, I’d probably be buying something daily from Flash sales, or at least be ready to buy instead of waiting for my once-a-month spends.
Cherries go with everything! – who knew? | shein.com