Hello my travel friends! It has been a minute since I shared my adventures with you. For that I apologize, but I’m back with some new stories and information to share with you. I recently returned from an incredible 3 week exploration to Greece, Albania and Montenegro, but more on that later.
As I have delved into before, when it comes to packing for my trip, I try to keep things as light as possible. This last trip, I was proud of myself for having packed everything I needed for 3 weeks of fashionable wanderlust into two carry-ons. I honestly had no plans of doing much shopping nor purchasing items while I was overseas. There wasn’t much leftover space in my suitcase for more than my expected cookbooks purchases and maybe some minimal trinkets.
While I was staying in central Athens, during my trip I came across a homemade leather goods store having a sale. I when say homemade leather goods, I mean the owner of the store was cobbling accessories together while I was perusing the aisles. What initially drew me into the store were these mesmerizing pair of multi-colored scrappy heels that caught my eye on sale. I found them in my large foot size and scooped them up with the quickness. I just so happened to find a matching handbag all for less $100 TOTAL.
While visiting the island of Corfu, Greece, I had a chance to travel to Albania for the day. I took the ferry from Corfu to Sarande, Albania and spent the day mostly at the beach and exploring the area with no plans in mind. After basking in the sun and finding something for lunch I wanted to find a way to get rid of my Albanian cash. Albania not being apart of the E.U. makes cash king and also makes it the perfect spot to find some real savings. I happened to stumble upon this consignment shop not too far from the beach. There was so much to choose from in the store I had to remind myself of my luggage constraints. I ended up finding two small bags that I had my eye on for some time for thousands less than I would have paid in the US.
The Lord made a way because I was able to purchase both designer bags for less than $500. The Lord also made a way because I was able to maneuver, MacGyver and manipulate my new purchases into my carry-ons. There was no way I was going to pass up on the unique and one of kind finds I acquired throughout my trip. I still can’t believe some of the amazing deals I found and I am definitely not one to gate keep.
I have shared all the information below so hopefully you can find some great fashion finds during your time in the Balkans as well.
Greece Leather Goods:
Greece Leather Goods:
Spyridakis Leather
Address: Miaouli 8, Athina 105 54, Greece
Albania Consignment Finds:
SBS *temporarily closed
Address: V2F5+HG6, Rruga Jonianet, Saranda, Albania
HELPFUL HINT: Always carry local cash when exploring local markets, as many local vendors do not accept cards.
More from my day in Albania coming soon, so stay tuned.