istanbul, turkey - shop.

i always love to shop when i travel, and istanbul was fullll of opportunities to find something special. there are shops everywhere, full of ceramic plates, tiles, silk scarves and little glass blue and white evil eye charms. i was really looking forward to the grand bazaar but it ended up being a BIG let down! it was full of touristy shops that you see around the city, along side high end jewelry shops and knock off purses and wallets. i am not a fan of counterfeit goods so i passed on the fake tory burch bags and we didn't stay at the grand bazaar too long. luckily we stumbled along the spice bazaar! it was full of unique items and lots of delicious smells::

after our visit at the spice bazaar we ran into a gorgeous jewelry shop full of thousands of beads. i was like a kid in a candy shop! i quickly picked out a few strands of beads and they made it into a necklace for me. we returned the next day for another one...

the necklaces are my favorite thing i bought in Istanbul but i was kicking myself for packing so many clothes-- i wanted to buy a ceramic platter. instead i bought 4 ceramic tiles that i plan to frame and put in our kitchen... along with a few other things. h bought the watercolor prints and Turkey flag (he always buys a small piece of art and a flag when we travel). 

what is your favorite thing to shop for when you travel?

xo, 

jillian

ps don't forget i also bought a few goodies for one lucky reader! enter the getaway giveaway!