FROM the EDIT
Welcome to Curated & Collected, the spot where I share my favorite finds, style insights, and curated recommendations from around the globe. Today, we’re diving into one of my absolute favorite topics: how I bring the magic of travel home.
My home is literally an ode to places I’ve visited around the world, some items big, some small, but all deeply personal and meaningful. I know buying larger items abroad might seem intimidating, but trust me, don’t be afraid of shipping crates. Many destinations are well-equipped to ship directly to your doorstep, often seamlessly and at significantly better prices than you’d find stateside.
Let’s talk textiles. Many of the soft accents around my home, like pillows, throws, and blankets, come straight from India. Because my kids tend to wreak havoc on my furniture, I cover chairs and couches with large, vibrant textiles from Indian markets. It’s protective, practical, and effortlessly stylish.
Then there’s Morocco, where I’ve sourced countless tables, mirrors, and stunning bone-inlay furniture. My obsession with Moroccan design has even led me to import chandeliers and lanterns.
Jackets and scarves are always high on my shopping list when traveling, I’m particularly in love with finding unique jackets from India and Morocco. And scarves? I collect kikois from Kenya and colorful sarees from India. They’re versatile keepsakes that carry stories and memories from every adventure, and they don’t have to be expensive.
When traveling with kids, handmade toys become cherished keepsakes. Our home hosts an adorable collection of wooden trucks and plush animals lovingly crafted by artisans.
For smaller, suitcase-friendly souvenirs, housewares are my go-to. Think beautifully crafted napkins and serving utensils from Brazil, pieces that are easy to pack, practical for daily life, affordable, and remind me of sunny shopping afternoons in my favorite places.
Sometimes, my luggage situation dictates smaller items, and my collection of safari property baseball caps is proof of this. Yet, on my last trip to Kenya, I somehow managed to bring back three dog beds purchased from roadside artisans, where there’s a will, there’s always luggage space!
Even when shopping isn’t on the itinerary, photographs make incredible, low-cost souvenirs. I’ve created a gallery wall in my bathroom featuring images captured by myself and incredibly talented wildlife photographers I’ve met on my travels (shoutout to the incredible @charlotteonsafari). The eclectic frames are second-hand finds from Etsy, curated for an antique, vintage gallery wall feel. Of course, sometimes you don’t even have to buy anything. You’re simply inspired by something you see at a property or on your travels. Once home, you can source similar items from abroad or from local antique stores (I especially love using Etsy for this). Admittedly, the most ambitious piece I ever imported was a custom marble table from India.
Ultimately, curating travel memories isn’t about spending big; it’s about creativity, meaning, and personal resonance. Each piece, big or small, becomes part of your life’s story, turning your home into a beautiful celebration of the journeys you’ve taken.
XO, Alexis
Meet Alexis
your compass + co-conspirator
I’ve been chasing wonder for as long as I can remember – across continents, careers, and seasons of life. I’ve curated high-touch journeys around the world, but The Adventurous Women’s Club is the one I created from the deepest part of who I am. It’s a love letter to freedom, to the women who’ve poured themselves into building beautiful, demanding lives, and are ready to unlock what happens when they say yes to themselves.
