• Scenes from a Vacation – Part II (finally!)

     

    As mentioned in my last post, I added an extra day to my northern California vacation so I could spend some time in San Francisco before heading back east. I hadn’t been to the bay area in years and had honestly forgotten what all the fuss was about. But I figured why not make a pit stop in an old stomping ground and segue a bit more gently back into life in DC. I was more than taken with the heavenly weather (68 degrees in August) and the lively urban atmosphere – crowded cafes, locals out walking their dogs and great shopping – in Pacific Heights where we spent the day. And although the word “hip” could be used to describe the area’s watering holes, shops and fashions, it didn’t smack of trends like some cities. San Francisco is like the popular kid in high school: confident and cool without even trying. And a vibe like that may as well be crack to someone like me. I couldn’t get enough. Shopping I did – and successful I was. 

     Thanks San Fran for sharing your mojo with me!

     

     

     

     

    CIELO   A store full of gorgeous, high-end European brands.

     

    cielo-SF_local.yahoo

    I picked up an Ann Demeulemeester blazer with chic, refined detailing …

    blazer combo

    … a scrumptious orchid-colored puffy jacket with cropped sleeves and sweet yet almost "goth" kitten-princess necklace.

    IMG_8098  IMG_8095

     

     

     

     

    NEST   The perfect name for a boutique with a homespun yet vagabond flair.

     

    nest montage

    New and vintage toys (check out the gorilla!), artwork, jewelry, furnishings and accessories.

    I purchased this silkscreened tiger tote, printed cotton robe and wood handle purse … and love them all.

    IMG_7930  robe  image

     

     

     

     

    HEIDI SAYS SHOE SALON   The sole-ful sister store of the Heidi Says fashion trifecta.

     

    IMG_7759  IMG_7760

     I found these flattering and totally versatile nude, patent leather wedges from Vera Wang Lavender.

     

     

     

     

    ELIZABETH CHARLES   A uniquely curated collection of fashions and accessories.

     

    IMG_7763 IMG_7769 IMG_7766

    This boutique was uh-MA-zing!  I fell in love with everything.

     

     

     

     

    JONATHAN ADLER   Ebullient, over-the-top fun from this eponymous shop’s designer.

     

    IMG_7739 IMG_7745

    IMG_7737

     

     

     

     

    CROSSROADS    Vintage and consignment clothing, shoes, etc.

     

    IMG_7778

    My [sporty, crunchy, anti-fashion] friend Lori nearly died of heart failure when I walked out of the dressing room in this get-up.  Yes I bought a pair of gold lamé, parachute pants and a cropped grey hoodie. I think they’re fabulous, comfortable and totally hot.  

     

     

     

     

    JURLIQUE   Skincare, bath and body products.

     

    Jurlique

    My masseuse in Sonoma recommended that I pick up a bottle of essential eucalyptus oil and add it to my morning shower to help relieve my nagging cough.

     

     

     

     

    OTD   Out-The-Door Vietnamese restaurant.

     

    otd

    We recharged at Out-The-Door with noodles, dumplings and wine.  Yummm!

     

     

     

     

    SWIG   Last stop … cocktails of course!

     

    swignite_igougo 

    swiginterior_thescene 

     With a sexy vibe, live music and bar stocked to the hilt - this club was the perfect finish to a perfect day!

     

     

    Tricia xosf