A Few Days By the Bay

Last week I spent a few days in San Francisco, my favorite city in California.  Fortunately, it didn't rain during my time there, and I was able to explore the city by foot and hike some hills.  Among my most memorable moments were: sampling my first pistachio macaron from Bristol Farms, closely eyeing the Versace for H&M window displays on Powell St., browsing the vintage designer merchandise at Cris and Town School Clothes Closet, admiring the early holiday decorations and watching the ice skaters in Union Square, inspecting the holiday-perfect red and leopard pieces in the Giambattista Valli collection at Macy's (more photos on my other fashion blog), and appreciating the lack of crowds in the stores around Union Square.

Each time I visit a big city like San Francisco, I return with a renewed sense of appreciation for my car, suburban space, and having the luxury of being able to drive places and easily find parking. (I also return with a desire to wear my highest heels since I'm able to get around in my car.) What I love most about the trip to San Francisco though is the drive from southern California. Being able to experience the change of scenery from suburban landscape to calming ocean views to rural cow pastures on the 101 to bustling city is an amazing thing to witness in a span of six hours or so. Each time I return, I already miss the place.

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Versace Visuals

The Versace for H&M window displays that I spotted this week did not go unappreciated by my doting eyes.  Although I won't be shopping the collection tomorrow morning, I did have my eye on the studded jacket, the printed leggings, and the sparkly gold dress that would be perfect for holiday parties.  (Metallics are on my style radar for winter.)

Based upon my exhausting but productive shopping experience last year with the Lanvin for H&M collection, I learned that getting in line before 3am at the Los Angeles stores results in better chances to buy the pieces you covet.  This time around, I'll be spending the weekend enjoying some restful sleep, working on a blog project for next week, and getting a pre-Black Friday start on finding some holiday gifts for family members. Good luck to those of you who do shop the collection, and I'd love to know how your shopping experience was and what you bought.

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A Day In Downtown L.A.

My Sunday afternoon was spent at the Thread Show in downtown L.A., where I browsed apparel and accessories from independent designers, sampled the refreshments, and envied the girls who were getting mini massages and manicures. Shopping, music, entertainment, clothing swaps, contests, and food is the perfect way to spend a Sunday, if you ask me.

The 11th floor of the Cooper Design Space, which housed the event, offered incredible views of the downtown skyline which made me actually miss coming to the area for events and shopping excursions.






Wearing: H&M cardigan, Rodarte for Target bow belt, Forever 21 lace dress, and Sam Edelman Louie boots.

Hippie Girl handbags

Sequin flares by Leah Milana

Rings by Lok'd Jewelry

Belt buckles by Rock My World

Sweaters by Santiago Knits

Printed tops by Sarah Liller

Cuffs by Bela Koi

It was my first time attending the Thread Show, and it went beyond my expectations with its top notch selection of jewelry and apparel designers, many of whom are local (and very friendly). I enjoyed chatting with Teresa and Emily from The Style Map (pictured directly above) and Eliza, a talented illustrator from Run With Fashion.

After admiring the concert ticket belt buckles by Rock My World, the sequin flares and fringed vests by Leah Milana, cozy sweaters by Santiago Knits, and a black velvet dress with an open back from Excess Baggage, I wandered down the block for a long overdue visit to Santee Alley for more shopping.  To my surprise, two fruit vendors vehemently protested while I snapped a photo of their food, and then a third fruit vendor kindly welcomed my enthusiasm to take photos. The watermelon and mango looked so refreshing. When all was said and done several hours later, I was the proud owner of a lace fringe top and a handful of sparkly bracelets that will likely be displayed on Instagram, my all-time favorite app. (You can follow me @thekeytochic.)

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