SF Recap: The Stuff

OK, you asked for it. Here's a rundown of the things I bought on our trip to San Francisco, my first post-ban purchases. In case you're curious, I only spent two-thirds of the money I had allotted to shopping ... though I'll admit that the rest got spent once I'd returned home, on a handful of wishlist items, layaways, and a gift for Husband Mike.

Much of what I bought falls outside my stylistic comfort zone, and I LOVE that. It was really fun to amass a group of out-of-character pieces that will be challenging to incorporate into my daily style.

Now, you've already met Bill. So let's meet the rest of the gang, shall we? In order of purchase ... ...

Branch coral necklace
$19 at street vendor

HM hates this necklace. I am quite sure he'll love it after a few wearings.

Chalk turquoise necklace

$34 at street vendor

We BOTH love this one. I wore it immediately, and got at least seven compliments on it that day. Seirously.

Flame orange silk skirt
$3.50 at Goodwill

This little darling has tiny orange rhinestones bordering the entire slit. Love! Despite what my awkward posing may imply!

Zebra print sweaterdress
$6 at Goodwill

Very 80s, but also very flattering and supremely comfy. I am wearing my new studded sandals, Madden Girl Lusterus, which were a post-trip wishlist purchase.

Long taffeta skirt
$3.50 at Goodwill

and

Studded belt
$39 at some random store in the Haight

The belt will get tons of use. The skirt won't. But it was $3.50, I LOVED it, and I feel like my goal for the coming year should be finding a way to wear it to the office without drawing a thousand comments from my coworkers.

Floaty black layered skirt
$4 at Goodwill

and

Amazing belt
A gift from Audi, who MADE IT (!)

Audi is a master at layering skirts over other skirts, and layering skirts beneath dresses ... and I feel like I bought a whole slew of floaty skirts in SF because I've been meaning to try this technique out myself, possess zero floaty skirts, and was in close proximity to its mistress while shopping. This black one, however, is so lovely I may end up wearing it on its own.

As for the belt, my GAWD, don't you want one? Stop by Audi's brand new Etsy shop and order one custom. You'll love it, promise. This might be the most flattering belt I own.

Silk floral skirt
$4.50 at Goodwill

Weirdly, I'd tried on this very same skirt a week previous at my home Savers ... but that version was a size smaller, and too snug. Having it show up in the right size, post-ban, was a sign that it was MEANT to be mine, don't you think?

Wraps
$6 each at Goodwill

This is the last of the Goodwill haul. I spotted these draped over a random rack as I was headed to check out, and couldn't leave without them. The houndstooth is a gorgeous rayon weave from Anne Klein, the blue plaid has amazing detailing at both ends, and the green/brown is reversible merino. Woo hoo!

Cheap-ass earrings from a very Claire's-like store in the Haight

$9 each

I have been trying to increase my earring options, as I'm sick of recycling my same three pairs of hoops. I'm not branching out too much, as I am still a hoop girl, but trying to expand my collection. I've already worn both of these pairs several times since my return.

Dirndl
$60 at Held Over

And this, friends, is the pièce de résistance. Held Over had an entire RACK of dirndls, and although many were too costumey for my taste, this lavender one called to me. It was spendy, but is so well-made I could run over it with my car and it'd still look amazing. Plus this style of dress - fitted bodice, flared skirt - is one of my faves. Yes, it will get only occasional wear. But I will be SO HAPPY when I do wear it. So, so happy. I mean, just look at my grinny face up there!

As for the post-trip purchases, there were the Maddens listed above, I paid off my layaway Fluevs, and bought these, these, and these from Etsy as part of the aforementioned earring quest. Also nabbed some leggings, tights, and socks from Target, as those are items I refuse to thrift.

And that's that. I'll give my final thoughts on the ban and how it has affected me this Saturday, and then NEXT Saturday you'll hear HM's perspective. He has things to say, people. Things to say.

P.S. Since you've seen a billion photos of the crown tattoo by now, I thought I should finally show the OTHER recent tattoo that I mentioned back here. This little compass/star is courtesy John Sweet of Uptown Tattoo. I cannot recommend him enough - he is quick, skilled, and thorough in addition to being charming and totally hilarious. Expect a wait, though - I think he's three months out right now. And with good reason.