I HEART San Francisco!

I just got back from a short trip to San Francisco with a good friend to see another good friend from college. This was my first visit to this lovely city, and I was truly impressed. I walked my legs-off (really, honestly, my legs were so tried, they just upped and walked off my body!), ate a lot of fantastic food and, of course, did some major shopping.

And even though I often hear how "expensive" San Fran is, I was able to find some fantastic deals on some cute and unique goodies. And because you all know how much I love to shop and how much I love a deal, I must share my finds. (They were all under $40, by the way!)

So here we go...

I found this barrette at an art fair in the Embarcadero area. (I also got a bracelet, but I couldn't find a picture of one on the artist's Web site.) They are made from real flowers, hand-made, and absolutely beautiful! Made by Ricciardi Design.


$19.

Of the many neighborhoods we visited, I really enjoyed Hayes Valley for its cute boutiques and one-of-a-kind shops. I was able to find a clever housewarming gift for my sister at a store called Lavish. It's a coaster, a place card and a doodle-pad. That's right, you can write on these hip pads of silicone. I snagged the last one on the table. But you can find one for yourself at modern-twist.

$24.

Another tiny shop we came across in Hayes Valley was called Little Otsu. It was filled with quirky stationary, journals, planners, and other paper products. As I was perusing the products, I saw a silly little book called the Non-Planner Datebook. It was quirky and creative, and I had to have it .



$16.

Our last day there, we decided to visit The Haight. Unfortunately we went when there was a festival celebrating all that makes The Haight The Haight. Lots of people, a little smelly, a lot dirty, but very entertaining. Amidst all those hippies and wanna-be hippies, was an eccentric store called Loyal Army. As we walked in, we saw a hilarious t-shirt that had a cartoon pancake with steaming butter dripping from it saying "I'm a hot mess!" Fun stuff! After combing through the other funnies, I decided on a more "serious" statement.

$19.50 (I got 20% off, so it was only $17).

Finally, I had to get some of San Fran's famous sourdough bread. Actually, a friend from work wanted me to get him some, so when I got his, I thought -- why not get one more for moi?!" So, I did. A fresh and delicious loaf from Acme Bread Co. And, to add a little sweetness to it, I bought some lick-your-lips lavender-infused honey from a local producer -- Marshall Farm.

Sourdough bread, $4; Honey, $8

Lions & Tigers & Sandals... oh my!

When the gladiator sandal first came out, I thought it looked a little silly, especially the high-fashion ones that looked like strappy-sandal boots. They've been toned down since and have become much more wearable for everyday gals like myself, who don't need to look like a gladiator, but rather just a mere defender of stylish fashion.

These sandals are a great alternative to the flip flop. You can wear them with everything from shorts to sundresses, and they will always make you look a lot more put together than lame flip flops! Ohhhh... and the colors! Say good-bye to boring brown leather sandals, and say hello to blues, oranges, and metallics!

Bargain Chic Bake Sale

Over at one of my favorite blogs, Operation Nice, I came across a posting about a fantastic event called the Great American Bake Sale. I thought it sounded like a wonderful way to make a small difference in the world. So, I'm asking you -- Bargain Chic readers -- to help me raise money to help end childhood hunger by participating in the Great American Bake Sale.

This year the Great American Bake Sale is like no other -- it has gone bakeless! You don't even have to take off your favorite sample sale Louboutins or your favorite vintage-find Valentino. Just buy a virtual baked goodie and feel goodie about helping stop childhood hunger.

I know we are all in a money crunch nowadays, but even a donation of $5 can make a huge difference to a child's life. I've started the ball rolling and have donated $10. My goal is only a $100, so I know my Bargain Chic friends can help reach that goal and hopefully go beyond it. Visit my donation page and let's start making a difference. And, to get you inspired, here is an oh so chic cupcake apron!

Sundress Challenge

It is officially summer in Phoenix -- this week's temperatures have been in the triple digits with no cool down in sight. I'm a native, but the initial shock of 100+ degree weather has always took me by surprise. Eh gads!

But I guess I need to just admit my defeat to the sun and look forward to the next four months of my summer wardrobe. And, let me tell you, this summer I'm planning on embracing as much as possible the lovely and oh-so-effortless sundress.

Yep, I'm making it official -- the challenge is on! Sundresses will be my friend this summer. In fact, I'll take this a step further and challenge YOU, my fellow Bargain Chic-ers, to join me in shedding your shorts and casting-off your capris for the cute, comfy and oh, so chic sundress!

Hip, Hip, Hooray!!!

And for inspiration, here are some great sundresses that can hopefully entice you to take on this chic challenge. Good luck and good -- summer -- night!

Sundress Inspirations

About Me

305853722_9d37b760f5_o
TeeKay
Phoenix, AZ
I love fashion but can't always afford the latest high-priced designer looks, so I've found ways to copy them by finding comparable outfits at bargain prices. Bargain Chic is my attempt at showing other fashion lovers on a budget how to look sophisticated and stylish for a lot less.