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When they say “bold,” they mean bold — this is a definite statement necklace. I got this a while ago on a whim (in a very un-Kat-like orange) and have been shocked at how much I've worn it, both because of the orange and the multiple layered pieces. But I like it — it's simple but very bold, and for the price it's hard to go wrong. It's available in 11 colors at Baublebar — was $40, but for a limited time, marked to $20. Baublebar Bold Beaded Strands (Not yet a member of Baublebar? Click here for an invite.) (L-3)Sales of note for 11.5.24
- Nordstrom – Fall sale, up to 50% off!
- Ann Taylor – Extra 40% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 25% off with your GAP Inc. credit card
- Bloomingdales is offering gift cards ($20-$1200) when you spend between $100-$4000+. The promotion ends 11/10, and the gift cards expire 12/24.
- Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
- Eloquii – Fall clearance event, up to 85% off
- J.Crew – 40% off fall favorites; prices as marked
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – New sale, up to 50% off
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – Buy one, get one – 50% off everything!
- White House Black Market – Holiday style event, take 25% off your entire purchase
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
Anon in NYC
I have similar necklaces and I love them. It’s surprisingly versatile with my staple pieces.
NbyNW
I, too, have a necklace like this – same color.
hoola hoopa
I also wear the heck out of a similar necklace, particularly in the summer.
shoes?
Immediate TJ – I need to find cute white, silver or nude-for-me shoes that come in wide to wear to an outdoor wedding this summer. Ideally, with 2-3 inch height of some sort (e.g. wedge or wide heel to walk on grass). I’ve been stumped – any suggestions? Thanks!
lucy stone
Take a look at Cole Haan wedges. The Air Tali is a little lower than this, but is comfortable, and they have some great other wedges in the summertime. I also got a pair of nice cream snakeskin Adrienne Vittadini wedges at Macy*s that I really like.
Miz Swizz
No help here, but I’m also looking for shoes to wear to a wedding. 2 inches is on my high end (poor, sad, messed up feet). So I’ll be watching this thread as well.
Terry
Just got these – a little low-heeled for the op but might be a match for you.
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/b.o.c+lucha+wedge+sandal?prodId=295202&brand=dsw10brand900002&activeCats=women,dsw10brand900002&isBrand=y&categoryName=women
Orangerie
Without knowing your price range, what the rest of your outfit looks like, and how dressy the wedding will be, it’s a bit tough to narrow down choices.
I like these, especially because the metallic finish looks dressier than plain nude/tan leather. I know you said you wanted silver…
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vince-camuto-wynter-sandal/3754643?
Orangerie
And they also come in white:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vince-camuto-wynter-sandal/3673571?
Orangerie
One more option:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/louise-et-cie-martre-sandal/3671603?
shoes?
Cute, but don’t come in wide :(
Orangerie
Ah, missed that part of your post! Sorry :(
shoes?
No prob! thanks for looking.
anon a mouse
Depending on how formal/casual your dress is, what about some espadrilles with a wedge? The Ralph Lauren Cecilia style is in silk so it’s a little fancier.
Bonnie
These are a little lower but do come in a wide: http://www.6pm.com/dyeables-anette-silver
Anon
Check out Naturalizer or Payless.
Burgher
Second Payless. They carry wide in pretty much every shoe they have.
hoola hoopa
On zappos: J. Renee Neda , Clarks Palmdale Rema , Trotters Lonnie , Trotters Mickey
Need to Improve
Hi ladies, I posted here looking for a good florist on the UES a while back and got a stellar recommendation. Now I have lost it. It’s time to order flowers for my mom again and I would love to make her as happy as last time. Does anyone have a midtown or UES florist they recommend? Thanks.
AIMS
I use Sterling Fell Florist. Have always been very happy with them. 212-879-0777. I usually just tell them around how much I want to spend and they do a nice seasonal bouquet of whatever is freshest and looks good.
http://www.sterlingfell.com/
anne-on
I really like Flowers by Richard, I’ve used them professionally (and personally) for year and they’ve always done a great job.
http://www.flowersbyrichardnyc.com/
preg 3L
+1. Love Flowers by Richard but they’re definitely not on the UES.
Need to Improve
Thanks! Am going to give both a call and see who has her favorites fresh that day.
Aggie
I have this in emerald green – it is my favorite way to completely transform an outfit. My office is professional attire, while my clients are engineering and construction firms. I am always conscious of not being “a suit.” So I have really enjoyed this piece. I can wear a short sleeve sweater and carry my suit jacket but still feel dressed appropriate with this necklace.
The layers are also great with a wrap dress as each is not too heavy. At half price, I am tempted to get this in pearl and red. Kat, you are messing with my shopping embargo!
Marilla
Question on the current trend of d’Orsay-style flats, with open sides – like these ones: http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/women/shoes/flats/31430169-nydellan/32
I’m seeing them everywhere now and while I think they’re lovely, I’m having a hard time picturing wearing them at work (business casual environment with a range from the stylish to the eccentric, including some just casual with very little business). Fridays are jeans day so they might fly then if it’s particularly hot outside.
Aggie
I would wear them with slacks without hesitation. I am not fond of pointed toe shoes and skirts but YMMV.
Lily-Student
Personally, I really don’t like them – but then I’m also funny about thin-soled sandals. It’s something about puddles and dirt getting right onto my feet, for me.
That said, those who do wear them always look very stylish.
AIMS
I would like them with cropped pants and a silky blouse. Unfortunately for me, I can’t get them to stay on my feet. D’orsay heels work great for me, but flats not so much. Bummer.
DC Association
I just got a pair of Steve Madden d’Orsay flats from Off 5th. They’re a pewter color so they actually look pretty dressy. Look great with cropped pants, skinny jeans, and full skirts.
I think they are very business appropriate.
roses
Love the look, but would be wary of buying shoes from Aldo. Every time I have, they’ve fallen apart in just a few months.
Marilla
Thanks for the input! I think they may not work, but will try them on in stores — maybe for summer weekends with dresses.
oooh
Just wanted to say thanks for posting these! I’ve been looking for a cute pair that work with my feet (size 8.5, so not huge, but Tory Burch has a gorgeous pair of d’Orsays that just looked terrible on my feet :(). I’m definitely going to have to try these on, even though I’ve also heard complaints about Aldo like what roses mentioned.
Marilla
I’ve had some Aldo shoes that have lasted super well and others that have crumbled in a season – worth a try!
JobCandidate
Anyone have experience with HireVue interviews? I have one coming up, and I am completely unfamiliar with this format!
militarygf
My submariner SO returned from his deployment on Friday! Hooray! Thanks for all of the kind support you ladies have given me over the past few restless months.
He’s still 3,000 miles away – but that beats being at the bottom of the ocean! And we get two whole weeks together in t-11 days. According to Skype dates, he grew the World’s Biggest Moustache while on the boat. Eek…
For any of you military gfs/wives, the time flies by – I promise!
Senior Attorney
Hooray! Enjoy your time together!
And yes, as the mom of a Marine recently returned from two years in Japan, it does go by surprisingly fast!
Baconpancakes
At first, I almost panicked, because I read “at the bottom of the ocean” to mean his boat or plane almost wrecked, but then I realized you said he was a submariner. So glad you get time with him! Yay!
Clementine
WOO HOO! Lemme tell ya, that first kiss is really something special.
Senior Attorney
I guess I am showing my age because although I do love me a statement necklace, this one just says “Grandma’s jewelry box” to me. To my eye it just looks cheap and messy with All The Layers.
Sorry, Kat!
cbackson
Ha. I think that’s why I like it – Grandma’s jewelry box is how I roll, when it comes to accessories.
ITDS
I think it looks cheap because the beads are strung too tighly so the strands are wobbly shaped instead of hanging naturally. When I buy a necklace that has this problem I take a hammer and smash a couple of the beads by the clasp to give them all more room and make it drape better.
S in Chicago
That’s genius! I swear, I learn something new here all the time.
Senior Attorney
OMG that is genius! Not only the diagnosis of the problem, but the prescribed remedy! Thanks!
Shay-La
I disagree, but definitely see where you’re coming from. Though I might just be biased–I am actually wearing this exact necklace right now :-) It may just be the styling in the picture, as I think it’s styled too dressy for what it is, which may be what cheapens it in the picture. I always wear with otherwise boring (not frumpy!) business casual outfits with minimal other jewelry (diamond studs, watch, wedding rings) to make sure nothing is too loud. I love it because it is such a big statement necklace, and I get many compliments.
Anne
To me it kind of looks like a little girl playing dress up with grandma’s jewellery box – and putting everything on.
I love the colour though.
Anon
Yes. I’m picturing this necklace with a pair of high-heeled pumps 8 sizes too big, and a worn-out Easter hat.
NOLA
Yep, Senior Attorney, this kind of thing (the big beads) reminds me of the jewelry my Dad’s mother wore when I was growing up. I feel like, with the size of my bust, it just looks matronly on me.
Ashley
So glad I am not the only one who saw that. And right on the heels of the thread about “frumpy” – this sort of thing is on my list.
Reading the other comments, it works for some, however.
FP
I hate my job. hate hate hate! I’m interviewing to get out but finding it so hard to find motivation to do any of the mounds and mounds of work I have to do right now. Just venting. Hate hate hate!!!
Baconpancakes
Hugs. I am having such a hard time focusing on my job as well. I just. don’t. care.
TO Lawyer
Hugs! It’s really hard to focus when you feel that way – can you bribe yourself? i.e. coffee or treat every time you finish a task?
Dulcinea
Been there. Sometimes “the only way out is through.” Good luck!
Mommy Tracked & Frustrated
I’m in the same boat. I have an interview tomorrow, and assuming all goes well, I am going to take it. I cannot wait to hand in my resignation, which I have been periodically updating since 2009. I think that’s quite the sign that it’s 5 years past time to move on. That and all you lovely ladies here that finally talked some sense into me!
Hang in there and try not to leave before you leave. Easier said than done. I am currently writing down all the tasks I have to do and then crossing them off to try to stay productive, but I’m definitely coming back to the internet every 10 minutes!
See Jane Fly
Hi ladies! I’m off on a five-day business trip to California at the end of this month and need packing advice. I’ll be in the Bay area, LA and La Jolla to see donors to my nonprofit institution and will be traveling with a male (peer) colleague. We’re flying Southwest so I do plan to check a small bag.
I’ve read the Road Warriore t t e archives on this but would appreciate any CA-specific fashion advice. My challenge is to look dressed up enough (to be respectful of the donor’s time/appointment) but not so dressy that I look out of place or awkward.
I’m thinking of building my outfit around a sheath dress, a pencil skirt and maybe a pair of tailored ankle pants…? Open toe shoes or closed-toe? Casual-ish blazer? As you can tell I’m a little lost here. Any advice or guidance would be much welcomed!
Wildkitten
I would suggest for California to dress nicely (sheath dress, etc) but not in BLACK. People wear colors out there. And I’d do sweater not blazer but it depends on your industry.
Orangerie
People wear black and navy here, too.
Anon
In SF we wear a lot of black.
Wildkitten
I think I was too biased in my recommendation. I am currently wearing 5 black pieces of clothing. In California I would have at least one item be not-black.
Ashley
Wait – what???? California (like New York) LIVES in black. At least in the cities. Not black would be good advice if you want to set yourself apart (which I support).
I frequently visit SF, LA, etc on business and am always struck by the lack of color in the cities. Which makes me want to wear anything but black. But I’m a bit of a rebel that way.
Anon
Yep. She speaks the truth.
Anon
I’m in the Bay Area and the beauty of this place is you can wear whatever you want. No one looks askance at open toes, high heels, shorter hemlines, or anything that seems to send people into clutch the pearls mode. The weather here is nice but can get chilly, layers are good. Have fun.
Orangerie
I don’t think this is always true. Conservative industries in the Bay Area are still conservative industries; I work in the SF financial district and rarely see people walking around with short hemlines or aggressively casual outfits. Maybe anything goes in SoMa where more of the tech start-ups are, but for meeting with donors I would suggest staying on the more formal side.
OP, I think your original idea of sheath dress + blazer sounds great. I wear that to work pretty much every day in SF. As for shoes, go with whatever you feel most comfortable in. I wouldn’t recommend a full on sandal, but peep toes should be fine.
hoola hoopa
+1 to Orangerie. Finance and health care are still quite conservative, for example. Plenty of flexibility in color to wear whatever you usually wear, although in SF I’d base in conservative standards (black, navy, etc) and increase color as you move south. Peep toe should be fine, but I wouldn’t do sandals.
SD Girl
It has been really hot here in San Diego. I would recommend a sheath dress in any color. I agree with the sweater over jacket. I work at a law firm so I wear a lot of black but I switch to more colorful clothes for casual Fridays.
Senior Attorney
Just remember it gets cool/cold when the sun goes down, and if you are near/on the water it can be cool/cold even on a sunny day. Layers are your friends.
LA Lit
I have experience working in Big Law both on the East Coast and in LA. For me, the major differences in LA are: 1. open-toe shoes are NBD; 2. no one wears hose (sometimes you see tights, but only for fashion reasons, i.e., matte black tights); 3. sleeveless dresses/blouses are A-OK (but bring a sweater/blazer because it does get quite chilly at night and there also may be AC); 4. in general, what I would wear on the East Coast for a “casual day” at the office is what I wear in LA for normal work days, while “casual days” in LA are straight-up jeans, comfy or fun shoe, and t-shirts or trendy tops (an outfit I would never wear to work on the East Coast). Oh, and bring your sunglasses!
anonsg
Bay area weather fluctuates a bit so I agree with the layers comments. It gets windy and chilly, particularly in the evenings. Not sure what the weather will look like, but if it gets rainy you should be prepared for that; just check the weather the week before. I think the items you listed sound fine. Closed or open toe are both OK, but if you’re worried, you should go with closed toe. Don’t worry too much about it :)
OttLobbyist
TJ: Does anyone know why so many professional bios include something like “So and so is from City X. She and her husband have X children.”? I am having a debate with someone about what should be in a corporate biography and whether or not it is okay to not include details about your personal life, like marital status or children.
tesyaa
I have seen “She lives with her husband and two dogs”, which is even more unusual, but I did infer from it that the person in question had no children.
preg 3L
I’m super interested to hear what others say on this. IMH-(and probably naive)-O, when only the women have personal info included, I feel it’s a little out of place, but when everyone includes it, I think it’s a really nice recognition that employees are more than just worker bees!
Anon
I don’t know why. It definitely varies by employer and location, however. When I lived in the Northeast, I rarely saw any personal details (unless “personal details” extends to things like Ms. Attorney is active in the Boys & Girls Clubs of NE City”). In the Southeast, I see more frequent references to marital/parental status. And in Texas, church membership.
Sacha
I agree with the comment below that it can be nice to add a personal note in client-services industries. But I can tell you that when I pulled up the bios at a law firm (not in Texas) and saw the personal notes in everyone’s bios, all but one of which included their church membership and married (yes — not marital) status, I confirmed the rumors that it was a place I would not fit in. It is a great way for a firm to broadcast its biases before a potential applicant ever submits.
Ellen
I think it is b/c peeople want to know if you are MARRIED, then they have to invite your spouse, and if you have kid’s then they can have play date’s with their kid’s while you have your business meeting’s!
Not a probelem, b/c I hope soon that I will be abel to say I am MARRIED, and the year after that I have at least 1 child. By the time I have 2 kid’s, I hope to be RETIRED from the busness world, at least until the kid’s are in school. YAY! But first I need a BOYFREIND! Why can’t I just find a boyfreind who want’s to MARRY me and have kid’s NOW! You would think that with all of their focus on my tuchus and boobie’s and haveing sex, that haveing kids would also be in the picture? No way they say.
Just fun and run, that’s what they want. I say if I have sex, I want children, but that does NOT go over to well with these guys in NYC. Mabye the bearded guy from Pitsburgh might be interested, but he is way to young for me. We will see. He need’s to shave in any event, b/c I do NOT want that beard tickeling me! FOOEY!
ANP
I think some of this depends on the industry. When it comes to client service jobs, I do believe it’s nice if a person can be humanized through their bio — it makes them more relatable and helps forge relationships. When I was a consultant, everyone in the firm ended their bios with 1-2 lines of personal info, and even the male partners wrote things like, “A lifelong resident of Whoville, Jack serves on the Whoville Historical Society Board of Trustees. He and his wife, Jane, have two children.” That’s kind of a clunky example but hopefully you get the point.
That said, I don’t believe in different rules for men and women (duh). If a woman is asked to include family-related details, her male colleagues should mention them as well.
hoola hoopa
+1 to all of this.
It’s not typical in my industry, but agree with all this for industries where it is.
Orangerie
I don’t think this is common in my industry (finance). The bios on our website are strictly about professional experience. Usually whens someone joins the firm, their managing director sends a blurb out to everyone that includes prior work experience as well as a few personal tidbits, but that never gets distributed externally.
Not sure why marital status & # of kids (or lack thereof) has any relevance to someone’s professional bio. Honestly this seems pretty exclusionary to me, like it would be awkward for someone unmarried/childless.
Diana Barry
Whether it is OK to NOT include details of personal life? Of course! My bio includes info about my service on a nonprofit board but not about my marital status or children or any of my other personal info.
Wildkitten
I think people do it so you will think they are a person and not a robot.
Senior Attorney
Yes. My bio concludes with “Her interests include martial arts and tap dancing.”
TBK
Ugh, postpartum wardrobe issues. And, frankly, body issues generally. Between twins and bed rest, I put on 80 lbs during my pregnancy. Fifty of those fell right off, but I’m still nowhere near fitting into any of my pre-pregnancy clothes. Well, maybe some of my workout pants, but that’s it. I’m still wearing my maternity jeans and my go-to outfit is maternity jeans, a nursing tank, and some non-maternity top over the whole thing. I just can’t tell whether it’s worth going out and buying new clothes that fit now, or making do with what I have in the hopes that more of this kind of melts away. How did others of you handle it? Also, worst of all, my belly kind of hangs down like a deflated balloon right now. It’s getting better, but I guess when you stretch it out with almost 13 lbs worth of baby plus all the rest of it, it doesn’t snap back overnight (or over six weeks’ worth of nights), especially not when you’re mid-30s. My doctor gave me the go-ahead to resume garden parties, but I’m just not sure I want Mr. TBK to see me naked yet. Anyone else feel like this post-baby? Any suggestions for how to deal? I never had body issues during pregnancy, but this post pregnancy thing is throwing me.
Batgirl
Try not to be so hard on yourself! You just gave birth to TWO babies! A good friend of mine almost doubled her body weight when she had twins and is probably within 5 lbs of her formerly tiny self a year after the babies. Patience–and appreciate how wonderful your body is!
Also in Academia
So exciting! How are the twins? I definitely continued to lose weight for a while afterwards, and I bought some transitional clothes in a size larger than usual. I was amazed how quickly I went through that size and back to my original size, but everything is still distributed differently. I don’t think that’s ever going away. My waist is thicker, and my bra band size is larger even 1 year post-nursing. As for garden parties, my own experience was that I think about it far more than he does . . . he’s just excited for them to resume. My husband is also excellent at saying “but you grew a human!’ when I feel bad about my pooch.
tesyaa
Six weeks? Forget it. It took me six months after the first baby to lose “all the weight”, and my hips were never as narrow as pre-pregnancy; nor was my stomach ever as flat. Buying some in-between clothes will make you feel so much better. Steer clear of maternity jeans, for sure.
Diana Barry
+1000. You just produced TWO humans!!!! You are awesome!!!
FWIW, I was definitely still in maternity clothes at 6 weeks post. I bought larger “regular” clothes at about 3 months post (when I had to go back to work) and then just gradually shrank until about 1 year post.
Also FWIW, I found that nursing made my ladygarden VERY dry, so no garden parties until at least 12 weeks post, and even then you will need a whole lot more warmup and outside help than you are used to.
hoola hoopa
x1000
Nine months on, nine months off. It’s annoying but true. I’d mentally prepare for a year given your age and twins.
Absolutely get yourself a transitional wardrobe. It’s money well spent! I also liked wearing support garment to hold in the extra skin and help support myself when sitting.
It’s normal to feel self-conscious. You’re really a totally different shape for a while. You expect to be a different shape when pregnant, but it’s a harsh reality that you’re a different shape after giving birth. Give it time.
Parfait
My belly hangs down like that too and I haven’t even produced any tiny humans to show for it. And I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who’s thinking about it when we go to the garden shed.
Anonymous
I hope you’re in a frame of mind to hear this but from one twin mom (who has talked to a lot of twin moms) to another, even if you lose all the weight, your “twin skin” will never go away completely without surgical intervention.
RR
This. I know like 2 moms of twins who had it go away without surgery.
hollis
Another twin mom here. my twin skin is not as bad as it was 6 weeks (or even 6 months) after the twins’ birth, but it certainly did not go away. i see it as a badge of honor and i still wear a bikini when i’m at a public pool.
ANP
hollis, I’ve never met you and I love you.
Samantha
I’ve always heard “9 months up, and 9 months down” regarding the weight gain during pregnancy and the subsequent weight loss and that is being pretty conservative, so be aware that it can take a while. And frankly, your weight is not even what you should be thinking about right now! Think about getting the babies what they need (nutrition, comfort), and getting you what you need (good nutrition, restful sleep or what you can get of it, small treats and indulgences – whether it’s the sushi you avoided during pregnancy or a manicure, and loving yourself back to a healthy happy body).
As to LGPs, I know of people who resumed as soon as they got the doc’s okay, but far more often I think it’s the case that the sleep deprivation, soreness and pain (I had stitches and didn’t feel 100% healed for a while) it takes much longer for the woman to be okay with it.
Anon for this
If your body is making you self-conscious about gardening consider candles and no regular light, gardening under the covers, a fancy nightie or dress you can “hike up” in a sexy way, or trying a face down position that will keep you from worrying about your belly. Face down is my food baby fix. DH thinks it is hot and has no idea it is because I feel huge.
anon
Fellow twin mama here. It’s called a huge t-shirt over a nursing/ sleep bra. The latter is a necessity and probably more of a turn-off on its own than the t-shirt.
Need to Improve
Let’s start with the fact that you lost 50 POUNDS IN 6 WEEKS. I have a feeling the rest will come off too, in due course! Sounds like everything is giong as it should. I remember being 3 months out and crying because none of my pants fit. By 6 months out, I was back to my old self. Time will fix (most of) this. I can’t make promises about the loose belly skin though.
That said, it SUCKS to be stuck in the post-partum in-between phase where you have nothing to wear and you want to burn every maternity outfit in your closet. You want to look cute, dammit, not like an unkempt milk machine with no outfits. I did too. It was really affecting my happiness that I felt frumpy and fat. So I bought some cheap but decent transitional clothes. I got some Express editor pants in a transitional size, and I found the stretch to flatter my situation. Even having 2 pairs of pants that fit and a couple of basic black tops will make all the difference in making you feel put together. Also, wrap dresses are your friend. Buy 1 or 2 of those and, along with the pants, you will have something to wear almost every day of the week.
What you are experiencing is totally normal. But to give you some objective feedback, I am very impressed with how far you have come already!
academama
+1 million.
Spend a little money to buy a few basic transitional items so you don’t feel frumpy every day. I also found it nice to go get a facial and a free makeover at Bare Minerals right before I went back to work.
MegB
I hear you. I put on almost that much when I had twins and it took me a good while to get it all off. Your babies are still really little, it may be 9 months up but it’s 18 months down. Buy yourself a few outfits that fit you now and make you feel like you. And relax, it’s hard but your body did an amazing thing, cut it a little slack. Hugs!
Carine
I love this necklace! Great color and you can’t really beat that price.
I would love some San Francisco travel advice from the Hive. I’m never been before and I’m taking my sister in June as a high school graduation present. I’m still working on our itinerary, but I’m getting overwhelmed on the hotel front. The problem is that while I’m sort of averse to uber-touristy locations/accommodations, I want something that will still appeal to a 17-year-old. I considered airbnb but I think she’d prefer the experience of staying in a hotel–she doesn’t travel or vacation often. My budget is probably $300/night, max, and free wi-fi would be great. So far I’m considering Hotel Rex and Hotel Griffin. The Kimpton hotels look promising but maybe too pricy.
We’re getting in at 10pm on the first night, and we have an early flight out of SFO on the 7th day, so that leaves us five full days. I think we’ll do Alcatraz and the Ferry building, Filbert steps, Chinatown and North Beach one day (is that too much?), and Golden Gate Park and the de Young Museum tower another. I also want to get out to Cliff House because she is big into photography and I think she’d really like the Camera Obscura. She did mention going to Fisherman’s Wharf but based on my research I’m not sure we’ll stay long. We both love food, so I have a long list of bakeries and restaurants we’d like to try! I also want us to have enough time to just wander.
I was considering renting a car to drive down Highway 1 and overnight in Monterey, but I’m not sure we have enough time. Thoughts? Should we do Muir Woods instead?
Apologies for the length and detail in this post. I really appreciate any guidance and recommendations!
anon in tejas
we stayed at the Orchard Hotel a few years ago. I think that we booked through Orbitz and got about $100/night. It was a nice place to stay, it’s a small hotel, and it is close to Chinatown, but also close to Union Square. We really loved it. I would suggest it– if you want the hotel experience, without the huge cost. It looks like it’s booking through the website at about $200/night.
Good luck! that sounds like a lovely graduation gift.
Carine
Thank you! I will look into the Orchard Hotel–it sounds like a very good option for us.
anonjrassociate
This might be too late, but I stayed at the Orchard Hotel with a friend for a somewhat last-minute SF weekend last summer, and it was great! Clean, cute/charming (I thought), not too expensive, great location. Sounds like you’ll have a great trip!
Bewitched
Book Alcatraz now! I have been disappointed to find out it’s completely booked solid during some of the weeks when we have gone out to visit. I have family in town, so sorry I cannot help with the hotel. There is a great farmers market in the Ferry building on Saturdays, with lots of options for a casual lunch if you are so inclined. Love the deYoung and Golden Gate Park is always entertaining. I would do Fisherman’s Wharf just because it it fun to tourist watch, and what about the cable cars!
Carine
Yes, I plan to get tickets in the next day or so! I was disappointed to see that all the night tours are already booked through the middle of June. She would have loved that! Thanks for your recommendations–I am so looking forward to the market and lots of grazing.
Lorelai Gilmore
You might want to look into Angel Island instead of Monterey. Take the ferry over, ride bikes around, enjoy being outside and on the water.
Having said that, Monterey is gorgeous. The aquarium is world-class and it’s just a beautiful destination. You could also drive a few miles further and explore Carmel or Point Lobos. I think it might be more than you want to bite off, but it is absolutely lovely.
The Exploratorium is really fun for adults – and gives you another destination on the water. You could do the Exploratorium and then the Ferry Building for lunch.
Do you have any interest in baseball? The Giants games are really fun and the views are beautiful.
Carine
Thank you! My sister actually mentioned the Exploratorium, so I’m glad to see you recommend it. Your info on Angel Island and areas south is really helpful, too. I initially wanted to do Point Lobos and Carmel, but I was concerned Carmel might be too quiet or boring for her. I think I will put a rough itinerary together with a few day trip options for her to consider and just let her choose. As for the Giants, I love baseball and really want to visit AT&T Park, but I’m not sure she’d be too excited about it! I might save that for a visit with my baseball-loving husband. Thanks again for your help!
AIMS
I don’t know about these specific hotels but I’ve stayed in Joie de Vivre hotels before and always enjoyed it, so Rex could be a good option. Nice staff, clean rooms, comfy beds, and lots of little touches to make the stay fun.
The drive to Monterey is gorgeous, and I think especially striking if you’re not from the West Coast. I’d do it if you have the time. Your first day in SF sounds like a lot to do but I am sure it can be done. I think you have to get tickets to Alkatraz well in advance, so FYI – plan ahead. Also bring comfy shoes and lots of clothes to layer. I thought I was prepared for the temperature drops between morning, day and night but I wasn’t at all – it made my trip a little less fun, I think. Enjoy!
Carine
Thank you for the info on JDV hotels. Neither of us has been to the West Coast (we live in the Carolinas), so I really would like to get out of the city and I’m glad to hear you think the drive is worth doing. I also appreciate the cautionary tale about the chill! We will be sure to bring lots of layers. Thanks for your help!
Orangerie
The first day sounds pretty jam packed… Alcatraz itself will take up around 3 hours. Depending on what you want to do in GG Park, you don’t need a full day for that + the De Young tower, so I would move something from day 1 over to day 2.
Carine
Wow, three hours! I hadn’t seen anything on the duration of the tour so that is really good to know. I will definitely scale back on that day’s activities. Thanks!
LH
I don’t think you need to overnight in Monterey – its a pretty doable day trip from SF (about 2 hours depending on traffic). If you do stay overnight in that area, I recommend Carmel instead of Monterey. They’re very close but Carmel is cuter and more “resort-y.” Honestly, if you’re going overnight, I’d try to go all the way to Big Sur which in my opinion is WAY more scenic than the Monterey/Carmel coastline.
Muir Woods are nice but I would do Monterey/Carmel instead if you only have one daytrip. You probably won’t need five (or even four) full days in the city, so you could definitely take a short daytrip to Muir Woods one of your city days and still see a bit of the city that day. You could also see Sausalito while you’re in Marin County. If you’re adventurous you can walk/bike over the Golden Gate to Sausalito. I thnk the Muir Woods is probably too far to go on a bike though, you’d need a car.
Your itinerary sounds pretty good, definitely some touristy spots but everyone does those when they visit from out of town. Definitely allow time for just wandering (and/or doing a food crawl since you’re into food). Golden Gate Park and the deYoung are some of my favorite things to do with out-of-towners. Ghirardelli Square is cheesy but a lot of fun if you like hot fudge sundaes. Fisherman’s Wharf is ridiculously touristy, you won’t need much time there at all – I think the Alcatraz tours leave from there, so you can probably see enough of it as you’re arriving for your tour. The Cliff House has a nice brunch (on Sundays only) I think. It’s expensive (around $50 per person) but very delicious and you have really nice views from there.
I haven’t stayed in many SF hotels but I think for $300/night you should definitely be able to get something clean, comfortable and well-located. Le Meridien is nice but might be out of the budget.
Carine
I appreciate the info on the coast trip. I don’t really like spending too much time in the car, so I think Monterey/Carmel is about as far as we’d go. I read that the drive down could take longer if you stop to enjoy the views, so I thought we should overnight to be safe, but maybe a day trip is all we need to do. In the city, biking/walking over the bridge to Sausalito seems like it would be fun. I will look into that and things to do in Sausalito.
And thanks for the brunch recommendation at the Cliff House! I love a good Sunday brunch…maybe there would be less of a wait than at some of the more centrally located brunch places? I keep reading that everyone in SF waits in lines for food all day every day.
Thanks again for your help!
LH
Yes, unless you can get brunch reservations, plan to spend at least 1 hour waiting for brunch on a weekend at any remotely popular place. Weekdays should be a lot shorter. Cliff House takes reservations and they’re probably necessary if you want to eat there. You can make reservations for dinner at most nicer places. But yes, people in SF are willing to wait in line for hours for all kinds of food – brunch, dinner, ice cream, sandwiches, etc – it’s a little crazy.
Cali!
Not so much on the standard list of tourist attractions, but I would recommend buying yourselves an icecream at the Bi-Rite Creamery, and eating them while people watching in Dolores Park. So many fond memories of doing this!!
Carine
Oh yes, we plan to get that Bi-Rite ice cream. And Mr. and Mrs. Misc. And Humphry Slocombe. For science. Thanks!
F in SF
Add Smitten (liquid nitrogen ice cream) and Mitchell’s to that list ;)
Diane Lockhart
We travel to San Francisco frequently to visit my son who goes to school there. We have stayed at the Hotel Rex, as noted a Joie de Vivre hotel. It was a very nice hotel, nice character but the immediate neighborhood is verging on seedy — you will be constantly approached by transients for money. Nothing dangerous but a bit of a hassle. In that area, I prefer the Parc Wyndham, which has a higher rack rate than you specified but which you can get for decent rates if you use a site like booking dot com, expedia and the like. Also the Marriott near Union square is huge but well situated for an exploration of that area. Also check out to see if there id a deal on the Hotel Prescott.
My go-to Joie de Vivre hotel in San Francisco is the Hotel Kabuki in Japantown. Be sure to get a room in the main building where the lobby is — the rooms in the other tower are older and not as nice. It is not near Union Square however, so if you want to be downtown, not a good choice.
Carine
How nice that you get to visit so often! The more I research, the more I want to see and do (and eat). I’m beginning to think I should go ahead and start planning a return trip for me and my husband.
I appreciate the info on the area around Rex. I will check out the other hotels you mentioned, especially Kabuki. I saw some great reviews of that property and I don’t think I’d mind being away from Union Square! Thanks.
Basics
You might try the Omni hotel on the edge of Chinatown. Fun location, very nice and I think within your price range (particularly if you can book on hotels.com or similar).
I would add:
* SFMoMA
* Coit Tower for magnificent WPA-era murals and architecture (followed by cannoli or the Italian pastry of your choice because you are within striking distance of the North End)
* Farmers Market at the Ferry Building for breakfast
* renting a bike and riding across the GG bridge to Sausalito and then taking the ferry back
* agree De Young is a must (make sure to go to the top of the tower for a spectacular view of the city)
* Japanese Tea Garden in GG park if the weather is nice
* also agree re Exploratorium if you dig science and industry type museums
* if she’s 17, she will enjoy walking along Haight/Ashbury
Terrific graduation gift.
Anon
The moma is closed for remodeling for a few years.
Carine
I saw that. It’s bittersweet, because I really love going to art museums when I travel and hate to miss it, but it does simplify the planning just a little!
Cb
Boo, somehow I missed that. My friend and I have a lunch + moma date whenever I’m in town, I guess it’ll be lunch and the De Young but it is a bit more of a trek.
Carine
Great recommendations, thank you so much! I hope we can do everything on your list (except for the SFMoMA, sadly) and I will check out the Omni. I’ve always been happy with their service and like the idea of being near Chinatown. Thanks again!
Wildkitten
Hotels downtown should be discounted on the weekend – if you’re open to staying at 2 hotels.
Platinomad
I have stayed at the Kimpton Hotel- Hotel Triton in SF, and loved it. I would keep an eye on the Kimpton rates because you can normally get them for less than 300 a night. I would make a frequent visitor account (free) because you get better deals on the rooms when you are logged in to your account, and with an account internet is free at the hotels. I’m totally a Kimpton addict and normally can find decent deals on their hotels when i stalk the site a bit.
Carine
Very helpful, thank you!
anonyomous
I am 27 and constantly have visitors to the Bay Area ( have lived here for the past 5 years), but am moving to London soon! Anyways – seriously spend time in nature if the weather is good. The city is great and I love it – but the coast, tide pools, redwoods etc is so beautiful. Try to book some time to just drive up and down Highway 1 and take in the sights. Its what all my guests love the most!
Also for a 17 year old I think the Mission area would be filled with fun stores. Craftsman and Wolves, Tacolicious, Mission Cheese, Bi Rite, etc delicious food + fun shops – so that might be a neighborhood worth checking out.
Carine
How exciting that you’re moving to London! I am envious–London is my very favorite city. I hope you love living there.
Thanks for confirming that we should get out of town. It sounds like five days is enough time to see the city (we’ll be sure to head to the Mission and wander a bit) and still do Highway 1.
Thanks again and good luck with your upcoming move!
Romey
hi ladies, anyone have recommendations for a black maxi dress (casual, for daytime) for a petite woman? Under 200 dollars. I’d also like to be able to order it with free delivery (that would be a bonus!) Thanks in advance.
AIMS
Unfortunately not free shipping, but Anthropologie has this dress in petites – good reviews and seems like it would be very flattering. If you really don’t want to pay for shipping, I think you can order it from the store. http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-petite/4130336414414.jsp?cm_sp=Grid-_-4130336414414-_-Regular_2
Anthropologie
Yes, just to confirm – I ordered a (different) dress from Anthropologie today and it is free shipping if you go into the store and ask them to order it for you. And if it doesn’t fit, you can bring it to the store to return it too!
just Karen
Shipping isn’t free, but I love Boden dresses and have a black maxi from a previous season that I adore – this season’s version does come in petite:
http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Dresses/Day/WH656/Womens-Maya-Maxi
AEK
Garnet Hill is having a sale on knit dresses right now (PSA, everyone!). This one is cute and comes in petites . I think I own GH’s short iteration of this, or something similar, and it’s a summer staple for me.
http://www.garnethill.com/modern-surplice-maxi-dress/womens-fashion/event6/348938
rook
This might not be what you’re looking for given your price range but Old navy has a lot of black maxi dresses in petite sizes, e.g.: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=41725&vid=3&pid=944089012
Shay-La
This is my favorite all-purpose maxi dress:
http://www.zappos.com/gabriella-rocha-hally-dress
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