Cheryl Shops

One of the most frequent questions people ask me here in San Francisco is how the city is different from New York. I usually say the weather is consistently beautiful, people are a gazillion times more laid-back and friendly, and there's a better work-life balance. What I usually don't say is that the general relaxation of the city extends to its fashion. It's not that people here don't have style or aren't interested in clothes, it's just that everyone dresses way more casually than in New York. I refuse to assimilate totally--I still wear heels every day, after all--but over time, I have a feeling my style will evolve in a more California direction. A nice bridge between the East and West Coast way of dressing is embellished sweatshirts--think of them as fancy enough for New York but laid-back enough for San Francisco. All of the styles pictured here are under $50 too, a price that's nice no matter where you live.


1. Xhilaration Beaded Sweatshirt, $22.99

2. Zara Glitter Finish Sweatshirt, $49.90

3. Y.A.S. Contrast Panel Sweatshirt, $50.63

4. Limited Lace-Sleeve Sweatshirt, $49.95

5. Old Navy Embellished Raglan Sweatshirt, $17

In my last post, I wrote about love, lust, and shopping. To continue with that theme, think about the first month or two in a relationship. Not that is-he-into-me-or-not uncertain period, but that giddy, euphoric, holding-hands, making-out-everywhere, butterflies-in-your-stomach, barely-coming-up-for-air phase. That is how I feel about San Francisco. I wake up to an amazing, sunny view of the city and that pretty much sets the tone for the rest of my day. I feel lucky to be here. That and whenever I fill out an address form, I think, "Oh yeah, I live in California now!" and giggle.

Speaking of addresses, my apartment is right on the edge of Lower Pacific Heights, which I've quickly concluded is the best neighborhood of the city in which to shop. Key in this conclusion is my proximity to the Fillmore Street branch of Steven Alan; I will admit, it reminds me a little bit of home, and I do find that comforting (hey, you never forget your first love, right?). I recently stopped by the store after a few hours of day drinking outside in the sunshine, and I promptly locked eyes on Clare Vivier's Duffle Petit bag. This was no case of beer goggles; it was more like I walked into the bar, er, store and spotted the man, er, bag of my dreams. It's a classic shape with the option of double handles or a longer, adjustable shoulder strap; the size is big enough to hold all the essentials but not so big that you feel the need to overload it with crap. (Ahem, like I used to.) Vivier has also started lining her bags, which is key--I'd been deterred from buying one in the past for that reason alone. What really sold me, however, is that it is monogrammable. In my old age, I'm becoming very vain, and thus I like to see my initials slapped on everything. Sheets? Sure! Stationery? Of course! But those are so practical. Monogramming a bag says, "I'm SO not going to sell this purse on The Real Real six months from now!"

I almost pulled the trigger--after all, I owe myself a bag, which is my traditional present to myself when I get a raise or a new job. However, I have a more immediate concern: furnishing my apartment, which happens to be significantly bigger than my apartment in New York. (That's right, I said BIGGER. First World problems, I know.) So I am on a clothes-and-accessory-shopping diet*, but as soon as I'm ready to binge, I'm marching myself four blocks up the street and slapping down my Amex. After all, once you find The One, you don't want to let it slip away, do you?

*Okay, so I am human. I cheated and bought this garment-dyed hemp T-shirt by Jungmaven and it was the best $30 I've spent in awhile. It. Is. So. Soft. Seriously, new favorite T-shirt. It's for men, so size down; I think I'm seriously going to buy one in every color. Once my shopping diet is over, of course. Of course.  

Alice + Olivia presentation at Highline Stages [09.19.13]

The last collection I viewed at Fashion Week was Alice + Olivia. Gossip Girl celebrities Kelly Rutherford and Taylor Momsen caused a stir, so I took a couple shots to share on Cheryl Shops. Enjoy!

I've recently come to the conclusion that I shop differently online than I do in stores. I'm very meticulous about the former, keeping track of things I want to buy, most of which tend to be investment pieces or wardrobe staples; think of online shopping as my brain. When I shop in stores, I tend to be way more reckless, and I let my heart lead the way. Of course, the heart wants what it wants, so I tend to get into trouble, but I've also found that those fleeting moments of lust can turn into true long-term love—some of my favorite items in my closet were total impulse buys. An interesting intersection of head and heart is Storenvy's Pop-Up Shop at the Crocker Galleria in San Francisco, whose closing party I attended last night. If you're not familiar, Storenvy is an online marketplace with everything from handmade toys to artisan chocolate (and, yes, lots and lots of clothes and accessories), and if you're thinking its wares would fit better in my heart category, you're right, which is why it's awesome that they've opened a pop-up shop that hosts a rotating selection of merchants from the site.

True to my nature, I stumbled into Set & Style's section of the store and fell in love with a series of bracelets by Sasa Designs, a company that employs deaf women in Kenya. I mean, can you hear me swooning? I bought a similar style to this Horizon Wrap Bracelet, which may bear a resemblance to a design you've seen before, but come on, it was made by a deaf Kenyan woman (Lucy, in my case), and it was a very reasonable $40. I wore it to work today and kept peeking at my wrist; right now I'm in the infatuation stage, but I think this relationship has true long-term potential.

If you're ready to fall in love (or even just have a fling), I suggest stopping by. The Storenvy Pop-Up Shop is open now through the holidays; details here.

Vivienne Tam at Stage, Lincoln Center [09.08.13]

I am really glad I attended this show, for two reasons. a) It's Vivienne Tam. b) Front row celebrity Tiffani Thiessen (White Collar!) got me pretty excited. Gossip Girl mom Kelly Rutherford was next to her as well. Let's start this post with a couple celebri-shots.

Kelly Rutherford, Tiffani Thiessen & front row friends.

Mrs. Peter Burke takes an interview.

And now, you may enjoy Vivienne Tam's Spring 2014 collection:

The closing number of the collection.

Had to highlight my favorite dress. Mark my words: I will own this.

Diane von Furstenberg at Theatre, Lincoln Center [09.08.13]

I knew if I attended DVF's Spring 2014 show, something big might happen. Well, it did. Supermodel O.G. Naomi Campbell walked this show and closed it out. I would call out her dress, but really most of the season's collection was stunning and very wearable so it wasn't an exception. Take a look below.

Naomi Campbell closes out the show

More Naomi!

Diane von Furstenberg boogied all the way down and around the runway. It was amazing.

Custo Barcelona at Stage, Lincoln Center [09.08.13]

Love the back of this swimsuit.

Designer Custo Dalmau

Mara Hoffman at Stage, Lincoln Center [09.07.13]

Mara Hoffman is one of the masters of bright, joyful prints. I worship every single thing that comes out on the runway during her shows, as do myriads of fans. There were more lovely ladies wearing her designs in homage at this show than any other I witnessed this season.

I managed to snag one of the best spots on the riser for this show.

I adore how much Grace Bol smiled for us on her final swing down the runway!

Amazing kid sihouette before the show started.

The ponytail extension work for Mara Hoffman this season was incredible. Absolutely loved watching those ponies swing back and forth on the catwalk.

Son Jung Wan at Studio, Lincoln Center [09.07.13]

The work of Korean designer Son Jung Wan has never looked so beautiful. It's a shame the event staff were such bullies at her show. I was so mistreated as a seat holder that I gave up dealing with them and took a place on the media riser.