This thread is about as French as a Sainsbury's baguette

[AuldAlliance]

But we'll still enjoy it...

I like the jumper, bo, and don't think it looks too bulky on you. The white trim tightens it all up, and ties in with the white band of your hat very nicely!

I just clicked on the link to Olive (which I like the look of a lot) and got a shock - the male model who pops up on the home page is my nephew! He was spotted in Peckham about a year ago, and has been doing some catwalk shows as well as ad campaigns. Made me smile

ChesterBelloc .

I know what you mean about buying hot weather clothes, bo. Pre dcs we used to go on Mediterranean holidays and I had quite a hot weather wardrobe built up over the years, now I have very little. I realised this last year, but then the summer turned completely crap, so I didn't bother. I might aim to buy a decent sundress/jumpsuit and sandals each summer.

Make sure to ask him if they paid him an ethical wage, Chester

I had to hide out from a freak shower in the department store with the jumper and the jeans and ended up buying the jumper. Decided against the jeans as it's nearly June and I've bought so many lovely trousers the past few months which I'm far more likely to wear in the months ahead and buying a pair of light jeans for spring next year is a crappy strategy for me as my size has yet to truly settle. So I've shortened my list further

Bo- re: vita liberata body blur- I was going to buy this after it was recommended on another thread. I have started to get varicose veins and hoped this would mask them enough to make me feel a little more confident. Cheapest I could find it was about £20 per bottle but 3 for 2- seems a lot if I don't like it so would love to get your verdict. The idea of daily application does put me off as rarely have time for such things in the morning.

Bit of a plea- I am going on a last minute and unexpected trip to LA and San Francisco in the summer. I have no idea what to pack or even how to navigate heat versus air con as I haven't been to a similar destination before. Any ideas? It will be a lot of sight seeing (Alcatraz etc), eating out at relatively cheap places and a couple of nights out on the gay scene. Ideally don't want to be buying new but really unsure how to dress-would it be much different to Europe?

Forgot to add- Olive looks fab and their sale section is actually pretty reasonable. By Lia jewellery also beautiful but quite 'of the moment'; I do like the delicate gold look but am feeling a touch bored with seeing so many similar pieces.

Methyn If you are going to san Francisco pack warm clothes especially a sweater or sweatshirt.San Francisco can be freezing in the summer. Other than that its pretty casual , jeans and a nice blouse or t.shirt.All shops are freezing too so a cardigan will be needed.

I've been lurking a little bit on this thread and haven't quite been brave enough to join in yet, but as I live in San Francisco this seems a good time to jump in and answer Methenyou's question...

LA and San Francisco in summer is going to be a bit challenging to pack for because LA will be hot and SF will probably be chilly - almost definitely well under 20 degrees. As soon as it heats up inland we get a ton of fog, so summer is often one of our coldest times - and even if it's not foggy, there's often a very cool breeze. But if you go even an hour north (say, Napa or Sonoma) it will be hot again. We don't really get nice warm weather in the city until September/October. It's easy to get caught out, and you'll often see people shivering in shorts and frantically buying hoodies at Pier 39 to try and warm up. At that time of year I pretty much live in my jeans and I don't go anywhere without a jacket and probably a scarf. It's easiest to bring lots of layers including a decently warm outer layer. You'll probably see lots of people in those light down jackets you can get from Uniqlo, which are not very chic but are very handily warm.

You can be as casual as you like - pretty much anything goes and in even the poshest restaurant you'll see people wearing jeans and a hoodie, which I still find faintly shocking

Oops, cross-post with Schnubbins!

Methen WRT VL Body Blur, I do like it but I don't have varicose veins so can't comment on that aspect. I use it mostly to minimise the redness from kerastsosis pilaris on my upper arms and I bruise really easily so my legs can look quite the state from cycling. It doesn't disguise it completely like a full coverage foundation, I'd compare it more to a CC cream where it evens out skin tone and just detracts away from it. Red and blue are easily neutralised but yellow not so much I would caution with white clothing though, it can transfer (but washes out easily). Use with a tanning mitt and it's pretty idiot proof. Have you checked lookfantastic, they have 20% off at the moment and for whatever reason Beauty Bay always sell it quite cheaply. The one I'm using is the sunless glow version, so it's like the original body blur but it's a self tanner at the same time, if a tan helps disguise the veins as well then that's maybe a better buy as it doesn't require a daily application?

At the risk of being accused of racism again... American clothing is quite shoddy and a touch formless so you'll be considered positively glam in comparison. I wouldn't shell out for a new wardrobe unless you don't have anything to withstand higher temperatures. LA traffic is notoriously horrendous so comfort is a top priority in that sense. I'd say t-shirts, shorts, flowy dresses, that sort of thing. Some sort of denim jacket, linen blazer, or cotton jumper/cardigan for aircon spaces and chillier nights.

I know what you mean with 'of the moment' jewelry. It's that Instagram gentrification thing, I've been coming across a lot of interesting pieces on Tictail with a bit more personality to it.

Ooh I'm quite excited to see we have lurkers as far away as San Francisco

Thank you for San Fran responses- glad I asked as it certainly wouldn't have occurred to me it would be cool. Would you think a waterproof would be a good idea. Not wanting to sidetrack the thread, but any tips of places to visit when there etc would be great.

Re: jewellery - I agree with the insta comment, though it hadn't occurred to me. The trickle down affect from yesteryear seemed less ominpresent. I am finding the pieces I'm drawn to are either vintage or beautifully crafted, often handmade pieces (not necessarily expensive), but those that are quite unique. Now I think about it, I find that by the time I notice a style I like, within a month or so it seems to be everywhere and I find myself turned off it. This has happened with gold coin pendents/ horn/ horoscope ones.

I may photograph holiday outfit/capsule if I have time/remember for feedback. Daytime I think I should be okay but no idea what to wear for nights in the bars/clubs? I went out recently in city centre for friend's bday and noticed most young people were in ath-leisure type clothes and older women very dressed up in Karen Millen WAGs type dresses. This is Northern England though so quite different. I was in khaki clued paperbag type trousers with a silky cami tucked in and a loose denim shirt on top. Have to say I felt very comfortable and relaxed rather than 'dressed up' in costume (which is sometimes how I feel on nights out).

Apologies for typos.

botemp that's made me feel all exotic. Doesn't happen often (I'm originally from Sheffield)

Methenyou a light waterproof wouldn't hurt - you're not likely to get actually rained on but the fog can feel quite drizzly - but more importantly it'll be useful as a windproof layer.

Re: short threadjack for places to visit - I see you're already doing Alcatraz which is wonderful - the tour is really atmospheric and the island itself is very beautiful; if you have time to get outside the buildings and walk around it's really lovely. If you can, get over to Sausalito - if you're feeling energetic you can hire a bike and cycle over the GG bridge; if not, get the ferry (and either way, get the ferry back). There are some lovely places right on the bay for lunch or brunch. You can cover a lot of ground if you go to Golden Gate park, which is huge - my favourites include the California Academy of Science (it has a rainforest inside!), the Japanese Tea Garden and the Botanical Gardens. Also if it's not too foggy, recommend checking out Sutro Baths, a ruined 1920s swimming pool in the sea, and if you're feeling energetic then hiking round to Land's End. It's gorgeous.

Your bar/club outfit sounds perfect for SF, with or without the denim shirt.

I promise to come back and talk properly about clothes next time!

Hi Noodle San Francisco is one of my favourite places in the world! I spent a summer working in Silicon Valley but spent a lot of my down time in SF. Agree that it can be very chilly with the fog. As I got the train in from Palo Alto, the temperature would drop by 10 degrees Celsius, so definitely take cardigans and light jackets. It was about 15C with the fog, so pretty chilly. Agree with the Sausalito recommendation too. I thought the shopping was pretty good - there was a really cool area with a nice bakery but I cannot remember where it was (helpful). Perhaps Noodle knows where I’m thinking of, a bit further north west (or north east?!) from the main shopping district, lots of little independent shops and restaurants. When I was there (a while ago!) it was $2 to the £1 and I was being paid in £. Heaven!!
Elle, love the ba@sh dress on you. The VB shirt is great too, but would certainly be wasted on my colleagues.
Bo embrace the summer rich bitch look! Like the jumper - not too bulky at all. I have similar ruffle fears to Elle but that skirt looks great on you.
I find it really difficult to find jewellery, especially necklaces, that I like. My sister has made a few pieces to my specifications over the years but she doesn’t have as much time nowadays.
I was very tempted by the Uterque white dress but have held back because I think I’m a bit too pale to look good in all white, and also because it’s very unforgiving on toddler marks. Have ordered this one from Gap instead. It is from the tall range and has adjustable straps with smocked panel on the back so I am optimistic that it will have a fitted waist at the right point on me 🤞🏻 I think a sweetheart neckline would be more flattering but not sure if my limited sewing skills are up to making that adjustment.

Noodle- than you so much for all the tips. Bike hire is a great idea and I love the sound of the mini rainforest. Defo want to take a tram- any route suggestions would be appreciated or places to eat? Won't have £££ so thinking more good, reasonably priced food that isn't a burger chain but equally isn't going to bankrupt us.

Not clothes, but I curled my hair the other day (for afore mentioned night out); it wasn't curls, just a few more waves to my natural one (which looks better since the suggestion to not brush after washing). I realise I need some sort of product to help it hold. Any ideas? Would I be better with something applied before, to set after, or both? I am after a very natural look and I'm not a fan of 'set' hair that doesn't move. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Also, if (like me) you love espidrilles, but find them a bit ubiquitous, these are great. I'm not sure what the style is called? I bought them from H&M premium at the end of last summer for about £9. They are the softest suede with a metallic piped trim. I was quite unsure when I bought them as they are so flat but the sole is quite thick so I've pounder the pavement in them and my feet haven't been at all sore.

Realise specific pair are probably long gone, but style might be something to consider for those still on the hunt for comfortable summer footwear.

methenyou Enjoy your trip. I've been to San Francisco, but it was so long ago that I've no meaningful advice. I think you've been well advised by others up thread. I like the espadrilles. I've never owned a pair, but I think they look really comfortable. I laughed at your comment about the jewellery. You're spot on. I nearly bought a zodiac pendant last year and I'm glad now that I didn't as they've become really ubiquitous. I think shells will be next...

botemp lovely jumper. I'd love to have a look at the link if you have a minute. Also good to hear that about Toteme. One to add to the watch list.

Well, noodle, Sheffield sounds rather exotic to me too

Methen, I think the tricky thing with eating out in the US is that it initially it appears cheap but it's the high tipping % that wears you down. I don't know what it's like these days but it may be worth checking out the food truck scene? I know both cities had a very lively one. Though San Francisco has some great food institutions and bakeries that I'd find hard not to pass by. Also, a lot of the Whole Foods have a really good deli section where you get yourself a really nice lunch or dinner. China town is infamous there too but I think you'd have to get a good insider rec for those.

Despite me bashing the clothes earlier, Everlane has a shop in either San Francisco or LA (or both) and there is another similar brand that's SF based but I'll have to look up the name again.

I think those espadrilles are just called espadrilles, they're a classic style anyhow. I like them a lot but they make me look a bit Playmobil from the waist down I'm pretty sure I saw similar from H&M in the shops.

In LA I'd definitely recommend visiting LACMA and some of the case study houses and anything by Neutral before it's torn down

Are you curling with an iron or using a round brush to curl the hair? I personally tend to find a stiffer product better and then muss it up a bit after than something lighter that only just about holds it until it drops again. The product I use has unfortunately been discontinued.

Neutra not Neutral, if it isn't bad enough Neutra's beautiful homes are being torn down for McMansions, autocorrect seems set to deny his existence too

Also meant to add, have PMed you, Elle.

Loved SF but it was a very long time since we visited and we only did the tourist attractions but in September the weather was great. In LA, we were taken to the best Japanese restaurant, but I couldn't begin to say where it was: in a suburban mall with a large Japanese population -- not a million miles from LAX is the best I can suggest, but the sushi...!!

The ubiquity of jewellery styles is faintly depressing, and I'm a little sad about the idea that shells are over-exposed as there is a pretty pair of tiny porcelain cockle shells earrings in summer pastels I quite like in a gallery locally. Otherwise, the only thing I have been tempted by was a huge pair of ultra-light tumbling drop clip-ons at a brocante stalls, probably mid-20th century. Buying both would not be impossible (at less than £20, both, not one) so I might succumb.

On the subject of jewellery, I find I've bought a few things from local craft fairs/Etsy or vintage. I think my taste in jewellery has probably not changed much over the years, silver suits me much better than gold and I need something more substantial/statementy to get the proportion right (tallish and medium-boned). I think I veer towards something a bit rock chick or boho, not sure how to say that without sounding wanky . I usually wear a chunky silver ring, man's watch and leather cuff or silver bangles. The last year or so, I've got back into earrings and not worn so many necklaces. I love the full on layered boho jewellery but look an idiot in it, so just go for a few pieces.

Love that Stradivarius jumpsuit botemp in fact I've ordered it 😁 100% cotton too..

Ah sorry Happy, should probably have been a bit clearer about it as I wouldn't go recommending it. It's quite thin cotton (brilliant for hot destinations though) and the back zipper didn't feel all that sturdy. Though that may have been down to the boob fit on me. Hope it works out for you though.

Heading out to work now but I'll pop back later with some restaurant ideas.

Re: hair product, my hairdresser has got me back into mousse. I was initially very sceptical - how 80s! - but it does work pretty well for adding a bit of body and helping to hold a style, and it isn't crispy like I remember it used to be (although perhaps that was teenage me using too much). If I don't use anything at all my hair will hold a curl for about 45 seconds before magically becoming totally straight again. Sigh.