Of Lace and Boots (and Flea markets)

"Hubby: Do you know that Golden Gate Park is 20% bigger in size than Central Park?

Me: Really! Then it calls for a visit next weekend." 

I am still getting used to the weather of San Francisco. Its kind of tricky. You never know what it is like until you are actually out there. So I always pack a spare jacket on my visits to the city, irrespective of what season it is. And as Mark Twain had famously said, "The coldest winter I have ever spent was the summer in San Francisco", it is especially chilly during the summer months. However the day we visited the park was balmy, fog-free and sunny. 

The visit gave me the occasion to try out my latest addition to the wardrobe, a lace crop top. Lace!!! the fabric that has 'feminine' written all over its delicate threads. A lace outfit is a staple in every woman's closet, as it makes a comeback every other season in some form or the other. I paired the top with my favorite burgundy-striped pencil skirt. Lace is a versatile fabric, that can be attired with a whole lot of options. The boot I wore only enhances the luxurious feel of the lace. 

And while browsing through my baubles, I came upon the burgundy necklace that I am wearing in this post. It reminded my of my last trip to a flea market in Pennsylvania. Oh Pennsylvania! Whatever I have seen of it is so fascinatingly beautiful. After an hour of driving through narrow straight roads, lined with lush green forests on both sides only interrupted by beautiful homes, we reached the market. Flea markets always come packed with mysteries and stories. There is the thrill of discovering a story behind the things you buy or at least anything that elicits your interest. Its a real treasure hunt. There was an old lady selling second hand books, and they looked pretty interesting. Along with getting a 1901 edition of War and Peace, I also came back with the warm conversation of the old lady who went into teaching just for the love of reading books, how her husband grumbled every night to see the night-light switched on on her side as she lost track of time while flipping pages, about the time when she enrolled in a writer's retreat only to drop out of it in a week as there was no one to talk to. She was a sweet delight to listen to. There were so many visual delights as well, vintage glassware, samurai swords, mineral stones, old coins, vinyl collections, colorful scarves and fabrics, eclectic Americana, and of course jewelry, all sort of it. I bought some jewelry, one of which was this eye-catching piece. It sure does snatch up a fair share of compliments every time I take it out for a spin. 

As for the park visit, well, it's a huge park and I am sure there will be plenty more visits in the future to inspire more blog posts. I end this post with one advice, be curious and wide-eyed. You never know what you stumble upon. 

Ending the visit with a decadent chocolate mousse

CropTop: Abercombie & Fitch 

Skirt: Previously seen here

Necklace: Flea market find

Hand cuff: Forever 21

Boots: Ecco 

Pashmina Love

Back in my state of Assam in India, every winter would usher in a group of Kashmiri youth, heaving big white cloth bundles, knocking from door to door. What lies inside the bundles is something hardly any woman can resist. The bundles unfold to present myriad colors of beautiful Kashmiri garments with the most intricate embroideries that the Kashmir valley is famous for. The wares range from the beautiful and elegant Shawls and stoles, salwar kameez set pieces, saris, quilts and blankets of the softest wool, to men's kurta pyajamas, vests - all handcrafted by artisans. Kasmiri garments are a fine specimen of the Pashmina fabric, which is obtained from a special breed of goats, from which the fabric derives its name, domesticated and raised in the Changthang region of Ladakh. Due to their intricate detailing and fine work, they are highly treasured items. The ruddy cheeked men are astute salesmen too, striking up friendships with their customers. One of my uncles has been buying from the same man since the last 15 years. These men from Kashmir are also very charming and good-looking. Hence it is not surprising that I have heard countless stories of young girls losing their hearts to the charms of the Kashmir men and many have even run away with them.  

We have always added to our Kashmir closet every year without fail. Before my wedding, my mother gifted me with three exquisite Pashmina stoles. The one featured below is of those three. My mother herself has a very enviable collection of Kashmiri shawls that I have always fancied. But I cannot carry off Shawls (bigger in size than stoles) like my mother can. Maybe someday I will. As for my fashion icon it has to be my mother who can make any sari she wears a statement. For a long time, I believed like everybody else that she simply has good taste. But down the years, as my insights changed, I saw that it was my mother who would make anything she wore special, even the simple cotton sari. I don't have the same gift. But I do at least try to use good sense to be well-presented when I step out.

Sources: 

Pashmina Scarf: India

Hand cuff, Belt: Delhi street markets

Skirt: Abercombie & Fitch 

Sweater: Macy's

Booties: Kelly & Katie Faith Bootie