m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day thirty-nine

Exceeding expectations beyond any shopping fantasy, today turned into belief as we set out for Woodbury Commons, an outlet in upstate New York. Yesterday was a long day in transit from Chicago to NYC, but we're here and couldn't be more excited.
Let me get to today though, after rising at 6am to catch an early bus the hour to this heaven on earth. Think Chanel (the only outlet worldwide), Prada, Balenciaga, Chloe, Bally, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Coach, 7 For All Mankind, True Religion, Gucci, Oscar De La Renta, Missoni and the list goes on. It's amazing, it truly is. For once, I'm speechless. I'm now the proud owner of a new pair of Chloe shoes, Bally boots and a Coach coat, the challenge now only to get it all home. Thank goodness I came with a suitcase on the lighter side. And you'd be proud (or totally ready to disown us) but we didn't get home until 9.30pm. Talk about a stellar effort. I've never done that in my life.
NYC awaits, we can now take care of the other events with our names blazoned across them. More reports to come.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day thirty-eight

Places to go, people to see, another plane to catch, watch out NYC. We're on our way this morning, final stop in the US, an un-interrupted 10 days in New York, oh the possibilities are endless.
Making the trek to the train station is all we need to worry about as we wake on this very cold and rainy Chicago morning. Once we're on the train, that's it, we'll be inside the airport when we arrive. And New York is about 8C warmer so here's hoping we are dressed appropriately. Yesterday was bitterly cold as we visited The Bean (that's the bean not the queen) and walked through Grant Park to discover another handful of Chicago wonders. The Magnificent Mile on Michigan Ave right near our hotel proved to be just that, and as we bid farewell to this great city, the greatest of them all awaits.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day thirty-seven

Waking to the exceptionally low cloud cover, it's true to say we have our heads in the clouds this morning. We're high up over Chicago and couldn't be more impressed with our room.
The chill factor on the other hand makes for some very thorough dressing options. The maximums in Chicago are still only about 9C or 10C, and as we discovered last night, without layers it will be impossible to stay warm.
Every second person is wearing gumboots, they may just require a nice new space on the ever growing shopping list. Highly appropriate for this kind of weather, let's give them a run back in Sydney too.
All I can think of when I say 'boots' now is the phrase from a homeless man too cool for school back in San Francisco. Walking along Polk Street in Russian Hill, without the accent it just doesn't do it justice, but he greeted us with "See ya boots". The next day, to our complete surprise as we walked past again on our way to the deli, he said "what, no boots today?" After the hundreds of people he would see everyday, he remembered us? Very cool. All I can say this morning is "hello boots", what a God send.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day thirty-six

Chicago is my kind of town. We're leaving the lovely San Francisco this morning and off to catch a flight. Will write more from Chicago.
***
We have officially arrived and Chicago far exceeds expectations. Our hotel is incredible, and we're staying one floor from the top on level 38, you should see the view. This city and all it's buildings take my breath away. We've had a little wander down Michigan Ave aka The Magnificent Mile and it's sad but true, the highlight of the night was finding a Wholefoods. Fresh food finally, oh it's truly heaven.
If only we had more time in this magical city, it's truly a wonder every direction we look. Much to do tomorrow so off for a good night's sleep.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day thirty-five

Considering that 'fashion is a language', we've seen some spectacular styles through out San Francisco. There was a young man on the bus yesterday wearing a camel cardigan done up over a white shirt, slim jeans, black socks, tan loafers and the coolest sunglasses, of tortoiseshell and gold frames to some description. His language was telling us that he was supremely comfortable within himself and appreciated style rather than fashion. It was exciting to see. That was on our bus ride where we discovered Fillmore Street, a fabulous little strip of cafes and shops that even housed one of our very own South Australian Jurlique stores. We were on our way from the 'pretty ladies' houses of Full House to the Cheese gourmet deli to pick up some supplies.
Today we're off to Alcatraz and are terribly excited. It's our last day in San Francisco so we're still deciding on tonight's activities. It's been wonderful here though, having enjoyed all that SF has to offer.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day thirty-four

Traipsing around San Francisco, we couldn't be happier to stumble upon the delightful Russian Hill. With an early start and a delightful hotel room awaiting us, we left the hostel and checked in to the Larkspur. BLISS. It's gorgeous to say the least. We then set off for the Golden Gate Bridge and it shone in spectacular glory, with the harbour fresh and choppy below. Haight Ashbury was an experience to see and when we went in search of a second hand store called Cris that I'd read about, we didn't realise we'd be walking the entire length of Polk Street just to find it. Blood sugar levels at an all time low, we finally found a little place for lunch before things started looking up. A gourmet deli where we plan to revisit this evening, and then the shop, like the holy grail of all designer second hand stores. It was a sad day when The Frock Exchange in Sydney closed down, and here we've found one that hosts Balenciaga, Prada, Gucci, Marni, Chloe, Chanel and Louis Vuitton to name a few, all pre-loved but barley worn. Most still boasted new tags, can you believe it? I gave a new home to a very special cashmere Marc Jacobs cardigan and label-less dress but I adored it anyway. It was the perfect garment for our Saturday night at The Top Of The Mark, a very special bar on level nineteen at the top of the Intercontinental. San Francisco provided the most stunning backdrop and the live band played Mustang Sally. Beat that.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day thirty-three

Firstly, a very big happy mothers day back home. It's only Saturday morning here but when you wake, it will indeed be mothers day.
We've woken in San Francisco and dressed in our warmest attire, it's hopefully a day of Golden Gate Bridge and Haight and Ashbury today, as well as shifting accommodation locations.
Do you like my new cardigan? It was my first purchase on Rodeo Drive in LA so it's out for a whirl today. I'm also the very proud owner of two new jackets from Zara, the day they bring that to Australia, Country Road, Witchery and Sportsgirl will cry. Happy mothers day.