It’s February and I’ve started thinking about what places I will visit in 2018. We’re one month in to 2018, so let’s get on the move! Since travel is on my mind, I thought I’d share the places I traveled to in 2017 and a favorite shopping (or other) destination from each city. Maybe one of these places will be on your 2018 list.
Sending Valentine’s Day love and wishes of safe travel in 2018,
Leigh
February 2017 Nashville, Tennessee
My favorite thing about Nashville, known as Music City, U.S.A., was the Country & Western fashion. From the Country Music Hall of Fame to the honky tonks on Broadway, loud and fantastic style was everywhere. I got to see Johnny Cash’s custom boots, Roy Orbison’s signature glasses, and a couple of sweet handmade get ups from the once “It Couple” of Country, George Jones and Tammy Wynette.
My favorite shop visited was Two Old Hippies in the Gulch area. Why? Because of their extensive selection of kimonos! The one I picked up, was perfect to pair with my Tony Llama boots, so I could fit right in with George and Tammy. Well worth the $50. I can wear it as a summer cover up too.
And shout out to Billy Ray Cyrus’ hair. Thank you, Nashville! I will be back soon.
April 2017 Port Aransas, Texas
Let’s be honest, there’s not a lot of shopping in sleepy little beach towns like Port A, is there? So, I’m sharing my favorite spot to relax on the Texas coast. The spot is called Camp Coyoacan, named after the Mexico City district that was home to Frida Khalo.
The stylish campground of cabins and yurts are decked out with all the amenities you need without over doing it. This includes bike and trailer rental. It’s a nice little ride to the beach. As you can see, I did wear my kimono, purchased on the Nashville trip!
Hurricane Harvey Update: Port Aransas and surrounding areas of the Texas Coast were wrecked this past August by a category 4 tropical storm. Camp Coyoacan and much of the island sustained damage. I am pleased to report that the camp reopened in late December, just in time for spring travel. Much of Port A is still rebuilding and recovering. If you’d like to give to the cause, please visit the New Day in Port A Fund.
July 2017 Denver, Colorado
Oh Denver! You have been my summer destination for two years in a row, so you get two shout outs for hot spots to shop.
The first spot is Goldmine Vintage in the Baker neighborhood. I found an entire section of just vests in this cute little shop. The velvet and embroidered vest you see below was made for a night out at the breweries and strolling through Baker. You must visit this “goldmine” of a store when you’re in the neighborhood. In fact, Baker is an excellent place to stay, with plenty of Air B & B choices.
The second shout out goes to True Love Shoes on Broadway. This cute little shop of shoes and accessories is incredibly affordable, stocked with good quality merchadise, and the staff is very helpful to a shoe junkie like me. The items purchased below were each in the $30 price range. Two pairs of cowboy boots and a pair of saddle shoe pumps for $60, plus tax, WOW! Thank you True Love, I truly love you.
September 2017 La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Being that my one international trip was deep in the jungle, I didn’t get much shopping done in the lush and green town of La Fortuna, near the Arenal Volcano. I did however, finally have a reason to wear this bird pattern dress, gifted from a friend at Texas Thrift in Austin. This and a few other sun dresses were the obvious choices for dinner, dancing, and Costa Rican night life.
December 2017 New Orleans, Louisiana
You already know! I paid a visit to my home state to see a Saints game this past December. I posted about my favorite Nola thrift shop, NO Fleas Market in last month’s Thrift Shopping With Purpose. (Check it out!) Since I already shared “fave shopping” in Nola, I’ll share a couple of bonus stops I found on my adventures.
I want to give a shout out to my home away from home that weekend, Site 61 Hostel, an alien, UFO, and sci-fi themed hostel in Mid City.
Site 61 was quaint, clean, and I really dig their “outta this world” theme! Plus, I met other Texans there. Miranda, from the Rio Grand Valley also knows how to doll up for Saints Game Day and beignets in the quarter. We had fun with a mini photo shoot at the hostel. Texas girls really are “belles filles”.
Next on my adventure was lunch and a late afternoon pick me up. You may not know, but New Orleans has some excellent Italian food and I just love Theo’s pizza on Magazine Street. They serve Abita root beer too, a delightful addition to my lunch.
The afternoon pick me up came from HiVolt Coffee in the Lower Garden District. They make a perfect matcha latte, have a comfy atmosphere, and all the WiFi you need.
December 2017 Las Vegas, Nevada
And now we come to my final trip of 2017, Fabulous Las Vegas! This was my first visit to Sin City and I must say I really hit the jackpot at the shopping destination, Glam Factory Vintage. Not only did I find a righteous pair of bell bottoms, I met Elvis the French Bulldog and vintage mascot.
I had so much fun with owner, Stephanie and Ruth of her staff. They were so accommodating and let me try on armfuls of dresses, coats, and more. I wandered around the area (Old Vegas), looking at more vintage shops, and nothing quite lived up to the awesome selection and vibe that Glam Factory offered. Pricing was good too. My $35 bell bottoms were ideal evening wear for dinner at Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips and a night watching Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles LOVE.
And there you have it friends, my final 2017 look, scored on my last adventure of the year. Bell bottoms are a blast! Get you some!
Pop Chic Thrift 