So I've been following along with all of the exciting NAS posts and keeping my fingers away from the keyboard for two reasons. #1 - I've recently significantly edited down my closet, and am trying to be extremely careful about what I put back in - paying closer attention to colour, fit, and style. #2 - and WAY more importantly - the Canadian dollar has been tanking it vs. the US dollar. Money speaks louder....

Nonetheless, with one DS away at camp, and the other staying with grandparents this week, DH and I took the opportunity to take a few days off together in Newport Beach this past week. It was wonderful. I had to laugh, because on the second day, he could not resist the call of the golf course. He asked if I would mind terribly if he golfed that afternoon. Knowing full well that Fashion Island mall was a mere 5-10 minutes away, I happily obliged.

I didn't want to spend my entire afternoon in the mall, but was so excited to hit Athleta and finally find the coveted City Joggers. They were on sale, and in my colour - Flint Grey (I'm trying to move away from black). Snapped them up and am in love. I also picked up a super soft criss cross sweatshirt in a heather grey/stone.

Then I practically sighed out loud as I walked into the Nordstroms to experience NAS in person. I honestly drove the SA in the shoe department batty with my indecisiveness. Grey booties were on my wishlist. I was a hair away from purchasing the Aquatalias, because of their practicality. But I just couldn't get my head around the converted-to-Cdn exhorbitant cost, and well as the clunkier feel on the foot. I know, come November, that I will regret it, but my feet will be happy in the meantime in the super-soft Halogen grey booties that some of you have also purchased. The other factor in my decision was the fact that I was limited by my carry-on bag size, and the Aquatalias would have taken up a lot of real estate. He must have thought I was nuts - I kept showing him pics from Angie's top picks and asking to try the various models on....I tried on tons of top picks

Off to the women's section where focus prevailed. The only thing I really wanted to try was a pair of the R&B Dre's, and there they were in my size. Again, super soft and I was surprised that they fit. I was almost 100% sure I'd have to size up, especially in R&B. Love the wash. Angie is right. I also picked up another VC tube skirt in charcoal. I have the stripe, and wear it all the time, but my soft-summer wardrobe shift is screaming for charcoal. I also tried on the Leith waterfall cardi, and gasped at the amazing maroon colour. Perfection. But the drapey panels overwhelmed me, so I had to pass. I also tried the Bobeau long cardi in maroon. Super soft and fab, but I passed as it was more of a want and not a need.

I'm thrilled with the few things that I picked up. I also tried on a buttery soft, greyed burgundy leather jacket at the Vince store. It was heavenly. Way outside of my price range, but I took a photo nonetheless. I did walk away with a lovely orchid/stone cashmere sweater that better suits my casual fall/winter lifestyle (I think you can see it hanging on the left).

Thanks to Angie recs, I was focused and thoroughly enjoyed my mini-shopping stint in California. Bonus shot of me after we walked down to the beach on our last day. Note it was about 45 minutes after waking up...but more importantly it shows the Zella capris which I've had for a couple of months, and that I know many of you are picking up at NAS. I live in them at home, and on vacay. They are my pull-on-and-go pants in the AM, and PM.

#1 - travel day, #2 - wearing the new VC skirt out to dinner, #3 travel day home, #4 - beach walk, #5-6 Vince leather jacket (not purchased). I missed a few outfits in between - I was doing too much eating and drinking