Black Pearls

Majorica from Neiman Marcus Last Call. They were $140 (retail $285). I still don't have my baroque necklace yet, but these are useful black pearls for AKA conventions and other lives.

My Sister's Closet is a valuable resource

Coming back to San Diego, I had a sorority committee meeting and had some time to kill before I had to be downtown. So, I killed time at My Sister's Closet in La Jolla. Some of the traditional resale stores in La Jolla have shut down in recent years, e.g. Encore.

MSC just came here in November; part of a chain. I like them because their prices are not gougy. Earlier, I bought a Salvatore Ferragamo dress for $40.

When I entered the store, I went to the shoes first. On the second shelf of shoes, there were these nice 41.5 Manolo Blahnik orange sandals. They were $60. A similar pair on eBay were $148.

They're comfortable for 3-inch heels. I like this style of MBs and will buy at the right price.

Kate Spade, coming through

I'd wanted some Kate Spade jeweled sandals since 2005. These are called Kiawah and they looked like great summer sandals. But they never turned up on the resale circuit, until the end of February at My Sister's Closet in La Jolla.

So they're now in my possession for only about one-seventh of the original retail price. Wore them yesterday with an Ann Taylor navy jersey wrap dress and a Kate Spade Reyna lobster-motif straw bag. Looked Eastern prep-esque, to say the least.

On a hot streak

Sometimes I'm successful at casing items. For instance, these beautiful lime green Manolo Blahnik sandals. They were $125 forever at their Santa Monica resale shop.

At the beginning of February, though, they emerged at $75. They are in my closet now and will be worked into the conference wardrobe.

Another Manolo deal

This isn't a great deal but it's sweet. Manolo Blahnik "Westy" sandals. Lovely for walking with a cushion. Year-round in Kollyfornia (sic).

New shoe finds

Stopping in with a pair of shoe finds that came yesterday, after Christmas shopping for others was done.

First, Manolo Blahnik khaki elastic, leather and cork sandals, also $40 at Nordstrom Rack. Most of the women who shop there must have small feet. How did this happen -- 93% off retail? We'll never know. I just plan to enjoy these.

Next, Sergio Rossi silver sandals, $40 at DSW at MetroPointe near South Coast Plaza. These will be my evening shoes for 2012 events. BTW, there were silver ankle-tie sandals left there in a size 41, same price. A slingback is better for me.

Part II

For my birthday, I have to now buy myself gifts since both of my parents are now deceased. On top, we have Manolo Blahnik gold sandals, size 41. They were over $100 but it was my birthday and I missed out on them at Saks' ridiculous sale two years ago.

Up top, it's a Lilly Pulitzer clutch and T-shirt. Both on sale, of course. The clutch will work in S/S 2012. The T-shirt, I'm wearing today to drive back to my other place.

Hence: