I went to college in San Francisco. Back then, shopping in my neighborhood of Walnut Creek was relegated to stores like the Gap, Express, Banana Republic, Emporium Capwell, I. Magnin, and Nordstrom. And on a student budget, you can't really get anything from Nordie's or I.Magnin's. Shopping at Banana Republic was already considered a luxury with your student allowance. Haha and I remember there was a Laura Ashley boutique there as well and on occasions I would get my mom to buy me a dress or two (yes, I wore florals to school-- before I went the rock rebel way and went for the loud Versace prints haha oh boy). But it was mostly sweats and hoodies from The Gap or from our college bookstore that a lot of students "subsisted" on when it came to our day-to- day clothing.
Oh well that was then. Fast forward to 2012. Gone are I.Magnin, Capwell, and hello to stores like Forever 21, and well well well, to Neiman Marcus at Walnut Creek! Why hello there, friend :) I can't imagine being in college now with Neiman Marcus just a stone's throw away (ok well not literally but it's fairly close by). Of course how could I not swing by and check out NM?
The store was very well- stocked. We're talking an in-store Gucci and Chanel boutique! Anyway here are the other merchandise (had previously instagrammed them but I'm putting them all here for the benefit of those who don't have instagram :D) that I saw while inside Neiman Marcus.
My absolute favorites: McQueen knucklering box clutches!! My fave is the one on the top.
Chanel -- I also saw a new version of "Ling Ling"!! The new Ling Ling is from the Paris- Bombay collection. She was so cute too. Cost: US$ 10,000. *Jaw drop*
The cheaper version of Chanel *haha* is the Stella McCartney Falabella tote. They are a bit heavy but they are really pretty. And there is good reason why they are so popular too. These are Stella's version of "eco- friendly" totes. In faux leather and faux snakeskin. Featured below is the tweed version.
I didn't get tired of the shopping but how can anyone resist the famous NM popover bread and strawberry butter? Diet? Forget the diet! The NM popover is perhaps the only other piece of bread that could beat my love for an authentic French croissant :) If you do pop over (haha no pun intended) Neiman Marcus, you have to have the famous popover :)
And at Neiman Marcus Walnut Creek, they had their signature salad specific to my neighborhood, so
I had to give it a shot. For US $16, this is what you get. And I tell you it's worth every cent! Blue cheese crumbs with sliced pears, walnuts, dried cherries, fresh grapes and fresh greens, topped with chicken slices. It was really refreshing and filling.
The best part of course with this whole NM- Walnut Creek experience is sharing it with my mom :) I am really so happy to have Neiman Marcus in our neighborhood. It's really quite a leg up from the usual shopping choices that we are used to in this area! Welcome to Walnut Creek, NM!!
x
TheBagHag