Summit in the City – 8 Creators Meet Up in San Francisco

On today’s weekend meanderings, it’s a Summit in the City – my recap of this week’s creator gathering in San Francisco. Come meet my creative friends as we brainstorm, dine around, and indulge in a private shopping experience at Sézane.

Happy Saturday, friends!

It’s time for the weekend post with Elizabeth and Kim, our weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on.

I spent the first part of the week in San Francisco at a content creators summit organized by three favorite bloggers we all know and love. Kim was there, as well as three more women you probably follow, if not you’ll want to. Elizabeth wasn’t able to attend and we missed her. (This post includes commissionable links; for more information, see my full disclosure policy here.)

8 Creators Meet Up in San Francisco; What Could Go Wrong

Nothing, that’s what. Well, aside from a little rain that seemed to only occur when we headed out of the hotel. That’s standard operating procedure in the city and doesn’t warrant a demerit. Everything else went right, in fact, it was a triumphant. Let me tell you about it …

Mary Ann (Classic Casual Home), Cindy (Cindy Hattersley Design) and Annie (Most Lovely Things), the creator trio who publish the must read Sunday roundup Five Favs (and inspired Weekend Meanderings, although all the credit goes to Elizabeth for wrangling Kim and I into it), organized an incredible three-day content creator summit in San Francisco this week. When I received my invitation I couldn’t RSVP fast enough. I mean, seriously, all these women are OG bloggers who I’ve admired and followed forever. If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll recall I attend a creator summit at Cindy’s home in Paso Robles a couple of years ago.

We arrived on Monday and checked into the Grand Hyatt on Union Square. An ideal location for access to wonderful shopping, restaurants and popular areas like Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero and Ferry Building Marketplace. The theatre districts, the Marina and other San Francisco neighborhoods are either walking distance or easy rides on public transit or Waymo, those cute white driverless taxis. My room on the 31st floor overlooked the Westin St. Francis where Jim and I stay on our annual holiday weekend in San Francisco.

Eight of us descended on the city via planes (Mary Ann, Annie, Noelani and Susan), trains (me), and automobiles (Kim, Jennifer & Cindy). After everyone arrived we met in the hotel’s OneUp Restaurant lounge for a cocktail and light dinner.

The next morning the Summit officially kicked off in the hotel’s conference center.

We were surprised and delighted by pretty swag bags. Each bag contained a colorful notebook and pen plus stunning a stunning red toiletry bag and nappa leather luggage tag courtesy of Quince, and, of course, the day’s agenda. Speaking of the agenda’s, ours was packed and we got right down to business. Mary Ann did a commendable job moderating our discussions although some of us were more challenging to wrangle (who me?) than others.

At lunchtime we took a short walk to The Rotunda, Neiman Marcus’ elegant restaurant.

We passed Maiden Lane, a well known and adorable street of Union Square, on the way and couldn’t help snapping a few photos.

Noelani (La Vie on Grand) conducted a master class in crossing the street like a boss.

Some of us were quicker to catch on than others. I fell into the latter category.

The Rotunda’s entrance takes your breath away. Jennifer (A Well Styled Life) took the photo below.

Tables are set up on tiers surrounding the open rotunda.

Being a light eater, I ordered the burger and fries. This was after I devoured the restaurants signature popover with strawberry butter.

After lunch we did a little shopping and headed back to the hotel for a full afternoon of meetings.

And then it was time to eat again. We walked a few blocks to Chinatown’s highly regarded R & G Lounge whose reputation is well deserved. It rained, but we persevered.

We ordered family style and every single dish was delicious.

The one no one could stop talking about was the salt and pepper green beans … a transformative experience … or swooning over the jumbo blue and white teapot.

The rain stopped by the time we finished dinner, and the walk back to the hotel was so beautiful.

Private Shopping Experience at Sézane

The next morning was a highlight of highlights, a private shopping event at Sézane arranged by Noelani to whom we are forever in debt.

Sézane is a popular French brand known for its high-quality and vintage inspired designs. Sézane is B-Corp certified which means it’s focused on responsibility and sustainability.

The Sézane shop, known as L’Appartement San Francisco, in the Fillmore Shopping District is très chic and we had a fun couple of hours trying on beautiful clothes and accessories and nibbling on a yummy spread of croissants and other French pastries. Can life be any better?!

Obviously I had to buy something. It would be rude not to.

This collarless linen cotton blend jacket with gold shell single button caught my eye the second I walked in the shop. I put it on and didn’t take it off until it was safely wrapped up in my shopping bag. It’s sold out online, but you can create an alert to be notified when it’s back in stock.

Here it is in cream. It’s one of those jackets that can go anywhere and with anything … from jeans to trousers or something formal.

This necklace is a classic piece that goes with everything. And, finally, I couldn’t resist this leopard print travel pouch that’s part of the brand’s Correspondence canvas line.

While I exercised admirable restraint in purchasing only three pieces, several more are living rent-free in my in my brain. Like these burgundy loafers, this small, suede bucket bag, this classic black dress, these sandals, this cardigan, and also this one. You know I can’t resist a good cardigan. Speaking of that, Sézane is known for their knitwear and the shop’s sweater wall is a sight to behold.

Sézane offers an amazing collection of basket bags. Noelani carried one all week (I think it’s this one, or maybe this one) that we couldn’t stop admiring. She said it’s a great travel bag.

Mary Ann bought this one which she wore out of the store becoming the pièce de résistance of her chic outfit.

And Kim gave this one the once over.

This one’s on my shopping list.

I think Mary Anne bought this t-shirt, I mean it seems essential. Susan agreed.

Can we talk about jackets for a minute, this cropped trench is so good. It has a checked lining. It comes in a few colors, and since I already have a light beige cropped trench, I’d opt for the navy (Susan’s wearing it above). Last year I bought this suede jacket that I highlighted here.

Kim tried on these cute suede sling-back flats in a beautiful olive green. And Mary Anne tried on these woven t-strap leather sandals in smooth chocolate. I hope she bought them, they’re gorgeous.

I should probably mention that everyone was oohing and ahhing over L’eau Sézane fragrance.

We found a couple of fun surprises in our shopping bags. A charming blue and white striped canvas tote and this Feu de Vie (fire of life) candle, the scent is wood and caramel … with a little bit of smoke. It’s sitting next to me as I write and it’s lovely.

Everyone at Sézane was so friendly and helpful, and entire shopping experience was an extra special treat.

After our shopping excursion several of the group went to Susan’s (Une Femme) room for a mini-color consultation. Susan, who lives in the Los Angeles area, offers several color and style services including personal color analysis. Her color sessions are in-person only so if you live in the LA area or plan to visit consider booking a session. I’d like to do it on my next trip south.

Mary Ann was first up to give it a go …

Susan is warm and easy to talk to and her color sense is spot on as exhibited by her own beautifully curated wardrobe. She also offers styling services, including closet detox, personal shopping and travel wardrobe planning. I bet she could whip me into carry-on bag shape for my next trip … and win Jim’s forever gratitude.

While the color analysis was happening, the rest of us walked to Cafe De La Presse to get an early start on lunch. And the rest of the group joined us later.

Cafe De La Presse is taste of Paris in San Francisco and a poplar, charming spot. The quiche is delicious and the salad perfectly – I mean perfectly – dressed.

Paris was a frequent topic of conversation and a favorite travel destination of just about everyone in the group. If one of us hadn’t recently returned, another was soon to be off. I need to get my act together, it’s been about 10 years.

Anyway, Mary Ann lived in Paris and travels there often.

Annie is also a frequent traveler to Paris where she scours the markets for treasures for her Most Lovely Things Shop.

Susan is headed to Paris in a couple of weeks where she leads fashion tours, the next one is in September.

And Noelani’s French inspired blog highlights an her elevated French style … and lifestyle. She also leads women’s retreats to Paris; sign-up for updates on her upcoming retreats here. How fun would that be?!

After lunch a few more of us went back to Susan’s room to continue the mini-color analysis. Before we knew it we were back in the hotel lobby for a quick and final photo op. Oops, we’re missing Jennifer and Cindy.

Kim and I took the opportunity for a mirror selfie.

We set off on foot to the financial district for dinner at Greek restaurant, Kokkari Estiatorio.

Kokkari is a Bay Area favorite. I hadn’t been in quite a while and it’s just as good if not better than I remembered.

The interior is all rustic beams and creamy plastered walls. We sat at a long table in front of the open kitchen which is always a fun experience. Kim and I ordered glasses of sparkling rosé.

I ordered the gorides skordates appetizer (chili roasted gulf prawns) as an entree and Kim and I shared the yiaourti me meli (greek yogurt with roasted walnuts, dates and drizzled with honey) for dessert. Yum.

 

After returning from dinner we were all pretty exhausted. It was a fun filled and packed few days. Noelani had the first wake-up call at o’dark thirty to catch a very early flight home. I hopped in an Uber around 9am for the quick trip over the bridge and back to reality and a two hour meeting with the molding and trim provider for the new house.

Needless to say I had a wonderful time and learned a ton. I’m inspired by these smart, kind, and encouraging, powerhouse women. Blogging is a solidarity activity and can feel isolating and lonely. The opportunity to spend time with others doing the same thing – albeit miles ahead of me – is not only welcome, but motivating and energizing. I left with a few new tricks up my sleeve and lots of ideas swimming around my head. I guess you’re going to expect me to step it up.

You’ll find everything I packed and wore here.

Sézane Favorites ~

And that’s what I have for you today. Last week I chatted about niece Shelby’s recent shift to uniform dressing, spring pastel bed linens, and a new book to inspire a cozy, collected home. Catch up here.

Let’s see what’s inspiring Elizabeth and Kim.

PINECONES AND ACORNS

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE

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