Okay, it’s two weeks before the RWA conference in San Francisco, and the time has come to start thinking clothes. I have been dieting for more than three months and have lost almost 30 pounds. Still a long way from where I want to be, but it’s a start, at least, and I’m fitting back into my “moderately okay weight” wardrobe. (The skinny wardrobe is right out… ) So I went shopping today, trying on a few things, cursing the boobs that have ruined any cute, strapless styles for me from the time I was thirteen on.
I immediately went for the typical conference wear–cute capris, sleeveless sweaters. Then I thought about it–I’ve heard San Francisco is kind of cool. Compared to the usual conferences, which double as convection ovens, this one is shaping up to be sweater weather. (Anybody live in/around San Francisco and know for sure?)
Anyway, with worrying about weather and packing and baggage fees (oy!) and how to bring enough for conference in San Francisco where it could be a high of 60, plus wine country weather a week later, where it could be 90, I’m stressing!
This is probably pretty boring but I am trying desperately to write like a maniac and I don’t have a brain cell left to think of something witty and exciting and topical. So let’s talk clothes.
What are you wearing, what are you packing, what are you bringing, what are you buying?
Leslie Kelly used to say she wanted to be a doctor when she grew up, but then she discovered Nancy Drew books. Being a flashlight-under-the-covers-nose-in-book reader throughout her childhood, she couldn’t think of anything else she’d rather do as an adult than continue to lose herself in fictional stories. Her real life marriage of 20 years to the man of her dreams is a constant reinforcement that happily-ever-afters really can happen…and that they’re worth writing about. Living in Maryland, Leslie spends her non-writing time laughing a lot with the above-mentioned romance hero and their three daughters. Though an author of more than thirty sexy, contemporary comedies, she has recently branched out to write dark romantic suspense under the pseudonym Leslie Parrish.
ANOTHER WILD WEDDING NIGHT
Hard to Hold
Love Me If You Dare
Wild For Him
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I’ve done no shopping myself of course, but yes, Les, SF is always cold. Always. Especially at night. So bring at least one good sweater or jacket. I just sent my leather out to be cleaned. I wore it ONCE this whole winter in Florida! I think the coldest I’ve ever been…other than the time I was in Colorado during a record 30 below was the time we were going across the Bay to Alcatraz. You know how I avoid cold weather at all costs…but SF is worth it. And you know, Irish coffee was invented in SF. That’ll warm you right up!
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I keep hearing this, and it’s good to know cuz I freeze easily. I think I’m bringing jeans, some cute tops and a warm sweater to wear over it. I might get a new jacket, just because. So looking forward to seeing the Plotmonkeys again :)
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Well, Mark Twain said the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in San Francisco. So I’d definitely pack those sweaters! It’s all about layering, I think.
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The one and only time I was there, it was a heat wave! And I had all the wrong clothes with me. But then I could pack for Hawaii and it would snow.
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The one time I was there was in August and I froze!! Especially in the morning and at night. So I’m planning to dress in light layers. If I go anywhere at night I’ll be wearing long pants with a blazer or jacket for sure. I’m taking cardigan sweaters, my trusty black blazer that I can wear with just about anything–dress it up or down–capris too because I’ll be wearing a cardigan for inside the hotel. I was thinking about taking a tour of Alcatraz if there’s time so I’ll bring jeans for that.
Today in San Fran they are having a high of 62 and tomorrow a high of 64. Tonight it’s supposed to be 55. So it’s going to definitely be cool. Hmm, maybe capris aren’t such a good idea. I’ll have to think about it.
I’ve done a little shopping. Might need to do some more. hehe
Have a great day,
Cher
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This is going to be a problem for me. I always pack to much as it is. What can I say, I’m a choices girl. :)
I’ll probably still bring some capris for the times I’m in the hotel only and then some pants for outside. A jacket (which is so weird to this Florida girl) and a couple of sweaters. Of course my Rita outfit sleeveless. What’s a girl supposed to do when she lives in Florida…everything is sleeveless now. A wrap for sure and who knows what else. Then there is the shoe problem. I know flats…but remember I like choices… :)
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This is what I’m taking: Lightweight linen pants. Linen skirt. 3/4 length sleeve shirts. One sweater. Cool enough for warm weather, warm enough for cool weather (can wear in anything between 60-90). Also a set of travel clothes: capris, 3/4 length Tee, light jacket for the plane…. I’m always warm on planes because I tend to panic which gets the blood pumping and the sweat pouring.
A couple of camisoles can add a layer if the weather is really cool, too.
And the best part? I can wear the same shoes with everything.
I totally CAN’T WAIT for San Fran!
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Have fun, ya-all….it should be a little chilly…pack those sweaters!
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I’m determined to take one small bag and make do. Inside the hotel, it won’t be too cool, will it? I have my casual clothes and a couple of dresses, but not much as far as sweaters/jackets. They won’t fit in my bag! Maybe I can find one sweater that goes with every outfit. A magic sweater.
I’m so excited that I’ve already started packing. It’s my first time.
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SAN FRANCISCO IS COLD???????? Waah! I didn’t know. I have to go to my basement for FALL clothes to pack? Carly … from rainy Miami …
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San Francisco has its summer the last week of Sept until the middle of Oct. And even then you would be lucky to see it over 80. Dress in layers.
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Okay! I am 73 miles north of San Francisco, right now it is foggy & gray but the sun is trying to come out. In the house it is cool because there is no sun!! This is typical summertime bay area/San Francisco weather. Last week we were in the triple digits & it was miserably HOT! Even San Francisco got up to the 90’s. Do not come to San Francisco without some kind of sweater or jacket, the day could be 90 the fog might come in & the breeze off the bay tends to be quite cool at night or early morning. Layering is probably the best. I love our climate here but then I am used to it!! Just looked outside, more sun & the thermometer is in the sun, it says 80! The temperature in SF is 61. Good luck on choosing clothes, it is never easy, bring comfortable shoes if you are planning on doing any walking around. The lines to Alcatraz will probably be long & may be sold out but not sure as I haven’t heard much about travelers with the economy the way it is. Alcatraz is really an all day or most of a day excursion but worth the trip. Good luck with your travel & I will see you Wednesday at the book signing although I will be there before it starts.
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P.S. Leslie, congratulations on loosing 30 pounds, that is awesome. Can’t wait to see the Plotmonkeys.
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Don’t let Leslie’s comments about her weight and wardrobe fool you…she looks fantastic.
I’ve only been to SF once. It was in early July and the weather was very pleasant. Definitely jacket weather at night but pleasant. Julie, just think of it as Florida winter – 60’s during the day, 40’s or 50’s at night and as several have already said, layering is key. I hear you about the ferry ride across the bay. We rode past Alcatraz over to Sausalito (where I experienced perhaps the WORST service in a restaurant in my life – but that’s another story) on the ferry. As Leslie will attest, I don’t do well on boats (which kinda blows the whole pirate thing) so I tend to stay out on deck to be in the air. I had more than my share of air (and cold, and sea spray) on that ride. Felt like special effects for “The Perfect Storm”.
Have a safe trip to the conference. I hope to meet some of you there.
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Uh, San Francisco gal here and I’m LOLing over all the responses. As the wide range of answers are indicating, the truth is that you cannot by any means predict what the weather will be like in SF. It was in the high 90’s only a couple weeks ago. Yes, right there in the city. It can also be in the 60’s. And what it is during the day is no indicator of what you’ll get around dinner time. That’s why they always say to wear layers and prepare to shed/add as the need be.
As for the wine country, that’s where I am and our highs have gone from the mid-70’s to over 100 lately. We’ve had an exceptionally hot summer and we’re not even into our “hot” months of August and September. But today it’s a beautiful 80-ish, so go figure. Even up here, expect it to be warmer, but the fog can roll in at any time and you’ll freeze.
I can almost assuredly say you don’t need an umbrella, though. (LOL)
Congrats on 30 lbs!!! That’s awesome! Though in your Rita video, it sure didn’t look like you needed to lose anything. I’m looking forward to catching up with all of you at the Blaze party and hoping you’ll be there!
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Congratulations on the weight loss, Leslie. That’s fantastic!
My mom grew up in San Francisco and we’ve been back as a family a few times in the summer since the majority of her family still lives in the Bay area. We always wanted jackets after about 4 pm. So, like pretty much everyone has said, it’s all about layering. Take what you’re comfortable in, and just remember a jacket or sweater.
I’m still sad that my San Francisco trip is two months too late, but I’ll try and get by on the reports.
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Hey Jungle friends…sorry haven’t been swinging by much lately…busy, busy, busy…
Les, congrats on losing 30 pounds, I am sure you look great…I am glad that the clothing blog is up because I didn’t know what to pack for my time in SF…I went once before and it was in October, so I have no idea what the whether is like in July…I have to worry about packing list too…
I just can’t wait to see you guys…I hope that everyone is doing well…ttyl
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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I wish I could be there with everyone. Congrats on the weight loss Leslie! I’ve been working on it this summer, but it’s really been hard this week with my nieces. We are trying to eat well, but it is really hard when we are on the go so much.
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Leslie,
Posted this yesterday and not sure if you saw it. I just read Sean Murphy’s story and LOVED it. Also, loved the dedication to your daughter. At what age did you allow her to read your books?
:flower4you:
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My aunt has lived in California since the early 1950s and she always told us ” It’s warm during the
day and cool as soon as the sun goes down. Be sure to bring sweaters!” Have a great time!!
Pat Cochran
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Thanks for all the advice! Sounds like we are all in the same boat…lol! I don’t think I own a single cardigan type sweater that I can just pull on, I have a ton of winter like sweaters. Might have to remedy that!
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Debbie, thank you so much! I am thrilled that you liked Heated Rush. I honestly wasn’t sure how readers would react to a gigolo hero and was really happy that he worked. So far, no negative backlash at all. Whew!
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Blarg. I hate packing for vacation. Most of the hatered comes from the pants. I. Hate. Shorts. But it seems like vacation always requires shorts. At home, I wear gym shorts when tooling around the house or jeans in public. BUt on vacation…all the walking calls for shorts. BLARG. I have a few skorts, no capris, and some skirts. It still doesn’t seem to help. It also irks me that B will pack in 10 minutes and look fabulous every day. Sometimes I think “boo on boys”.