I am relocating this month to San Francisco from Washington, DC. Can you suggest what a young, mid-20-something girl needs to survive in the Bay Area for the upcoming climate change. I'm at a loss! —Hal

In San Francisco, as in any large city, you'll need comfortable walking shoes especially with all the steep hills. They are no joke! I'd recommend a comfortable cross-body bag or messenger bag for this reason, too.

Say bye-bye to the heat and humidity of D.C. (something I got experience during a summer-long internship). I've never lived in San Francisco but I remember the weather was beautiful in the summertime, albeit a tad unpredictable and much cooler than I had expected. Layering is essential, so always carry a cardigan, jean jacket, or blazer, especially in the evenings.

The whole San Francisco vibe is more conservative than say, L.A., but equally stylish in its own way. Lots of earth tones and comfortable urban trekkers who look smart and chic because they match their environment, so to speak. In a sense, this is good because you're moving from D.C. so with a few tweaks, you'll be blending-in in no time.

Below are 3 affordable outfit ideas to inspire you. Now I'll turn it over to my savvy readers: What will Hal need in her wardrobe for her move to San Francisco? If you live in SF, we'd love to hear your input.

Bring summer into the office with light and airy pieces.

A relaxed yet pulled-together look for dinner at a nice-ish restaurant.

A cute and sporty look for running errands around the city.

Sorry for the tease, but the handbag you see above was the only remnant of the HollywoodIntuition collection to be seen at my local Target. I have no clue whether they launched early and sold out or never quite got around to stocking the line but that's all I saw. I would have asked a store employee what the dealio was, but I was in a hurry. Oh well, better luck next time! What did YOU get?




Moving right along…I spotted this woven cross-body bag by Xhilaration on sale for something like $12.98 that reminded me of certain styles of bags by the Sak. In fact, it looks almost identical to the Sak's Janet St. Mini Flap which only costs $18.85, so if you like this style, might as well get the original.




Target's watches have been catching my eye lately. They seem to have affordable imitations of all the latest trends, from watches with a "Betsey Johnson" feel to those with a "Toywatch" flavor.




Final stop in the land of mock-offs: Target's got these adorable little charms that look just like the Juicy Couture charms (shapes like roses, cake, bumble bees, lady bugs, flip-flops, etc.) for just $5.99 each. Scoop 'em up if you're into cute collectibles.

I ended up buying two pairs of rubber flip-flops in a style called "Grammy" for $2.99/pair and I swear these are the most comfortable flip-flops I've ever owned. My dear sweet dog chewed up the pair I got last season so I was thrilled to discover the same flip-flops were back in stock this summer. I don't know if they're as cozy as Havaianas but they are seriously comfy and a great deal at $2.99. Grab a pair if you see them in stores, I couldn't find them at Target.com.

That's all, folks.

In the blogging world, online retailers get all the attention because let's face it, if you can't click-to-buy, why tease a product? But of course, there are a number of great sources for budget fashion offline that deserve some press, too. So here's a round-up of 10 brick-and-mortar chains you should check out even if you can't shop for their merchandise on the web (at least, not yet!). Let me know what I missed in the comments.

1. Marshalls: This off-price retailer's unique business model makes it difficult to run an effective e-commerce gig, but that hasn't hurt Marshalls' bottom line in the least. I'm willing to shop in person if it helps keep prices low. Find a store

2. TJ Maxx: Like Marshalls (its sister company), TJ Maxx offers department store brands without the department store prices on everything from home goods to designer shoes. If you have the patience and know your style, you're guaranteed to score some amazing deals at TJ's. Find a store

3. Strawberry: I've only been to Strawberry once on N Broadway in Chicago (although according to a review on Yelp.com, that store has since closed) but it seemed like a good place for super cheap trendy basics. If you live in the NYC area, hit up Strawberry for inexpensive tees, flip-flops and other juniors apparel. Find a store

4. Stein Mart: Before you head to Macy's, check out Stein Mart, another chain that carries department store brands at a discount. I don't live near a Stein Mart but I have friends who shop there all the time. They also have great coupons, so sign up for their email newsletters for the latest deals, sales and printable coupons. Find a store

5. Joyce Leslie: This store serves up hot and trendy juniors fashions to residents of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut. Since we didn't have these back in Chicago, Joyce Leslie is on my short list of places to check out soon. Find a store

6. Rainbow: The selective fashionista will find a treasure-trove of cute and trendy pieces at this nation-wide chain, with most items under $20. Look past the hoochie club gear and you'll do fine. Find a store

7. Dressbarn: To be honest, I've never shopped at Dressbarn because I don't like the name: A barn is the last place I want to shop for fashion. However, a friend of mine recently told me they've upped their styles and she found a beautiful LBD to wear to a wedding for $30, so I promise to shop there soon! Find a store

8. Dots: In addition to juniors, misses and plus size apparel, Dots carries accessories and work appropriate attire. If you have an eye for style, and live in the northeastern, southern or midwestern U.S., you'll find some gems at Dots, especially in the dress department. Just about everything's under $20. Find a store

9. Bob's Stores: Here's another chain that serves states in the northeast. I'll admit the name kinda makes me cringe (who wants to buy fashion at a place called "Bob's"??) but if you want cheap athletic wear or some work boots, you'll find it at Bob's. Find a store

10: Discovery: Aw. Discovery holds a special place in my heart, and if you grew up in Chicago you'd know why because Discovery just keeps it real. It is not high fashion by any means, but it's a place to find fun and oftentimes outrageous fashions under $20. Find a store

Ashley Tisdale's airport-style includes this Gypsy 05 Dawn Peace Tee, made in a solar-powered factory of organic fabric and natural dyes. ($88 at Boutique to You)

In case this season's maxi-dresses, floor-length skirts, tie-dye prints and gladiator sandals didn't give it away, perhaps these peace sign tees will clue you in to the boho trend that's been sweeping through Hollywood since, oh, I don't know, the '60s? These days, the slant is more haute hippie, but the message of make-love-not-war is still the same (and more important than ever.) Here's a round-up of some cute and cheap peace sign tees from around the web.

This Independence Day, set off your own sartorial fireworks with glitzy sequin-embellished fashions. Have a Happy Fourth of July, everyone!


Sequinned leggings pack more drama than a cocktail dress when paired with a sultry tunic and sky high heels. Or, rock 'em with a white tank and your Converse All-Stars to a family BBQ. Oh yes. (Swirl sequin legging, $59, Bebe.com)


These sequin bermuda shorts are the epitome of laid-back luxury. Equally appropriate for celebrating our nation's birth or grabbing cocktails with your girlfriends. (Sequin bermuda shorts, now $139, shopadam.com)


A sequinned hoodie is both a dazzling fashion statement and practical cover-up. Let's see those pesky mosquitoes try and get past this protective layer of paillettes! (Silk georgette sequined hoodie, now $180, Spiegel.com)


This linen dress gets dressed up with a cheerful display of sequin flowers. Consider it a subtle declaration of your impeccable taste. (Sequin Trim Linen Dress, $29, TwelvebyTwelve.com)


Grab a cold one and catch up with friends while wearing this deliciously shiny tank top. It's totally casual yet utterly chic. (Racerback sequin tank, $29.50, Express.com)