My birthday is coming up, over a month away. I want to do something special on my exact birthdate, which falls on a Wednesday this year. I wished to share what I’ve come up with so far, which is my basic plan for the day.
Since I only usually buy what’s on my shopping list, I really want to indulge in a shopping spree. I miss shopping! Since I love places, the destination is just as important as the activity, and I have decided on Annapolis. The city’s mall is filled with stores I love like Ann Taylor, Blanca Flor (Silver Jewelry), Francesca’s Collections, and Crate & Barrel, to name a few. HomeGoods, my favorite store, is right outside too. Annapolis also has three shopping centers in a small area, one of which features a Sur la Table which I have never explored. There’s also a really nice wine shop called Bin 201 near that kitchen supply store. Which reminds me of the Italian Market, close to the mall as well, which is actually a restaurant with a wine and food imports shop on one side. Then, there’s charming Main Street with two stores full of imported goods, one all Irish called Avoca and the other French and Italian ceramics called Plat du Jour (if it’s still here…). I’ve never patronized the Hobo flagship store (for handbags) just off this street. Hopefully, it will be sunny and my stroll down the brick-lined street will be delightful!
In preparation for this shopping spree, I would need to caffeinate first. Luckily, my favorite coffee shop is in between my hometown and Annapolis. I could start my day with a delicious cappuccino.
Ooh, maybe I could end the shopping spree with a drink during happy hour at my favorite bar, the Galway Bay Irish Pub, just off Main Street. Or have lunch or dinner at Maggiano’s in the Annapolis Mall? Cake is a requirement sometime during the 24-hour period.
So, I could browse for and hopefully buy: a beautiful dress, a pair of sleek jeans to wear with heels, a sophisticated blazer, a pair of classic nude pumps, a pair of sparkly summer sandals, a nice bottle of wine and whatever I suddenly had to have at HomeGoods.
Those are in addition to the items I plan to purchase sometime soon from Crate & Barrel: big red wine glasses and striped placemats for both everyday and entertaining as well as classic glass apothecary jars for storage. My birthday wish list is another post. I will save as much as I can for this spree as well as politely reply “a gift card” to anyone who happens to ask what they can get me for my birthday. Acquiring any of these items would be exciting, but, really, the experience of shopping thrills me more. Always on a budget, I don’t wander malls, tempting myself, much any more, so this shopping spree will be out of the ordinary. I shall surround myself with my favorite things and places. I will dress up, go out, eat out, and be out of town for the entire day.
Sounds like a wonderful day you have planned! I'd much rather have cash to buy exactly what I'd like. I may try your idea for my next birthday in September! 🙂
I'm excited as I think it's perfect. I'm planning the specifics now, going with my mom. Cash or gift cards work well. I'm pretty much living like I'm broke now, trying to save up so I can afford what I want on that special day. I'll be leaving my credit card at home.
Oh I love Sur LaTable, I got my madeleines pan there. Ann Taylor is one of those stores I always hit when there is a good sale (along with Banana Republic, and Loft). My wardrobe consists of almost solely items from these stores, never bought at full retail price – I buy only when there is a 40% off sale. I wish I could go with you! Hope you have fun and happy birthday!
I've never set foot in a Sur la Table. I love their website especially with its French touch, so I'm looking forward to it. Madeleines are on my list of possible recipes to try, so perhaps I'll pick up a pan… I love Ann Taylor. Usually I save for additions to my capsule wardrobe for awhile and take advantage of the sales in-store and flash sales online, but with my birthday, hopefully that Wednesday will be a good day as I plan to have the shopping experience then. A lot of my wardrobe was from Ann Taylor Factory Store because my sister used to work there. I will have fun; thank you!
Wow, sounds fantastic! Oh my you got to go to Sur la Table if not going anywhere else to browse, lol! Love HomeGoods too. Ann Taylor and Banana Republic outlets are a way to go for me too. You are going to have so much fun:)
Sur la Table for the win! I will definitely put it on my 'must do' list for my birthday. How could I not with such items as their espresso cup with the Eiffel Tower on it?! I will, trying to save money for it now.
I love going to Sur la Table and looking at every. single. thing. Just a lovely weekend visiting my Auntie in San Diego and got to go on a long overdue shopping spree myself and scored two very "sophisticated blazers" at H&M. Because they were only $35 I could afford two. Your birthday sounds like how I would describe the perfect day 🙂
You guys are killin' me with Sur la Table! LOL! I think I should wait the month until my birthday, that is if I can! H&M is always on my list and the Annapolis mall features one. I've even purchased a blazer there before, so I will keep that store in mind for that item.
Because I rarely go shopping beyond the grocery store, liquor store and Target much anymore, I think it's the perfect plan. I miss it so! Honestly, it's beyond time to add or replace items in my capsule wardrobe. I adore Annapolis as well. I'll be sure to share all about my beautiful purchases and experience.