When I said that I would have some time alone with my thoughts, that’s exactly what I’m getting. Without knowing anyone here, I’ve got lots of time to myself. I’m trying to keep myself busy, knowing that as soon as I have some friends, I’ll feel more like a local.

Confession: I’ve lived in Philadelphia for almost 10 years, yet I still have absolutely no idea where I’m going. I mean, I recognize things and locations, but I still need a GPS to get me everywhere.

My mission in Chucktown (that’s for you, Dad) is to learn this city and figure out how to get around without relying too much on my GPS. When my Dad and Other Mother 🙂 stayed downtown in April, we walked everywhere and just that one week here really helped me to feel comfortable coming down this time. I’ve been walking everywhere and am starting to know where I am! Downtown Charleston is pretty small and so it’s getting easier everyday.

Here’s what I wore yesterday while strolling around downtown:Ruffle Top: Ann Taylor LOFT Outlet

Striped Green Skirt: Greene Street Consignment (and then tailored, of course!)

Striped Navy Cross-Body: Francesca’s, a birthday present courtesy of Iron Man specifically for my Big Trip!

These lovelies are from a shop called Alexandra AD, which sells beautiful French antiques.

This lovely campaign chest was over $9,000 and spotted in David Skinner Antiques & Period Lighting. The rest of the lighting was in the same shop.

This fab ship chandelier reminds me of the one featured in Lilly Bunn’s beautiful apartment. As my lovely friend, Elise, would say, “swoon” 🙂

Finally, you KNOW I couldn’t go shopping without trying a few things on…This super cute dress was from Vestique. SO cute, right? It was a tiny bit short, so some minor alterations would need to occur, but that doesn’t usually deter me, since I’m a big fan of tailors!

Then later on, I quickly walked through the Charleston Home Show, which ended up being a bust…the good part was that it was a 5 minute walk from my apartment. Here’s what I wore for my short stint there…

Dress: Japna via TJ Maxx

Black Clutch: Charming Charlie (originally $22, but purchased with a 10% off coupon from a previous purchase!)

Earrings: Target

Today, I went to Folly Beach! It was really easy to drive there, but surprisingly much harder to find your car when you’re ready to go home…After a minor freak-out (cue massive sweating episode and wishing I had “dropped a pin” on my iPhone…), I found a very nice man driving a buggy wearing a Folly Beach County Park t-shirt who literally drove around all of the side roads to find my car for me. He was so thorough, I thought he drove away and wasn’t going to come back! But, he found my car and I sat inside with the AC turned up, petting the steering wheel and telling her I’d never lose her again…

Before the panic:

Who knows what tomorrow will bring!

*Disclaimer: So many wonderful people have reached out to me saying that they have a friend here, or have put their friends in touch with me. I truly appreciate everyone’s efforts to help me socialize and acclimate to a new city. I feel so loved!