My shopping strategy in Cabo San Lucas

 shopping strategy

Happy Friday!  I loved hearing from so many yesterday, so let’s keep the conversation going and discuss my shopping strategy in Cabo San Lucas.

I knew I wanted to shop when we arrived in Cabo, but also knew I would need a shopping strategy to keep my spending in check.

Let’s face it, vacations can make for a great excuse to overspend, so I wanted to make sure my shopping strategy was mindful of many things.

Thus, allow me to invite you into my mind while shopping in Cabo San Lucas….

MY SHOPPING STRATEGY: ITEMS DIFFERENT FROM SAN ANTONIO

shopping strategy

San Antonio, Texas is practically Mexico.  There are stores and market vendors who sell almost everything seen in Mexico.

Except they are not embroidered with the words “Cabo San Lucas.”

My shopping strategy was not to purchase anything in Cabo that I could find in San Antonio…unless there was a huge price difference. (More about that later)

shopping strategy

I was inspired to add a pair of flats to my wardrobe which are similar to these.

Just seeing so many in the shops reinforced my desire to have them for spring events.

However, most of the market-versions have no support and are not comfortable at all.

But with the shoes on my mind,  I returned home to go to a site called FIESTA FEET.

Click the link and you will read that the shoes are 100% made in Mexico, and the proceeds go to a home to help abused girls.

However, in Mexico I did not see any with this type of support or mission focus.

The Bon Bons have more support, so I ordered a pair and will let you know what I think.

shopping strategy

Back to my shopping strategy in Cabo.  Since I knew I wanted different items from the flea market-finds, Mr. B went with me to the mall called Luxury Avenue on the Marina.

This was similar to what we see at an American mall, yet with many different shops.

The majority of stores featured revealing beachwear and obviously selections for a younger market.

shopping stategy

However, the Pineda Covalin Boutique was stunning and met the requirements in my mind for unique luxury.

I was captivated by the silk, the designs, and the colors in this boutique.

shopping strategy

You can learn more about Pineda Covalin, by clicking this link.

The items were very pricey.  Yet, this is one of those purchases I passed by that I still dream about.

I really wish I had been able to pick up one of the scarves…but at $200-400 a scarf, I just could not justify the purchase.

Though I enjoyed the boutique immensely.

This is a good place to transition to the next point in my shopping strategy and admit that I did not purchase anything at Luxury Avenue.

MY SHOPPING STRATEGY: NEEDS MUST TRUMP WANTS

shopping stategy

The next day our hosts took us to eat breakfast at a new favorite, The Office on the Beach.

Loved the setting near the ocean and the food!  I had a light veggie omelet which was delicious with fresh squeezed orange juice.

Across the path from the restaurant is a lovely Office Boutique run by a very chic, attractive woman.

There I did purchase a gorgeous cream colored linen cover up which she explained to me is the finest linen made by women in central Mexico.

She was wearing the one I purchased and it flowed to her feet smoothly with not one wrinkle.

I was drawn to her immediately.  Her salt & pepper hair was combed back into a beautiful bun with a red flower placed carefully on top. 

She wore just the right amount of makeup lighting her face with rosy cheeks and illuminated eyes…and her jewelry was stunning.

I will style the linen caftan and picture It for you as soon as I can.  The shopkeeper also showed me how to have the sides sewn a bit so that it could be worn easily as a caftan/dress to an outdoor event in warmer weather.

My many needs for the wedding and upcoming events were ever on my mind and guided my shopping purchases.

Perhaps if I did not currently have so many needs I would have purchased a Pineda Covalin scarf…but right now “needs” rose to the top of the shopping strategy.

However, the boutique next to The Office is called Bloom Mexican Concept Store, and I immediately could tell the owner had a chic, modern eye.

The lovely young lady assisting me proudly proclaimed, “that is my sister!” when I complimented the buyer for the store (who I said had a chic classy eye for fashion).

shopping stategy

The small shop featured many warm weather handbag designs, similar to the ones I have been looking at online over several American brands.

But the prices were much, much better than the online versions I have been eyeing.

For that reason, I purchased two.

shopping strategy

Though these are not as stunning as the one featured from the mall, I am so excited about both of them.

They meet my needs and my wants for the outfits this spring and summer.  Both have straps and can be made to wear as crossbody bags.

I also purchased a hat at this boutique…on Sunday, I will share with you the hack that brought my hat home in perfect condition.

I could’ve bought four bags for the price of the one bag at the specialty store above.  

The print on that bag and the fact that it is surrounded by black leather limits how many outfits I could wear it with.

I am confident I made the right decision.

MY SHOPPING STRATEGY: ENJOY THE VIEW

shopping strategy

My shopping strategy included contentment.  Though I was only purchasing needs for my 2023 outfit list, I decided to enjoy each moment of what I saw.

Many times, appreciating fashion is just like going to an art museum.

shopping strategy

Inside Luxury Avenue, Is a shop for Mexican artist, Sergio Bustamante.

I really enjoyed looking at his artwork and jewelry creations…so talented…and it took my mind away from what I could not purchase to pure pleasure of the art.

Back to contentment…a happy place.

shopping strategy

shopping strategy

With art appreciation in mind and rumbling in our tummies, we left the mall and went to the other side of the marina for lunch at Arts & Sushi.

A beautiful eatery full of artwork and right on the water.  I even saw a huge seal pop up his head up for scraps while we were sitting there.

Pelicans were tormenting the boaters further down.

shopping strategy

We ordered three sushi rolls to share and I highly recommend the one on the menu called NO NAME.

It was by far my favorite and recommended by the waiter.

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Part of my shopping strategy is to never shop on an empty stomach!

I realize I did not return with many items, but I am very pleased with the four items I brought home.

The purse purchases have saved me money in the long run and are colors I can use often.

That was my shopping strategy for this trip and being mindful and aware of it really helped me to have no regrets.

Please add any thoughts you may have…plan to join Jennifer and me tomorrow for WOULD YOU WEAR IT...and always 

KEEP SMILING!!

By Pamela Lutrell

I appreciate your support of this blog by shopping with my SHOPPING LINKS, and if you don’t see the retailer you need for anything, just send me an email and I will see if I have a link or if there is a sale you are looking for!

Email is over50feeling40@gmail.com.

Recent requests have been for SHEEC NO-SHOW FOOTWEAR and Bombas…and Tuckernuck …just click the name and you will be there.

I am here to assist you with any gift ideas as well, and hope you will consider shopping gifts with these links!  AND your home purchases!

I know many like to make Home Depot purchases online and then drive to the store to pick them up.  You can still use my HOME DEPOT link to do that.

A special thank you to everyone who does this to offer your support of the blog!!  It makes a difference and keeps me here.

shopping strategy

36 Comments

  1. Are you planning to use the purses with your wedding outfits? They could make lovely garden party accessories, if not slightly more on the casual (daytime) side?

  2. Oh, how I love your bag purchases. As a fellow autumn, I appreciate their colors, simplicity, and shapes. They also would look cute with a small scarf tied by the handles to set off an outfit. I learn so much from you…’enjoy the view’ and ‘never shop on an empty stomach.’ Two great tips for not overspending or contemplating a possible purchase. You two had a blast.

  3. Beautiful scenery again! Love seeing the articles inside of the luxury stores. Interesting to see the monarch butterfly designs on those lovely purses and scarves. I especially like your selected orange purse although it’s a color I cannot wear. It will go well with your color palette and provide a colorful punch. The Fiesta Shoe site has some unusual, but attractive shoes; however, providing only whole sizes will be limiting unless they run large. So many pretty things you are pulling together for your events. And taking us along on the journey is great fun!

  4. Love both the purses, the colours are perfect for you. Looking forward to seeing the cover up. I need a nice new one as well and agree that you can find some lovely ones on vacation, of course there are also those ones that are better left there. You look so relaxed and happy in those shots, seems like your getaway did the trick.

  5. I am so happy that you took some “me” time to recover after all that you went through last year, Pam! Kudos to you!

  6. I will let you know about the fit. All of the shoes I looked at in Mexico were also whole sizes. So glad you enjoy this journey with me.

  7. I will be waiting for your review of the footwear from Fiesta Feet. They do not come in half sizes and, of course, at 9.5 I’m unsure of the right size. The bags are super cute!

  8. I will report back! I ordered a nine, but in the past two years I have been wearing 9.5 for the larger toe box to accommodate my hammer toes. I tried a similar shoe in Cabo and the nine worked…just not the comfort. Stay tuned for a follow up!

  9. I in in Fort Worth and have been stuck inside since Mondays because of the icy roads. Your post was a breath of fresh air! I think I will buy some shoes from Fiesta Feet after I hear your report

  10. What a treat to see all your photos, and the creativity of the artists. Looks like a different world from this cold, dreary winter day of 17 degrees. I’m looking forward to seeing the beach coverup also. Just curious, did you see any hummingbirds down there? Our little hummers will be back in a couple of months, but I don’t know where they hang out in the winter. 🙂

  11. I did not see hummingbirds, Deb. I did see some gorgeous colorful birds. But, have no idea where the little hummers are. You just reminded me that I need to clean and refresh my hummingbird feeders.

  12. Wonderful to learn that you got away for some R&R and that you scored some lovely purses.
    -Brenda-
    P.S.: Just a thought — as the purses appear to be a fabric, you might wish to consider spraying them with a light coat of upholstery /fabric protector.

  13. 👍🏻 For you handbag logic. The first bag was a beauty, however, the bags you purchased will be out front and so easy to carry. So fresh and pretty. I want the little bronzed lady with her leg extended!!!

  14. Thanks Suzi…I am afraid the print bag would have been in the closet more than worn. I know I will use these two bags often.
    And I liked her as well!

  15. Pamela, I was really looking forward to your blog today and it did not disappoint! Your renewed energy and attitude is so apparent. and it really inspires me. I LOVE the Bon Bons and can’t wait to hear how you like them as I’d like to get some for myself. Thank you for brightening my day!

  16. We have hummingbirds all year long in Victoria B.C., Canada. I keep my feeder full during the winter months. When it snows here for 2 days/year, I put an umbrella over the feeder.

  17. Good to have a shopping strategy while on vacation. My son and I were just talking about this. Sometimes that topical/nautical purchase, that seemed like a good idea on vacation, looks ridiculous once home in “real” life!

  18. Yes to the handbags! A wonderful purchase! Abd- I cannot wait to see you in that long linen caftan Pam! It sounds dreamy and with a bit of jewelry might just work at a summer garden party. ( the boutique owner mentioned that ?). This entire Cabo vacation sounds so perfect- from the art galleries to the luxury shops and the beautiful surroundings. Happy to have you back but also love the fact that you feel better.

  19. Wonderful post, Pam, and thank you for the link to Fiesta Feet. While I probably won’t be buying their shoes (I need wide width), I am very interested in supporting their mission and will be looking into doing so. What a worthy cause!

  20. Yes, she did…she even showed me the slip that she had on underneath her caftan so she could wear it as a dress. It is a lovely garment.

  21. I agree Connie. I first heard about them in San Antonio during Fiesta time. Many ladies were purchasing shoes there for Fiesta events and to also support the mission. I look forward to trying out my first pair from the brand.

  22. Pamela, I have often admired the handbags and scarves at the Pineda Covalin store at the Cancun Mexico. Beautiful but way too pricy for my budget as well! I think you found great purses that can have the same vibe with a colorful scarf tied on the handle!

  23. They are stunning but did make sense for me right now! I am excited about the two I purchased. Thanks for your confirmation, Deb!

  24. I’m glad you found your purchases but I thank you for sharing the sculptures. I don’t often get to see such beautiful things and such creativity. I’ll go back to these pictures often.

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