How San Antonio Shops for Fiesta
Happy March Tuesday, all! Today, I thought it would be fun to share with you how San Antonio shops for Fiesta.
Now, there are many ways to shop for Fiesta, but Leigh Ann and I are fans of The Fiesta Store at North Star Mall.
It is 40,000 square feet of fun, and creations from artisans in Mexico.
Fiesta San Antonio is our community’s largest celebration and has been for well over 130 years.
The first parade was in 1891 held to honor the heroes from the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto.
You might enjoy reading THE HISTORY OF FIESTA.
One of the celebrations largest events is The Battle of Flowers Parade which is the largest parade in the country overseen by all women.
Fiesta is now a 10 day event, and this year will be celebrated April 20-30.
So, come shopping with Leigh and Me and see how we shop for Fiesta.
How San Antonio Shops for Fiesta: Accessories
Leigh Ann has a wedding to attend and was searching for a small, colorful bag to carry with an artisan appeal.
So, that is the reason we went to shop for Fiesta earlier than normal.
The Fiesta Store has so many beautiful artisan creations that it was difficult for her to make a decision.
And difficult for the owner of the store because they hang all of the handbags from the ceiling, so he has to get down every one you want to see close up.
He was very patient as she looked over each bag, but ultimately selected the orange one at the top to compliment her bright yellow dress she plans for this wedding.
You can shop online at The Fiesta Store, but know it will take time to see it all whether you are online or in store.
From hand-painted hats, to hair accessories, to belts, scarves, and jewelry…the accessories there are abundant …and fun.
I have told you before that we are a colorful community…and you see it on full display when you shop for Fiesta here.
How San Antonio Shops for Fiesta: Tops
I went to The Fiesta Store to shop for Fiesta tops.
These would be worn at casual events…the parade, neighborhood celebrations, etc. with denim crops or even shorts.
Sometimes the Battle of Flowers Parade can get very hot and dressing cool is a must unless you are hosted by one of the businesses along the route.
The blouses are made by artisans in Mexico, and size can vary…but there are so many to choose from and many have gorgeous embroidery.
You would be surprised at how affordable they are…this top was $36…as compared to designer brands that look similar.
I plan to wear this with the green pants I brought home from JJILL.
You may think I am nuts, but I really liked this top.
Despite the embellishment in the middle. It was a beautiful fabric and fit well.
Leigh Ann understood why I liked it though she also questioned the thing in the middle.
I took home this one and the one above.
I wanted to show you the lovely work on the collar of this one…it just did not fit right at the bottom.
As I said, the creators are in Mexico and I love most of the work. There are some clothing options which are very expensive.
For some reason the embellishment above did not bother me, but the two flowers in the middle area here did.
I think it is because it draws the eye right to the stomach …where I don’t want the eye!
You can see that even the dressing rooms are fun when you shop for Fiesta at the actual Fiesta Store.
How San Antonio Shops for Fiesta: Fashion Inspiration
There is fashion inspiration all around when you shop for Fiesta1
So many different ways to go with outfits…including dresses and skirts.
I hope to attend at least one of the fashion shows this year and share more with you…they are always fun.
I have not been for a couple of years, but hoping 2023 is the big return!
Not all women look like the Fiesta Royalty whose dresses can be over $40,000 and are displayed in museums.
But, we do look our colorful best during that time.
There is also a wedding section, but I plan to do my look and makeup a bit differently from what I saw there! (That’s a joke!)
Thanks for going to shop for Fiesta with Leigh Ann and me.
Please leave any comments or questions…I hope you had a good time!
KEEP SMILING, EVERYONE!
By Pamela Lutrell
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With Fiesta and flowers, spring is the best time to visit San Antonio!
The wedding section-what a hoot. This looks like fun! I can’t wait to read about the history. So rich. Loved the bags. Thanks for the sunny smile today. Rain and snow here!
Stay cozy and warm, Deborah!
Certainly is colorful! In this, and in past posts over the years about this event, I’ve noticed an emphasis on skeletons. What is that all about? Maybe on that pretty top with the strange center embellishment, could you just remove it? On the other hand, it does make it more unique!
Hi the skeletons come from Day of the Dead celebrations and comes from Mexico.
This does look like a lot of fun shopping, Pam! Is the home decorated for Fiesta as we do other holidays? I see your colorful shirts and what appear to be small purses. I see some items that appear to be home decirations but how extensive do people go with decor around the exterior if their homes?
No, just the front door. If we had a party at our house I would! But there are plenty of parties and events to attend!
I enjoyed the links to San Antonio’s celebration history. I will research even more – down another rabbit hole! We visited San Antonio once for a summer convention and stayed on the walk. Saw a lot of the city and area (New Braunfels) but the festival must be downright amazing. Do the schools take any vacation days during the festival? The embroidered items draw me! I wonder if every nationality has some kind of joyful look that began with women, needles and colorful thread – or a paintbrush? I’m Norwegian and love the embellished clothing and wooden items of each Norwegian district. Thank you for inspiring me and bringing joy, Pamela! I look forward to more ‘feet on the ground’ installments. Carpe diem!
Hi Louine! Students and businesses take off for the Battle of Flowers parade…it is the largest. And all the schools have their own celebrations, I will be attending grandchildren’s preK Fiesta bike parade soon!
As a former Spanish and ESL teacher and life-long student/admirer of international cultures, I look forward to someday experiencing your San Antonio Fiestas. My grandmother brought me a traditional white blouse with beautiful blue embroidery from a trip she made to Mexico back in the mid-70’s, which I wore for many years – one of my all-time favorite pieces of clothing. 😊
The Mexican women do such lovely, creative work. I have friends that wear these styles to many events throughout the year! Come on down, Connie! Let’s have some fun!
Oooohh, I would love shopping there!! I’m a recovering coloraholic 🙂
It looks like a fun, festive & colorful event. I hope you get to enjoy some of the wonderful events.
It might be too much…the city is a color explosion!
I plan on it! Thanks so much!
Thanks for showing all of us about the San Antonio Fiesta. It looks like such fun. As someone who does some hand embroidery, I can tell you that even the little bags are several hours of work by someone with a good deal of skill. None of the embellishment appears to be machine made. As someone commented, it seems most cultures have colorful hand embroidery in their traditions. It is joyful and brings joy to me today. Thank you!
Always pleased to be a joy delivery person!!
Thanks for sharing Mary.
We saw many beautiful embroidered tops and dresses on our recent visit to Mexico. If I’d found just the right one, I would have bought myself a top, but I came home with a couple of lovely pairs of earrings instead. One pair is hand painted.
The jewelry is stunning…glad you came home with earrings, Elaine!
Thank you for the tutorial on Fiesta! I have never been fortunate enough to attend, as I worked for a major university and could never take any vacation time in the spring due to all the special events on campus I was responsible for. It is high on my bucket list and I hope someday to be able to attend the majority of the events. I will need your input on getting dress for that, as I don’t normally wear bright colors or florals, but of course I would want to fit in. I love the outfit you wore to go shopping, especially the green bag and that beautiful new top. So glad you found some pieces that you love, and I applaud you for buying the top with the weird embellishment because it checked all the boxes that were important to YOU. We should all be getting dressed with a similar joy and confidence!
Thanks so much! There are many women who dress for Fiesta in beautiful, embroidered white dresses and tops. There are a few not in the vibrant color area! You would love the event.
I like that green top you are wearing in the first picture! who makes that? let me know here. thanks!
That is a washable silk top I purchased at a local boutique, Linda. It is unique to the boutique and has their tags in it. I love washable silk items for warmer weather.