We slept in and walked through Union Square to meet with the group for lunch. It was so crowded on Independence Day.

Neiman Marcus

The department store, designed by Architect Philip Johnson, houses the beautiful rotunda from the original City of Paris Building (http://noehill.com/sf/landmarks/nat1975000471.asp). This article (http://blog.sfgate.com/thebigevent/2011/10/06/remembering-the-city-of-paris-department-store-photos/#photo-31891) features photos of the City of Paris. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the top floor, right under the rotunda.

Legion of Honor:

We were there mainly for the “High Style: The Brooklyn Costume Collection” exhibit. I don’t know much about fashion design and its history, but the princess in me was excited to see gowns, shoes, and jewelry. I was particularly moved when I entered the Charles James section. His approach to fashion design was “architectural”. And his sketches really spoke to me.

Ball Gown, 1949-50 (image from The Metropolitan Museum of Art website)

We drove by this beautiful landmark. I have seen the structure in photos many time, but was still impressed seeing it in person. Next time I come to San Francisco, I will make an effort to actual walk around the ground. I would also like to check out the Walt Disney Family Museum nearby.

Since it was Independence Day, nothing was scheduled for the evening. We gather at the penthouse suite of the hotel and enjoyed a view of city with fireworks.