Have you seen our new series, My Sister, My Sidekick? It’s all about sisters and the special relationship they have both now and when they were kids. It’s one of my favorite new things we started last year here on Say Yes. Today’s sisters, Alli and Lindy, live here in San Francisco which means they share clothes, have sleepovers and watch cheesy old movies, and spend Sunday’s having brunch and hitting thrift stores. Sounds dreamy right? I so wish I had my three sisters here to do the same! Alli and Lindy embrace two parts of Northern California that I love: the laid back boho chic style, and the work hard/play hard mentality that supports so much amazing work opportunities here while at the same time offering such incredible scenery, outdoor adventures, food/drink, and entertainment to enjoy the free time you do have.
And now for some introductions into these lovely Nor Cal sisters…
Photography by Bay Area Photographer Kirsten Wiemer for Say Yes. Produced by Ashley Aikele. Thank you Alli and Lindy for letting us feature you!
This is Alli. Alli has a BA in English and works for a tech company in the PR department which she really enjoys. One thing that’s super exciting: Alli is engaged and planning her wedding next summer in Sonoma county so most of her free time is spent preparing for her big day! She also has two adorable dogs (see below) named Pacha and Cooper. When in the mood for adventure Alli likes to hike. Lands End and Matt Davis trail on Mount Tamalpais are some of her favorite places for quick hiking getaways in the city.
Meet Lindy. She is the youngest sister and just graduated this last summer from UC Santa Cruz in Sociology. Lindy’s been dreaming of living in San Francisco since high school and found that post college was the perfect time to make the jump! Plus she gets to live in the same city as her sister which is a huge plus. She currently works for a consulting group downtown. Lindy studied abroad in Spain and hopes to move abroad again some day. She loves being outdoors, whether at a park, music festival or hiking in Yosemite.
Alli, what kinds of things do you like doing together now that you live in the same city?
We pretty much like doing everything together. My 10-13 year old self would gasp in disbelief to that statement, because back then I avoided my little sister at all costs – especially when I was hanging out with friends. Now, she is my best friend. [Insert “awww” here.] I would say my favorite thing to do with her since she’s moved back is to hang at my place with the pups, put on some comfies, open a bottle of wine and watch old Disney favorites, bad movies with Lindsey Lohan or reality (trash) TV. We usually end up talking the entire time so we’re not killing too many brain cells.
Lindy, what kinds of things did you like doing together when you were growing up?
When we were kids we watched a good amount TV, did DIY projects we learned from educational shows, and played make believe with our doll houses or other toys. What I remember the most was just us goofing around at night when I would beg her to let me sleep in her room with her.
Alli, were you close growing up? Are you closer now or then?
We have always been close – I am just a lot nicer to her now than I was when I was going through the “I’m too cool for my little sister” phase.
Lindy, what did you and Alli fight about growing up?
Most of the time it was Alli getting mad at me for being really messy around the house and stealing her stuff when it was just the two of us living together when I was in high school. Although we did butt heads sometimes in our youth, for the most part we didn’t fight that much.
Alli, what is one of your favorite childhood memories together?
My favorite childhood memory is practicing the swing dance routine we made up at home during summer break. It was when Lindy was still little enough that I could pick her up and toss her around like the pros do. Lindy – should we reenact it at my wedding?
Lindy, what’s one thing that used to drive you crazy about Alli when you were growing up?
When I was little I always wanted to hang out with my sister and her friends but of course with the age difference and the little weirdo that I was, I couldn’t keep up with the cool kids! Other than that I think I drove her more crazy.
Alli, what’s one thing that used to drive you crazy about Lindy when you were growing up?
When she sucked her thumb for 9 years. I would try to intervene with my own preventative methods, like dousing her thumbs with nail polish remover so they would taste bitter. It would have worked if she didn’t tattle on me every time…
Alli, describe Lindy in three words.
Kind-hearted, genuine, and gorgeous
Lindy, describe Alli in three words.
Outgoing, creative, and honest
Alli, what’s a quality or skill Lindy has that you really admire?
Definitely her sense of adventure. As I have gotten older, I’ve lost my urge to seek out adventure because I’ve easily and happily adapted to the routine of adulthood. Being around my sister keeps my adventurous side alive and I feed off her excitement to travel the world and try new things.
Lindy, what’s a quality or skill Alli has that you really admire?
My sister has incredible strength and devotion for the people important in her life. I admire her ability to always stand up for herself and for those she loves when they need help and are going through rough times. She is my rock and I wouldn’t be where I am at now without having her as my sister. I also admire and am influenced by her confidence in knowing who she is, what she wants, and what she believes in. She is so incredibly comfortable in her own skin and is never afraid to be different- giving her such a wholesome, vibrant, and one of a kind personality!
Alli, what is your favorite piece of clothing that Lindy owns that you might steal if you get the chance?
Her nude, open knit sweater from Urban Outfitters that I’ve worn to almost every music festival we’ve gone to. Not sure how it’s still in one piece!
Lindy, what is your favorite piece of clothing that Alli owns that you might steal if you get the chance?
Alli just bought these awesome new Frye boots that I was immediately jealous of before she pulled them out of the box to show me. She also has a great collection of accessories that my wardrobe desperately needs including rad vintage jewelry and bags! Plus these amazing denim drawstring shorts she found while traveling in Southeast Asia. So basically everything…
Alli, tell us one way that you and Lindy are a lot a like and one thing that is totally different about you two?
I think Lindy and I are both level-headed and it’s great to have that in each other when we need advice on minor conflicts or difficult situations. One way we’re different is that I am pretty vocal and outspoken about things (lots of things) and Lindy is more of a listener with a calming disposition. We definitely balance each other out.
Alli, you mentioned you like thrifting, any hot thrifting spots in San Francisco you’d recommend?
Goodwill in the Inner Richmond, Out of the Closet on Polk Street and Crossroads on Filmore (if you count that as thrifting). Also, I love any flea market I come across.
Lindy, what’s your favorite place in the city to frequent since moving here?
I love taking advantage of this autumn’s beautiful weather and great view of the city at Dolores Park with my friends after eating brunch in one of the nearby districts. I still have a lot of exploring to do!
Alli, what is the most spontaneous thing you two have done together?
A couple winters ago, we took a few German tourists to the Golden Gate bridge in the middle of the night. One word: Brr.
