SFBayStyle

Q&A With 944 Magazine Editor & Oakland Resident Laurel May

 

Laurel May relocated to Oakland from Scottsdale, Arizona in summer 2008 to launch the San Francisco edition of 944 magazine. This sassy chic editor shares what she enjoys about living in Oakland. (Photo by Loren Earle-Cruickshanks)

As a new Oakland resident, what's your take on Oakland's sense of style?

Oakland’s the ultimate melting pot. There’s so much variety here! Hippity-hoppers, hippies, hookers, hipsters . . . I feel there’s a real sense of freedom here, everyone is doing their own thing and there aren’t any Marina chicks standing around keeping score on what brand of sunglasses everyone’s wearing.

Vintage Clothing & Style Festival

 
  

Hold on to your hats fashionistas, I’ve got exciting news! Sunday, October 25 is the big day for some yesteryear thrills at the Vintage Clothing & Style Festival. This all day event happening at the Alameda Elks Lodge is not just about vintage fashion but also about living a vintage lifestyle.

Two years ago vintage enthusiasts Kimberly Manning and her business partners Roberto and Jula Isola decided they wanted to broaden the scope of a typical vintage show. Their desire is to offer not just retail but also an opportunity to socialize, interact and discuss all things vintage. “We want this Festival to celebrate vintage in a way that all ages, sizes, races and sexes feel they too can wear vintage,” explains Ms. Manning, looking tres chic in a 1940s pale pink knit dress embellished with red dragonflies at the shoulder. “Vintage can be for everyone.”

Discussion with Helen Thomas and Barbara Lee at Mills College in Oakland

Listen up, Bay Area! Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet White House Reporter Helen Thomas and Congresswoman and Mills College alumna Barbara Lee, appearing at Mills College in Oakland, October 12, 7-9. These two stylish ladies of politics will read from their new books and join in a conversation with Mills College President Janet Holmgren.

For over 50 years Ms. Thomas has been sitting in the front row at White House Press Conferences politely but firmly asking pertinent questions of presidents from Kennedy to Obama. She’s always well dressed in a simple suit with pearls and she’s always a lady, closing her list of questions with, “Thank you, Mr. President.” In her latest book, co-written with Washington journalist Craig Crawford, Listen Up Mr. President: Everything You Wanted Your President to Know and Do (Scribner, 2009) Ms. Thomas draws on her years of experience as a political journalist and offers valuable lessons to future presidents and you, the voters!

Vintage on the Ave

Oaklanders with a flair for vintage are thrilled to welcome Mercy Vintage Now  to Piedmont Avenue. Former proprietors of All Dolled up Vintage in Berkeley, co-owners Karen Anderson and Jenny Della Santa made the move to the folksy neighborhood earlier this summer.

What sets Mercy apart from other vintage shops is their fabulous open space with high ceilings, gold moldings and white walls. The clothes are well organized and kept tidy. There's plenty of merchandise but not too much and no musty smell.

The fall collection at Mercy includes '40s to the '80s. There are lots of coats, suits, sweaters and evening dresses to be had at very reasonable prices. Ms. Anderson says the hottest era right now with her clientele is '80s - shoulder pads, neon colors, boyfriend jackets. Ah, ha, just what we're seeing in the mags! Mercy also has an array of super cute reconstructed t-shirts. How green is that?

Mercy Vintage Now, 4188 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, 510-654-5599.

David Lebovitz in Emeryville Tomorrow

Sometimes I feel like a stalker. I follow famous chefs on Facebook and Twitter. I have to say, that David Lebovitz is the only famous author, blogger, chef that has ever replied to one of my comments or tweets.

That is not the only reason why I adore David. He is from the Bay Area, did his training at Chez Panisse and now resides in my other favorite city, Paris. David is someone that I have always wanted to meet. Now if I can get a babysitter, I can.

David has flown in from Paris, and will be speaking at Charles Chocolates, in Emeryville this Thursday, September the 24th from 6-8pm.  You can pick up a copy of his newest book, "The Sweet Life In Paris", at the event. (You can also find all of his books on Amazon.) 

For tickets, call 510-652-4412. Charles Chocolates is located at 6529 Hollis St. in Emeryville.

Oakland Asian Cultural Center Chinatown Oral History Project

San Francisco Chinatown is known around the world, but hey, Oakland Chinatown is pretty fab too. Located downtown, Oakland Chinatown has a fascinating history going back to the 1850s making it one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America. This Saturday afternoon, September 19, The Oakland Asian Cultural Center (OACC) is having an exhibit opening and website launch party celebrating the rich history of Oakland Chinatown.

In 1984 the OACC was founded to preserve the history and culture of Oakland Chinatown. Since then the all volunteer organization has sponsored many cultural and artistic events. Their latest endeavor is The Oakland Chinatown Oral History Project, which is a series of taped interviews with Oakland Chinatown residents discussing their lives, families, and community.

David Mamet's play Speed-the-Plow in Walnut Creek

 

 

Richard Aiello, Stephen Rexrode, and Sylvia Boboeck star in Speed-the-Plow

What's better than a good story? A good story told well and that's what Role Players Ensemble offers with their Black Box production of David Mamet's play Speed-the-Plow, opening Friday September 18 at Diablo Actors Ensemble in Walnut Creek and featuring local actors Richard Aiello as Bobby Gould, Sylvia Boboeck as Karen and Stephen Rexrode as Charles Fox.

Set in Hollywood's ruthless entertainment industry, Speed-the-Plow centers on the dealings of two successful movie producers and a mysterious temporary secretary who unwittingly (or not?) upsets the balance of power. The original production of Mamet's play opened on Broadway in 1988 and starred Madonna as the secretary, Karen. A recent Broadway revival featured Mad Men's, Elisabeth Moss.

Speed-the-Plow, Diablo Actors Ensemble Theatre, 1345 Locust Street, Walnut Creek, September 18, 19, 25, 26, 8PM. Tickets will be sold only at the door and are a steal at $12. They'll go quickly, so call 925-820-1278 for reservations. NOTE: this show is not suitable for young children.

Berkeley Playhouse's "Peter Pan: The Musical" Takes Flight at the Ashby Stage

I love the theatre. To watch others capture a character and bring such depth and emotion to the room that one becomes completely immersed in another world is a gift unlike any other. As such, I feel the absence of the theatre experience in my life acutely, and so when I saw that the Berkeley Playhouse was presenting Peter Pan: The Musical, I jumped at the chance. At last, here was a production I could take the kids to and perhaps feel a little magic myself. I was not left disappointed. 

From the small yet creatively functional stage to the enthusiastic and well-cast actors, the entire show is a delight. Compensating for a tight space, the atmosphere transitions from nursery to Neverland with ease, and then back again- though you wish it to stay Neverland forever.

Bebe's Concept Store... A Not So Great Concept?

In January, Bebe, the tight-clothes selling retailer with a price range of about $80 to $200, announced it would open a less expensive concept store in the Bay Area called 2b, with a price range of $29 to $79. This new store wouldn’t exactly appeal to the mid-20s to late 30s clientele who shop at Bebe… instead, CEO Greg Scott said it would cater to a younger demographic (late teens to early 20s). But whoever was looking for clothes similar to Bebe’s in this economy would be a fool to at least not check it out. We can always use more stores like H&M.

So…now that it’s July…what do people think of 2b? 

Crossroads Trading Company

The only way I justify shopping is by making room in my closet.  I usually pack up a garbage bag full of clothes that have "expired", and drop it off at Goodwill on my lunch break.  Instead I thought, “why don’t I try to get some cash for them?” I filled two grocery bags full of clothes and took them down to Crossroads Trading Co. consignment store.

Crossroads was created in 1991 by Gerald Block and Chip Gerken, in hopes of offering a great selection of merchandise at reasonable prices for fashion-conscious shoppers.  Now with 24 locations all over the West Coast, fashion-junkies (like me) can buy, “new and recycled clothing and to receive cash or trade credit for the high-quality, fashionable items they sell back to the company."

Blue Bottle @ Charles Chocolates

Oh how wonderful it is when some of my favorite things collide! Charles Chocolates in Emeryville is now serving Blue Bottle coffee at their Chocolate Bar. Blue Bottle is roasted in Emeryville, yet Charles is the only place that you can get a cup in the area. In addition to the coffee, homemade pastries and hot cocoa are served. 

Charles Chocolates is located at 6529 Hollis St. In Emeryville (510) 652-4412

Seeking Sassy Women Biz Owners for CRAVE Guide 2009!

Girl Power indeed. Seems small businesses and mostly female entrepreneurs are going to be the ones to get us out of the economic crisis, by everything I've been reading. And what better way to not only promote small business but celebrate the sassiest, boldest and most innovative women biz owners in the Bay Area than with The CRAVE Guide 2009: An Urban Girl's Manifesto. This 2nd edition has been completely redesigned and it looks gorgeous. This book highlights the women you need to know across the Bay Area and their businesses: shops, boutiques, salons, online marketplaces, interior designers, stylists, photographers, graphic designers, B2B businesses, etc.  It's an amazing (and cost effective) way to invest in press and marketing so that you are ripe to take advantage when the economy recovers. And the book will be seen in all the most fashionable shops and businesses around town, as well as Barnes and Noble and Borders!

Here's a peek at the Seattle one that just came out - how lovely is that?!: http://craveparty.com/book/seattlepeek.htm

The Best Man

Can't get enough of politics? Take a break from today's mudslinging and see how it was done back in the 60s with Role Players Theatre's production of The Best Man. Written in 1960 by acclaimed author Gore Vidal, The Best Man tells the story of two candidates battling it out for their party's presidential nomination. When one exposes the secrets of the other, principles and integrity come into question. 

Directed by Sue Trigg and featuring Richard Aiello and Jim Janisch, The Best Man shows Thursdays-Sundays now through November 1, at Role Players Theatre, 420 Front Street, Danville., 925-314-3400, www.villagetheatreshows.com. 

   

6th Annual Spice of Life Festival next Sunday in Berkeley

For the sixth year, Berkeley will host it's delectable Spice of Life Festival next Sunday, October 19th, in the neighborhood commonly known as the "Gourmet Ghetto." This year's festival will include cooking demonstrations and cookbook signings by popular neighborhood chefs and restaurants, and will feature a culinary stage hosted by Kitchen on Fire's Chef Mike C showcasing the Bay Area's finest chefs. Gourmet food and wine will abound for your eating pleasure, and if you are feeling inspired to cook yourself, the North Berkeley All-Organic Farmer's Market will be held as part of the event on Shattuck near Rose St.
Other entertainment will include live local musicians, local vendors, community information from local businesses and non-profits, a Raffle and Silent Auction, yoga and bodywork demonstrations, and a variety of children's activities.
Having been once before, I can honestly say this is a fantastic festival for adults and children alike. You will be in heaven if you are a foodie; take advantage of the rare access to conversations with the Bay Area's most respected chefs and restaurants! The Spice of Life highlights the best Berkeley has to offer in the culinary arts and community!

The 6th Annual Spice of Life Festival
Sunday, October 19th, 2008
10:00am until 6:00pm
North Shattuck Avenue -Virginia St to Rose St
Berkeley, CA
http://www.spiceoflifefestival.com/

Eileen Fisher Special Event

Eileen Fisher  has always been passionate about empowering women to feel good about their bodies.  Eileen creates simple, elegant designs that are truly timeless in appeal.  Her commitment to improving the lives of women and girls is evident by the many organizations the company supports through the grant-making program and special fundraisers.

This Saturday, September 27th, from 12-5 Eileen Fisher will be hosting their fall event to benefit Girls Inc. of West Contra Costa.  Ten percent of all of sales will be donated.  There will be goodies and special gifts with purchase.  You can support Girls Inc. and check out the latest  designs at Bay Area Eileen Fisher Stores :

San Francisco: 2216 Filmore Street
Palo Alto: 114 Stanford Shopping Center
Walnut Creek: 1171 Broadway Plaza.

Stylin' Obama Wear

Calling all Democratic fashionistas! If you want to wear your vote on your chest this election season I recommend doing so with artistic flair. Check out artist Barbara Sandidge's fabulous rendering of Barack Obama on cotton t-shirts ($15/$20) and canvas totes ($20).

The Democratic Presidential Candidate's smiling face done in pen and ink is instantly recognizable and Ms. Sandidge, from Guardian Visual Arts in Oakland, chose to keep it simple with just his image. "It took about a month to find the right image of Obama and three days to draw it," says Ms. Sandidge. "I took a stack of tees to the Pennsylvania Primary and they sold well." It's been word of mouth ever since and demand is growing.

Have local designer wish? Go to the WELL

Among the increasingly interesting array of stores and restaurants lining Telegraph Avenue in the Temescal District of Oakland inhabits one of the most unique and visionary stores I have found in a long time. I don't have a lot of spare time in general, so at this point a store has to capture my interest immediately or I am likely to forget it. In the case of WELL, they had me from the first moment I stepped up to the window.

Dubbed a "resource center for art design and balance, helping to connect independent designers and artists to the Oakland Community and beyond," the WELL carries an array of jewelry, clothing, accessories, art, and natural healing products and services from local and nearby designers such as AC Clothing and Bags, Oaklandish, Small Cynz, Greenbelts, Pretty fun, Cozy Rampage, Sofina, The Weekend Store, Culture Consumer, Mats!?, Super Sugar Ray Ray, Necessary Voodoo, Rx Designs, Cara Lydon Designs, Rag Trader, Field Day Wearables, and more.

Hotcakes Design Exclusive

Caramia Visick has been designing jewelry in her Rockridge studio since 2000. Caramia's company, Hotcakes Design Jewelry is sold worldwide. I own a few of the hand cast resin bracelets, and have my eye on a necklace.The resin necklaces are all hand made, and the acrylic image is surrounded by black onyx. You can choose the image from a wide selection- all with a distinct vintage feel.

On a recent visit to S.F. MOMA to see the Frida Kahlo exhibit, (You must go!) I caught a glimpse of one of Caramia's limited edition necklaces with Frida as the image. Hint to husband, this would be a great anniversary gift...or a great gift for anyone for any occasion. The perfect combo of a local designer, with any amazing female artist.

Hotcakes Design studio is located in Oakland, at 5337 College Avenue.

100% Pure Cosmetics

I have a confession – I sometimes watch QVC. Wait! Don’t dismiss me just yet. Really, QVC is not all bad. There are some hip brands selling on this 20-year-old shopping channel, such as Maxx of New York handbags, Bare Escentuals cosmetics, and even designer Chloe Dao of Project Runway fame sells her gear on QVC.

Besides, a girl can learn a lot from just watching. Case in point: One Sunday afternoon I switched on the TV while I was puttering around. I did my usual QVC check and found an attractive and vibrant woman presenting her own cosmetics line called 100% Pure. I’m a sucker for lip gloss, so I kept it on. Turns out Susie Wang and her five-year old company make cosmetics and body care items from pure ingredients such as seaweed, teas, kelp, fruit oils, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Goodbye Cody's Books

The landmark Berkeley book store, Cody's has closed. As a U.C. Berkeley alumnus, Cody's held a special place in my heart. This was the epitome of a Berkeley book store- you could get your copy of any Noam Chomsky novel there ! The store opened in 1952, and closed this past Friday, June 20th. The loss of Cody's is sad for the community in Berkeley and all of the Bay Area. I have many fond memories of wandering through the store on Telegraph Avenue. Just a reminder of how important it is to support our local book sellers in the Bay Area.